Before Blount College opened, Presbyterian minister Rev. Samuel Carrick spent two years educating students using a classical curriculum at a seminary in his home. He had been educated at Liberty Hall Academy in Virginia. In 1794, Carrick became the only president (UT’s first president) and the sole faculty member of Blount College for an unknown number of students. He continued to serve when the name changed to East Tennessee College in 1807. Carrick was the first preacher in Knoxville and served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church concurrently with his presidency of Blount College. Records show Carrick’s salary as president in 1808 as $450 a year. Carrick died suddenly in 1809 at the age of 49 after he stayed up all night to finish a sermon. He was buried in the graveyard across the street from East Tennessee College, which closed for a decade. At his death, Carrick was owed a salary of $87.82 which his heirs received 12 years later with interest of $59.61. A former president’s residence, which is no longer standing, was named in Carrick’s honor, as well as two residence halls.