Jacksonville University

Fred and Debbie Pruitt have been vital members of the Jacksonville University Dolphin Family for many years. Fred holds two degrees from Jacksonville University – a Bachelor of Art in History he earned in 1969 and an EMBA in 1985 as part of that program’s inaugural class. Fred has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Jacksonville University since October 2006, having served as Chair of Strategic Planning Committee, Chair of Nominating and Trustee Governance, as a member of the Jacksonville University Athletic Committee of the BOT, and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He has served Jacksonville University athletics as an active member of several Athletic Director and head coaching searches, participated in the NCAA Certification Self-Study and was founding President of the revised Jacksonville University Athletics Association (JUAA). Fred was also one of the original leaders in the establishment of both men's and women's lacrosse programs at Jacksonville University. For his accomplishments, Fred was honored with the Jacksonville University 2013 Distinguished Service Alumni Award and was also selected as one of the "80 Dolphin Alumni You Ought To Know ". 

Debbie Pruitt is a longtime fan of all Dolphins sports teams and has been an active member for several years of the JUAA and the JU Tip-Off Club. Debbie served on the Jacksonville University Gender Equity Committee and played an integral role in the development of recommendations to add softball and women's basketball at JU. Debbie was named Jacksonville University Community Woman of the Year in 2012 for her support of all Jacksonville University athletic endeavors and other student-centered activities.

Debbie and Fred are a team, who love and support all Jacksonville University sports. The couple provides financial support to numerous sports as well as to the cheerleader program and the non-scholarship shooting team. Additionally, they spearheaded and provided initial funding for the implementation of court side seating at both Jacksonville University men's and women's basketball games. They also provided funding for the remodeling and build out of the Athletic Offices in Botts Hall. The couple also planned and funded the building of the Debbie & Fred Pruitt Softball Complex, which opened in the fall of 2013. The Pruitts love Jacksonville University and most especially its student athletes.