Mather Emory Dawkins

M. Emory Dawkins was the first editor of the Overflow, and served as repeatedly held this position over many eras in the history of the publication. His last period as editor was from 1985 though 1987, during which time he changed the name to the Florida Water Resources Journal.

Originally from Alabama (Emory was born there in 1921), the Dawkins Family moved to Tallahassee where Emory later graduated from Leon High School. He obtained a BCE from the Univ. of Florida in 1947 and later an MS in Engineering (1950). Emory Dawkins served in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer in the 10th Armed Division, European Theater. His decorations included 3 battle stars, a purple heart, bronze star, silver star, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

From 1947 through 1950 Emory worked for the University of Florida as the Inspector of Construction and Plant Superintendent for the University's sewage treatment plant. It was during this time that he helped start, and then served as the first editor of the Overflow magazine. Later in his career he worked for the U. S. Air Force as a Sanitary Engineer (1952-1953, Headquarters, Technical Training Air Force, Gulfport, Miss); as a Sanitary Engineer for the Florida State Board of Health, Bureau of Sanitary Engineering (1953-1955); and as a Sanitary Engineer/Project Engineer for Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Architects and Engineers. Mr. Dawkins added the final touch to his career when he opened his own engineering firm in Orlando, FL.