2023 Distinguished Alumni celebrated for successes, service

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy celebrated 2023 Distinguished Alumni — Mark P. Barnebey, Doby L. Flowers, Fred H. Flowers, and Thomas M. Henderson — during the College’s annual gala on November 17.

Established in 1992, the annual awards honor accomplished alumni for their professional achievements, contributions to society and support of the college and university.

“Our cohort of 2023 Distinguished Alumni are leaders in their respective fields and anchors in their communities. Each of our honorees showcases the power of our graduates to make the world better in ways both big and small,” said Dean Tim Chapin. “We are immensely pleased to honor this esteemed cohort as COSSPP celebrates its 50th Anniversary this academic year.”

Mark P. Barnebey, J.D., serves as a Principal with Blalock Walters, P.A. in Bradenton, Florida. Barnebey is Board Certified in City, County and Local Government Law and has practiced in land use and local government law for the past 40 years. He graduated from Florida State University three times with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and a Juris Doctorate Degree.

Doby L. Flowers broke barriers at FSU, becoming FSU’s first African American Homecoming Queen. She went on to work in public services in high-profile mayoral administrations in Boston and New York for many years, before moving to W. R. Grace & Company, where she became the first global African American executive. In 2018, Doby Flowers and Fred Flowers co-founded FSU’s Civil Rights Institute, which commemorates, celebrates, and studies the U.S. civil rights movement to promote justice and equality at FSU and in communities where we work and serve. Doby Flowers now owns a bed and breakfast in Thomasville, Ga., providing a space for business leaders to organize retreats, network, and learn. Flowers graduated from FSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Urban & Regional Planning.

Fred H. Flowers, J.D., also broke new ground during his time at FSU, as he was the first African American athlete to wear an FSU uniform. Flowers started his own law practice in 1981 and has been serving the Tallahassee community ever since. In 2018, Fred Flowers and Doby Flowers co-founded FSU’s Civil Rights Institute, which commemorates, celebrates, and studies the U.S. civil rights movement to promote justice and equality at FSU and in communities where we work and serve. Flowers completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from FSU.

Thomas M. Henderson is a highly regarded public works and solid waste management administrator in South Florida, California, and Washington, D.C. Before his career in local government, he worked as a journalist for several Florida newspapers and United Press International and for the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from FSU.

For more about each of this year’s honorees, visit coss.fsu.edu/alumni/distinguished-alumni.

View the full album and download original resolution images on our Flickr!

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