Chancellor Jack Reese appointed a 25-member Commission for Blacks, which first met January 20, 1976. The commission was successor to the Task Force on Blacks, appointed by Chancellor Archie Dykes in 1972. The commission was to advise on a broad range of matters and was specifically asked to assist in the evaluation and review of the UT Knoxville affirmative action plan. Dr. Betty Cleckley, assistant dean of the College of Social Work, was appointed the first chairperson.