be_ixf;ym_202403 d_18; ct_50

Florida State Senator Doug Broxson named Evangel University’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2017

Published on Oct 1, 2017 by Paul K. Logsdon

Doug Broxson describes himself as “the most blessed man in the world.” Perhaps that’s because he has built a life that includes service to his family, his community, his state, and his alma mater. What’s more, he has his own Wikipedia page!

That’s what happens when you allow yourself to enter the world of politics, where Doug won three terms serving Northwest Florida in the House of Representatives, from 2010 through 2016. He is currently serving his first term in the Florida Senate.

During his years of public service, he has encouraged job creation and economic growth, been a consistent champion of life and religious liberty, and worked to ensure fair treatment for his constituents following the BP oil spill.

Senator Doug Broxson will be honored during Evangel’s Homecoming Celebration, where he will be named the Evangel University Distinguished Alumnus for 2017. The presentation will be made during an 11 a.m. luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Bass Pro White River Conference Center.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award is presented annually to one who has made significant contributions to their chosen field, church, community, state, nation, or to the university.

A family affair

The Broxson family roots run deep in his district — his ancestors settled in the Santa Rosa County area in the early 1800s, and Doug’s father, mother, and brother all served as Sheriff there.

Doug played football at his local community college, before Evangel had that sport, and then transferred to EU in 1969. There, he got a taste for politics, serving as the senior class president. Doug graduated in 1971 as the “Outstanding Psychology Graduate.”

His illustrious career at Evangel included a stint as pitcher for the baseball team, setting a record that will never be repeated. “During a game in Jefferson City, I hit the same batter four times in one game — yes, in the head — and we both lived to tell the story,” Doug recalled. Despite that game, he lettered in baseball both years.

While at Evangel, Doug met New Jersey native Mary (Bernhardt ’74), and they married in 1972.

The Broxsons settled in Gulf Breeze, Florida, where he built a career in insurance, real estate, and investments. Together they have four children, Julie, Jason, Judd, and Jill, all of whom are alumni of Evangel University. Doug and Mary are also blessed with eight grandchildren.

The Broxsons are active members of Brownsville Assembly of God, and what spare time they have is spent with family, fishing or boating, or taking part in community functions.

SIDEBAR:  Thursday — President’s Leadership Forum

In addition to being the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumnus Award from Evangel, Doug will present as a member of the President’s Leadership Forum. Three alumni will discuss their lives of service on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m., in the recital hall of the Barnett Fine Arts Center.

In addition to Doug, the audience will hear from Julie Higgins, founder of iPourLife; and Dr. Kirt Hartzler, superintendent of Union Public Schools, near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

###

EU Homecoming 2017 Honorees

Four additional alumni awards will be given during this year’s homecoming celebration. The recipients were chosen by the Evangel University Alumni Association Board of Directors.

For more information, contact Evangel University Alumni Relations Department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7333.