Lauderdale, Elzie P.

Broward school officials approved a major reshaping of the BJC hierarchy and sharply rebuked a dean who'd threatened to resign because of it.

The Commencement was held at the War Memorial Auditorium.

The Commencement was held at the War Memorial Auditorium.

The Commencement was held at the War Memorial Auditorium.

The Commencement was held at the War Memorial Auditorium.

The Commencement was held at the War Memorial Auditorium.

Dr. Elzie Lauderdale, a Mississippian, was BCC's first dean of instruction and helped establish the emphasis on academic excellence. When he called Mildred Bailey Mullikin in May 1960 to recruit her to head the drama department at the college, Mullikin's mother took the call. "Who is Dr. Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale?" she asked her daughter. Dr. Lauderdale encouraged Mullikin and her mother to visit Fort Lauderdale. "Needless to say," Mullikin wrote years later, "I fell head over heels in love with Fort Lauderdale."

Dr. and Mrs. Jack Taylor greet students at a college event. Dr. Taylor, the dean of students, served as acting president until Dr. Blee arrived at JCBC. He and Dr. E.P. Lauderdale were the choices of many of the faculty and staff to succeed Dr. Rushing. After Dr. Blee arrived on campus, Dr. Taylor returned to his post, but Dr. Lauderdale resigned.