Dr. Floyd Rose

Eclipsing more than forty years of service, Dr. Floyd Rose has advanced programs to achieve academic excellence, economic empowerment, and racial equity in Wisconsin and throughout the United States.

A former public school teacher and principal, Floyd Rose is the founder and President of the Consortium for the Educational Development of Economically Disadvantaged Students (CEDEDS) and the Framework for Opportunity Convergence and the Utilization of Sustainable Solutions (FOCUSS). Additionally, Dr. Rose is the Co-Founder and President of the Wisconsin Business Management Seminar (WMBMS).

The mission of CEDEDS is to equip economically disadvantaged youth with the knowledge and experiences allowing for achievement in all areas of human endeavor.

Created in 2007, the goal of FOCUSS is to stimulate students to become innovators and developers of technology, find sustainable solutions, and provide direction and education on various methods of commercializing an innovation or discovery.

Configured in 1987, the WMBMS is an educational experience for owners and executives of small and medium-sized businesses. In 2009, the Symposium expanded its outreach to include students from other continents. Specifically in 2012, fifty percent of the class was composed of Black South African business owners. The Wisconsin Business Management Seminar is the second oldest symposium of its kind in the United States.

In addition, Floyd Rose, Jr. serves as the President of the 100 Black Men of Madison and co- chair of the Education Committee (K-12) of the National 100 Black Men of American Association.

Dr. Rose earned his A.A. from Black Hawk College, B.S. from Illinois State University, M.S. from Western Illinois University and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.