Dr . Beard with mother , Dorothy Beard , on his graduation with a Ph . D . from Florida State University . -- August 1998 Right : Tim Beard and his second grade class at Washington Elementary School in 1969 , pre-integration .
Tim ’ s character was shaped by his childhood experiences . “ My parents raised us into the church ,” says Veronica , “ and instilled Christian moral values in all of us .” Terrell recalls that honesty was paramount ; stealing or lying was forbidden . Despite their own lack of formal academic training , Roosevelt and Dorothy encouraged their children to pursue opportunities in higher education . Terrell earned a master ’ s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from Florida State University ( FSU ), and Tim holds a Ph . D . in Rehabilitation Counseling , with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration , also from FSU . “ Tim pushed himself and did everything to the best of his ability ,” Veronica says . “ My mom would be elated to know that Tim had become a college president .” Dorothy Faison Beard died in 2001 , but her spirit remains alive , keeping the siblings close and connected .
At an early age , Tim , the third youngest , took on a supervisory role when he and the youngest kids , Veronica and Leonard , were home alone . While at first resistant to Tim ’ s authority , Veronica grew to appreciate her “ next-to ” brother ’ s generosity in teaching her useful skills , like how to tell time and tie shoelaces . The brothers , especially Tim , Derrick ( now deceased ) and Terrell , were protective of Veronica , a stance they carried into adulthood by acting as fathers to Veronica ’ s three sons when their biological dad was absent . Veronica ’ s oldest son , Roderick , ran cross country in high school with uncles Tim and Terrell in attendance at every meet .
Terrell calls his brother “ a tremendous athlete ,” remembering the pride he felt watching Tim play Little
League Baseball . Tim excelled in baseball and football , nurturing his passion for the former by trekking a mile each way to a store where he could buy newspapers and read about his fan-favorite St . Louis Cardinals . In the 10th grade , Tim felt called to ministry and decided to forgo some sports , a decision that disappointed many people who were impressed by Tim ’ s athletic prowess .
Tim never did anything halfway and wanted to devote himself entirely to ministry . He was , says Veronica , “ a perfectionist , serious about whatever he did .” Yet he also had a good sense of humor , keeping his family entertained by combining his knowledge of sports with a knack for improvisation . Using a soft drink can as a prop , Tim would mimic ABC sports broadcaster Howard Cosell and take on the roles of quarterback , receiver , commentator and crowd , running through the house delivering enthusiastic play-by-play accounts of real or imaginary games .
The habits Tim developed in childhood and adolescence served him well as a young adult . Tenacity , academic excellence and fidelity were evidence of his parents ’ formative influence . Both Terrell and Veronica describe Tim as an independent thinker who enjoyed argument and debate , which could have led to a career in law . After graduating with honors from Port St . Joe High School , he enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University ( FAMU ).
While a student at FAMU , Tim met Wendy Gavin , his future wife and mother of their three children . Tim attended services in Tallahassee at the Progressive Church of Our
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