Note: It’s not too late to honor this year’s Persons of Vision through a tax-free donation to Preserve Vision Florida! Donate here: https://givebutter.com/2025POV
Preserve Vision Florida honored Dr. John L. Smith, Jr. and Dr. Juel Shannon Smith at our 46th Annual Person of Vision Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
The Award honors Persons of Vision who have had a profound impact through true community leadership and vision. The scope of accomplishments of our Honorees, first awarded in 1979, tells an amazing and compelling story about their impact on Tampa Bay, the state of Florida and far beyond. Their imagination and engagement of others have helped Tampa Bay emerge as a leading national force of innovation, education, and commerce.
Dr. John L. Smith, Jr. served as President of Fisk University and Dean of USF Fine Arts College, creating the Graphic Studio and a renowned jazz program. Dr. Juel Shannon Smith has chaired Athena Society and Links and has served as a board member of Habitat for Humanity International with President Jimmy Carter. At USF she founded the Institute for Black Lives and Women in Leadership & Philanthropy. Together, John and Juel have inspired generations of students to excel while encouraging major investments in the arts and education, civic life, business, and government.
The awards dinner took place at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 North 50th Street, Tampa, FL 33610.
Luminaries on the evening’s program included:
Former anchor at WFLA in Tampa
Pastor, Beulah Baptist Institutional Church
Former President of the University of South Florida
Super Bowl-winning quarterback and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer
President of Langston University
Vice President and Chief of Staff at Fisk University
Executive Director of the Dali Museum
Our mission is to promote healthy vision. Your support will help children learn to read, adults gain employment and seniors remain independent.
Donate here: https://givebutter.com/2025POV
