Rafielle Boone Freeman reflects on first year back on campus
Story by David Snow | Photos by University Relations
Before becoming the first lady of the University of Tennessee at Martin, Rafielle Boone Freeman (‘93) was a student herself, graduating as part of the first class in UT Martin’s accredited bachelor’s degree program in nursing.
A few years later, Rafielle married her high school friend, Yancy Freeman, who would eventually become the 12th chancellor of UT Martin.
Returning to her alma mater was a true blessing for Rafielle.
“God is so amazing! He has a sense of humor, and he dreams bigger than we can ever imagine,” Rafielle said. “I love Yancy. He is my best friend, and I will follow him everywhere.
“I love UT Martin and Weakley County. This community is genuinely caring and accepting. The Martin family cares for each other’s well-being, and that’s what I love about it.”
Rafielle has found that campus life offers a world of activities.
“People often ask me, ‘Oh, Rafielle, what’s there to do in Martin?’” she laughed. “I’ve been attending volleyball games, football games, art exhibits, musicals, debates and even participated in a book colloquium.”
Rafielle said she loves the new Skyhawk song and video, “Up and Soaring,” posted Sept. 14 on the UT Martin Facebook page.
“My favorite lyrics: ‘Skyhawks, we are up and soaring, thriving, owning every moment. Spirit bleeding orange and navy. Bend, don’t break, and we’re still standing.’”
“These lyrics represent me. I’m proud to be UT Martin’s first lady. I’ve experienced more empowerment, acceptance and community here than anywhere else.”
Love for her husband, faith and family are essential for Rafielle.
“I will always be by Yancy’s side.”
Being closer to family has been a welcome change for the Freemans after 27 years.
“It’s created that family closeness we both missed, and my mom, dad and brother love popping in now and then,” Rafielle said. “My dad especially enjoys meeting people and investing in them.They’ve made friends here in Martin.
“My sister Ashlie is also my friend. Her daughter, Marlie, and husband, Marlon, are a big part of my life. Ashlie’s family lives in Nashville, but we stay connected despite the distance.”
In her free time, Rafielle loves to read, walk and travel. She values her Martin girlfriends and her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters.
“My best friend, Kim Seymour (‘92), listens, but keeps me grounded and focused on solutions,“ she said.
Among her favorite activities are homecoming events.
“I love Rope Pull,” she said. “There’s a science to it. This was my first Pyramid experience and second time at Lip Sync, and I got a chance to see Quad City, tailgate, attend the football game and to judge the NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) Step Show this year. Homecoming makes me reminisce about when I attended UTM over 30 years ago.
“I enjoy watching students interact at football games and the intensity of volleyball and basketball.”
Beyond campus, Rafielle has connected with the community through events and organizations like Town & Gown, and she’s welcomed various student organizations into their home, including the Student Government Association, Student Alumni Association and Women of Excellence.
Professionally, Rafielle has over 30 years of experience in health-care delivery. She currently serves as director of provider services for TennCare.
“I want Tennesseans to have access to affordable, high-quality health care to achieve the best outcomes,” she said.
Her work is hybrid, with on-site days in Nashville that help her connect with colleagues face-to-face.
Rafielle is active in several boards, including the West Tennessee Healthcare Hope and Healing Foundation, where she’s working with Kevin Decker, CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare Volunteer Hospital, and Donna Stine, philanthropy director, to create community resources such as a patient and hospital outdoor rest area or a free pharmacy for those in need.
Recently, she accepted board appointments at Discovery Park of America Museum and Heritage Park and the United Way of Weakley County.
Looking ahead, Rafielle hopes to mentor students in the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS) program, supporting UT Martin’s strong agricultural foundation.
She also has a personal goal: “I still haven’t learned to ride a horse. That’s something I’m determined to do.”
Family is deeply important to Rafielle. Their daughter, Camille, is now a sophomore at UT Martin in the nursing program, following in her mother’s footsteps. Their son, Yancy Jr., recently earned a master’s degree in public health administration from UT Chattanooga, and he hopes to land a position in or around Nashville, a move that Rafielle supports.
“I want him closer to me, of course!” she said.
Reflecting on her first year as first lady, Rafielle feels deeply welcomed.
“The Chancellor’s Cabinet, students, faculty and staff are so well-equipped, inclusive and kind,” she said. “I’ve been invited to events I never dreamed of. I attended a women’s faculty lunch recently and learned about their volunteer efforts, which made me proud to live here.
“It’s been such a good change. I’m rejuvenated by the present and the future of UT Martin. I am supporting Yancy’s plans to increase student and community growth.”
Rafielle admires her husband’s dedication.
“I love watching him care about the future of UT Martin, the students and every staff member,” she said. “It’s incredible how deeply he’s invested in people, especially with all the decisions he faces daily. I am honored to serve UT Martin with my husband.”
Rafielle’s mantra is “You reap what you sow.” She listens to people, embraces change, explores differences and connects with students and the community all while proudly wearing the title of “First Lady” for her alma mater.
