University in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Luther C. McClellan

Photographed by Steve Masler, January 31, 2024

1. Luther C. McClellan Marker

Inscription. Eight students, known as the Memphis State Eight, integrated Memphis State University in 1959. Luther C. McClellan was the first African American graduate, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1962 and later earning his MBA from Monmouth University. McClellan was a Major in the Air Force, employed as a mathematician by the Federal Aviation Administration and retired as program director.

Erected by University of Memphis.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1959.

Location. 35° 7.095′ N, 89° 56.283′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in University. It can be reached from Alumni Avenue east of State. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis TN 38152, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in the Upper South,

in the Mississippi Delta,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The University of Memphis 9-11 Memorial Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Memphis State Eight (within shouting distance of this marker); Tom (within shouting distance of this marker); This flagpole is dedicated to the men and women of the United States military services (about 300 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); In 1994 the University's name was changed (about 300 feet away); J. Millard "Jack" Smith (about 400 feet away); Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon (about 400 feet away); John Willard Brister Library (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Memphis State Eight

Also see . . . University of Memphis holds naming ceremony for Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall. University of Memphis Press Release

The Black Alumni Chapter of the UofM Alumni Association awards the Luther C. McClellan Scholarship annually to as many as three deserving minority students. This award recognizes students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities and community involvement.

(Submitted on February 9, 2024, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Steve Masler, January 31, 2024

2. Luther C. McClellan Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2024, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 352 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2024, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.