Dr. Beard's Bio

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) approved the 12-month contract of Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. Beard, who served as president of Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) from 2015 until his retirement earlier this year, will begin his tenure on August 5. He succeeds President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who served nearly seven years prior to stepping down. Dr. Beard will serve until the next university president is selected. Dr. Beard earned undergraduate degrees from FAMU and Florida State University (FSU) and a doctoral degree from FSU in 1998 in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Higher Education Administration. Two of his daughters and a son-in-law are FAMU alumni.
Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D.
Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D.

Dr. Timothy Beard's professional profile epitomizes an individual who has fully realized his potential in education and community service. A native of Port St. Joe, FL, and an honor graduate of Port St. Joe High School, Dr. Beard began his academic journey at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 1980. 

Holding undergraduate degrees from both FAMU and Florida State University (FSU), Dr. Beard earned a Ph.D. from FSU in 1998 in Rehabilitation Counseling with a focus on Higher Education Administration. He has also pursued studies at the Christian International Educational Institute in Northwest Florida. 

Dr. Beard commenced his distinguished career in secondary education in 1984 with Leon County Schools as an Instructional Assistant. As a graduate student at FSU from 1985-1987, he served as a Career Advisor and Analyst. From 1987-1989, he worked as a Disability Analyst with the Office of Disability Determinations in Tallahassee. He returned to Higher Education at FAMU in 1989 as an Assistant Director of the Career Center. From 1990-1999, Dr. Beard held several roles at the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, including Director of Career Services, Director of Instructional Research, Director of Minority Student Affairs, Instructor, and Director of Graduate Student Services. 

In 1999, Dr. Beard was appointed Assistant Professor of Health Care Management and Director of Student Affairs in the School of Allied Health Sciences at FAMU. In 2001, he was recognized by his colleagues, President Frederick Humphries, and the University's administration as "Teacher of the Year." In 2000, Dr. Beard was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities, providing oversight to more than 300 Florida and foreign private colleges and universities. 

Dr. Beard's career reached new heights in 2003 when he became the first African American senior administrator in the history of the University of South Alabama in Mobile. There, he served as Dean and Vice-President of Student Affairs from 2003-2007. From 2007-2015, Dr. Beard was the Vice-President of Student Development and Enrollment Management at Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC), now Pasco Hernando State College (PHSC). Under his leadership, the college's enrollment increased by over 40 percent, and several PHSC programs were recognized by the Association of Florida Colleges as "Exemplary Best Practices." In March 2015, Dr. Beard reached the pinnacle of his career when the Pasco-Hernando State College Board of Trustees appointed him as the College’s fourth president. He served in this role for nearly nine years, retiring in January 2024. Dr. Beard now holds the title of President Emeritus. 

Dr. Beard's professional associations and community involvement include serving on numerous boards and advisory councils in several Florida cities, including Tampa, Ocala, Gainesville, Brooksville, Spring Hill, and New Port Richey. His board and council appointments include the Florida College System Council of Presidents (Vice-Chair 2022, Chair 2023), the Impact Center Board of Directors (Vice-President) Tampa, Enduring Faith Ministries Board of Directors-Gainesville, Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board, the Pasco Economic Development Council, and the State of Florida Credential Review Committee. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Beard has been a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate for educational excellence. His contributions to state government and higher education have created a legacy, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness. 

Dr. Beard has been married to Wendy Beard for 38 years. They are proud parents of two daughters: Briana Beard Belle (married to Jeffrey, a FAMU alum), who holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from FAMU, and Sierra Beard, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from FAMU and a Master of Public Health from the University of Georgia.