News Summary
James L. ‘Jack’ Gant, notable as Florida State University’s first African American dean, passed away on his 98th birthday. His legacy includes a commitment to education and community service, greatly influencing FSU and supporting diversity. Gant’s impact is remembered through his dedication to family and his many achievements in education.
Tallahassee, Florida – James L. “Jack” Gant, who made history as the first African American dean at Florida State University (FSU), passed away on August 8, 2023, coinciding with his 98th birthday. The cause of death was attributed to illnesses, including pneumonia. His legacy is marked by a warm personality and a lifelong commitment to community service.
Gant’s daughter, Jacquelyn Randolph, fondly recollects her father’s unwavering support throughout her sports events, illustrating his dedication as a parent. Gant was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, in 1927, growing up with three siblings in Telogia, Florida. He married Gloria Gant in Tampa, who passed away in February 2022 at the age of 96. The couple had two children, a son who is now deceased and Jacquelyn, the only surviving child.
Gant’s career at FSU began in 1970 when he joined as a temporary instructor in Educational Administration within the College of Education. This marked a significant shift towards increased hiring of African American faculty at FSU during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1974, he was appointed as the dean of the College of Education and served as an associate professor, taking a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape at the university.
In 1982, Gant retired from FSU through an early retirement program and was honored with the title of professor emeritus in 1994. His impact was acknowledged by many, including Freddie Groomes McClendon, a retired FSU administrator, who lauded Gant as both an outstanding dean and a fine gentleman.
Despite facing educational challenges in his youth, Gant persevered and excelled academically. He struggled with reading and failed both first and second grade. However, his mother, a schoolteacher, provided the necessary support, leading him to complete high school early at the age of 15. He graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) at 19 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. His contributions to football earned him induction into the FAMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1985.
Gant held several prestigious leadership positions, including serving as the eighth elected president of the FAMU National Alumni Association from 1965 to 1970. He later earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Indiana University and a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from FSU. Before joining FSU, he worked as a principal in Tampa and with the Florida Department of Education.
In addition to his academic achievements, Gant was a committed member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, where he led diversity training workshops and engaged in community service initiatives. He established an endowment known as the Jack Gant Innovative Community Program Award for College of Education students at FSU, fostering educational opportunities for future generations.
In 2013, Gant published his autobiography titled “An Educator From Telogia,” documenting his life experiences and contributions to education. He is fondly remembered as a “chief of the village,” recognized for his nurturing care and significant contributions to the community.
James L. “Jack” Gant will be remembered not only for his pioneering role at Florida State University but also for his dedication to education, family, and community service. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of educators and students alike.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Jack Gant Remembered as Trailblazer
- Wikipedia: Jamie Gant
- Legacy.com: James Gant Obituary
- Google Search: James Gant
- C & G News: Candidates for Various Offices
- Google Scholar: Jack Gant
- Florida Politics: Ashley Gantt in HD 109
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- New York Times: Family Tradition FSU
- Google News: Jack Gant
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