About Dr. Neumann

Alfred R. Neumann was born in Frankfurt, Germany, January 26, 1921, and emigrated to the United States in 1937. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1940, a Master of Arts from the University of Kentucky in 1941, a Master of Arts from Harvard University in 1948, and a Ph.D. in German from the University of Michigan in 1951.  In 1953, he was appointed an assistant professor at the University of Houston, eventually reaching the rank of professor. Neumann served as dean of the university's College of Arts & Sciences, 1958-1972. In 1972, he was appointed chancellor of the University of Houston at Clear Lake City, as the newly created campus was then known.

Neumann was recognized for his many achievements, receiving an honorary doctorate of laws from Marshall University in 1964 as well as being named one of MU’s distinguished alumni in 1974. The Federal German Republic awarded him the Order of Merit in 1964 and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit ten years later. Posthumous recognition came from the University of Houston System's Board of Regents, which named the library at the University of Houston at Clear Lake City in his honor.

He also maintained several organizational affiliations. He served as president to the South Central Modern Language Association and chairman to the Southern Humanities Conference. He was also president of the Houston Contemporary Music Society and the Houston Friends of Music. Neumann was also active in the arts community. He served as the program annotator for the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Grand Opera. In addition, he was active in the Houston Jewish Family Service and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Neumann retired from his position as chancellor on August 31, 1982, and was named chancellor emeritus. On May 23, 1983, he was stricken by a heart attack and died, leaving his wife Selma and two children.