In Memoriam: Alumna Dr. Marvalene Hughes, Pioneer and Supporter of Education

Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences mourns the recent passing of esteemed alumna Dr. Marvalene Hughes. Hughes received her doctoral degree from the former FSU College of Education in Counseling and Administration in 1969.

Throughout her career, Hughes inspired progress and provided transformational leadership in a variety of settings. She was one of the first African American PhD graduates from Florida State University and a Grad Made Good recipient. She later completed postdoctoral work at Harvard University and would later receive an honorary doctorate from Brown University. Her passion for higher education would lead her to top positions at Arizona State University, the University of Toledo, and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She would eventually become president of California State University, Stanislaus and then Dillard University.

On top of her leadership, Hughes published impactful research related to education, human behavior, behavior, diversity, and organizational management. Her love for research inspired her to become involved in FSU’s Council on Research in Education (CORE) Committee. The first CORE Conference took place at the former FSU College of Education in 2007, and in 2009 Hughes generously pledged support for the event and became a co-sponsor.

“We’re saddened at the passing of Dr. Hughes,” said Damon Andrew, dean of Anne’s College. “She was an inspirational individual and left her mark not just on our college, but on Florida State University as a whole. I recall Marvalene’s passion for education and its transformational power as well as her excitement and support for the important research spotlighted at the Marvalene Hughes Research in Education Conference.”

Dean Emerita Marcy Driscoll worked with Hughes for a number of years and developed a friendship. “Dr. Hughes had an intensity for research rarely seen and truly understood the vital role scholarship plays in the foundation of our college. Every time she came to our research conference, she had such an intensity for the work our students and faculty were doing. You could tell that education was more than just a career for her; it was a calling.”