TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa city leaders and community members met Tuesday to formally rename a portion of a street in North Hyde Park after the late Dr. Walter L. Smith.
Dr. Smith was a Tampa native and former president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). He died in 2021 at the age of 86.
Now, a portion of North Albany Avenue in Tampa officially bears Dr. Smith's name. Tampa City Councilmember Luis Viera was there, along with Dr. Smith's family to dedicate the street in his honor.
Dr. Smith was born in Tampa on May 13, 1935. From humble beginnings, he would eventually become a prominent leader in education, the city said in a release. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
After his military service, he earned degrees from FAMU and a doctorate from Florida State University (FSU).
His career in education saw him in key roles at Hillsborough Community College, the U.S. Office of Education and a presidency at Roxbury Community College in Boston.
But he is perhaps best known for his legacy as the seventh president of FAMU. Serving from 1977 to 1985, Dr. Smith oversaw "significant" advancements. This includes expanding academic programs, construction of the Bragg Memorial Stadium and Women's Athletic Complex and growing student services.
His connection to Tampa also included the founding of the Dr. Walter L. Smith Library in 2002, dedicated to "furthering education in his childhood community," the city said.
The dedication brought together city officials, community members and Dr. Smith's family to "celebrate his contributions to education and his lasting legacy in Tampa and beyond."
