Former Florida A&M University trustee William "Bill" Jennings, has died. Jennings, an alumnus of FAMU, served on its board of trustees from 2001 to 2013.
Jennings earned a degree in mathematics from Florida A&M University in 1969, and later served in the Army. He was a member of the FAMU R.O.T.C. and worked his way up to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
FAMU President Elmira Mangum and Board of Trustees Chairman Rufus Montgomery issued a joint statement:
"Thereafter, Mr. Jennings spent most of his thirty-year professional career with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (Orlando International Airport) and most notably as its Executive Director for six years prior to his retirement.
A man of great adventure and tenacity, Mr. Jennings possessed a private pilot's license and passionately loved to fly planes as often as he could.
In addition, Mr. Jennings served Florida A&M University with great dignity and distinction as an inaugural member of the FAMU Board of Trustees. His service included four years as Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Jennings received an honorary doctorate at FAMU's Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony in recognition of his body of work and commitment to the University.
Mr. Jennings was also recognized as being a significant driving force in the establishment of the American Beach Museum in American Beach, Florida, which commemorates the life and work of the great businessman and entrepreneur, Abraham Lincoln Lewis.
Those who knew him understand what he meant to FAMU and what FAMU meant to him and his family. We will certainly miss Mr. Jennings' unwavering leadership and loyalty to FAMU while forever being reminded of his kind and intentional legacy of keeping 'FAMU First.'
As we celebrate his life during this time of transition, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his family.”
