LEADERSHIP
PROFILES
Robert W . Judson , Jr ., Ed . D .
Second President 1994 - 2005
For Robert W . Judson , Jr . ( 1941- 2018 ), leadership meant taking care of people . The oldest boy in a family of seven children , he became “ the man of the house ” in the second grade when his parents separated . In addition to keeping up with schoolwork , Judson ’ s childhood in Pompano Beach was filled with long hours of hard work as a picker in snake-infested farm fields , but he later told a reporter that laboring in the hot Florida sun to support his single-parent family had made him more compassionate . After graduating from Blanche Ely High School , Judson attended Southern University in Baton Rouge but was expelled with all other out-of-state students . The state asked the students to leave because of civil rights activities that allegedly led to campus unrest . He served in the Army in Europe , and after an honorable discharge , graduated with bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees from Florida A & M University . He excelled in football as a defensive end throughout his college and Army career .
Those who knew him as a colleague and the second president of then Pasco-Hernando Community College ( PHCC ) would add competent to compassionate . His voice and demeanor projected authority balanced by warmth . He could make tough but fair decisions . He knew College employees ’ first names and listened attentively to them . Former District Board of Trustees ( DBOT ) member James Yant says , “ He was easy to talk to , and that was one of the major attributes of Dr . Judson .”
Yant also references Judson ’ s steady rise through the College ranks , as he grew professionally along with the institution . After an honorable discharge from the Army , Judson was hired in 1972 as PHCC ’ s first instructor and counselor / recruiter ; he became the College ’ s first financial aid coordinator in 1973 . Having earned an Ed . D . ( Doctor of Education ) degree from the University of Florida in 1976 , Judson advanced to positions as dean , provost , vice president , executive vice president , and , in 1994 , president of PHCC , making history as the first African American leader of a Florida community college . Judson ’ s ten years as president were marked by
Dr . Judson was among the College ’ s first employees . He was known for his ” abiility to address concerns and cordial disposition .
growth . By 2000 , enrollment was up 10 %. A new health programs building and a childcare center were built on the West Campus . On East Campus , a new Public Service Technology building was constructed . The North Campus was remodeled , and land was purchased for a new Spring Hill campus . Judson created new programs and a partnership with the University of South Florida through which students could earn bachelor ’ s degrees . He also established a relationship with Don Porter , leading to a $ 6 million donation of ranch land that would become the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch under the administration of Dr . Katherine M . Johnson , the College ’ s third president .
Current President , Timothy L . Beard , Ph . D ., describes Judson as “ a remarkable leader ” who “ worked his way up the ladder , knew every inch of the College , understood our students , and helped realize the College ’ s potential .” He believed that the power of education freed people from hardship and poverty . In his own words , Judson wanted to be remembered “ as a president who helped make the College a wonderful place to learn and work .”
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