This file contains administrative, financial, legal, and operational records related to President William H. Gray’s involvement with Bethune–Volusia Beach, Inc. between 1943 and 1949. Materials document corporate governance, land acquisition efforts, stockholder relations, financial reporting, and development planning associated with the organization.

Included within the file is correspondence exchanged between President Gray and key associates and stakeholders of Bethune–Volusia Beach, Inc., including Secretary L. G. Hale, land investor Leonard R. Levy, attorney and land investor L. E. Thomas, attorney Andrew O. Wittreich, real estate brokers George W. Powell and J. W. Robinson, contractor F. E. Watson, businessman Elmer A. Yelvington, and insurance executive G. D. Rogers of Central Life Insurance Company. The correspondence reflects discussions regarding land purchases, stock distribution, financial obligations, loan proposals, corporate structuring, and development strategy.

The file also includes financial reports (auditor’s reports and loan proposals), land purchase agreements and contracts, operating information, stationery and business forms, maps, magazine coverage (including a February 1948 issue of Ebony), and black-and-white photographs documenting aspects of the organization’s activities.

Materials are arranged alphabetically by subject and correspondent, and chronologically within each file where applicable. Collectively, these records provide insight into President Gray’s leadership role in supporting the development, financial management, and legal coordination of Bethune–Volusia Beach, Inc., reflecting broader efforts toward African American land ownership, investment, and economic empowerment during the mid-twentieth century.

This file consists of an oversized scrapbook titled “Florida and Education,” compiled by Florida A&M College under the leadership of President William H. Gray between 1946 and 1947. The scrapbook documents developments in education policy, institutional growth, and public discourse surrounding African American education in Florida during the immediate post–World War II period.

The volume likely contains newspaper clippings, printed reports, correspondence excerpts, institutional memoranda, and related ephemera highlighting educational reform efforts, state-level discussions, and advocacy initiatives connected to Florida A&M College and broader educational advancement for African Americans.

The scrapbook is noted as fragile and in deteriorating condition. The material is described as crumbling and in need of conservation treatment. Handling restrictions apply, and the item is marked “Do Not Handle.” Researchers may require supervised access or digitized surrogates where available.

The file provides insight into President Gray’s documentation practices and his engagement with public education reform in Florida during the mid-1940s, a period marked by increasing calls for educational equity and institutional expansion.

This file contains materials dating from 1941 to 1972 generated during the presidency of Florida A&M College (FAMC) President Dr. William H. Gray, Jr. The records are arranged alphabetically by subject and correspondent and include correspondence with other universities, colleges, public officials, and educational institutions. The alphabetical arrangement reflects Gray’s administrative filing structure, particularly in relation to inter-institutional communications and external partnerships.

The materials document President Gray’s leadership during a critical period of institutional expansion, wartime transition, post-war growth, and early civil rights advocacy. Correspondence with other universities and schools illustrates academic collaboration, graduate program development, faculty advancement, accreditation matters, and broader discussions affecting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

In addition to university correspondence, the files include administrative records, speeches, research materials, legislative interactions, financial documentation, public statements, community program materials, and personal papers. Collectively, these records provide insight into FAMC’s governance, academic planning, public engagement, and institutional development from the early 1940s through the early 1970s. They reflect the evolving role of FAMC within state and national educational frameworks and document Dr. Gray’s impact on higher education leadership during the segregation and early desegregation eras.

This series contains materials dating from 1936 to 1972 generated during the presidency and professional career of Dr. William H. Gray, Jr., President of Florida A&M College (FAMC). The files are arranged alphabetically by subject and correspondent, including correspondence with other universities and educational institutions, which are organized in alphabetical order.

The materials document Dr. Gray’s administrative leadership, scholarly contributions, public addresses, organizational affiliations, and institutional governance activities. Subjects represented within this grouping include journal articles authored by Gray, speeches and reports, educational studies, organizational records, national educational conferences, and correspondence with higher education institutions and professional associations.

The series reflects Dr. Gray’s role in shaping higher education policy, advancing academic standards at historically Black colleges, and engaging in regional and national discussions on education, civil rights, and institutional development. Collectively, these papers provide insight into mid-20th-century educational reform, Black institutional leadership, and the evolving landscape of higher education during and after segregation.

This file contains materials dating from 1938 to 1949 generated during the presidency of Florida A&M College President Dr. William H. Gray, Jr. The materials are arranged alphabetically by subject and correspondent and include correspondence, organizational records, annual reports, brochures, and committee documentation related to external institutions and affiliated organizations.

The correspondence to other universities, schools, and affiliated entities is organized in alphabetical order by organization and individual correspondent, reflecting standard administrative filing practices of the Office of the President. Within this grouping are records associated with Bethune–Volusia Beach, Inc. (BVBI), including annual reports, board and committee reports, brochures, and extensive correspondence with officers, directors, investors, and staff.

Collectively, these papers provide insight into President Gray’s administrative leadership, institutional partnerships, civic engagement, and involvement in regional development initiatives during the late 1930s and 1940s. The records document governance structures, financial oversight, promotional activities, and strategic planning efforts connected to both Florida A&M College and affiliated organizations, illustrating the broader social, educational, and economic networks in which the institution operated during this period.

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!