Otis L. Floyd Jr.

 

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Otis L. Floyd Jr. Champions of Education Award

The Otis L. Floyd Jr. Champions of Education Award was established in 19XX to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Otis L. Floyd Jr., a trailblazer in education and public service. Dr. Floyd’s career began humbly in a one-room schoolhouse in rural West Tennessee, where his passion for learning and dedication to shaping young minds took root. From these beginnings, he rose to hold some of the most influential roles in education, including serving as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, President of Tennessee State University, and as the first African American Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Through his leadership, Dr. Floyd broke barriers and laid the foundation for transformative changes in Tennessee’s education system. However, his legacy extends beyond these professional accomplishments. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he was deeply invested in his family’s education, encouraging his grandchildren to pursue quality schooling. His two youngest grandchildren, Nicole Floyd Smith, ’99, and Reggie Floyd, ’02, attended St. Bernard Academy, and Dr. Floyd showed his personal commitment to the school by serving as a member of its Board of Trust, a position he held until his passing in 1993.

The Champions of Education Award celebrates individuals and organizations who, like Dr. Floyd, demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing education, breaking down barriers to learning, and fostering opportunities for future generations. Recipients of this award embody Dr. Floyd’s passion, leadership, and visionary thinking, and are honored at an annual award ceremony. 

2024 recipients of the Otis L. Floyd Jr. Champions of Education Award

Nancy and Philip Mattingly

The Mattingly’s will be recognized at a ceremony on Nov. 7, 2024. For more details and to RSVP visit 

Past recipients of the Otis L. Floyd Jr. Champions of Education Award

Governor Ned Ray McWherter

Jamye Coleman Williams and McDonald Williams

The Sisters of Mercy 

Sister Mary Melanie Boyd, R.S.M. 

Sister Sandra Smithson, O.S.F. and Mary Smithson Craighead

The Dominican Sisters

The 1989 SBA Board of Directors and Sisters of Mercy Board of Directors

Governor Phil Bredesen

US. Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.