Florida State University announced the passing of Nancy McMillan Dedman, a philanthropist whose contributions with her late husband, Robert H. Dedman Sr., significantly impacted the university’s hospitality program. Dedman died on October 8, 2025, at the age of 97.
The Dedman family has a history of supporting higher education and community organizations for over five decades. Their involvement with Florida State University began in the 1990s when ClubCorp executive and FSU alumnus Jim Riscigno encouraged Robert H. Dedman to invest in the university’s hospitality program. The Dedmans contributed to the development of the University Center complex, including a $1.5 million donation to help fund the University Center Club.
In 1999, The Robert and Nancy Dedman Foundation gave $7 million to FSU’s Department of Hospitality Administration, a gift that was matched by the State of Florida. This donation established the Dedman Endowment in Hospitality and supported the construction of a dedicated facility at Doak Campbell Stadium’s south end. In recognition, FSU renamed the program the Dedman School of Hospitality in 2001, later becoming the Dedman College of Hospitality in 2020.
Don Farr, dean of the Dedman College of Hospitality, said, “The Dedmans’ support created opportunities that changed lives. The resources Nancy and Robert provided opened doors we couldn’t have imagined for our students and fundamentally expanded what’s possible for their education and careers.”
Outside FSU, Nancy Dedman played an active role in building ClubCorp and served on its board from 1957 to 2006. She also served on boards for the family’s philanthropic foundations and supported various arts and health organizations, including the Dallas Museum of Art, Texas Ballet Theater, AT&T Performing Arts Center, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her community service earned her honors such as the Annette G. Strauss Humanitarian Award and the Margot Perot Service Award.
Nancy Dedman is survived by her son, Robert H. Dedman Jr., and daughter, Patricia Dedman Nail. A celebration of life is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.
