Celebration of Life Service planned in remembrance of FSU Panama City’s first dean, Dr. Larson M. Bland

A Celebration of Life honoring the late Dr. Larson “Larry” Bland, the first dean of FSU Panama City, will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, on campus at the Holley Academic Center lecture hall.

Family, friends and FSU Panama City Dean Ken Shaw will be among the speakers honoring Bland at the service.

Bland moved to Bay County in 1972 after being appointed as the director of the University of West Florida's University Center in Panama City. In 1982, the UWF Center became Florida State University's branch campus and Bland was appointed as dean.

Under Bland’s leadership the campus experienced tremendous growth.

Beginning with one degree program and housed in shipyard buildings, the first facilities were built and the campus moved to its present location on the bay. Upon his retirement, there were 24 degree programs and 1,000 students. 

Bland died after an extended battle with cancer May 29 at the age of 76. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions may be made to the FSU Panama City Foundation through the Office of Advancement, 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405.