Thomas F. Elam of Union City was appointed to the University of Tennessee’s Athletics Board in 1951 and to the school’s Board of Trustees in 1956. A knowledgeable observer of the UT scene in both academics and athletics, Elam had his hand in many of the decisions that shaped the growth and development of the university system. A UT graduate with a degree in history, Elam was football and basketball manager and editor of the 1931 “Volunteer.” He then went on to earn his law degree in 1934. Elam was a practicing attorney for many years in Union City as principal partner in the firm of Elam, Gascow, Tanner, and Acree. A lifelong member of the First Christian Church, Elam was also a charter member of the Union City Rotary Club. During his tenure as Chairman of the Athletics Committee of the Board of Trustees, he was a trusted advisor to Vol coaches and administrators alike. He was a leader in the university’s developing an all-round sports program, backing it and academic endeavors with both his time and financial support over the years. In addition to a long list of titles and distinctions, he was also Chairman of the Board for Sovran Bank in Union City and a member of the bank’s Nashville Trust Board. Tom passed away in 1998. He will be remembered as a devoted supporter and friend to the University of Tennessee, and he will be sorely missed.
