Florida State University Names College of Education After Alumna Anne Spencer Daves

Florida State University Honors Alumna with Named College

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida State University (FSU) celebrated a significant milestone by officially naming its College of Education, Health and Human Sciences after alumna Anne Spencer Daves. This tribute acknowledges her nearly 30-year history of support for the university and the impact she has made within the educational community.

Announcement and Legacy

In a formal announcement made during a dinner event on campus in late November, FSU President Richard McCullough remarked, “Naming a college is a rare honor. Only a few will realize what that means and what that means to us.” The decision was ratified by FSU’s Board of Trustees over the summer, leading to the college popularly being referred to as Anne’s College.

Financial Support for Future Educators

This renaming comes on the heels of a generous gift from Daves aimed at supporting future educators within the newly named college. Even though the exact amount of her donation remains undisclosed, FSU representatives describe it as “among the most generous and transformational gifts ever given to an education-related college nationwide.” The funds from Daves’ donation will help in making FSU’s Master of Science program in education the most affordable in the country.

A Tribute to Education

Dean of Anne’s College, Damon Andrew, expressed his admiration for Daves, stating, “As a former teacher, Anne understands the transformational power of education firsthand.” Daves, who hails from Polk County, is a former fourth-grade teacher in Central Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from FSU.

Commemorating a Legacy

In recognition of her contributions, FSU had previously established the Anne and John Daves Professor in Education position in 2001. Additionally, the Anne Spencer Daves Fellowships Fund was created in 2009 to support students pursuing education. These efforts reflect Daves’ strong commitment to education and her passion to create opportunities for others, which is partly inspired by her late father who could not complete his own education.

Building a Future

Reflecting on her journey, Daves remarked, “The Seminole drumbeat and my heartbeat kind of came together. It pulled me back here, and I knew then what I wanted to do for my father.” With this heartfelt connection to her family and education, Daves has awarded over 100 scholarships through her funds to students in elementary education.

A Lasting Impact

Following the renaming ceremony, Daves was presented with a diploma bearing the new college name, symbolizing her significant role in shaping FSU’s mission for future educators. President McCullough emphasized Daves’ important contributions by stating, “Her generosity will have a lasting impact, creating opportunities for generations of students to come.”