Florida A&M University (FAMU) will present Cleastor William “Bill” Jennings, Jr. with an honorary doctorate degree during the Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 13.
“He is recommended for this coveted recognition because of his extraordinary commitment to FAMU and his notable professional accomplishments,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson.
Jennings, better known as “Bill”, graduated from FAMU in 1969 with a degree in mathematics. He went on to serve in the United States Armed Forces, becoming a member of the noted Tuskegee Airmen.
He spent most of his professional career with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (Orlando International Airport), serving as director of airport operations, deputy director, and most notably executive director for the last six-years of his 30 year tenure there. Under his leadership, the Orlando International Airport made unparalleled strides. It gained national recognition for its Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program, which Jennings started and the airport was ranked #4 in the nation. He is also credited with spearheading the move that encouraged airlines to invest $3.4 billion to build the south terminal of the Orlando International Airport.
Jennings is an inaugural member of the FAMU Board of Trustees, having served Florida A&M University in that capacity for more than 12 years, four years as its chair.
The recommendation to bestow the honorary doctorate was presented to and approved by the FAMU Faculty Senate at its November 2013 meeting. The FAMU Board of trustees approved the recommendation at a special called meeting in December.
