JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Former Jacksonville Sheriff Nathanial "Nat" Glover was honored by Jacksonville University on Wednesday after the school announced one of its master's fellowship programs will be renamed after him.
The program, which was once called the Minority Fellowship Program, will now be renamed the MPP Nathanial Glover Fellowship Program.
"I am truly humbled and honored to have this fellowship program named after me. It is a testament to the importance of education and public service, values that have guided my career and life,” Glover said. "To have my name associated with such a prestigious program is truly meaningful to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next generation of public policy leaders and I am thankful to Jacksonville University for this recognition and proud to be associated with such a respected institution.”
Glover was the only Black sheriff elected to serve in the state of Florida in the 20th century, and he served as Jacksonville's sheriff from 1995 to 2003. Glover served a total of 37 years in law enforcement.
On Wednesday, Glover reflected on many parts of his life, including his experience during Ax Handle Saturday, when a racist mob attacked Black people protesting racial segregation through sit-ins around Downtown Jacksonville.
"Could have been a modern-day lynching at that time, because it could have killed me," Glover said.
Recounting the day, Glover remembered being attacked by ax handles and running to a police officer for help.
"He said, 'You better get outta here before they kill you.'"
Glover said he ran home in fear, but that day, made a vow to himself.
"I will never run away from another fight, and I will never not do something that I should do, because of fear," said Glover. "That's set the tone for my life."
In 2021, Glover was inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officer's Hall of Fame. As well as his service in law enforcement, Glover also has a background in education, serving as president at his alma mater Edward Waters University for seven years.
Glover has a distinguished background in public service and received the "Great Floridian" designation in 2016 for his commitment to service in law enforcement, higher education and the City of Jacksonville.
"Nat Glover is one of the greatest public servants in our city’s 200-year history," said Rick Mullaney, the Shircliff Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute. "As we develop the leaders of the future, there’s no better role model than Nat Glover for them to look up to."
In 2023, Glover was chosen as co-chair of Jacksonville Mayor Dona Deegan's Transition Team.
"I think it's fitting that we're having this celebration on Valentine's Day," Mayor Donna Deegan said, "because this would not be happening without the incredible love and passion for our community that we see out of JU, that we see out of President Cost, out of Rick Mullaney and certainly out of the man that we are celebrating today, Nathanial Glover."
Deegan went on to say the program comes at a time when it's needed most.
"Civil discourse, being able to disagree agreeably, having those conversations that really result in whatever policies are best for people, are so very, very important," said Deegan.
The MPP Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Program is a "highly competitive program" selecting only two members of JU's two-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) Degree Program. Other qualified applicants also have a chance to receive a partial scholarship through the program.
Students selected will get a full scholarship for the MPP Degree Program, placement in an internship with the City of Jacksonville, a stipend, as well as other professional and mentorship opportunities.
Fellows selected will be referred to as "MPP Glover Fellows."
The program was created in 2018 by Chuck and Cami Wodehouse, and since its establishment, several members have gone on to serve in public offices, policy initiatives and local nonprofits.
For more information on the MPP Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Program, CLICK HERE.