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Waymon Hickman (right) receives the 2007 University of Tennessee Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources from Dr. Mary Lewnes Albrecht, associate dean. Download this image

(KNOXVILLE , Tenn.) - Waymon Logan Hickman, Sr., of Columbia, Tenn., has joined the elite fraternity of University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources graduates recognized with the college’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

The award is presented annually to a graduate of the college for outstanding achievement in the academic or corporate community or for noteworthy public service. Hickman, class of 1956, is known for both.

After earning his bachelor’s of science degree in agricultural education, Hickman enjoyed a 47-year career that culminated in retiring as chairman and chief executive officer of First Farmers & Merchants Bank, one of the most successful independent banks in Tennessee, with total assets of approximately $800 million and an additional $2.6 billion held by its Trust & Financial Management Department. Headquartered in Columbia , the bank operates 19 offices in seven Tennessee counties. Hickman also served on both the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and as president of Tennessee Bankers Association.

His service to his community includes a term as president of the Maury County Alumni Association and membership on the UT National Alumni Association Board of Governors and Public Affairs Committee. In 1989, Hickman served as a member of the inaugural UT Agricultural Development Board. He is listed among the UT Institute of Agriculture’s most generous benefactors.

Hickman was appointed to the UT Board of Trustees in 2000 and served as chairman of the University Audit Committee and a member of the Investment Committee.

Hickman has served also on the boards of Columbia State Community College and Martin Methodist College, and as president of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University, president of Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts of America, chairman of Maury Regional Hospital, and as an active member of First United Methodist Church.

“Waymon Hickman is an outstanding example of the quality and dedication of our alumni,” said Buddy Mitchell, UT associate vice president for agricultural development and government relations. “He’s been a great leader for Tennessee and for the university.”

“No one has done more for their community, and Mr. Hickman has provided exceptional leadership while serving on the Board of Trustees for the University of Tennessee,” Mitchell continued. “We are very proud and honored to have him as a graduate of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.”

Regarding the award, Mr. Hickman was humble. “It has been my privilege and an honor to be of service to the University of Tennessee,” he said. “I do not know of any organization that has a greater ability or is so well positioned to have a positive impact on the lives of all Tennesseans.”

Hickman was recognized during the college’s annual scholarship and awards recognition program and banquet in April.

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Contact:

Buddy Mitchell, UT associate vice president for agricultural
development and government relations, (865) 974-5779