Tallahassee, FL - Florida A&M University (FAMU) is mourning the loss of former dean and administrator, Dr. Robert R. Bradford, who passed away on Wednesday, September 1. In October 1981, Bradford received a joint appointment with FAMU and the University of Florida as professor and director of the Center for Cooperative Agricultural program, serving in this capacity for six years. Through Bradford’s efforts, the center became a model and a guide for coordination in states with major agricultural programs at two different universities.

In January 1987, Bradford was named associate dean for agriculture at FAMU. In January 1993, he was appointed interim dean of the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA), and in August of that year, he was named dean.

During that time, there was a dramatic increase in the number of students in agriculture. Bradford was also instrumental in securing funds from two major USDA agencies, the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Due to his efforts, FAMU received more than $3 million in grant funds to conduct research, teaching and extension work in water quality. Bradford retired as professor emeritus in November 2006 after 25 years of service.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, September 11 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. He was married to Sonya H. Bradford, a retired Leon County schoolteacher.