Gordon W. Blackwell
Gordon W. Blackwell (born April 27, 1911) was an American educator, professor, administrator and college president.
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 (aged 92) Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| 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 |
Early life and education
Born in Timmonsville, South Carolina, Blackwell grew up in Spartanburg.[1] His father Benjamin was a Baptist Minister[2] and his mother Amelia was a music teacher. Gordon was their only child. He earned his BA at Furman University in 1932 and a MA at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1933.[1][2] He earned a MA from Harvard University in 1937[2] then married Elizabeth Blair Lyles. Blackwell headed the Department of Sociology at Furman from 1937 until 1941,[2] while he also completed his doctorate from Harvard in 1940. He began as associate professor of Sociology[2] at UNC Chapel Hill from 1941 until 1957, leaving as Kenan Professor.[2] He served as Chancellor of the Women's College at the University of North Carolina from 1957 until 1960,[3] when he was offered the presidency of Florida State University.[1]
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
- "Dr. Gordon W. Blackwell". goupstate.com. Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- "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.
- "Gordon W. Blackwell". president.fsu.edu. Florida State University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- "GORDON W. BLACKWELL". furmanpaladins.com. Furman University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- "Elizabeth Blair Lyles Blackwell". president.fsu.edu. Florida State University. Retrieved 15 August 2023.