Dr. Clifford “Cliff” Merwyn Black, Laredo, 82, died Feb. 27, 2025. He began his career at North Texas in 1978 as a professor of sociology and criminal justice. He earned a bachelor’s in sociology and history at Adrian College in Michigan, a master of divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio and a Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern University in Illinois. He was a professor of sociology at Wilberforce University and Ohio State.

At North Texas, Cliff served as director of the Department of Sociology and associate and acting dean of what was then the School of Community Service. He also was part of the committee that helped to establish the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science. He directed the North Texas Criminal Justice Institute and served as a consultant to the Denton County Sheriff’s Department. After being elected to the Denton ISD board, he worked to prioritize programs and resources for students and teachers.

In 1993, he became a professor of sociology and criminology at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, and later served as dean of its College of Arts and Sciences. He co-founded and directed its International Justice Center, which is devoted to researching law enforcement, criminal justice and corrections issues in a cross-border and international context.

He later operated CJUS Consulting and served as a consultant for the Webb County Sheriff’s Department. A lifelong reader and bibliophile, he also enjoyed visiting used bookstores.