James L. Wattenbarger
James Lorenzo Wattenbarger was an American educator.
A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Wattenbarger is credited as being the Father of the Community College System of Florida. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Florida outlined a master plan that the state used in 1955 to create the modern community college system.
Wattenbarger returned to the University of Florida in 1968 to become a professor, and he founded the Institute of Higher Education. He was an active faculty member at the University of Florida until his retirement in 1992.
Santa [Fe College] named the Wattenbarger Student Services Building after him in 1995.
Education
- Associate degree from Palm Beach Junior College in 1941
- Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1943
- Master's degree from University of Florida in 1947
- Doctorate in Education from the University of Florida in 1950