2016 East Tennessean of the Year Event Honoring Roy Kramer

The East Tennessee Historical Society is proud to honor Blount County native Roy Kramer as its 2016 East Tennessean of the Year. Kramer’s impact and accomplishments are legendary as the Southeastern Conference Commissioner from 1990 to 2002, where he created the SEC Conference Divisions and a Conference Championship game. He is also known as the father of the NCAA College Football Bowl Championship Series, as well as a gifted speaker and storyteller.

His leadership and impact were also evident in his roles as Vanderbilt University Athletic Director and as Central Michigan University Head Football Coach, where he was named NCAA Coach of the Year in 1974. He began his career as a high school teacher and coach, leading three different teams to Michigan High School State Championships. Kramer is a Maryville High School and Maryville College alumnus and holds a masters in history from the University of Michigan.

The East Tennessean of the Year award honors an East Tennessee history maker who is an ambassador for the region and represents integrity, dignity, leadership, and the volunteer spirit. The event will be held on November 10, 2016, at the Cherokee Country Club and is a ticketed event and black tie optional. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Erica Frye at (865) 215-8827 or frye@easttnhistory.org.