Betty Lou Joanos

Betty Lou Whittle Joanos married her FSU sweetheart, Jim Joanos (B.S. ’56), the week of graduation, beginning a life filled with family, service and a deep connection to Florida State. As a student, she was actively involved in campus life—serving as a Student Government officer and a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity and several honor societies, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Mortar Board and Garnet and Gold Key.
She performed with the FSU Flying High Circus, participated in the Debate/Forensics Team and was active in the International Center’s Friends of Internationals and Community programs, Mortified and the Torchbearers.
Joanos began her career as a home economics teacher before spending two decades on staff at FSU—first in the College of Home Economics, then as a development officer with the FSU Foundation and ultimately retiring as associate director of the FSU Alumni Association.
Her dedication to the university is evident in her leadership roles, including chair of the Alumni Association National Board of Directors, president of the Emeriti Alumni Society and president of the Association of Retired Faculty. Alongside her husband, she has been honored with the Circle of Gold, the Bernard F. Sliger Award, induction into the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the distinction of serving as Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade.
Joanos remains active with FSU’s colleges and athletics programs, as well as in church and community activities. She is a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and treasures the many ways Florida State has shaped her life and her family’s legacy.