After completing his academic program at Southern Illinois University in history and philosophy, Dr. Claude Black began his teaching career in 1972. He taught at four colleges before joining the Emmanuel College faculty in 1994 where he teaches courses in American and European history.

Dr. Black has served as the pastor of three churches and as the minister of education for four years at another church.

Claude and Alice Black (who serves as the administrative assistant in the School of Education at Emmanuel) have three sons and daughters-in-law who each have two sons.

In addition to traveling and camping, the Blacks enjoy the opportunity to spend time with their families.