University Unveils Ivory Moore Portrait

On Saturday, September 28, 2013, Texas A&M University-Commerce unveiled the portrait of Ivory Moore, Sr., now showcased on the second floor of the McDowell Administration Building.

The portrait, painted by Debora Schubert Lytle, was funded by University donors including Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church, Willie L. Blow, Dr. Jim Condrad, Cheri Cooper, Dr. & Mrs. Charles Elliot, Edith F. Finley, Randall V. Henderson, Chandra L. Marshall-Henson, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Stan E. McKee, Kennis L. Miles, Jr., Gregory C. Pervis, Distinguished Alumnus Carl S. Richie, Jr., and Earnest T. Taylor, Jr.

“The portrait is a striking depiction of a great man,” says Derryle Peace, East Texas State University graduate and Director of Alumni Relations at A&M-Commerce. “Mr. Moore served as a beacon and a voice for students, particularly African-American students in the early 1970's.  He continued to provide unparalleled service and leadership to the university, City of Commerce, the region, and state for many years.  His legacy is alive in the hearts and souls of all who have been touched by him.”

Ivory Moore, Sr. served as the first African American administrator at ETSU, now A&M-Commerce. In 1972 Moore became the Director of Minority Affairs at ETSU where he wrote many successful grants that established programs supporting disadvantaged, minority and first generation students, including Upward Bound. Mr. Moore was also instrumental in bringing Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to the ETSU campus. While in Commerce, Moore became an extremely active member within the community, serving as a deacon at Mt. Moriah Temple Baptist Church, the first African American citizen elected to the city council, and the city's first African American mayor. Before coming to Commerce, Moore served as principal and coach in Wichita Falls, Texas high schools, taught at Paris Junior College, Colbert, Oklahoma and Atoka, Oklahoma. Mr. Moore served on various Texas state boards under governors Bill Clements, Mark White, and Ann Richards, Vice President on the state board of NAACP, and Lt. Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis Clubs.  Moore and his wife, Lennie Wilson Moore currently reside in Commerce, Texas.

“Due to his hard work and dedication, he helped build the name of Texas A&M University-Commerce and the city of Commerce,” says Byron Tennison, President of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Eta Phi Chapter. “Brother Ivory Moore deserves this recognition.”

The portrait is available for viewing Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm on the second floor of the McDowell Administration Building. For more information, please email [email protected].