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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.

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.

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.8.B.1.2.1 - AC.8.B.1.2.2

This file documents the life, professional career, and institutional impact of Dean Maxwell S. Thomas, a highly respected educator, administrator, and advocate for students at Florida A&M University. Spanning the years 1941 to 1987, with concentrated materials dating from 1973 to 1983, the collection provides a comprehensive view of Thomas’s contributions to higher education, his involvement in key university initiatives, and his broader engagement with community and professional organizations.

Born on June 24, 1907, in Ocala, Florida, Dean Maxwell S. Thomas served as Dean of Mechanical Arts at Florida A&M University and was widely recognized for his leadership, commitment to student development, and dedication to institutional advancement. The materials within this collection reflect his extensive professional network and influence, including correspondence with university presidents, faculty, and external organizations. His work with entities such as the Orange Blossom Classic Committee and the FAMU Foundation is well represented, illustrating his role in shaping both academic and extracurricular aspects of the university. In addition to documenting his professional achievements, the collection also captures personal dimensions of his life, including biographical materials, handwritten notes, and correspondence addressed to his wife, Jacqueline Holloway-Thomas, particularly letters of condolence following his passing in 1983.

The collection consists of manuscripts, photographs, publications, reports, correspondence, organizational records, programs, and printed materials that collectively highlight Thomas’s contributions to Florida A&M University and the broader educational landscape. These materials include annual and financial reports, institutional evaluations, program development documents, and publications that reflect the evolving priorities of the university during the mid- to late-twentieth century. News articles and obituaries further contextualize his legacy, emphasizing his impact as an educator and leader within the Tallahassee community and beyond.

At the time of processing, the collection had no discernible original order. The materials were therefore reorganized by subject and record type, with correspondences grouped by date and organizational records categorized by affiliated institutions or committees. Items were arranged in both alphabetical and chronological order to enhance accessibility and preserve contextual relationships. The collection was rehoused in acid-free folders and archival boxes, expanding to two boxes totaling approximately one linear foot. Processing also included preparation for digitization and the replacement of deteriorating fasteners with archival-safe materials. This collection serves as a significant resource for researchers examining the history of Florida A&M University, African American leadership in higher education, and the institutional development of historically Black colleges and universities during the twentieth century.