J. Dudley Goodlette Named Hodges University 2014 Humanitarian Of The Year

Hodges University has chosen long time Naples attorney and community leader J. Dudley Goodlette as its 2014 Humanitarian of the Year. The award will be presented during a luncheon event on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

“The Humanitarian of the Year Luncheon has become a highly anticipated, respected and celebrated event,” said Phil Memoli, Vice President of University Advancement for Hodges University. “The annual award recognizes those citizens who exemplify the spirit of benevolence and public service in the Naples community. This is the 18th year in which Hodges University has bestowed the award upon a local individual or couple.”

Born in Hazard, Ky., Goodlette moved to Naples with his family in 1954. After graduating from high school, he served for a period in the West Point Military Academy. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida School of Law.

Goodlette has served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Collier County and is currently a member of the Emeritus Board. Other local organizations that he has supported include the YMCA of the Palms, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, Children’s Trust of Collier County, and Boy Scouts of America and Southwest Florida.

Goodlette also spent four years on The Florida Bar Board of Governors serving on the 20th Judicial Circuit, Judicial Nomination Commission from 1986 to 1990.

Goodlette’s desire to help the community led him into public service. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1998 and subsequently re-elected until term limits caused him to step down in 2006.

It was his passion for continuing education that led Goodlette to serve for two years on the board of the predecessor to Hodges University – International College. He was also on the Board of Trustees of the former Edison Community College, now known as Edison State College, where he served as interim president from 2011-2012. Goodlette also served on Florida Gulf Coast University’s presidential search committee in 2008 and currently remains on the board.

In honor of his countless contributions, Goodlette has earned many accolades and awards, including being recognized as the Economic Development Council of Collier County Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 2001; Junior Achievement Business Leadership Hall of Fame in 1999; Boys & Girls Club of Collier County Man of the Year in 1996; and Naples Daily News Citizen of the Year for 1993-1994.

“Throughout his many years in Southwest Florida, J. Dudley Goodlette has generously given back to the local community, always in a professional and cordial manner,” said Dr. Jeanette Brock, President of Hodges University. “We are pleased to honor him for all these years of service by naming him as our 2014 Humanitarian of the Year.”

For additional information regarding the award luncheon, call Alyssa DeLora at 239.938.7826 or visit www.hodges.edu/support.