UWF · Appointments

Governor DeSantis Appoints “Flash” Sprague to UWF Board of Trustees

Gulf Breeze philanthropist, former NASCAR driver and longtime UWF supporter brings rare cross-institutional profile to university governance.

Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Gordon “Flash” Sprague of Gulf Breeze to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Sprague is a retired investment executive, philanthropist, and former NASCAR driver who has spent decades embedded in Northwest Florida’s civic and higher-education landscape. He will become the third trustee simultaneously serving on both the UWF and Pensacola State College boards, joining Zack Smith and Ed Fleming.

From a Vermont Farm to the Gulf Coast

Sprague was born and raised on a family farm in Vermont—a rural upbringing he credits for shaping his work ethic. He earned an Associate in Arts from St. Petersburg College before completing a Bachelor of Science at Florida State University and a master’s degree in Allied Health Science from the University of North Florida.

His academic contributions have since been recognized in both directions: FSU named him an Outstanding Alumni Award recipient in 2001, and Vermont Technical College conferred an honorary doctorate on him in 2013.

A Career That Defies a Single Lane

Sprague’s professional biography spans public service, private enterprise, and motorsports. He began in parks and recreation, working his way up to Executive Director of the Memphis Parks Commission. He then crossed into the private sector as Assistant to the President at Fogelman Properties in Memphis and later as a Senior Vice President and Regional Wholesaler for AIM, a major Houston-based investment firm.

“Flash” is not a nickname anyone gave him lightly—Sprague earned it behind the wheel, competing as a NASCAR racecar driver on several circuits during what most people would call retirement. He also collected antique cars and operated a car museum at his Gulf Breeze home.

Deep Roots in Northwest Florida Governance

Sprague’s board service in the region is extensive. He has chaired or served on:

• University of West Florida Foundation Board (Chair)
• Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
• Northwest Florida Transportation Corridor Authority (appointed by Governor Rick Scott)
• Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society (President Emeritus)
• Florida Recreation and Parks Association (President)
• Pensacola State College Charter Academy (Chair)
• Pensacola State College Board of Trustees

He has also advised presidents at Florida State University, UWF, and Vermont Technical College, and is widely recognized as a motivational speaker and higher-education benefactor. UWF Athletics has publicly thanked him by name—“Flash”—for his support of the program.

The appointment must be cleared by the Florida Senate before taking effect.