Dr. Ernie Blythe Jr. and Dr. Bill Zachry are remembered for their long association with the University of Tennessee at Martin’s Honors Programs. The related programs have provided life-changing academic experiences for generations of UT Martin students.
Blythe and Zachry worked together for years to lead and shape the academic experiences that bring high-achieving students to the university and prepare them for life beyond college. They are now memorialized after plaques for each man were unveiled Nov. 13 in the Holland McCombs Center, home to the university’s Honors Programs.
The unveiling event and reception were attended by friends, family members, university faculty members and officials, and past and present Honors Programs students.
Blythe was a UT Martin geology faculty member from 1969 until his retirement in 1997. In addition to his work with Honors Programs, he was active in other aspects of university life, including service as a faculty athletic representative and as chair of the UT Martin Athletics Board. Blythe was a longtime member of the Martin Kiwanis Club. He died in February 2005 in Martin.
Zachry was a UT Martin psychology faculty member from 1972 until 2005 when he left UTM to join the University of Memphis faculty, where he was director of online psychology courses from 2005 until 2021. He was announced as the Honors Programs director in August 1997 following Blythe’s retirement and served in that role until he left UT Martin. He was a licensed psychologist, once served as the UT Martin webmaster, and played piano and organ for several churches. Zachry died in June 2023 in Memphis.
“The work they began with the Honors Program has touched the lives of many hundreds of students who participated in the Honors Seminar Program … ,” said UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman in his welcoming comments. “And, as of May of this year – get this – 552 alumni have graduated as University Scholars.”
Dr. John Glass, the current Honors Programs director, also credited both men with creating the programs that began with Blythe’s vision in 1981and have inspired generations of students since.
“And if 44 years of uninterrupted success are any indication, it’s been both inspiring to students and faculty and the friends of the university like Lew and Mary Jo Dougherty and Bub and Mary Cole who saw the great merit and the value in all that the University Scholars Program promotes in its students and on this campus and in the region,” Glass said.
Lew and Mary Jo Dougherty of Benton County and Bub and Mary Cole of Tipton County, all now deceased, were longtime university supporters and donors.
Dr. Dan McDonough, UT Martin professor of history, followed Zachry as Honors Programs director when Zachry left UT Martin and joined Glass in remembering the mutual respect Blythe and Zachry had for each other as they built the Honors Programs into what they are today.
“Ernie was a wonderful man, and Ernie and Bill really complemented each other well,” McDonough said. “They loved people.”
Dr. Lionel Crews, professor of astronomy, followed McDonough as Honors Programs director in January 2011 and didn’t know Blythe and Zachry as well, but he did know and appreciate the program they created and nurtured. When he travels, Crews said he’s asked what he likes best about UT Martin, and he references the Honors Programs.
“I can say that what Bill and Ernie built here – this program, such a wonderful program – it allowed even a nerdy, introverted astronomy professor to be director,” Crews said, adding he “thoroughly enjoyed every minute” of his time with the Honors Programs.
In a 2005 UT Martin story released following Blythe’s death, Zachry commented on the legacy created by his longtime colleague and friend.
“He was respected and loved by hundreds of students who came through those programs,” Zachry said in the story. “He was a gentle, kind and caring teacher who worked tirelessly to improve the learning experience of his students.
“His spirit will live on in UT Martin Honors Programs as long as those programs endure.”
Zachry’s words speak to both men as their names are forever associated with the programs and students they loved and served.
Email Dr. John Glass at jglass3@utm.edu for more information about UT Martin Honors Programs or call 731-881-7436.
PHOTO: The late Dr. Ernie Blythe Jr. and Dr. Bill Zachry will be remembered for their long association with UT Martin’s Honors Programs as permanent plaques for each faculty member were unveiled Nov. 13 in the Holland McCombs Center. Students were among those attending the unveiling event and reception. Pictured following the unveiling are (front row, l-r) Honors Programs students Enzo Gutierrez (Oakland), Emma Self (Somerville), Ella Self (Somerville), Avery Rochelle (Centerville), Darby Self (Somerville), Ellyn Beebe (Jackson), Sam Wade (Tullahoma), Kamryn Depriest (Jackson) and Brooke Larimer (Benton, Kentucky); (middle row, l-r) Honors Programs students Bethany Sweeten (Springfield), Em Conyer (Gallatin), Mason Elliot (Springville), Betsy Mantooth (Martin), Dr. John Glass, director of Honors Programs, Lynda Zachry, widow of Dr. William Zachry (Memphis), Honors Programs students Ryan Lutes (Milan), Sloan Rochelle (Centerville), Kade Schuepbach (Highland, Illinois), Madalene Sizemore (Dover) and Dr. Abigail Shelton, assistant director of Honors Programs; (back row, l-r) Honors Programs students Joseph Lattus (Union City), Jackson Morrison (Bartlett) and Dr. Aaron Rowland, assistant director of Honors Programs.
