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Edward Scott |
Courtney Emery “C.E.” Walker |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two legendary leaders in agriculture have been designated by Florida A&M University (FAMU) to be honored in memoriam at the 66th Session of the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC) on December 7 – 9, 2008 at Tuskegee University. Each year, the PAWC pays tribute to former agriculture professionals who have served at land-grant institutions. This year, FAMU will be recognized for its legacy in producing leaders in agricultural education.
The late Courtney Emery “C.E.” Walker, Ph.D., who served at FAMU from 1948-1976 in the School of Agriculture and Home Economics and in the Office of Sponsored Research, was the first dean of the School of Agriculture established when Florida A&M College (FAMC) gained university status. He was instrumental in establishing the Perry-Paige building as an academic center and provided leadership in organizing two credit unions for farmers in Jackson County. Also, Walker was a dedicated community advocate credited with developments leading to a land-swap between FAMU and the City of Tallahassee that resulted in the building of the Walker-Ford Recreational Center and Smith-Williams Service Center, a 20,000 square foot facility that is named in his honor.
The late Edward Scott, a distinguished alumnus (FAMU Classes of 1941/1956) and an outstanding educator in Madison County, will be recognized for a lifetime of service dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural residents. Scott was an exceptional educator and mentor who influenced countless young men to pursue and obtain college degrees.
His son, Rev. Edward R. Scott, II, Ph.D., feels three important characteristics stand out in his memories of his father.
“My father was a strong Christian man who lived according to his faith in God to be an outstanding husband to my mother and the ideal father who taught me to be a man,” said Scott. “He could have advanced to many higher positions in education and excelled; however, he was committed to making a difference for young people in our local community through the educational programs of his alma mater, Florida A&M University.”
Ray Mobley and Lawrence Carter, Cooperative Extension administrators in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA), will be the guest lecturers who will present the notable accomplishments of Walker and Scott at the conference. Family representatives, Deidre Walker Powell, Ph.D., associate professor at FAMU, and Edward R. Scott, II, Ph.D., owner of Faith Dental Center and FAMU alumnus, will be presented plagues to commemorate the memories of the two land-grant heroes.
For more information, contact Ray Mobley or Lawrence Carter, FAMU Cooperative Extension Program, at (850) 599-3546 or via email at ray.mobley@famu.edu or lawrence.carter@famu.edu.
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