Melvin Stith succeeded E. Ray Solomon as dean of the Florida State University College of Business in 1991 and embarked on 13 years of collaboration and transformation. He remains beloved for the warmth he carried into every room, respected for his ability to connect on a meaningful level and celebrated for laying the groundwork for the largest gift in the university’s history.
75th Anniversary News
Third dean: Ray Solomon forged ‘a path to growth and preeminence’
As Florida State University's third business dean, E. Ray Solomon oversaw explosive student enrollment, initiated a commitment to research and service, established a fundraising program and led the effort to build a new wing for the Rovetta Business Building (RBB) -- the Rovetta Business Annex (RBA), completed in 1984. All those accomplishments positioned the College of Business for the international standing it boasts today.
Second dean: Charles Rovetta launched FSU Business into the modern era
Charles Rovetta (1907-2004) served as FSU’s second business dean, succeeding J. Frank Dame in 1953 and continuing until 1973, one year before the School of Business became the College of Business.
First dean: Frank Dame created a buzz around business
J. Frank Dame led the FSU School of Business – formerly FSU’s Department of Commerce -- from 1950 to 1953 and helped establish three core principles that the college embraces to this day: comprehensive academic offerings, responsiveness to industry needs and commitment to student success.
