The Alumni Association was pleased to present Dr. Elson S. Floyd (’74) with the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award at this year’s Alumni Weekend Darlington Celebration, held Oct. 15 in Morris Chapel.
“This award recognizes the achievements and services of exemplary alumni who have graduated at least 10 years prior to consideration for the award,” Lauren Ledbetter, alumni relations officer, said.
As a member of Darlington’s Class of 1974, Dr. Elson S. Floyd was a resident student from Henderson, N.C. While at Darlington, Floyd roomed with Thom Young, Class Agent for 1974, and was a member of the track and basketball teams, as well as a co-captain of the varsity football team. He was president of “Y” Cabinet, Student Council president, vice president of the Explorers, Honor Council vice president and participated in many social school activities, including Advisory Committee and Social Committee. Floyd was a proctor who was voted “Class Favorite” and received the Who’s Who Award. He was also Darlington’s first African-American graduate.
“I am deeply flattered to be receiving this award. It’s a privilege for me to be recognized in this way,” Floyd said. “My high school days at Darlington really did instill in me not only the intellectual ability to succeed in college and graduate school, but also honed some of the values that are so much a part of my personality. The School provided a well-rounded educational experience and became my family away from home.
“Darlington is a rich laboratory of incredible teachers who are always right there with you, influencing your life not only in subject matter, but throughout the total environment of the School,” he continued. “While there are many alums so much more deserving of this award, there is not a single one who is more grateful.”
After graduating from Darlington, Floyd earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Speech, a Master of Education in Adult Education, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher and Adult Education, all from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is now president of the four-campus University of Missouri System in Columbia, Mo. Among other honors, Floyd is the 2004 recipient of the James C. Kirkpatrick Award given by the Northwest Missouri Press Association for public service.
Prior to his appointment at the University of Missouri, Floyd served as president of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo for more than four years. While president of Western Michigan University, he also was a tenured faculty member in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Leadership.
Floyd spent 1995 through 1998 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he served as chief administrative and operating officer and the senior official responsible for business and finance, human resources, auxiliary enterprises, student affairs, information technology, university advancement and development and enrollment management.
Previously, Floyd served for two years as executive director of the Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, the agency responsible for statewide coordination, planning, oversight, policy analysis and student financial aid programs for Washington’s post-secondary education system. From 1990 to 1993, he served as vice president for student services, vice president for administration and executive vice president at Eastern Washington University. In the latter capacity, he was the university’s chief operating officer.
Floyd began his career in 1978 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he held deanships in the Division of Student Affairs, the General College and the College of Arts and Sciences. From 1988 to 1990, he was assistant vice president for student services for the UNC system office, where he helped develop and articulate student affairs and academic affairs policy for the 16-campus university system.
Floyd is also extremely active in several civic and professional organizations. He is a member of Rotary International, the United Way, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the Association for the Study of Higher Education and the Education Commissions of the States. He and his wife, Carmento, have two children, Jessica and Kenny.
Darlington School continues to benefit from its relationship with Floyd. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees and a Visitor Emeritus. In 1994, a merit scholarship was established by the Grizzard Family in his honor. The Elson S. Floyd Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more Darlington students, either male or female, of African-American descent, who possess strong character and good citizenship skills. To date, nine students have received this scholarship.
Nominees for the Distinguished Alumnus Award must have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following areas since graduating from Darlington: notable achievement within an occupational or professional field; service to his or her community, state or nation; service to the arts, sciences or humanitarian causes; or loyalty to Darlington, as demonstrated by service and/or financial support of its students, faculty, athletic programs, Alumni Association or Board of Trustees.
After nominations have been solicited from the alumni body, the award recipient is selected by an Executive Committee of the Alumni Council, composed of the president of the Alumni Council, the chairman of the Board of Trustees and the alumni relations officer.
