David Acey Sr.
PROFESSOR EMERITUS (COMMUNICATION STUDIES)
ABOUT
David L. Acey, Sr. (M.A. Degree in Rhetoric) is a retired Assistant Professor of African American Rhetoric and Interracial Communication at The University of Memphis in the Department of Communication Arts. From 1979 to 1985, I was the creator, director, organizer, and instructor of the African American Studies Program, formerly referred to as the Black Studies Program at ÁñÁ«Ö±²¥. I also taught several departmental Afrocentric courses including African American Rhetoric, and Interracial Communication until my retirement in 2014.
I was instrumental in increasing student/university enrollment, retention, departmental major/minors, internships, the graduation rate of undergraduates, and graduates from the overall university student populations (regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, status, or classification) including encouragement to pursue matriculation beyond the master’s level.
Prior to enrolling at ÁñÁ«Ö±²¥, I attended LeMoyne-Owen College several years with an athletic scholarship and was later drafted into the United States Army as military police from 1963 to 1965. After returning from the Army, I enrolled at ÁñÁ«Ö±²¥ to continue my education where I organized the first Black Students' Association and was elected as their first association president. My wife, Yvonne B. Acey, and I are founders and organizers of the First Annual Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival, Incorporated in 1986 I current serve as the Executive Director and my wife as the Associate Director. This organization in Memphis/Shelby County focuses on international relations, technology, culture, education, health/wellness, entrepreneurship, career development, social media platforms, and diversity encompassing the African Diaspora via "The Windows of The Arts". My academic, social and professional life have been devoted to improving the quality of life for African Americans and others in their quest for excellence locally, regionally, nationally and globally.