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Pannell (Hall of Fame)

Dr. H. Burnell Pannill

  • Class
    1941
  • Induction
    2003
  • Sport(s)
    Administration & Coaches
  • Dr. H. Burnell Pannill is called the "Consummate Fan" of Randolph-Macon athletics. He was a devoted supporter of Yellow Jacket teams, and served as the chairman of the college's Athletics Council from 1952 to 1972. According to Pannill's wife, Mary Alleta, every team was equal in her husband's eyes.
  • After graduating from Randolph-Macon in 1941, Pannill went on to earn Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Duke University. He joined the Randolph-Macon faculty in 1947, and in 1952 established the philosophy department at the college. Pannill served as chairman of that department, and was also Randolph-Macon's Dean of Men.
  • To this day, Dr. Pannill is still remembered for rarely missing a home athletic contest, and also traveling to many away games. He was a vocal fan, leading student cheers in support of the Yellow Jackets. Dr. Pannill also greatly helped individual student-athletes, advising them on how to balance academics and sports.
  • Dr. Pannill himself was also an athlete, participating in track at Randolph-Macon and cross country at Duke. He also frequently played tennis. Dr. Pannill, who passed away in 1980, is survived by his wife, Mary Alleta.
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