October 8, 2025

Tallahassee State College Inducts New Hall of Fame Members

News Summary

Tallahassee State College has inducted 14 new members into its Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the college and community. Notable inductees include Jonathan Kilpatrick and Debra Austin, among others, bringing the total number of members to 209. The college also announced that nominations for next year’s Hall of Fame are now open until August 1. This event highlights the important role of alumni in various sectors across Florida.

Tallahassee, Florida – Tallahassee State College (TSC) has officially inducted 14 new members into its Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame for 2025, an honor regarded as the highest award given to alumni and supporters of the institution. This significant achievement brings the total membership of the Hall of Fame to 209 members.

Among the newly inducted members are notable figures such as Jonathan Kilpatrick, a current member of the TSC Board of Trustees, and Debra Austin, recognized for her contributions as a veteran educator and for being the first Black woman to serve as chancellor of the State University System of Florida from 2003 to 2005. The inductees were selected based on criteria that included their professional achievements, impact on society, and support of TSC.

Heather Mitchell, who serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the TSC Foundation, has expressed pride in how the Hall of Fame has evolved over the years. In her remarks, she emphasized the significant contributions the inductees have made both to the college and the surrounding community.

The release also highlighted that nominations for the upcoming year’s Hall of Fame are now open to the public until August 1, with submissions being accepted online. This will allow more individuals to take part in honoring remarkable alumni and friends who have made a difference.

Induction Significance and Community Impact

TSC alumni have established themselves in various sectors across Florida, making meaningful contributions to their workplaces and communities. Previous Hall of Fame inductees have included a diverse range of individuals such as educators, veterans, public officials, business leaders, and financial supporters, all of whom have significantly impacted their fields.

New Leadership at TSC

In recent governance developments, Eugene Lamb Jr. was elected as the new Chair of the TSC District Board of Trustees, succeeding Trustee Karen Moore. Lamb, who has been a trustee since his initial appointment in 2007, holds strong ties to TSC and the local community. He previously served as a commissioner for Gadsden County and has held various roles in local government, reinforcing his commitment to the region.

Frank Messersmith, a long-time trustee who has been in service since 1999, was elected as Vice-Chair of the board. Lamb’s leadership has garnered notable recognition, including the Southern Region Trustee Leadership Award in 2023 and being named Trustee of the Year in 2024.

A Look at the Inductees

The newly inducted members have made significant strides in their respective fields, showcasing excellence in sports, education, and community service. Among them are prominent athletic figures from Florida State University (FSU), recognized for their achievements in various sports disciplines, including awards and championships.

Conclusion

The induction ceremony and the associated recognition serve as a testament to the continuing legacy of Tallahassee State College and its alumni. By honoring individuals who embody the values of dedication, service, and excellence, TSC not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires future generations to strive for greatness.
In conclusion, TSC continues to foster a rich community of achievers, as reflected in the growth and significance of its Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame.

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Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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