Alumni of the Year
Chad Reed
Our 2011 Florida Gateway College Alumnus of the year is Captain Chad Reed of Cross City. This is a unique and special award in the history of our college. Captain Reed gave his life in the line of duty in January of 2010 while protecting and serving the people of Dixie County.
Chad’s service to his community was evident throughout his life. At age 12 he completed a 48 hour first responder course. He received his Emergency Medical Technician certification during his senior year of high school. His achievements since graduation from the college were notable and his relationship with the college was ongoing.
Chad earned his Law Enforcement Standards from LCCC in 1998 and went to work for the Dixie County Sheriff’s office. In 2000 he became director of the Dixie County Emergency Management Service and worked tirelessly during the 04 and 05 hurricanes which were especially hard on the people of Dixie County. In 2005 Governor Jeb Bush appointed Chad interim Clerk of the Court. He rejoined the Dixie Sheriff’s office in 2007 as the agency’s public information officer. It was during this time that he started the DARE program at both elementary schools, a neighborhood watch program as well as a defensive driving course.
Chad’s co-workers describe him as a one-of-a-kind individual. He served his community in a number of ways; Emergency Medical Technician, Police officer, firefighter, Emergency Manager, and grant writer. His peers in the state of Florida elected him President of the Florida Emergency preparedness Association.
Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Philip Mobley
Our 2011 Florida Gateway College Distinguished Alumnus of the year is Philip Mobley.
Philip graduated from the college in 1973 with an associate in arts degree. He was the first African American Student Government President at our college. Philip later attended the University of North Florida in Jacksonville where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematic and Computer Science. Following graduation in 1975, Philip was employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida as a junior programmer in Human Resources. Since then he has worked on every major system application and has been leader on many software development applications within Blue Cross. His education has continued throughout his life and in 2002, he earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Jacksonville University.
Phil retired in 2008 and is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the North side Community Involvement. The mission of the organization is to give children and families a vision and a chance to improve their lives by becoming a vital part of the community. With the help of his Board of Directors and staff, he is making an impact in one of Jacksonville’s most at-risk communities
Phil is very active in the Jacksonville community. He is on the Board of Directors of Family Support Services. He is the past chair of OneJax. He is on the executive committee of the Hope Haven Children’s Clinic. He is on the Executive Committee of Leadership Jacksonville and is on the Executive Committee of the African American Chamber of Commerce. He is also proud of his service to the University of North Florida Alumni Association where he served as president.
On his early college days at Lake City Community College, Phillip says “My instructors at LCCC really prepared me for the rigors at UNF not only academically but also mentally.”
Philip wanted me to mention his siblings, Narragansett Mobley Smith who is the assistant Superintendent of Schools here in Columbia County and Mattie Mobley Jones who is the Director of Nursing here at Florida Gateway College.
Philip and his wife Toni have been married for 35 years. They have 2 children and 5 grandsons and are raising their oldest grandson Henry who is with them today. |