Robert E. Lee Yates
(The following is from the 1909 Agromeck Yearbook which was dedicated to Prof. Yates)
"Professor Robert E. L. Yates, Professor of Pure Mathematics in our college was born on his father's farm in Wake county in December 1866. He had the good fortune to be prepared for college by such thorough and capable teachers as Capt. T. J. Fray and Professor Hugh Morson, who, in his youth conducted an academy in Raleigh. In 1884 Professor Yates attended Wake Forest University where he made a most excellent record of scholarship and fine manhood. He was especially strong in mathematics. Endowed with the mathematician's habit of concentration and love of overcoming difficulties he made progress sufficiently rapid to receive the Masters degree in four years and to graduate salutatorian of his class.
"After he graduated Prof. Yates declined several offers to teach and spent some time on his father's farm. However in 1891 he was elected Adjunct Professor of Mathematics in this College and at once entered on his duties. In 1906 he was promoted to Chair of Pure Mathematics, but previous to this promotion he spent a year in the study of higher mathematics at the University of Chicago. In 1892 Prof. Yates married Miss Minnie Elizabeth Johns of Auburn [Wake County, North Carolina] and has four children.
"Prof. Yates' success as a man and a teacher has rested on three principles: he is able enough to know what to do, he always has character enough to do his duty, and he has heart warm enough to love his fellow man, both young and old. The students have always found in him a thoughtful, considerate friend who wished to help all those who were willing to help themselves, and who never spared himself to benefit others".
Editor's Notes:
- Robert Edward Lee Yates was born on December 19, 1866 and died on Dec. 24, 1937. His wife was born on July 31, 1871 and died on Jan. 14, 1952. They are buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.
- Prof. Yates served as head of the mathematics department until he retired in 1932. He continued to teach part time as an Emeritus Professor until 1936.
- The Fray and Morson Academy where Prof. Yates did his college preparatory work was called the Raleigh Male Academy. On March 12, 1892, the North Carolina A&M Aggies (now N C State) played their first and only football game that year at the Raleigh Athletic Park (now Pullen Park). Their opponent was the Raleigh Male Academy, and the Aggies won 12-6.