MONTICELLO — Terry Alexander, a 2001 University of Arkansas at Monticello Sports Hall of Fame inductee, will have his No. 24 jersey number retired at UAM, Athletic Director Hud Jackson announced.
Alexander will be the sixth player in UAM’s football history to have his number retired, joining Kevin McCarn (5), David “Cedro” Anderson (11), Joe Don Samples (12), Sean Rochelle (14) and Billy McGowen (27). A jersey retirement ceremony will take place during the 2025 football season.
“Terry Alexander is more than just a legendary football player,” said Jackson. “He’s a trailblazer, a leader, and an extraordinary human being. His impact on our football program is etched in history, with records that still rank in the top 10s. But beyond the field, Terry made history as the first African American graduate from our forestry department, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire. He represents everything that’s great about UAM; grit, determination, and heart. We are proud to retire No. 24 in his honor, not only for what he accomplished but for who he is. Terry chose UAM, and UAM is proud to have chosen him. His continued support and commitment to pushing our athletic department forward speaks volumes. We are lucky to call him one of our own.”
Alexander received a second-team All-American recognition for his performance on the field in 1977 as a tailback. On top of his All-American tab, Alexander received first-team All-AIC and All-NAIA District 17 honors.
Alexander was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. He joined alongside UAM women’s basketball coaching legend Mary Jane Gilbert, 1951-52 Weevil Football standout Hubert Heflin and two-sport (baseball and basketball) All-American Darrell Rhodes.
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In 2019, he was once again inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame with the 1979 AIC champion team, for which he served as a graduate assistant.
Alexander has held multiple records at UAM. He still sits second overall for career rushing yards, having 3,137 yards throughout the 1975-77 seasons. Alexander is also second overall in single-season rushing yards, with 1,335 yards in his All-American season in 1977. During his career, Alexander ran into the end zone for 24 touchdowns.
On top of his impressive career and season rushing yards, Alexander had multiple impressive single-game contributions for UAM. He stands second overall in career games with over 100 yards rushed, totaling 12. He also saw two games with 200 or more yards and a career-high 253 yards. His career high, and third overall in program history, came against Henderson State on Nov. 5, 1977, when he scored three touchdowns. He rushed for 200 yards against Henderson State in 1978 for a season high in his senior year.
His longest rushing play came against school rival Southern Arkansas on Nov. 20, 1976. Alexander scored a touchdown on a 65-yard rush.
“Having my jersey retired at the University of Arkansas at Monticello is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Alexander. “This moment isn’t just about me — it’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and heart of every teammate who battled alongside me. I faced obstacles throughout my career, but I never let them define me. Instead, I stayed grounded in gratitude — for the game, for the opportunity, and for the incredible people who lifted me up along the way. My family, who I love deeply, my friends, coaches, teammates, and the UAM administration — thank you for believing in me and feeling that this recognition was deserved. This jersey may have my name on it, but it belongs to all of us.”
In 1980, Alexander became the first African American to graduate from the UAM School of Forestry, earning a Bachelor of Science in forestry. He was also the first football player to balance the demanding schedule of a student-athlete with the academic rigor of the forestry program.
In 2021, UAM selected Alexander as the 59th Distinguished Alumnus for his professional achievements and ongoing support of the university. The UAM Foundation named Alexander to the board of directors on March 10, 2022. In October 2022, Terry Alexander was named one of the 2022 UAM African-American Alumni Elites.
“It is with great pride that we retire Terry Alexander’s jersey as a fitting tribute to his extraordinary contributions to UAM Athletics,” said UAM Chancellor Dr. Peggy Doss. “As an All-American, Terry set a remarkable standard of excellence that continues to inspire our student-athletes today. His record-breaking career, which earned him a place in the UAM Sports Hall of Fame, speaks to his incredible talent and dedication on the field. In addition to his athletic achievements, Terry has been a trailblazer for the university as the first African American student to pursue a degree in forestry at UAM and the 2021 UAM Distinguished Alumnus. A man of integrity and a steadfast supporter of UAM Athletics, Terry has been a true friend to our university. We are honored to continue to celebrate his legacy in this way, ensuring that his impact on UAM will be remembered for generations to come.”
A most recent recognition is the installment of the Terry Alexander Corridor, located in the Kenneth H. Hunt Athletic Performance Center. The building pays tribute to the contributions of Alexander and Hunt.