A humble man of great accomplishments and servant leadership, Earl Glenn Yarbrough, Sr., Ph.D. illuminated this world beyond imagination. A devoted husband, father, educator, mentor, innovator and truly giving spirit, Dr. Yarbrough mobilized his God given talents to serve God, his family, students, and colleagues in fostering to better society for future generations. He quietly found rest in eternal peace on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 6, 1946, Earl was the youngest of three children born to Zula Ruth Linscomb and Sterling Yarbrough of Wichita, Kansas. Nine years difference between his sister Gerry Yarbrough Taylor (deceased) and 10 years between he and his older brother John Yarbrough (deceased), Earl had the advantages of being the baby in the family. With the love and support of his parents, he was encouraged to pursue all collegiate opportunities and his passion of running. While at Wichita State University, Earl became a successful star athlete in track and field setting several school records. He also found brotherhood and belonging becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Upon receiving his undergraduate degree in Industrial Education from Wichita State University, Earl was encouraged to pursue his great potential for achieving and enrolled in California State University. Then married and teaching in the Los Angeles Public Schools, eldest daughter Kim was born while he pursued his master’s degree. She was his pride and joy and his mirror image with an amazing smile and spirit. With the support of caring professors who recognized his passion for students, once again Earl set out to achieve the next level of his educational journey by enrolling in a Ph.D. program at Iowa State University. As a student and adjunct instructor there, he welcomed his second child Angela whom he named after civil rights activist Angela Davis. Earl became a “girl-dad” before it was a popular thing and whole-heartedly embraced it. He spent quality time with his girl’s playing basketball in the driveway, camping, across-country summer vacations, making up silly games like “let’s play sleep” and supporting them in their educational aspirations and beyond.

After moving to Greensboro, North Carolina, Earl was soon blessed with a son, Earl Jr. Earl was EJ’s biggest supporter academically and athletically as he discovered his passions and pursued his goals. Earl and EJ shared a special bond in their love for golf, pursing the highest education, and becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., which encouraged EJ to follow in the footsteps of the incredible man he called Dad. During this time Earl’s academic pursuits continued leading him to a number of institutions where his work and contributions
were notable. As a professor and department chair at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Earl developed a prolific work ethic and was immediately recognized as a true academician. His talents and accomplishments would later direct him to North Carolina A&T State University, where three of his children would achieve undergraduate degrees, and he would move from department chair to dean. His visionary leadership led to the creation and establishment of the School of Technology and became a founding dean during his twelve-year tenue there. Not only did he organize, but he encouraged others under his leadership to grow, expand and excel.

Earl’s desire to reach higher would then take him to Petersburg, Virginia in 1998 becoming the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Virginia State University where he would spear-head several groundbreaking initiatives – none more notable than the development of the university’s first doctoral degree in educational administration in 2002. While at VSU, Earl met Patricia Ann Yarbrough by no accident – this is where their love story begins. They instantly became the best of friends quickly forming an inseparable bond and undeniable partnership that would prove to be everlasting. In 2002, Earl and Pat united in marriage and blended their families where Earl gained another son, Del Harris. Earl welcomed Del, a graduate of VSU with open arms as if he was his own, offering instrumental support, encouragement, and inspiration that Del carries with him today.

----------------------------------------

Chapter: Grand Chapter

Chapter of Initiation: Delta Upsilon (1966)