African American Alumni Association (UEAAA)

UE’s African-American alumni are encouraged to become active participants in the UE African-American Alumni Association (UEAAA).

The group, created in 1998, fosters life-long relationships among African-American alumni while documenting the rich tradition of UE’s African-American students. In addition, members provide a support system for current students, offering financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, emotional support, mentoring, and guidance through the UE experience.

UEAAA holds several events throughout the year, and encourages its membership to get involved through other University activities, including UE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, Black History month activities, and a speaker and lunch program held each spring.

All African-American alumni of the University are members of the organization; for more information about how to get involved in the group, contact Alumni@evansville.edu.

UEAAA Mission

The Mission of the University of Evansville African American Alumni Association (UEAAA) is to maintain a close relationship among alumni, document the UE African American tradition and pass it on to students, and to maintain a close and nurturing connection with UE African American students by providing financial assistance, emotional support, and guidance.

UEAAA Executive Committee

  • Watez Phelps ’01 M’04 – President
  • Brian Smith ’07 – Historian
  • Marisa Knox ’99 – Treasurer
  • Arnel Hill ’80 – Acting Secretary
  • Bettye Poole ’02 – Immediate Past President

View the committee member biographies.

Our Story: Once the Doors Opened

"Our Story: Once the Doors Opened" was produced by 1980 graduate Arnell Hill. Co-narrated by Freshman Leirra Carter '24 and directed by black Indianapolis videographer Aaron Turner, "Our Story" is a 45 minute documentary on the history of black students at Evansville College/University of Evansville, from 1934 to the early 2000 era.