Gordon W. Blackwell
Gordon W. Blackwell | |
---|---|
11th President of the Furman University | |
In office 1965–1976 | |
Preceded by | John Laney Plyler |
Succeeded by | John Edwin Johns |
7th President of Florida State University | |
In office 1960–1965 | |
Preceded by | Robert M. Strozier |
Succeeded by | John E. Champion |
Personal details | |
Born | Gordon Williams Blackwell April 27, 1911 Timmonsville, South Carolina, U.S. |
Died | January 26, 2004 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. | (aged 92)
Spouse |
Elizabeth Blair Lyles
(m. 1937; died 2000)Jean Hollingsworth (m. 2000) |
Children | 4, including Gordon Jr, Randy, Blair & Millie |
Education | Furman University: BA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: MA; Harvard University: PhD |
Occupation | educator, administrator and college president |
Gordon W. Blackwell (born April 27, 1911) was an American educator, professor, administrator and college president.
Early life and education
Born in
College president
Blackwell was important in the process of racial integration at FSU. He managed growth, helped develop the academic program, oversaw numerous construction projects, and helped develop a balanced athletics program.[4] He placed more emphasis on donations by hiring a fundraising professional to direct the FSU Foundation and faculty received salary increases of nearly 50%.[4]
In 1965, Blackwell resigned at Florida State for the opportunity to return to Furman University as president at his alma mater.[1]
Blackwell served as Furman's president from 1965 to 1976, then became an educational consultant.[2]
Honors
- Distinguished Leadership Award from South Carolina Foundation of Independent Colleges in 1991.[1]
- Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award from Furman University in 1993.[1]
- Trustee of Eckerd College since its founding in 1954.[1]
- Former Deacon of First Baptist Church of Greenville.[1]
- Inducted into the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.[5]
- Received seven honorary degrees.[1]
Blackwell served on numerous boards, actively supported the arts, and held membership in the Rotary Club in three cities.[1]
Personal life
Blackwell's first wife, Elizabeth 'Lib' Blair Lyles (1913–2000), graduated from Converse College in 1935.[6] They shared four children.[6] After her death, he married Jean Hollingsworth.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Dr. Gordon W. Blackwell". goupstate.com. Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "GORDON W. BLACKWELL (1911-2004)". encyclopedia.wp.uncg.edu. UNC Greensboro. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "Biographical/Historical Note". library.uncg.edu. UNC Greensboro. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Gordon W. Blackwell". president.fsu.edu. Florida State University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ "GORDON W. BLACKWELL". furmanpaladins.com. Furman University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Elizabeth Blair Lyles Blackwell". president.fsu.edu. Florida State University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.