40 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. James Lee Annis at Montgomery College

“Dr. Annis is the reason why I got into history. The way he explained history—it was inspirational.”

This sentiment, expressed by former student Richard Mendez, captures the lasting impact Dr. James “Lee” Annis had on thousands of students throughout his career. Annis passed away on March 5, 2026, after a short bout with a very aggressive cancer. His legacy reaches far beyond the classroom, shaped by a life devoted to learning, teaching, and connecting people through history.

Since joining Montgomery College (MC) in 1986, Annis taught at all three MC campuses, primarily at Rockville. He was a cornerstone of the institution. A professor of history and political science, he also served as chair of the Department of History and Political Science and earned recognition as an expert on local and national politics. The College recognized his commitment to scholarship and teaching when he earned the 2022–2023 Outstanding Faculty Award for Excellence in Scholarly or Professional Accomplishments—an honor that reflected both his academic work and his decades of service.

In the classroom, Annis transformed history from a collection of dates into a living, evolving story. The belief that individuals can shape history defined Annis’s teaching and his life, and it inspired the students he taught at MC. 

“He saw MC as a place to bring together students and members of the community in a way that works to educate everybody,” Dr. John Riedl, professor of history at the Rockville Campus, said.

Annis believed deeply in the power of ‘community’ at community college, a conviction that defined his approach to teaching and mentorship. His dedication extended well beyond the classroom walls. He organized dozens of campus events over the years, connected students with public figures and scholars, and built bridges across disciplines and communities. 

Some noteworthy events he helped organize include a “State of the United States Senate new window” panel discussion featuring congressional leaders and researchers, which was moderated by the Honorable Connie Morella; a webinar, “Partnerships, Polarization, and Constitutional Patriotism (PDF, ) ,” led by Congressman Jamie Raskin; and most recently, a panel discussion new window featuring four United States Capitol Police officers who testified before the January 6 Committee.  

“Lee was always committed to making sure that a wide variety of political viewpoints were represented in what we did at the College,” Jennifer Haydel, collegewide dean of humanities, said. “He challenged stereotypes of ideological conformity.”

Above all, those who knew Annis return to his character. In an era marked by polarization, he remained deeply principled, engaging respectfully, standing firm in his beliefs, and never losing sight of what he felt was right. “He never stopped believing things could be better,” Riedl said. “He was hopeful.”

For his students, that example proved as powerful as any lesson. “He believed I had potential,” Mendez said. “That I could find my own place in history and make an impact.” After graduating from UMBC, Mendez wants to pursue a career as a museum archivist.

Annis’ legacy lives on, not only in the books he wrote or the classes he taught, but in the students he inspired to think more deeply, act more thoughtfully, and engage more fully with the world around them. 

Annis’ sister, the Reverend Dr. Gayle Annis-Forder, hopes Montgomery College will carry forward his commitment and dedication to students: “There is nothing that would make him happier than making it possible for someone else to go to school.”

Any former students and colleagues of Dr. Annis are invited to share memories of him by emailing the Alumni Office at alumni@montgomerycollege.edu.