Robert Manning Strozier (/strˈʒɛər/; 20 July 1906 – 20 April 1960) was president of Florida State University between 1957 and 1960.[1] The main library on the Tallahassee campus of Florida State University bears his name.

Robert M. Strozier
Strozier c. 1957
6th President of
Florida State University
In office
1957–1960
Preceded byAlbert B. Martin (acting President)
Succeeded byMilton W. Carothers (acting President)
Personal details
Born(1906-07-20)July 20, 1906
McRae, Georgia, United States
DiedApril 20, 1960(1960-04-20) (aged 53)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Spouse
Margaret Burnett
(m. 1936)
Children3
Alma materEmory University, University of Chicago, Sorbonne

Strozier was born July 20, 1906, in McRae, Georgia[1] and graduated from high school in Moultrie, Georgia.[2]

He received a bachelor's and a master's degree from Emory University in 1930 and began his educational career on the faculty of Georgia College for Men at Tifton and was later on the faculties of West Georgia College and the University of Georgia.[1][2]

Strozier did postgraduate work at the Sorbonne and at the University of Chicago, where he was awarded a PhD in 1945.[1]

In 1936 he married Margaret Burnett. They had three children.[1]

Following 1945, Strozier served as professor of romance languages and dean of students at the University of Chicago.[1]

While Dean at the University of Chicago, Strozier was a member of the advisory council of the National Student Association.[2]

On June 27, 1957, Strozier was nominated for the presidency of Florida State University.[2]

Strozier's appointment was necessitated due to the retirement of Doak S. Campbell,[2] who had come to FSU in 1941 for an annual salary of $6,000. Campbell's official duties as president ended on Monday, July 1, 1957, and Albert B. Martin, FSU Vice President served as Acting President until the Florida State Board of Education approved the appointment of Strozier to begin on September 1, 1957.[2]

Strozier's starting salary as president of FSU was $17,500 a year which included an increase of $2,500 made that year.[2]

Strozier returned to the University of Chicago and the Sorbonne as a lecturer on several occasions. While in Chicago for a speaking engagement, Strozier suffered a heart attack and died on April 20, 1960.[1]

At Strozier's death, Milton W. Carothers became acting president to serve until Gordon Blackwell took over the duties of president on September 16, 1960.[3]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Gaskin, Emily (2005). Inventory of the Robert Manning Strozier Speeches and Addresses (PDF). Florida State University Libraries. pp. 2–3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Strozier Named Prexy by Board of Control". Summer Flambeau - FSU Student Newspaper. June 28, 1957. p. 1. Vol. XLIII, No. 2. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
  3. ^ "History". About Florida State. Florida State University. Retrieved 27 January 2010.
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Further reading

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  • Selected Speeches of Robert M. Strozier Strozier, Robert M. (University Press of Florida, 1960) ISBN 0-8130-0475-6