Distinguished Alumni
Dr. Roland Black
Awarded 2024
Dallas, Texas
Dr. Roland Black is a retired obstetrician and gynecologist in the Dallas area who is known for his dedication to serving his patients and community. Black graduated in 1961 from Sam Houston State University’s College of Science and Engineering Technology with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Black’s family has been in Huntsville since the 1930s, and he was the fifth member of his family to become a Bearkat. After graduating from SHSU, Black went on to study at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, which he graduated from in 1965.
Even while practicing medicine in Dallas, Black never forgot his roots. In 2018, he established a permanent fund for the university through the Roland E. Black Endowed Professorship in Biological Sciences. Another one of his contributions to his alma mater is the Roland Black Nursing Endowed Scholarship, which has been used to recruit top-ranked students to SHSU’s nursing program.
Outside of the university, Black continued to serve others. He has volunteered with the Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) for 30 years; his work has made a lasting impact on the Dallas County medical community and residents. In 2006, the DCMS honored Black with the Charles Max Cole, MD Leadership Award for outstanding leadership of the medical society and community. By that time, he had already served as the board president and was on the board of directors for nearly 10 years.
During his time in the DCMS, Black spearheaded many initiatives to enhance healthcare services. He oversaw the expansion of Health Check, a community-wide health fair that delivers chronic disease education thanks to partnerships with local schools, libraries, community centers and churches. He even brought healthcare straight to state leaders through the Capitol Check-Up event.
Black’s work as chairman of the DCMS Foundation involved renewing the group’s focus with creative goals and events that led to their receipt of a federal grant to launch Project Access Dallas. The project helps place vulnerable, uninsured patients with volunteer physician practices. Lastly, Black was instrumental in the creation of the Credentials Verification Corporation, which helped physicians deal with the complexity of hospital and health plan credentialing requirements for seven years.
As one looks at Black’s career, service and accolades, it is clear to see that he embodies the spirit of SHSU and has lived out the university’s motto, be that intentionally or just his own drive to live a life of service. No matter his motivations, the university is proud to present Black with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the 51st Annual Distinguished Alumni Gala.