FAMU mourns the loss of the former President Dr. Walter L. Smith

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M University mourns the loss of Dr. Walter L. Smith, the seventh President and President Emeritus of the university. Dr. Smith died in Tampa on Thursday, November 25, 2021. He was 86 years old.

President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., made the following statement when he heard the news.

“I was saddened to hear today of the death of Florida A&M University’s seventh President and President Emeritus Walter L. Smith, Ph.D. Dr. Smith made an indelible mark as director of the university from 1977 to 1985, developing new academic programs and steering FAMU in the right direction, ”said Robinson, 12th President of FAMU. “We are grateful for his guidance and we celebrate his legacy and, with the Smith family, friends, and Rattlers around the world, celebrate lives dedicated and well lived.”

Commissioner Bill Proctor also offered condolences in the following statement released on Friday afternoon:

“I join the members of our community who have been raised about the loss of Dr. Walter Smith, the late President of FAMU, are sad. The most important improvements to the infrastructure under Dr. Smith’s tenure as President of FAMU will remain a given long into the future. Dr. Smith was an excellent public speaker and storyteller. His fascinating mastery of meticulous historical details made him a walking encyclopedia. His books and writings, particularly on Florida’s Historic Black Community College system and work abroad in Africa, are timeless contributions worthy of review. His presence at the Bethel AME Church will also be missed. He was engaging, articulate, insightful, and always ready to discuss a range of topics. In the conversation you always had to bring your “A” game with you and be ready to talk to Dr. Smith claim. Words and thoughts flowed endlessly through the channels of his well-constructed cognitive center. Getting through a football game and talking to Dr. Disagreeing with Smith was the ultimate scream of his life ir was the world’s leading color commentator, unsurpassed by anyone! We valued and benefited from his trust, skill and vision. Therefore, may God bless his family with comforting grace and healing mercy. Amen”

The funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced.

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