Castor, Betty, 1941-

Former president, University of South Florida.

Born in Glassboro, N.J. in 1941, moved to Florida in 1966; Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, 1972-1976; chair, 1975-1976; state senator, 1976-1978, 1982-1986; Commissioner. Florida Department of Education, 1986-1993; first female president, University of South Florida, 1994-1999; president, National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, 1999.

From the description of [Papers] 1962-1999. (University of South Florida). WorldCat record id: 56917535

Elizabeth “Betty” Bowe Castor-Bell was born to Irish immigrants on May 11, 1941. A native of Glassboro, New Jersey, Castor moved to Florida in 1966, where she became a politician, a proponent of educational causes, and the first female president of the University of South Florida.

Castor’s career has spanned continents, bridged social and political gaps, and afforded numerous awards, honors and appointments. A brief overview of Castor’s educational and political career is as follows:

- Bachelor of Arts, Education (Glassboro State College, New Jersey-- renamed to Rowan College)

- Master of Arts, Education (University of Miami, Florida)

- Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, 1972-1976 (Chair, 1975-1976)

- Senator, State of Florida (1976-1978)

- Senator, State of Florida, representing Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties (1982-1986)

- Florida Commission of Education (1986-1993)

- President, University of South Florida (1994-1999)

- President, National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (1999-)

In accordance, Betty Castor’s most acknowledged achievements include: an Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Florida (2000); the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic’s 1994 Humanitarian Award; recognition as the 1986 Legislator of the Year; the “Class of ‘56” distinction, which the University of South Florida bestows upon non-graduates who have rendered outstanding service to USF and to the community; and the honor of being one of the youngest presidents of Tampa’s League of Women Voters.

From the guide to the Betty Castor papers, 1962-1999, (USF Tampa Library - Special & Digital Collections)