Cedar Hill

When Susan Marks (Knoxville ’67) sees the mural painted on her family’s barn, she smiles knowing it represents more than just Volunteer pride — it tells her family’s story.

Painted in October 2025 on a tobacco barn estimated to be more than 100 years old, the mural celebrates “all things UT,” Marks said. Her family has owned the property in Robertson County since the 1940s. Visible to an estimated 1,150 passersby each day, the mural brings the campaign total to 71 murals completed in 65 counties statewide.

Marks’ deep UT roots began generations ago. Her parents, John R. Long (Knoxville ’36), who served as chairman of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, and Sarah Ann Norton Long (Knoxville ’36), instilled in her a lifelong love for the Volunteers. She attended her first football game at age 9 and later spent 54 years cheering from the same seats in Neyland Stadium.

Marks earned a business administration degree from UT Knoxville in 1967, concentrating in marketing and retailing. As a student, she served as president of Clement Hall in its first year, held office in Chi Omega — following her mother as a legacy member — and participated in student government.

Her UT connections continued long after graduation. She served as an advisor for Chi Omega chapters at both Austin Peay State University and UT Knoxville and was an active member of the Montgomery County UT Knoxville alumni chapter.

A lifelong supporter of UT Extension and 4-H, Marks grew up showing cattle and participating in youth programs. Her children followed her lead through livestock projects, public speaking, citizenship and leadership development. In 2014, she received the State 4-H Alumni Recognition Award.

“Extension is an excellent resource for the farmers in this area,” Marks said.

That spirit of giving back continues through the family’s philanthropy. The family established two endowed scholarships — the John Long Marks Scholarship in the Herbert College of Agriculture, honoring her late son, and the John R. and Sarah N. Long Scholarship in Arts and Sciences, honoring her parents.

Her family’s friendship with UT Institute of Agriculture leaders, including Tom Looney, UTIA assistant vice chancellor for development, underscores their shared values.

“It exemplifies her connection to the university — her appreciation of the Institute of Agriculture and the ways UT serves communities statewide,” Looney said. “There’s no more appropriate alumna, landowner and farmer to have this represented on their property than Susan Marks.”

For Marks, the mural is both a tribute and a reminder of the university’s reach.

“The more often people see the UT icon, the better,” she said. “They’re more likely to participate in UT programs and activities. You just can’t say enough good things about the University of Tennessee. It’s been and continues to be an extremely important part of my life.”