University of Memphis Athletics
Lynda Wray Black Recognized as NCAA DI Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year
Oct 08, 2026 | General
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis Faculty Athletics Representative Lynda Wray Black has been named the 2026 NCAA Division I Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the Year, recognizing her outstanding service and leadership on behalf of student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics.
A FAR is a faculty member at an NCAA member institution who serves as a liaison between the institution and its athletics department and represents the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. FAR's play an important role in advocating for student-athletes and helping ensure an appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.
"In accepting this award, I want to highlight the core values of collegiate athletics – providing a pathway to a college degree and advancing the welfare of student-athletes," Black said. "I am privileged to serve in this role for the University of Memphis and grateful to FARA, to the NCAA, and especially to the 360 Division I FARs as we collectively champion the best interests of student-athletes."
Black has served as Memphis' FAR since August 2015, providing oversight and advocacy on behalf of the University's student-athletes while working with campus and athletics leadership. She has served on President Bill Hardgrave's President's Council since 2022.
Black is the president of 1A FAR, the national organization of Faculty Athletics Representatives for NCAA Division I FBS institutions. In 2025, she was appointed to the NCAA Men's and Women's Tennis Oversight Committee for a two-year term.
Black joined the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law faculty in 2010 and is the Bredesen Professor of Law, teaching courses including Secured Transactions, Sports Law, Remedies, Nonprofit Organizations and Contracts.
A native of Memphis, Black earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy from Memphis and her law degree from Yale Law School.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the department's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
A FAR is a faculty member at an NCAA member institution who serves as a liaison between the institution and its athletics department and represents the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. FAR's play an important role in advocating for student-athletes and helping ensure an appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.
"In accepting this award, I want to highlight the core values of collegiate athletics – providing a pathway to a college degree and advancing the welfare of student-athletes," Black said. "I am privileged to serve in this role for the University of Memphis and grateful to FARA, to the NCAA, and especially to the 360 Division I FARs as we collectively champion the best interests of student-athletes."
Black has served as Memphis' FAR since August 2015, providing oversight and advocacy on behalf of the University's student-athletes while working with campus and athletics leadership. She has served on President Bill Hardgrave's President's Council since 2022.
Black is the president of 1A FAR, the national organization of Faculty Athletics Representatives for NCAA Division I FBS institutions. In 2025, she was appointed to the NCAA Men's and Women's Tennis Oversight Committee for a two-year term.
Black joined the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law faculty in 2010 and is the Bredesen Professor of Law, teaching courses including Secured Transactions, Sports Law, Remedies, Nonprofit Organizations and Contracts.
A native of Memphis, Black earned her bachelor's degree in philosophy from Memphis and her law degree from Yale Law School.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Athletics, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the department's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Tuesday, July 07
Thursday, April 09
Tuesday, September 02
Friday, March 07