Hardy Liston Jr. became the first African American member of the UT Knoxville central administration when he was appointed assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs and professor of mechanical engineering effective July 1, 1970. He joined the faculty of North Carolina A&T in 1946 and advanced from instructor to chairman of the department. In 1969–70, he was professor in residence at the Special Projects Office of Oak Ridge Associated Universities.
Liston attended Knoxville College and received the BS in mechanical engineering from Howard University in Washington. He received the master of engineering administration degree from George Washington University. In 1953 he was one of two African Americans who enrolled in graduate study at North Carolina State University—while carrying a full teaching load at North Carolina A&T. He withdrew after one term.
The Hardy Liston Jr. Symbol of Hope Award is annually presented by the Commission for Blacks to a faculty or staff member or alumnus or alumna who has made outstanding, proactive contributions to the educational community and/or has promoted cultural diversity at the university.