Elizabeth “Betty” Serow, Ph.D., was honored in spring 2025 for her long-standing contributions to FSU’s Center for Demography and Population Health (CDPH).
Dr. Betty Serow and her late husband, Professor Emeritus of Economics William “Bill” Serow, Ph.D., were long-time supporters of the center. Dr. William Serow was a professor at FSU from 1981 until his untimely death in 2003. During that time, he also served as the director of CDPH from 1990 to 2003. Dr. William Serow dedicated much of his professional life, and time at FSU, to preparing students for careers in applied demography.
Dr. William Serow was a longtime Tallahassee resident who earned his A.B. in economics from Boston College and an M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from Duke University.
“Dr. William Serow was a renowned scholar and instructor,” said John Taylor, Ph.D., the current director of the center. “Both William and Betty Serow have made tremendous contributions to the Center for Demography and Population Health.”
Dr. Betty Serow’s generosity has continued, honoring her husband’s legacy through her involvement and donations, which have had a lasting impact on the center, its faculty, students, and alumni. Dr. Betty Serow’s philanthropy has led to the establishment of the Serow Prize and Serow Scholarship. Both awards are given to students in the Master of Science in Demography program based on their high potential for success and performance in the program.
The Serow Prize has been awarded to one outstanding student, selected by an executive committee and CDPH faculty, since 2005. The Serow Scholarship was created ten years later, in 2015, and is awarded to a student who shows promise in the field of demography.
“Betty Serow has been an extremely generous donor to the center over the years. She has been essential to the establishment of the annual Serow Prize awarded to the center’s top student and the annual Serow scholarship,” said Dr. Taylor. “Equally important, she is a loved and valued unofficial member of the center.”
Dr. Betty Serow has remained closely engaged with the CDPH by regularly attending events, including the annual scholarship ceremony. She has also attended events such as the Brown Bag Lectures and retirement parties for CDPH faculty members.
Her ongoing contributions were recognized by the center’s faculty at a dinner in March 2025. Dr. Taylor presented Betty Serow with a gift in honor of all she has done for the center.
In addition to her commitment to the center, Dr. Betty Serow currently serves as the chair of the membership committee for the Association of Retired Faculty. The association creates opportunities for continued relationships with the university and allows retired faculty to deepen their connections with former and current faculty members.
Dr. Betty Serow’s involvement extends beyond FSU, as she serves as a member and supporter of a number of organizations. She has supported arts organizations such as the Tallahassee Community Chorus and the LeMoyne Arts Gallery; she is also involved with the Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Dr. Betty Serow has made significant contributions to the center, FSU, and Tallahassee. Her involvement has contributed greatly to several organizations.
To learn more about the Serow Prize and Scholarship, click here.