Tea Sam Roe, PhD, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. As one of Samford’s longest serving faculty members, he devoted an incredible 42 years to teaching and inspiring students at McWhorter School of Pharmacy, leaving an indelible mark on the institution.
Roe's journey to Samford was extraordinary. Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1934, he began his academic and personal development at a Buddhist monastery, where he spent 12 years honing his discipline and intellect. After earning his PhD from Seoul National University, his path took him through distinguished military service in both the Korean and United States Air Forces, where he achieved the rank of colonel.
Roe joined Howard College, now Samford University, in 1964 as an instructor in the pharmacy program and later earned his American pharmacy degree from the same institution in 1965. Over the years, his dedication to advancing pharmacy education led to innovations such as Samford's first curricula in Nursing Home Pharmacy and Herbal Medicine, as well as a groundbreaking clinical training exchange program with Meijo University in Japan.
As a professor, Roe combined his expertise in pharmaceutics and chemical engineering to elevate the academic experience for his students. He played a pivotal role in their success, and his commitment to teaching excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the George Macon Memorial Award for inspiring greatness in students.
Beyond the classroom, Roe's influence extended into professional service and scholarship. He authored seven textbooks, contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals, and presented research at international conferences. A champion of cultural exchange, Roe also founded the American Asian Cultural Foundation to promote artistic and cultural relations between Alabama and Asian countries.
In reflecting on his life, McWhorter School of Pharmacy Dean Michael Crouch said, "Roe’s impact at Samford continues through the stories shared by former students and colleagues. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories when I meet with alumni. There are so many, and each one underscores Roe’s remarkable life, dedication and positive influence on those he taught.”
Roe's impact on Samford is enduring, not only through his decades of service but also through the legacy of the Tea Sam Roe Pharmacy Fund, an endowed scholarship established in his honor in 2008. His contributions to education, research and the community will be remembered and celebrated by the many lives he touched.
The service for Tea Sam Roe will be Thursday, Dec. 12 Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL (475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL). The visitation will be held from 12 until 2 p.m. and the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m.
