Bio

Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2020

Dale Dettmer obtained his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1967 and Florida Institute of Technology in 1971, respectively; and a Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Florida in 1973. Additionally, he is a member of the University of Florida Law Review. 

Dettmer is a member of the Florida Bar and the Brevard County Bar Associations, the Tax Section and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar. Additionally, he is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, and the United States Tax Court. His practices are focused on business law, real estate, and estate planning. Mr.Dettmer is “AV” rated by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating for legal ability and ethics, and board-certified taxation by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. 

Dale is past Chairman and a member of the Board of Trustees of Florida Institute of Technology. He also served as chair of the board of Health First Foundation Inc. and the Community Foundation of Brevard Inc. He was a member of the board of directors of BankFirst and The BankShares, and served as president and member of the board of directors of the Melbourne Kidney Center Inc.

Dale is married to Pamela Joan Dettmer and has three children.

His giving to Florida Tech includes the establishment of the Detmer Family Scholarship Fund and annual sponsorship for the Evening of Hope in support of the Scott Center for Autism.

How did Florida Tech help prepare you for your career? 

A STEM education at Florida Tech teaches problem-solving skills by breaking down complex issues into a series of simple steps leading to real solutions. 

What advice or words of wisdom do you have for students and recent graduates?  

Master your studies as you progress as a solid academic base serves one well in divergent applications that will certainly be encountered.

Who was your favorite faculty member? 

Dr. Harry Weber.

What was your most memorable experience at Florida Tech? 

Attending the Olin Foundation press conference announcing its $50 million gift as “out of all of the schools in the country that were considered, Florida Tech is best positioned to maximize its potential with this gift”  (Not really a quote but it is as I remember it).

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  

Becoming the first alum to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Florida Tech.

What was the most difficult challenge or failure that you had to overcome in your career? 

Upon deciding that I did not wish to pursue a career as an electrical engineer, I changed course and attended law school.  For me, the practice of law is not work, it’s fun.  The decision was not easy as there was no promise that a legal career would result in happiness – but it did.  

If you were contacted by a student or recent graduate—what could you offer them?  

Chart your own course and be ready to adjust as time goes by.

How do you view the future of Florida Tech?  

The future of Florida Tech is very bright as it continues to focus on excellence in STEM education.  This results in jobs for our graduates and builds a strong America.

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