Badger’s Term Ends on Trustee Board

Robert Woody ( Right) and Solomon Badger III ( Left)

By Navael Fontus
Outlook Writer

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Trustee Board Chairman Solomon Badger’s term recently ended after several years serving his alma mater.

Badger, who has served on the board of trustees since 2007, has been replaced by Robert Woody, a retired deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed Woody to the position in late March.

Badger saw FAMU go through hardship and good fortune, from FAMU’s accreditation issues in 2007 and 2011, to the birth of a new era and president. His term began in 2007 when he completed the term of his predecessor and was elected again for a second term in 2011.

Badger is not new to sitting on boards. He was a board member on the Florida Bar Foundation, board member for the Agape Community Health Center and a member on the Board of Advisors for CIVIC Concern Inc.

He expressed gratitude for his time spent as a trustee.

“It was a fantastic experience,” said Badger. “I had an opportunity to give back to FAMU through more than just funding. I had the experience to give input to the interim and current president. I had a good working board that was very productive and got a lot of things done.”

Though Badger is optimistic about his replacement, others are disappointed about his departure.

“I knew he was up for reappointment. I didn’t know and I haven’t heard anyone from the governor’s office say why they replaced him. I was surprised because I had gotten the impression that he (would be) reappointed. So when I read it in the news, I was quite surprised,” said FAMU Trustee Marjorie Turnbull.

Nevertheless, he will be missed by fellow board members.

“He was an outstanding chairman,” said Turnbull. “He was fair, always listened to other people and always put the university first. During tough times he held it all together.”
“Dr. Badger was an excellent trustee! He served with honor and distinction. He was and is one of the most strongest and committed voices for a stronger Florida A&M,” former FAMU Trustee Rev. R.B Holmes Jr., said.

Badger admitted that he will miss creating fond memories with his fellow board members.

“Every day we met was a memory, because I was giving back to my alma mater, ” said Badger.

Badger takes pride in his alma mater. Altogether his family obtained 13 degrees from FAMU ranging from his sisters to his sons.

Woody, Badger’s replacement, served on the Santé Fe College Board of Trustees in 1990 where he was also chairman. He again served in 1994 and 1998 and once more in 2012. He was named state Trustee of the Year by the Florida Association of Community Colleges in 1994.

Woody will also continue to serve on the Santé Fe College’s trustee board pending approval from the Florida Senate.

With his free time, Badger now plans to take the time to rest at home with his wife in Jacksonville Fla.