FAMU agriculture legends selected for honor

Today, two of FAMU’s legendary leaders in agriculture will be honored in memoriam at the 66th Session of the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference (PAWC). Each year, the PAWC pays tribute to former agriculture professionals who have served at land-grant institutions. This year, FAMU will be recognized for its legacy in producing leaders in agricultural education.

The late Courtney Emery “C.E.” Walker, who served at FAMU from 1948-1976 in the School of Agriculture and Home Economics and in the Office of Sponsored Research, was the first dean of the School of Agriculture established when Florida A&M College gained university status. He was instrumental in establishing the Perry-Paige building as an academic center and provided leadership in organizing two credit unions for farmers in Jackson County.

Walker was also a dedicated community advocate credited with developments leading to a land-swap between FAMU and the City of Tallahassee that resulted in the building of the Walker-Ford Recreational Center and Smith-Williams Service Center, a 20,000 square foot facility that is named in his honor.

The late Edward Scott, a distinguished alumnus (FAMU Classes of 1941/1956) and an outstanding educator in Madison County, will be recognized for a lifetime of service dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural residents. Scott was an exceptional educator and mentor who influenced countless young men to pursue and obtain college degrees.

His son, Rev. Edward R. Scott, II, feels three important characteristics stand out in his memories of his father.

“My father was a strong Christian man who lived according to his faith in God to be an outstanding husband to my mother and the ideal father who taught me to be a man,” Scott said. “He could have advanced to many higher positions in education and excelled; however, he was committed to making a difference for young people in our local community through the educational programs of his alma mater.”

Ray Mobley and Lawrence Carter – Cooperative Extension administrators in FAMU’s College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture – will be the guest lecturers who will present the notable accomplishments of Walker and Scott at the conference.

Deidre Walker Powell, associate professor at FAMU, and Scott, II, owner of Faith Dental Center and a FAMU alumnus, will be presented plagues to commemorate the memories of the two land-grant heroes.