Governor Charlie Crist Appoints Two Board of Trustees Members

Governor Charlie Crist has reappointed Solomon L. Badger, Ed.D. and appointed Torey L. Alston, chief of staff for Broward County Commissioner Albert Jones, to Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Board of Trustees.

Badger and Alston’s term will end January 6, 2015.

“It feels exciting to be reappointed,” said Badger, who is currently retired from a career in education.

During his career, Badger worked as a community college counselor, campus dean of Student Affairs and District Dean of Student Affairs. He has also served as an adjunct professor for graduate research at Nova Southeastern University and as a professor in the School of Teacher Education at Edward Waters College.

“My world is a world of academia,” he said. “I have served in every rank — from the classroom to leadership. Those experiences can help with what the board is trying to do for this university.”

In 2003, Badger was selected by the Florida Supreme Court from a list of three candidates to fill one of two seats reserved for public members on the Florida Bar Board of Governors. After completing an enlistment in the United States Air Force, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees from FAMU in 1963 and 1969, respectively. In 1975, he earned a doctorate in higher education/behavioral studies from Nova Southeastern University.

He lives in Jacksonville, Fla.

Alston previously served as executive director for Florida's Office of Supplier Diversity and interim executive director for the state's Council on Efficient Government. In 2009, he served as vice-chair of the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys.

“I’m very grateful and excited to come back to serve,” said Alston. “I want to thank Gov. Crist for appointing me. I plan to serve the faculty, staff, students and alumni to the best of my ability.”

Alston, a FAMU graduate, received his bachelor’s degree and an MBA with a concentration in marketing and management. While at FAMU, he served in various roles including class president (two terms), student senator and president of the FAMU Student National Alumni Association. Alston is a life member of the NAACP and the FAMU National Alumni Association. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

As a new FAMU Board of Trustees member, Alston wants younger alumni to become more active.

“I want to encourage the younger alumni to become active life members,” said Alston.