Meet
Dr. Bernard W. H. Jennings
Lifelong community advocate, educator, author, mediator, and public servant dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and residents throughout Miami-Dade County.
A lifelong commitment to our children
Dr. h.c. Bernard W. H. Jennings is a lifelong community advocate, educator, author, mediator, and public servant who has dedicated more than three decades to improving the lives of children, families, and residents throughout Miami-Dade County.
A product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Dr. Jennings attended Biscayne Gardens Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Junior High School, and North Miami Senior High School. These formative experiences helped shape his understanding of the critical role public education plays in creating opportunities for children and strengthening communities.
Family & Higher Education
Dr. Jennings is married and the proud father of three children, all of whom attended Miami-Dade County Public Schools. As both a graduate and parent of public school students, he understands firsthand the importance of safe schools, excellent teachers, strong parental involvement, and educational opportunities that prepare students for success in life.
A proud graduate of Florida Memorial University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration, and Florida A&M University, where he earned a Master's Degree in Applied Social Science with a concentration in Public Administration, Dr. Jennings has built a distinguished career focused on leadership, education, public service, and community empowerment. He was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Entrepreneurship from the Los Angeles Institute of Divinity in recognition of his commitment to community and economic development.
Higher Education Leadership
Today, Dr. Jennings serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Memorial University, South Florida's only Historically Black College and University. As Chairman, he works closely with university leadership to strengthen academic excellence, expand educational opportunities, and prepare students to become leaders and change-makers in an increasingly competitive global economy.
A Lifetime of Public Service
His commitment to public service began at an early age. As a young leader, Dr. Jennings served as Second-in-Command of the City of North Miami Police Explorers Program, a member of the City of North Miami Youth Opportunity Board, a member of the Youths with Initiative Board, and a participant on the Mayor's Task Force. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong passion for mentoring young people and creating opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Jennings also gained invaluable governmental experience serving as Executive Aide to former Florida Secretary of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Charles Dusseau. He later served as Executive Aide to the late Arthur E. Teele, Jr., Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners and one of South Florida's most influential public servants. In these leadership roles, Dr. Jennings worked closely with elected officials, business leaders, community organizations, and residents to address issues affecting economic development, public policy, education, neighborhood revitalization, and quality of life throughout Miami-Dade County.
Youth Development & Mentorship
Throughout his career, Dr. Jennings has remained deeply involved in youth development and educational advancement. He previously served as Chairman and President of the Pepper Park Optimist Youth Football Program and currently serves on the Executive Board of the North Miami Police Athletic League, helping create safe, positive, and enriching opportunities for young people throughout the community.
The Good Dad Act
Nationally, Dr. Jennings is recognized as the founder of the Good Dad Act Committee and the principal advocate behind Florida's landmark Ethan's Good Dad Act legislation. His efforts helped inspire the passage of Florida House Bill 775, known as Ethan's Good Dad Act, strengthening parental rights and encouraging responsible fatherhood throughout the State of Florida.
He is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book, "Ethan's Good Dad Act: A Father Turns His Lemons Into Lemonade So That All Good Dads Can Take a Sip!"
Professional Career
Professionally, Dr. Jennings is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Administrative Hearing Officer, Arbitrator, and Certified Loss Mitigation Specialist. For more than twenty-five years, he has successfully helped individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities resolve disputes, negotiate agreements, and build consensus.
Community Leadership & Honors
His extensive community leadership includes service as:
- Chairman of the Biscayne Gardens Chamber of Commerce
- Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Past President & CEO of the Biscayne Gardens Chamber of Commerce
- Former President of the Biscayne Gardens Civic Association
- Executive Board Member of the North Miami Police Athletic League
- Vice Chairman of the Miami Gardens Democratic Club
- Vice Chairman of the North Miami Beach Democratic Club
- Former Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee
- Current Elected Congressional Delegate representing Florida's 24th Congressional District
- Founder and Chairman of the Good Dad Act Committee
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Florida Memorial University
Among his many honors and recognitions, Dr. Jennings has received the Key to the City of North Miami, Florida Memorial University's Fountain of Excellence Recognition, Outstanding Young Men of America honors, and inclusion in Who's Who Among Black Americans.
Vision for Miami-Dade County Public Schools
As a candidate for the Miami-Dade County School Board, District 1, Dr. Jennings believes every child deserves access to safe schools, outstanding teachers, modern technology, strong parental involvement, workforce training opportunities, and a quality education that prepares students for college, careers, entrepreneurship, and lifelong success.
Drawing upon his experiences as a public school graduate, public school parent, university trustee chairman, youth mentor, mediator, author, and community leader, Dr. Jennings is committed to ensuring that every decision made by the School Board places students first.
His vision for Miami-Dade County Public Schools is built upon educational excellence, accountability, fiscal responsibility, school safety, career readiness, parental engagement, and strong partnerships between schools, families, businesses, colleges, universities, and community organizations.
Dr. Jennings understands that strong schools create strong communities. He is committed to ensuring every child in District 1 has the opportunity, resources, and support necessary to achieve their fullest potential.
Together, we can build a brighter future for our students, our families, and our community.
Experience
More than three decades of service in education, government, and community leadership across Miami-Dade County.
Education
A proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, university trustee chairman, and dedicated public school parent.
Advocacy
Founder of the Good Dad Act Committee and principal advocate behind Florida's landmark Ethan's Good Dad Act legislation.
Leadership
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Memorial University and Executive Board Member of the North Miami Police Athletic League.
Vision
A clear, practical vision for educational excellence, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and career readiness.
Dedication
An unwavering commitment to students, families, teachers, and the future of District 1.