10/14/2026
We join the University of Tennessee at Martin community in remembering Dr. Frank Black, whose legacy of leadership and service extended far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Black played an important role in helping establish United Way's presence in Weakley County, believing in the power of bringing people together to strengthen communities.
We are grateful for his dedication to our mission and the lasting impact he made on the lives of so many. His commitment to service reflects the very spirit of what it means to LIVE UNITED.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dr. Frank Black Remembered by UT Martin & Community
BUD GRIMES
University Relations
Dr. Frank Black, longtime University of Tennessee at Martin administrator, professor emeritus of education and Martin resident, died Sept. 30 in Nashville following an illness.
A memorial service for Black will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at Martin First United Methodist Church and streamed on the church’s website.
Black came to the university as vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1988, a position he held until 1994 when he resigned to accept a teaching position in the university’s department of educational studies.
In September 2000, Black was named interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and continued in that position until spring 2002 when he again returned to teaching. He went back to administration a short time later when he was named interim dean for the university’s then college of education and behavioral sciences.
Black retired in 2008 but continued teaching in post-retirement status through July 2012. He was an active member of Martin Kiwanis and the Martin First United Methodist Church.
“Frank Black will be remembered for holding key leadership roles at UT Martin and for the many students he prepared and encouraged to pursue education careers,” said Dr. Yancy Freeman, UT Martin chancellor. “He was an inspiration through his involvement in the community and ongoing connection with the university.”
Black earned his bachelor’s degree from Central State University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the Ohio State University.
Dr. Clinton Smith, UT Martin Department of Educational Studies chair, recalled Black’s positive influence on the university’s education program.
“Frank’s dedication to academic excellence and genuine care for future teachers set a standard that transformed our department and will continue to shape classrooms across the region for generations,” Smith said. “On a personal level, I will deeply miss his constant encouragement and genuine interest in our department and for me as a department chair.
“He was always asking how we were doing and offering his thoughtful support.”
Beyond his university service, Smith remembered Black’s community involvement as a fellow member of the Martin Kiwanis Club.
“He embodied a spirit of community service that enriched the lives of local youth and families,” Smith said. “His tireless volunteer work left an indelible mark on both the club and the town he loved so dearly.”
Memorials may be made online to the UT Foundation at http://giving.utm.edu/drblack or mailed to the UT Foundation, Inc., 424 Andy Holt Humanities Bldg., 209 Hurt Street, Martin, TN, 38238. Checks should be made to the UT Foundation and indicate that the memorial is for the Dr. Frank S. Black Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Service Award Endowment.
For more information, call the foundation at 731-881-7628.
