Robert & Kay Trammell

Bio

Former Florida State Rep. Robert Trammell, a retired attorney, served in the Florida House from 1987-1996 and was known as a champion for community colleges. Following his tenure in the legislature, for 13 years Trammell served Chipola as Special Assistant for Development and Alumni Affairs. In this role, he organized many successful fundraising events, including those honoring the memory of prominent Chipola alumni through the creation of endowed scholarships in the names of Rep. Sam Mitchell, Rep. David Coley, Chipola coach Milton Johnson, Gadsden County Sheriff W. A. Woodham and Attorney John Ratzlaff.

For his service to the college, Trammell was named the Chipola Alumnus of the Year for 2013. The 1966 Chipola graduate also has been nominated in the Hometown Hero category of the LeRoy Collins Distinguished Alumni Awards program sponsored by the Association of Florida Colleges.

Some people have accused Robert Trammell of waking up in the morning thinking about Chipola College – and going to bed at night with those same thoughts on his mind. Judging from the long list of contributions he has made to his alma mater, that indeed may be true.

Robert said, “As a community college graduate, I brought a unique perspective to the legislature. I recognized the tremendous role that community colleges play in higher education.” He was particularly attuned to the needs of Chipola College, securing $4.5 million for a Public Service Building, $3 million for a Literature/Language building and $500,000 for a Natural Science lab. He obtained funding for the renovation of the old Chipola gym into a regional arts center, and for purchasing adjacent homes for campus expansion.

Following his tenure in the legislature, Robert served Chipola as Special Assistant for Development and Alumni Affairs for 13 years. In this role, he organized many successful fundraising events – including those honoring the memory of prominent Chipola alumni through the creation of endowed scholarships in the names of Rep. Sam Mitchell, Rep. David Coley, Chipola coach Milton Johnson, Gadsden County Sheriff W. A. Woodham and Attorney John Ratzlaff.

Robert also spearheaded the $50,000 campaign to erect a life-size bronze statue of legendary Chipola coach Milton H. Johnson. Robert notes that Johnson’s commitment to excellence epitomizes Chipola’s indomitable spirit of success.

Since his 1966 graduation, Robert, a former Chipola basketball player has been the college’s number-one athletics ambassador. As president and board member of the Chipola Appreciation Club, he has taken the lead in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help the college’s basketball, baseball and softball teams. He helped found Chipola’s Wild Game Dinner which featured high-profile guest speakers Bobby Bowden, Heisman Trophy-winner Charlie Ward and late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The Chipola Quail Calcutta is held annually at his farm. These events have funded an athletic endowment that is nearing $3 million.

Among his recent endeavors was joining with other three other members of the Class of 1966 to form the Chipola Alumni Society. The College and the Society recently announced the Legacy Campaign with a goal of raising $1 million. Robert and his classmates, Charles Reid, Thomas Gould, and Robert “Buck” Miller, volunteered their time, effort and resources during the quiet phase of the campaign. Their collective contribution of nearly $500,000 along with other donations has yielded the campaign with a total of $870,000 as of October 14, 2024 in the form of planned, pledged and cash donations.

Robert is quick to credit the scores of Chipola alumni and friends who have answered his calls for support. “By working together,” he said, “we’ve been able to accomplish a lot. When all is said and done, there is no greater cause.”

Former Chipola President Dr. Gene Prough says, “Robert has a passion for Chipola. His vision for this institution is unmatched. No one works harder to make sure Chipola’s strong traditions of excellence continue.”

Among Robert’s fondest memories of his time at Chipola was the day he met his wife Kay in a Chipola Humanities class. Their two children, Meredith and Doug, also attended Chipola.