Broward Culpepper Expanded State's University System

The Miami Herald
Saturday, April 7, 1990
Section: Local, Page: 4b

Broward Culpepper, the architect of Florida's expanded university system, died Friday at the age of 83.

During his tenure, university campuses were added in Tampa, Boca Raton, Pensacola and Orlando, despite the opposition of the University of Florida, Florida State and Florida A&M.

His career spanned 44 years, 34 of them in Florida. He was director of institutional research at Florida State College for Women and dean of students when FSCW became Florida State University. He also helped found the Seminole football team.

Mr. Culpepper was responsible for strengthening the top executive position for Florida's higher-education system.

From 1954 to 1965, he was executive director of the Florida Board of Control, the forerunner of the Florida Board of Regents. In 1965, he was named the university system's first chancellor and held that position for three years.

"Broward made it possible for me to be chancellor as opposed to holding the title," said Robert B. Mautz, who
succeeded him as chancellor.

Born in Perry, Fla., he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, a master's from Ohio State University and a doctorate from Columbia University.

After leaving Florida's university system in 1968, he went to Texas to become vice president of Texas Woman's University in Denton.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Dunn Culpepper, two sons (John Blair Culpepper and Philip Bruce Culpepper) and four grandchildren.

The family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the Baptist Children's Home, 8415 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee 32301, or to a favorite charity.

Culpepper Ancestry: Broward is John Broward Culpepper, son of John O. Culpepper, son of John Sampson Culpepper, son of John Cowan Culpepper, son of Sampson Templeton Culpepper, son of John (and Aggy) Culpepper, son of Joseph Culpepper, son of Robert Culpepper, born 1664 in Norfolk, VA.

Culpepper Descendants within our "Interesting Folks" section: Sons John Blair Culpepper, banker; and Philip Bruce Culpepper, attorney; and grandson, John Broward "Brad" Culpepper, Tampa Bay Bucs defensive tackle.

Last Revised: 18 Nov 2001