Location: AC.3.B.1.3.5 - AC.3.B.1.4.3

Genevieve Josephine Wheeler Thomas (1914–December 24, 2006) was an educator whose career spanned 36 years in the field of home economics. She served as a classroom instructor before becoming Dean of the School of Home Economics, where she played a significant role in advancing academic programming and facilities. During her administration, notable developments included the construction and furnishing of a new Home Economics annex within the Perry-Paige Agriculture and Home Economics Building. She concluded her tenure in 1977 after returning to classroom instruction, leaving a lasting impact on both students and institutional growth.

The Genevieve J. Wheeler Thomas Collection consists of three boxes of materials dating from 1949 to 1960, documenting her professional contributions to education and academic administration. The collection includes instructional materials, meeting minutes, correspondence, and related documents that reflect her work as both an educator and administrator.

These materials provide insight into curriculum development, departmental operations, and the evolution of home economics education during the mid-twentieth century. The collection also highlights Wheeler Thomas’s leadership and involvement in institutional planning, particularly during a period of expansion and modernization. Collectively, the records offer valuable documentation of her career and the broader educational landscape in which she served.

Location: AC.4A.3.1.1- AC.4A.2.1.1

Dr. George William Gore, Jr. was a visionary educator and leader whose presidency at Florida A&M University (FAMU) from 1950 to 1968 marked a defining period in the university’s history. Born in Winton, North Carolina, in 1901, Gore grew up during an era when opportunities for African Americans in higher education were severely limited. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically, earning his bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, a master’s degree from Columbia University, and later a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University—a remarkable achievement for an African American scholar of his time.

Before joining FAMU, Dr. Gore built a distinguished career at Tennessee A&I State College (now Tennessee State University), where he served as dean and became known for his insistence on academic rigor and institutional excellence. These same values would define his tenure at Florida A&M.

When Dr. Gore assumed the presidency in 1950, FAMU was still a relatively small college serving African American students in the segregated South. Under his bold and steady leadership, it underwent a period of rapid growth and transformation. One of his most significant achievements came in 1953, when he successfully guided the institution’s transition from Florida A&M College to Florida A&M University. This change represented more than a new name—it signaled FAMU’s emergence as a comprehensive institution of higher learning with expanded graduate programs, improved academic standards, and a growing national reputation.

During his 18-year presidency, Dr. Gore focused on raising the level of scholarship among both students and faculty. He encouraged research, supported professional development, and emphasized the importance of dignity, discipline, and self-respect. His vision led to the construction of new facilities, the establishment of new academic departments, and a significant increase in enrollment. FAMU became widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading historically Black universities under his stewardship.

Even amid the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Gore maintained a steady commitment to education as a pathway to equality and empowerment. He believed deeply that excellence in scholarship and character were essential tools for overcoming social and racial barriers.

Dr. George W. Gore, Jr. retired in 1968, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, progress, and integrity. His influence continues to shape the university he helped build, and the Gore Education Complex on FAMU’s campus stands as a lasting tribute to his life’s work. Through his dedication and vision, Dr. Gore ensured that Florida A&M University would not only grow in size but also in stature—becoming a beacon of opportunity and excellence for generations to come.

Box 2 of the Dean Maxwell and Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas Collection contains materials dated from 1969 to 1976 and further documents the professional, academic, and civic engagements of its creators during this period. This box reflects a strong emphasis on administrative, evaluative, and organizational records, highlighting institutional operations, leadership responsibilities, and broader professional involvement in the early years represented within the collection.

The folders within Box 2 are arranged alphabetically by subject and document type and include files such as Reports – Financial, Reports – Scholarship Reports, Reports – Institutional Self-Evaluation, and Resume, as well as Reports – Annual Reports and Reports – General Reports. Additional subject files include Budget Files, Annual Reports to the Florida Legislature, Information for the President, and materials related to The Florida Postsecondary Association. There is also a Report – Correspondence file that contains administrative communications, including items such as “The President’s Report ” and related institutional correspondence.

Within each folder, the materials are arranged chronologically, allowing for a clear and structured understanding of developments over time between 1969 and 1976. The reports provide insight into financial management, scholarship oversight, and institutional assessment processes, while legislative and administrative documents reflect broader institutional accountability and planning during this period. Correspondence files document communication among administrators, educators, and external stakeholders, illustrating professional networks and decision-making processes.

Location: AC.3.A.3.5.6

The Reverend Elvis W. Spearman Collection consists of one box of materials documenting the professional and spiritual life of Rev. Elvis W. Spearman. Spearman served as postmaster at Florida A&M University until his retirement in 1964 and also held the role of hospital chaplain from 1955 to 1964. He earned an A.B. degree from Legal College and pursued additional studies at Florida A&M University, the University of Chicago, and Deering Community Center.

The collection primarily contains speeches and sermons delivered by Rev. Spearman, reflecting his work in ministry and his engagement with religious and community life. Most of the materials are undated, though they provide valuable insight into his theological perspectives, public speaking, and role as a spiritual leader.

