The UT community mourned the death of a towering figure in the university’s history when former president Edward J. Boling passed away on June 18.
A native of Sevier County, Boling served as president of UT for 18 consecutive years, the longest recent term of service in the office. Prior to his presidency, he was vice president for development for nine years.
One of the many highlights of Boling’s career within the administration was his work to begin UT’s first modern fundraising program during his time as vice president of development. Noted for his emphasis on promoting private fundraising and developing strong relationships with alumni throughout his career, Boling helped expand enrollment and physical growth during his presidency, particularly on the Knoxville campus.
“During his long career at the University of Tennessee, including 18 years as president, Boling embodied a dedication and devotion to his alma mater and to its students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends that we should all strive to emulate,” said current UT President Joe DiPietro.
Boling was a graduate of Knoxville High School when he enrolled at UT, which he left temporarily to serve in World War II before returning to graduate in 1948. According to a 2013 News Sentinel story, Boling worked for Wilby-Kinsey Theaters as an usher and later went to work at Alcoa before enrolling at UT. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in statistics from UT, and he received his doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. Boling’s doctoral dissertation focused on funding for higher education.
A longtime supporter of both men’s and women’s athletics, Boling enjoyed attending athletic events, especially basketball games. Thompson-Boling Arena is appropriately named in his honor.
In addition to a devotion to athletic success, Boling focused on regularly engaging with students and staff on each campus through organized panels.
As Boling wrote in a 1996 biography, “I see the building and maintaining a network of positive supporters of the University among the faculty, staff and students and among alumni, friends and corporate supporters as the central task of the presidency. In such a positive climate, faculty and staff give their best work, students are encouraged and nurtured, financial support builds and the resulting momentum allows the University to take on ever greater tasks and do them well.”
Memorial services were held Tuesday at Cox Auditorium.
Boling is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn, three sons Mark, Brian and Stephen, and six grandchildren.
