T. Terrell Sessums facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
T. Terrell Sessums
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| Chairman of the Florida Board of Regents | |
| In office 1979–1988 |
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| Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives | |
| In office 1972–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Richard A. Pettigrew |
| Succeeded by | Donald L. Tucker |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 65th district |
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| In office 1963–1972 |
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| Preceded by | Constitutional revision |
| Succeeded by | Decennial Redistricting |
| Member of the Florida House of Representatives from the 66th district |
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| In office 1972–1974 |
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| Preceded by | Decennial Redistricting |
| Succeeded by | H. Lee Moffitt |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Terrell Sessums
June 11, 1930 Daytona Beach, Florida, US |
| Died | June 6, 2020 (aged 89) Tampa, Florida, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Neva |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Florida (B.A.) (J.D.) |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1952–1956 |
| Rank |  Captain |
Thomas Terrell Sessums (born June 11, 1930 – died June 6, 2020) was an important leader in Florida. He served as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 1972 to 1974. This means he was the main leader of one part of Florida's government. Terrell Sessums dedicated his life to public service and helping his community.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Florida
Thomas Terrell Sessums was born on June 11, 1930. His birthplace was Daytona Beach, Florida. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Later, he moved with his family to Tampa, Florida. This move happened after he started college.
College and Military Service
Terrell Sessums went to the University of Florida. He earned two degrees there. One was a bachelor's degree. The other was a law degree, called a Juris Doctor. After college, he started working as a lawyer in Tampa.
While at the University of Florida, he was very active. He was the president of the student body from 1952 to 1953. He was also a member of an honor society called Florida Blue Key. Sessums also served his country. He was a part of the United States Air Force.
Public Service and Leadership
Serving in the Florida House
Terrell Sessums was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He served from 1963 to 1974. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for Florida. From 1972 to 1974, he held a very important position. He was the Speaker of the House. This role involves leading all the discussions and votes.
Other Leadership Roles
Beyond the House, Sessums held many other leadership jobs. He was the Chairman of the Florida Board of Regents. This board oversees Florida's public universities. He also served on the Board of Governors for Florida Southern College. He was also the president of the board of trustees at the University of Tampa.
Honors and Legacy
Awards and Recognition
Terrell Sessums received many awards for his work. He earned four honorary degrees from different colleges. These include Rollins College and the University of South Florida. He also received the Distinguished Service Award. This award came from the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities.
In 2013, he received another special honor. The League of Women Voters gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized his long history of public service.
Last Years and Passing
Terrell Sessums lived in Tampa for the rest of his life. His wife, Neva Sessums, passed away in 2013. Terrell Sessums himself died on June 6, 2020.
Lasting Impact in Florida
Terrell Sessums left a big mark on Florida. A school in Riverview, Florida, is named after him. It is called T. Terrell Sessums Elementary School. It opened in 2003.
He also helped create important places. In 1965, he helped pass a bill. This bill created the Tampa Sports Authority. This led to the building of the first Tampa Stadium.
In 1967, he helped form the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. This group works to protect the environment. In 2009, an environmental award was named after him. It is called the Terrell Sessums Environmental Award.
A special area on the University of South Florida campus is also named after him. It is called Sessums Mall. It was dedicated in 1999.
