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| Dr. Mode Lee Stone, Sr. |
Full Name: Dr. Mode Lee Stone, Sr.
Born: October 11, 1902, Blountstown, Fla.
Died: May 23, 1979, Tallahassee, Fla.
Legacy Bricks: Legacy Walk Map Link
1977 Adminsitrator HOF - Loc 49
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| FSU Career |
| Coaches & Administrators | |
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| Member of the FSU Hall of Fame |
| Elected into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1977 |
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From his arrival at FSU in 1946 until his retirement in 1973, Dean Stone actively worked for intercollegiate athletics. For 15 years (1955-1970), Dean Stone was on the Athletic Committee, Serving as
chair on several occasions. An active fundraiser he was also an invaluable recruiter. He was a major influence in obtaining a football series with Florida and in convincing the cross state rival to
play a regular home and home schedule. The Hall of Fame Committee named an award after Stone and Dr. Coyle E. Moore known as the Moore-Stone Award. Additionally, the Stone Building on FSU's campus
recognizes the achievements and contributions of the highly respected administrator. Obituary for Mode Lee Stone From the Tallahassee Democrat, May 24, 1979, page 10. Mode Stone of FSU dead at 76. By Jonathan Peterson and Browning Brooks, Democrat staff writers Dr. Mode L. Stone, dean emeritus of the Florida State University College of Education, died during surgery at Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center Wednesday afternoon. A nationally recognized educator, Stone, 76, recently had suffered chest pains and entered the hospital May 20. Diagnostic tests showed the need for urgent surgery, hospital Executive Vice President Robert C. Davidge said Wednesday. The surgery started at 1 p.m., and Stone, who previously had suffered a heart attack and a stroke, died at 4:30 p.m. Davidge said he didn't know the cause of death. "I think he was probably one of the most influential people in Florida State's history," FSU President Bernard Sliger said. "His death will be a great loss not only to FSU but to Tallahassee and the state." Other FSU officials expressed sadness at the dean's death. "With his intelligence and ability, he really brought our college of education to national prominence," said Dr. Robert O. Lawton, vice president of academic affairs. "Not only was he important in the leadership of the College of Education, but he was important in the movement to get (financial aid) for students." In 1950, Stone helped establish the Southern Scholarship and Research Foundation at FSU. Today, the Southern Scholarship Foundation offers free lodging to 250 financially needy students. A seventh-grade dropout, Stone rebounded to have a distinguished career in education that spanned a half century. Starting in 1928, he was principal of Leon High School. His later jobs included curriculum director for the state Department of Education and dean of the College of Education. "Mode Stone was both wise and compassionate," said Pat Hogan, FSU vice president for university relations. "Hundreds of successful men and women in business, government and the professions owe their success in great measure to his influence." A year ago, FSU officials named the new, $3-million education center after Stone. Born in Blountstown, Stone attended the University of Florida, Columbia University and Peabody College. As principal of Leon High, he helped pass the bond issue to finance the school's present building. From 1956 to 1967, Stone was dean of the FSU College of Education. He returned to the classroom in 1967 and later was named dean emeritus. He retired from FSU in 1973 to engage in counseling and writing. In the early 1950s, Stone broadened the curriculum of the College of Education to include courses such as mathematics, science and social studies. He created the Department of Counseling at FSU. He also organized the FSU Science Camp, to give 100 interested high school students the chance to increase their scientific knowledge each summer. Another program Stone started was called "Know Your Government," in which juniors from high schools all over Florida were brought to Tallahassee during the legislative session to learn about state government. Stone's own origins were humble. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Calhoun County. He began the scholarship program after nine young men told him they could not afford to attend college. Helped by four colleagues and an attorney, Stone found rooms for the would-be students in an abandoned Air Force barracks. The scholarship foundation has since helped thousands of students get educations at FSU. Survivors, all of Tallahassee, include his wife, Jeanne Compton Stone; a son, Mode Lee Stone Jr.; two daughters, Mary Lois Mayfield and Nancy Thompson; a sister, Mrs. C.H. Peacock; and six grandchildren. Services are scheduled at 3 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church. The family
suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Southern Scholarship Foundation at FSU. |
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