This past February 25, the University of Utah Alumni Association honored Ronald G. Coleman, BS’66, PhD’80 as one of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

“Each of our recipients reflects the values and principles that have been part of the U since its founding: inquiry, innovation, public service, hard work, and the performing of good work in our community,” says President Ruth Watkins. “By example, they show what is possible when we ask ourselves ‘What good can I do in the world? How can I lead by example? How can I make a difference?’”

As a student at the U, Dr. Coleman played football and helped lead the team to their 1964 Liberty Bowl victory. Dr. Coleman is an Emeritus Associate Professor of History and Ethnic Studies at the U. He was one of the founding Ethnic Studies faculty at the U in 1973. Dr. Coleman is a nationally recognized scholar of African American history and was recently honored with a Humanitarian Award by the Inclusion Center for Community and Justice. Coleman is currently an advisor to the U’s Black Cultural Center and advisor to the Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

As President Watkins puts it, Dr. Ronald Coleman “ha[s] exemplified the highest ambitions for the University of Utah.”

Watch the Founders Day 2021 Celebration below.