In addition to sermons, the collection includes a small number of documents related to his administrative duties at Florida A&M University. Collectively, these materials offer a glimpse into Spearman’s dual roles in institutional service and religious leadership, highlighting his contributions to the university and its broader community.

This file contains administrative papers and related records dating from 1950 to 1965 generated during the presidency of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President George W. Gore Jr. The materials reflect the routine administrative, financial, and institutional activities of the Office of the President during this period.

The papers include documentation related to faculty rankings, salary analyses, and faculty salary budget scales, as well as records concerning FAMU fire inspections. The file also contains materials related to FAMU football complimentary tickets issued to VIPs. Topics represented include faculty evaluation and compensation, campus safety and compliance, and institutional athletics and public relations.

Collectively, these papers provide insight into Florida A&M University’s administrative oversight of personnel, facilities, and athletics during the mid-twentieth century. The materials illustrate the role of the university presidency in balancing academic personnel management, campus safety, and institutional representation during a period of organizational growth and development.

The FAMU Yearbook Collection consists of yearbooks published by the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (FAMC), Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), and Florida A&M University Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS). The collection documents the academic, social, and cultural life of students, faculty, staff, and alumni through photographs, senior portraits, student records, campus events, athletics, organizations, clubs, fraternities and sororities, academic achievements, and faculty activities. Spanning multiple decades, the collection provides a comprehensive visual and documentary record of the university community and serves as an important resource for research on student life, institutional history, African American education, and the development of Florida A&M University and its affiliated programs.

For more than 130 years, Florida A&M University has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the nation by providing preeminent educational programs...programs that were the building blocks of a legacy of academic excellence with caring. FAMU, “Florida’s Opportunity University,” is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.

In 1884, Thomas Van Renssaler Gibbs, a Duval County educator, was elected to the Florida legislature. Although his political career ended abruptly because of the resurgence of segregation, Representative Gibbs successfully orchestrated the passage of House Bill 133 in 1884. This bill established a white normal school in Gainesville and a school for African Americans in Jacksonville. The bill passed, creating both institutions; however, the state decided to relocate the school for African Americans to Tallahassee.

After the bill’s passage, FAMU was founded on October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and two (2) instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker (1887-1901), an attorney from Pensacola, was chosen as the first president. Former State Representative Gibbs joined Mr. Tucker as the second faculty member.

In 1891, the College received $7,500 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education. The State Normal College for Colored Students became Florida’s land grant institution for African Americans, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.

In 1905, the management of the College was transferred from the Board of Education to the Board of Control. This significant event officially designated the College as an institution of higher education.
In 1909 the name was changed from The State Normal College for Colored Students to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees.

President Nathan B. Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. More faculty were hired, courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received from several state agencies. By the end of Lee’s term, FAMC had 812 students and 122 staff members.

In 1949, under William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion and reorganization continued. The College obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment grew to more than 2,000.

October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and two (2) instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker (1887-1901), an attorney from Pensacola, was chosen to be the first president. Former State Representative Gibbs joined Mr. Tucker as the second faculty member.

President Nathan B. Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today.

In 1949, under William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion and reorganization continued.

Perhaps one of the most outstanding achievements came under the presidency of Dr. George W. Gore (1950-1968).

With Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., at the helm, the 1970s brought further growth to the University.

The 1980s served as a model for productive development. Under the administration of Dr. Walter L. Smith, the University grew to eleven schools and colleges and a division of graduate studies, research, and continuing education.

In 1985, the construction of a new corridor of history began as Dr. Frederick S. Humphries became the eighth president of Florida A&M University. Under his leadership, FAMU experienced significant growth and unsurpassed accomplishments.

Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, FAMU continues to thrive, has implemented new recruitment and retention strategies, has strengthened the university’s academic programs, and more!

Location: AC.2.B.2.3.2 - AC.2.B.2.3.5

Reverend Dr. James L. Hudson, Sr. (1904–1980) was a minister, educator, and civil rights leader. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he graduated from Morehouse College in 1926 and later earned a divinity degree from Colgate-Rochester School of Religion in 1931. He served as a chaplain at Leland College until 1946 before completing doctoral studies at Boston College. Dr. Hudson later joined Florida A&M University as a chaplain and professor, where he founded the Department of Religion and Philosophy and served as its first chair. A close associate of Rev. Charles K. Steele, he played a key role in civil rights efforts, including the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, and was active in organizations such as the Tallahassee Ministerial Alliance and the Inter-Civic Council.

The Reverend Dr. James Hudson, Sr. Collection documents Hudson’s career in ministry, education, and civil rights activism. The collection contains materials related to his work at Florida A&M University, including records associated with the establishment of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, as well as documents reflecting his role as a chaplain and educator.

Additional materials highlight his involvement in civil rights initiatives in Tallahassee, including his collaboration with local religious and community leaders. The collection may include correspondence, sermons, speeches, and organizational records that illustrate his leadership in religious and civic life. Collectively, these materials provide insight into Hudson’s lasting contributions to higher education, faith leadership, and the advancement of social justice.