Photo 1: CFK’s Key West campus is named for Dr. Seeker, who garnered the legislative funds for its construction in the 1990s. Photo 2: CFK President Emeritus Dr. William A. Seeker poses with 2013 recipients of the Sue and Albert Seeker- First Generation in College Scholarship (L to R: Jane Dinova, Kourtney Wainer, Seeker, Alaina Applegate, and Anja Gomez). Photo 3: Prior to a career in education, Dr. Seeker served an Army Paratrooper.

CFK remembers President Emeritus, campus namesake, scholarship benefactor

KEY WEST, FL, July 6, 2020—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) bid farewell to a legend in the history of the southernmost college. Dr. William A. Seeker, who served as College President for 28 years, passed away on July 1, at the age of 81. Seeker’s humble beginnings inspired his career—and now legacy—of changing lives through higher education.

In 1979, Seeker became the third president of Florida Keys Community College, as the College was then named. He oversaw the growth of programs including diving, emergency medical services, welding, public safety, and ceramics as well as the expansion of college facilities including the additions of centers in the Middle and Upper Keys and the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center. Seeker proudly fought hard for resources for the smallest college in the state system. Notably, he garnered $40 million from the state legislature to rebuild the Key West campus in 1997, which was in dire need of repair. The accomplishment prompted the campus to be named in his honor. Upon his retirement in 2007, he was bestowed the title of President Emeritus by the College’s Board of Trustees for his 28 years of leadership and service.

In the year prior to his retirement, Seeker initiated his proudest contribution to the College. With a generous donation to the College’s foundation, he established an endowed scholarship to assist students who, like him, struggle to be the first in their families earn a college degree. Over the past 13 years, the Sue and Albert Seeker First Generation in College Scholarship, named in honor of his parents, has helped to open the doors to a college education for hundreds of CFK students.

“We will forever be indebted to Dr. Seeker for his contributions to build and grow an institution so integral to the people, businesses, and economy of the Keys,” said CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra of his predecessor. “His legacy will live on though the many lives he has changed as a teacher, a president, a philanthropist, and a friend.”

In his heyday in the Keys, Seeker brushed elbows with the likes of Tennessee Williams (the namesake of the College’s Fine Arts Center) and Jimmy Buffett and was even considered a local celebrity himself—once famously winning a “Most Eligible Bachelor” contest. More importantly, he always prioritized connecting with the college community and employed a “management by walking” leadership approach to personally reach as many people as possible. Affectionately known as “Doc” on campus, he was often seen on campus in his signature Hawaiian shirts and talking with students, faculty, and staff.

“One of the many of Doc’s lasting legacies is the overall tone he set for the College: whether a student, alumnus, a faculty or staff member, you always feel like you’re a part of a wonderful College family,” said Judge Ed Scales, former chair of the College’s Board of Trustees.

A self-described “country bumpkin,” Bill Seeker grew up in a small house on a dirt road in rural Brenham, Texas. The grandson of German immigrants, his father was a laborer and his mother was a nurses’ attendant. Although they struggled financially and did not have the opportunity to attend college themselves, Seeker’s parents were nurturing and supportive of their children’s education. Upon enrolling in Texas A&M University, Seeker became the first in his family to attend college. Becoming an Aggie fulfilled his ancestors’ American Dream and sparked the young Seeker’s passion for education.

Seeker earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas A&M University before he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army in 1960. He served as a paratrooper and later reached the rank of captain, commanding a platoon in the 22nd Battle Group, Strategic Army Command. With assistance from the GI Bill, Seeker went on to earn a master’s degree from Sam Houston University. His career in the military shifted to higher education when he taught his first class: Biology at New Mexico Military Institute. So taken with the exhilaration of teaching, Seeker earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from Texas A&M and followed his calling to educational leadership.

Seeker enjoyed his retirement at his home on Cudjoe Key with his beloved Siamese cats and the assistance and friendship of his caretaker Kathy Bansen.

“The Key West campus, which is appropriately named in his honor, would likely not exist without his 28 years of tireless effort. More importantly, there are hundreds of students and families whose lives have been enriched by Doc’s leadership and generosity,” said Brian Schmitt, former chair of the College’s Board of Trustees. “I pay sincere tribute and honor to the memory and lifelong achievements of Doc Seeker. We are now, unfortunately, another good man down.”

The College will hold a Celebration of Life in memory of Dr. Seeker on Monday, July 13 at 6 p.m. in the courtyard of the William A. Seeker/ Key West Campus. It will be broadcast live on the College’s Facebook page as well. Attendees are asked to wear a face mask and maintain physical distance of six feet during the event.

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