TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Funeral services have been announced for former Florida State University President Thomas Kent Wetherell.
T.K.'s funeral service will be held on Friday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at Florida State University’s Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m.
A reception will follow on the Westcott Plaza. Later on, a private graveside service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the Southern Scholarship Foundation Fund at the FSU Foundation. Checks need to be made payable to the FSU Foundation or to Big Bend Hospice.
Former FSU President T.K. Wetherell dies at 72
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Former Florida State University President Thomas Kent Wetherell passed away this weekend.
He was the first FSU alumnus to become its president. He held that title from 2003 to 2010.
Everyone called him "TK" from college freshmen to some of the most powerful politicians in Florida.
After retiring from the presidency he worked to improve higher education in Florida.
"He was a great leader he gave opportunity for students all over Florida with passion and humor with a design on improving every day," said Dr. Ed Moore, WTXL Political Contributor. "I don't know if I ever met anyone that was as heart driving as he was to change for the better for the better."
He also served as President of Tallahassee Community College from 1995 to 2001.
And he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1980 to 1992.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) – Former Florida State University President Thomas Kent Wetherell has passed away at the age of 72.
Officials say Wetherell passed away on Sunday.
From college freshmen to the most powerful politicians in Florida, all called him “T.K.”
From 2003 to 2010, Wetherell, who at his death held the title of FSU president emeritus as a sign of honor, was the first alumnus of Florida State to become its president.
He brought a wealth of experience and dedication to the institution that raised its stature on many levels.
After retiring from the presidency, Wetherell continued working to improve higher education as a professor in the College of Education and director of the Center for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Innovation.
“As a veteran lawmaker, tireless supporter of higher education and then as president, T.K. used his energy and intellect to not only lead FSU through a severe budget crisis but to make sure it flourished in so many ways,” said President John Thrasher. “He was a remarkable person and a great friend.”
Along with his many accomplishments, Wetherell served in the Florida House of Representatives 1980-1992, including two years as House Speaker. He also served as president of Tallahassee Community College 1995-2001.
As a result of Wetherell’s advocacy and service, Florida State is a better university today, said Jim Smith, who served as chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees during Wetherell’s tenure.
“Carole and I have had a wonderful relationship with T.K. and Ginger for many years,” Smith said. “They are among our closest friends, and it was a special privilege to marry them in 1988. A highlight for me was to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees during part of his presidency of FSU, where he did many wonderful things for Florida State and the Tallahassee community. His passing leaves a big hole in our lives.”
