Sarah Ann Blocker

Sarah Ann Blocker (October 27, 1857 – April 15, 1944) was an American educator and co-founder of Florida Memorial College, one of Florida's oldest HBCU. She was renowned for her leadership role as a teacher and administrator, playing a central role in expanding educational opportunities for African American students. Blocker was also inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame in 2003.

Education Sarah Ann Blocker went to high school in Augusta, GA. She went on to study at Atlanta University for three years, where she also received her teaching certificate in 1883. Blocker attended summer school at Harvard University.

Career Blocker taught at Florida Baptist Academy from 1892, and was head of the normal department there. Blocker is credited with co-founding Florida Memorial College by arranging the merger of Florida Baptist Institute and Florida Baptist Academy, to form the Florida Memorial and Industrial Memorial Institute. Blocker served as the Dean of Women, Registrar, and Vice President at the institute for 51 years until 1943. During that period, she helped sustain the institute through management and fundraising, including contributing her annual salary to pay teachers’ wages. Another was author Zora Neale Hurston, who later became an instructor at the school.

Personal life and legacy Sarah Ann Blocker died April 17, 1944, aged 86 years. In 2003, Sarah Ann Blocker was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame by Governor Jeb Bush. The university honors her legacy by naming one of its building Sarah A. Blocker Hall. She is also commemorated, alongside other key figures of the institution, through the Collier-Blocker-Puryear Park. Additionally, there is a Sarah A. Blocker Meritorious Service Award given annually by Florida Memorial University. This award is considered to be the most prestigious recognition a female student can receive from the college.