Glenn S. Pate, a pioneer in educating future teachers about the significance of the Holocaust, died July 30. He was 63.

An associate professor of teaching and teacher education at the University of Arizona for the last 21 years, Pate initiated a ground-breaking study that revealed the Holocaust was scarcely mentioned in social studies and history textbooks.

Pate, who was described by Susan Green, an editor in the College of Education, as "a man very sensitive to social justice," began working to increase awareness of this tragic time in history.

In 1978, he sponsored a conference, "Holocaust Significance: What We Can Learn and Teach," to help educators realize the importance of teaching this subject.

Besides his commitment to increasing Holocaust awareness, Pate also strove to reduce all types of prejudice in the classroom and society.

"He modeled good teaching," said his wife Louise. "He was really interested in servicing students."

He rarely lectured to his students, instead preferring to teach by more interactive methods such as role playing. Even when he had to lecture, he did it while walking among his students, she said.

Pate formed a unique bond with his students, even asking them to call him Glenn instead of Professor Pate, Pate's wife said.

Pate was born in Russellville, Ky., and received his bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University, master's degree from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He came to the University of Arizona in 1975.

In his spare time, Pate ran his own publishing company, GSP Inc., which he used to publish student projects. He also enjoyed landscape photography and reading.

During his retirement, Pate and his wife had planned to write a travel guide to the houses of British poets. His wife said she will continue this work, which she called "a labor of love."

In addition to his wife, Pate is survived by a son, Daniel, and a daughter, Jennifer, both of Tucson.