The family of alumnus and Board of Trustees member Darrell Freeman Sr. issued a statement early Wednesday, June 29, that Freeman had passed away Tuesday evening, saying that he “suffered from a serious illness that he succumbed to on the evening of June 28, 2022.”

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee issued the following statement of condolences on behalf of the University:

Our university community today mourns the passing of alumnus and Trustee Darrell Freeman Sr., who will be remembered for his passion and advocacy for creating opportunities for others, as well as his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

He was one of MTSU’s brightest stars, and his light shined through his many accomplishments: A first-generation college graduate; a trail-blazing businessman who created his own IT company, Zycron, that, over 25 years, became a multimillion-dollar business that he sold, then used those resources to help aspiring Black entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and find success in business; a private pilot, who lent his services and aircraft for international relief missions; and so much more.

Trustee Freeman’s energy and devotion to help disadvantaged and underserved students find a path forward, in education and business, was front and center in his work as the first vice chair of MTSU’s Board of Trustees, as well as his unprecedented two terms as chair of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. His service to his alma mater, as a role model, donor, volunteer and leader, leaves a legacy that will inspire our students, and our community, for generations.