Stetson University Political Science Professor Dr. T. Wayne Bailey was honored at the Volusia County State of the Union program Jan. 31 for his longtime contributions to Volusia County government and work in local, state and national politics.

Bailey was vice chair of the citizen’s group that created the County Charter, which is the foundation for Volusia’s council-manager form of government, from 1969-1971, and he has assisted in every charter review since.

A Stetson faculty member since 1963 who earned his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, Bailey founded Stetson’s Department of Political Science and directs the university’s Washington Semester at American University program. Many of his students have gone on to careers in government, including at least three alumni currently serving in the Florida Legislature.

“Dr. Bailey’s quiet, often unrecognized service, his wisdom and insightfulness, have made life better not just for Stetson students, but for all of us,” Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno told more than 600 county leaders and citizens at the event at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

Stetson President Dr. Wendy B. Libby listed Bailey’s many accomplishments over the years, especially his leadership in establishing Stetson’s Model U.S. Senate program, his work with the Florida Democrats and his volunteerism with the American Lung Association. She highlighted his dedication to his students and introduced an alumni tribute video featuring his former students talking about his contributions to their lives.

“Wayne Bailey is an inspiration,” Libby said. “He is a trusted colleague and a respected colleague, a beloved mentor to students across the state who learned at his feet. He has helped students become more than just successful; like him, they become significant.”

Bailey reflected on the work to develop the County Charter 40 years ago, and he recognized fellow original members of the Volusia County Charter and Study Commission, Mary Jo Stansfield and Dr. Bud Fleuchaus, who attended the luncheon. He encouraged area leaders to come together to tackle economic and political issues made more difficult by the recession. And he challenged the audience to develop a new generation of public servants for Volusia’s future.

“We are a generation that’s still here,” Bailey said. “But we need to recruit young Ed Dunns and young Hyatt Browns and young leaders throughout the county.”

Watch an alumni video tribute to Bailey shown at the event.