Inducted: 2021
Mulberry High , 1965
The late Charles Dixon Mullenax began his teaching career at Denison Middle School in Winter Haven. After 14 years of teaching, he moved to the School District office and worked as a science supervisor, helping shape curriculum and building new lab facilities at high schools. In 1988, the superintendent of schools wanted to start an education foundation in Polk County and selected Mullenax to lead those efforts. He helped with a successful $1 million capital campaign and endowment that helps sustain the Polk Education Foundation (PEF) today.
Under his leadership, the PEF grew from a staff of three to seven, and he secured funds to start several new programs to assist students, such Take Stock in Children and AmeriCorps Polk Reads. Both continue to support students today. Mullenax's vision of starting AmeriCorps Polk Reads has helped thousands of elementary students become better readers. In 2006, Mullenax started his own scholarship to help graduates at his alma mater, Mulberry High School. The Dick Mullenax Director's Scholarship was endowed by the PEF's board of directors to honor Mullenax when he retired. He often made overseas mission trips to build Christian schools and help people living in impoverished conditions.
Following his retirement from PEF in 2005, Mullenax ran a successful campaign for the District 4 seat on the Polk County School Board in 2007. He was re-elected in 2012. During his tenure on the board, Mullenax also served as chairman. He withdrew from a run for a third term due to health issues and later passed away in 2017.
Mullenax received a bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master's degree from Rollins College.