Ruby Lindsey Black, professor of nursing at the University of Tennessee at Martin, has been selected as the 16th Distinguished Visiting Professor from UTM to Hirosaki University in Hirosaki, Japan.

Black, who joined the UTM faculty in 1988, will spend 12 days at Hirosaki University in October, delivering lectures and learning about the Japanese health care system. The sister universities have participated in the professional exchange program since 1981.

Black's appointment was announced by the UTM office of international programs and admissions. "Ruby is known as a dynamic and interesting speaker and class lecturer," said Sandra Baker, director.

"I'm pleased that she is representing the university in this way. It should be a wonderful experience for her, both culturally and academically."

Black's visit will be hosted by the Hirosaki University School of Allied Health Sciences. As visiting professor, she will tour the local hospital and several community clinics, will deliver several presentations and will interact with nursing faculty and students to share information on the two countries' health care systems.

"I teach community nursing classes, which deals with different cultures and lifestyles," Black said. "We often discuss Asian populations, so it will be good to obtain first hand information to bring back to my students."

Black received her bachelor's of nursing degree from Tuskegee Institute and her master's of nursing from Texas' Woman's University in Houston, Texas. She has also furthered her education with the completion of several graduate level courses from UT Martin and the University of Memphis and numerous continuing education courses.