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'''Bobby Russell Himes''' (October 22, 1931 – June 28, 2008) was a small businessman, political activist, and a history professor at the Baptist-affiliated Campbellsville University (formerly Campbellsville College) in Campbellsville, the seat of Taylor County in central [[Kentucky]]. Beginning in 1961, he taught approximately 7,900 students over a 40-year period at CU. His last two years at the institution were as a special assistant to current university President Michael V. Carter. A [[Republican]], Himes was a confidant of United States Senate Republican Leader [[Mitch McConnell]].

'''Bobby Russell Himes''' (October 22, 1931 – June 28, 2008) was a small businessman, political activist, and a history professor at the [[Baptist]]-affiliated Campbellsville University (formerly Campbellsville College) in Campbellsville, the seat of Taylor County in central [[Kentucky]]. Beginning in 1961, he taught approximately 7,900 students over a 40-year period at CU. His last two years at the institution were as a special assistant to current university President Michael V. Carter. A [[Republican]], Himes was a confidant of United States Senate Republican Leader [[Mitch McConnell]].

Himes, who in 1988 survived throat cancer, said at his retirement dinner on April 30, 2001, that he was "a believer in young people. . . [He called each former student] one of my kids. Every morning I get up and take one day at a time." After he left the classroom, Himes was named Faculty-Emeritus.[1]

Himes, who in 1988 survived throat cancer, said at his retirement dinner on April 30, 2001, that he was "a believer in young people. . . [He called each former student] one of my kids. Every morning I get up and take one day at a time." After he left the classroom, Himes was named Faculty-Emeritus.[1]

Governor Fletcher presented Himes with the Kentucky "Unbridled Spirit" Award, given to those who demonstrate extraordinary effort in such areas as volunteerism, community or charitable work, and education. Fletcher presented the surprise designation to Himes on April 3, 2007, at the dedication of the Heartland Parkway. When completed, the 60-mile highway will connect the Louie B. Nunn Parkway at Columbia with the Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway at Springfield by widening the existing United States Highway 68 and two state highways. Thereafter Fletcher was handily defeated in a bid for a second term.[8]

Governor Fletcher presented Himes with the Kentucky "Unbridled Spirit" Award, given to those who demonstrate extraordinary effort in such areas as volunteerism, community or charitable work, and education. Fletcher presented the surprise designation to Himes on April 3, 2007, at the dedication of the Heartland Parkway. When completed, the 60-mile highway will connect the Louie B. Nunn Parkway at Columbia with the Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway at Springfield by widening the existing United States Highway 68 and two state highways. Thereafter Fletcher was handily defeated in a bid for a second term.[8]

In a speech on the Senate floor delivered after the death of Himes, McConnell extolled Himes’ commitment to education, community, and nation. McConnell recalled how Himes had gone out of his way to assist Mrs. McConnell, United States Secretary of Labor [[Elaine Chao]], when “she was new to to Kentucky and just getting to know people. Dr. Himes was so friendly and helpful; they soon became fast friends. He was a great guide to the people and places in Kentucky. ... Kentucky and our nation have lost a great American ... And I have lost a dear beloved friend.”[7]

In a speech on the Senate floor delivered after the death of Himes, McConnell extolled Himes’ commitment to education, community, and nation. McConnell recalled how Himes had gone out of his way to assist Mrs. McConnell, [[Elaine Chao]], then the United States Secretary of Labor and as of 2017 the Secretary of Transportation in the [[Donald Trump]] administration. "She was new to Kentucky and just getting to know people. [Professor]. Himes was so friendly and helpful; they soon became fast friends. He was a great guide to the people and places in Kentucky. ... Kentucky and our nation have lost a great American ... And I have lost a dear beloved friend.”[7]

On August 6, 2008, the Legislative Research Commission, meeting in the state capitol of Frankfort, passed a resolution of sympathy on Himes’ death and swapped stories about the former professor’s life story.[9]

On August 6, 2008, the Legislative Research Commission, meeting in the state capitol of Frankfort, passed a resolution of sympathy on Himes’ death and swapped stories about the former professor’s life story.[9]

Dr. J. Chester Porter, a 1962 graduate of Campbellsville University and a member of the CU trustees as well as the chairman of the board at the University of Louisville, said that Himes was “one of the top professors” under whom he had studied, including law faculty: “He was a class act and a fantastic gentleman who was always putting the interests of his students ahead of any agenda.” It was noted too that Himes often financially helped students in need.[1]

Dr. J. Chester Porter, a 1962 graduate of Campbellsville University and a member of the CU trustees as well as the chairman of the board at the University of Louisville, said that Himes was “one of the top professors” under whom he had studied, including law faculty: “He was a class act and a fantastic gentleman who was always putting the interests of his students ahead of any agenda.” It was noted too that Himes often financially helped students in need.[1]

Kenneth W. Winters, a former CU president and a Republican member of the Kentucky State Senate, said that Himes “worked tirelessly for Campbellsville University and indeed for its students. He truly felt that CU must extend its influence beyond our home campus, and he worked aggressively to help make such extension of our services possible throughout Central Kentucky. Seldom in my career have I met faculty or staff with more commitment to their students . . . “[1]

Kenneth W. Winters, a former CU president and a Republican former member of the Kentucky State Senate, said that Himes “worked tirelessly for Campbellsville University and indeed for its students. He truly felt that CU must extend its influence beyond our home campus, and he worked aggressively to help make such extension of our services possible throughout Central Kentucky. Seldom in my career have I met faculty or staff with more commitment to their students . . . “[1]

Winters’ predecessor as CU president, William R. Davenport of Campbellsville, said that Himes was fully committed to his students. “His encouragement and support for the entire institution were tireless. Our community has lost a prominent statesman who modeled citizen leadership for all of us to follow. He spent his energies making things better for so many. , , , Our loss is great. Obviously, his family’s loss is beyond measure. We pray that Our Heavenly Father will provide for them the blessings of His peace and comfort.”[1]

Winters’ predecessor as CU president, William Randolph "Randy" Davenport of Campbellsville, said that Himes was fully committed to his students. “His encouragement and support for the entire institution were tireless. Our community has lost a prominent statesman who modeled citizen leadership for all of us to follow. He spent his energies making things better for so many. , , , Our loss is great. Obviously, his family’s loss is beyond measure. We pray that Our Heavenly Father will provide for them the blessings of His peace and comfort.”[1]

In 2004, Himes published ''Life in the Shadows of Hartford College and Campbellsville University'', a collection of essays about his life experiences, particularly in regard to higher education. Himes recalled his roots in Hartford: "I could not have grown up in a better place or time. Nowhere could there have been better people to nurture a young boy, a young man, and now an old man."[3]

In 2004, Himes published ''Life in the Shadows of Hartford College and Campbellsville University'', a collection of essays about his life experiences, particularly in regard to higher education. Himes recalled his roots in Hartford: "I could not have grown up in a better place or time. Nowhere could there have been better people to nurture a young boy, a young man, and now an old man."[3]