Florida Southern College Establishes Barnett Business Hall of Fame to Honor Enduring Leadership and Impact
Jan 30, 2026
Florida Southern College proudly celebrates the establishment of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise Hall of Fame, a permanent honor within the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise recognizing individuals whose leadership and vision have left an enduring mark on the College, the business school, and the broader community.
The inaugural Barnett Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes three individuals whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the School’s trajectory.
The creation of the Barnett Business Hall of Fame coincides with a milestone period for the School of Business & Free Enterprise. Over the past 15 years, the school has undergone significant growth and transformation, including earning AACSB accreditation, opening the Becker Business Building, expanding entrepreneurship programming, and doubling both student enrollment and full-time faculty. These achievements reflect a strong return on investment driven by visionary supporters, dedicated faculty, and engaged alumni.
“This Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose impact reaches far beyond their own careers, shaping the lives of our students, strengthening our programs, and enriching our community,” said Michael Weber, dean of the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise. “Their lasting commitment has helped lay the foundation for who we are today and where we are headed in the future.”
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, Florida Southern College recognized several individuals for recent achievements that exemplify innovation and impact.
The inaugural Barnett Business Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes three individuals whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the School’s trajectory.
- Dr. Barney Barnett ’65, a Florida Southern alumnus, longtime Publix executive, and community leader, is recognized for his family’s transformational philanthropy, which led to the naming of the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise and launched a new era of growth and excellence.
- Dr. Bill Becker ’65, a distinguished entrepreneur and alumnus, is honored for his generosity, which made possible the Becker Business Building, now home to nearly 900 business students and the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
- Dr. Ed Crenshaw, former CEO and chairman of Publix Super Markets Inc. and founding chair of the School’s Advisory Board, is recognized for leadership that was critical in achieving and sustaining AACSB accreditation.
The creation of the Barnett Business Hall of Fame coincides with a milestone period for the School of Business & Free Enterprise. Over the past 15 years, the school has undergone significant growth and transformation, including earning AACSB accreditation, opening the Becker Business Building, expanding entrepreneurship programming, and doubling both student enrollment and full-time faculty. These achievements reflect a strong return on investment driven by visionary supporters, dedicated faculty, and engaged alumni.
“This Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose impact reaches far beyond their own careers, shaping the lives of our students, strengthening our programs, and enriching our community,” said Michael Weber, dean of the Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise. “Their lasting commitment has helped lay the foundation for who we are today and where we are headed in the future.”
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, Florida Southern College recognized several individuals for recent achievements that exemplify innovation and impact.
- Rick Robinson ’89, Entrepreneur of the Year, was honored for a career defined by entrepreneurial vision and leadership across media, technology, and innovation, including work with AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative.
- TJ Zimmerman ’04 received the Catalyst Award for his role in empowering student-run ventures through the Morning Grind Coffee program.
- Nick Barnett ’18 (MBA) was named the Southern Trailblazer Award recipient for early-career leadership and civic impact in the Lakeland community.
- Dr. Peter Golotko, ’90 (MBA) ’96 (Honorary Doctorate) CEO of CPS Investment Advisors, received the Impact Award for extraordinary generosity and continued investment in student success.
- Faculty members Dr. Peter Bias and Dr. Cindy Hardin were honored with the inaugural Faculty Cornerstone Awards for decades of transformational teaching and service.