The first affirmative action coordinator was counseling faculty member Dr. Bertha Williams, who was appointed half-time in 1974. Dr. Luke Ebersole, vice chancellor for administration, was the institutional affirmative action officer. In 1982 the position title was changed to affirmative action director, and the position holder reported to the chancellor.
The first African American 4-H Clubs in Tennessee were organized in Fayette County in 1917.
The first African American basketball players were Wilbert Cherry, a walk-on who played junior varsity; and Larry Robinson, the first African American to receive scholarship aid and play varsity basketball in the 1971–72 season as a transfer from Ferrum Junior College. Larry Robinson was elected captain for 1972–73 and became the first African American basketball … Continued
Larry Robinson was elected basketball team captain for 1972–73, becoming the first African American basketball team captain at UT.
Emmett Edwards, biology major from Covington, Tennessee, was appointed the student trustee and represented the Martin campus for 1975–76. The first African American appointed to a full term on the board of trustees was Elaine McReynolds of Nashville. She was appointed in 1975 to a new board position created for Davidson County.
Dr. Marilyn Yarbrough was the first African American dean of a college, serving as dean of the College of Law in June 1987–June 1991.
Dr. Imogene Ford was appointed acting head of the College of Home Economics’ Department of Textiles and Clothing in 1980 and subsequently was named head.
In 2010 UT diver Michael Wright competed at the USA Diving Winter Nationals and won the one-meter springboard title, becoming the first African American ever to win a USA diving national title.
Brion Randolph, nuclear engineering major, was the first African American drum major in 1992.
The first African American faculty member of UT was Frances Winkfield, who joined the faculty of the School of Social Work in Nashville in 1964. Internationally known for his work in the field of safety, Dr. Robert Kirk was appointed as associate professor in the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation within the College … Continued