Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIII, Issue I - Spring 2019 | Page 17

A
memorial service was held for Robert W. Judson Jr.,
Ed.D., former president of Pasco-Hernando State
College, in October, 2018. Judson, who passed away on
September 17, 2018, was the College’s second president and
among the institution’s first employees in 1972. “The memorial
service is our way to celebrate the life of Bob Judson and
to honor his remarkable leadership at our College and in our
communities,” said Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D.
in Louisiana where he honed his leadership skills as a campus
activist, organizing peaceful protests. Amidst the turbulent
1960s, he left SU, returned home to marry his high school
sweetheart, Ellen Atkins, and enlisted in the Army. Judson said
enlisting was “the single most influential decision in my life…I
learned a greater sense of discipline.”
In 1966, after touring Europe as a member of the Army’s All-
Europe football team, Judson, under the GI bill, enrolled
in Florida A&M University where he studied European
history. He graduated in 1969. Then, in 1972, Judson
graduated from Florida A&M with a master’s degree in
counseling. Also in 1972, he joined the under construction
Pasco-Hernando Community College as a recruiter and
counselor/instructor, hired by President Milton O. Jones,
Ph.D., the College’s founding president. On his 31 st
birthday, August 31, 1972, Judson taught the College’s
first course ever offered. Subsequently, he received his
doctorate in education in 1976, and in 1977 became
dean at the College’s East Campus in Dade City, then its
provost, followed by College vice president and executive
vice president.
Judson made Florida history in 1994, becoming the first
African-American to be named president in the Florida
Community College System. He succeeded the retiring Dr.
Jones. “Together, with his Board and his administration,
he added and expanded programs, erected new
buildings, purchased property for expansion, and raised
funds to support the College, through his tenure (1972-
2005). He was admired and respected for his vision and
his authenticity,” said Beard.
Dr. Judson, his devoted wife, Ellen, displaying
a portrait of the College’s first three presidents.
The College’s second president was
passionate about his family, faith,
community, and higher education. As a
child, he developed a strong work ethic,
helping to support his large, struggling
family. From an early age, he valued
education and college was part of his plan.
Judson attended Southern University (SU)
Judson was recognized for his community outreach
efforts, among them, the Dr.
Carter G. Woodson Award for
contributing to the preservation of
African-American life and history
in the district. In an interview
for PHSC’s 30-year anniversary
commemorative book, Judson
said, “I want to be known as
a president who intelligently
expands the College for the good
of all concerned…I hope I’m
remembered as a president who
was sensitive to the needs of our
students, faculty, and staff. Most of
all, I hope I’ve distinguished myself
as a president who helped make
(the College) a wonderful place to
learn and work.”
Dr. Judson was known for his sense
of humor and infectious laughter.
SPRING 2019
17