It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that School of Education (SOE) Professor Emerita, Dr. Betty Taylor, passed away this weekend. Dr. Taylor joined USF as the Dean of the former College of Professional Studies, after which she transitioned to the School of Education as a faculty member in Organization and Leadership (O&L) and then in International and Multicultural Education (IME).
Dr. Taylor developed a number of classes, many of which drew on her expertise in higher education leadership. The class titled, "Women of Color in Higher Education" was particularly appreciated by students across departments throughout the years given Dr. Taylor's unique and valuable perspective as one of the first few female African American Deans in the country.
Dr. Taylor had a dynamic presence in the SOE, serving on several key committees over the years, contributing to university-wide efforts, and in her support and advocacy of African American and other students of color. In 2011 she was honored, along with Dr. Patricia Mitchell, by the USF African American Studies Program and the Black Scholars Caucus as a "Living Legacy" for her contributions as an African American scholar and leader.
Many of us remember her walking down the second-floor hallway with a box of See's candies in hand, making sure everyone with an open door enjoyed a treat. We are deeply saddened by the news of her passing and will hold her in the light as she wings her way to the next realm.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church on the USF campus on February 24, 2022 at 11:00 am.
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Dr. Taylor’s colleagues, friends, and family.