Dick Appleyard

• Marketing '74; MBA '75

Biography

Dick Appleyard’s successful business career began early in life on the basketball court. College coaches, like Dean Smith and C.M. Newton, recruited him because of his creativity on the court, his commitment to hard work, and his ability to make others successful. 

Following two years at the University of Alabama, Dick came home to UWF where he earned his BA in Marketing and an MBA from the University of West Florida. He served as an adjunct professor for three years sharing his love of advertising with students. While still studying at UWF’s Business Department, Dick transferred his skills to the advertising industry by joining the Appleyard Agency.

Dick’s work ethic, dedication, enthusiasm, big-picture vision and unparalleled ability to assist others has helped bring out the very best for his clients and community. His love for competition propelled businesses and individuals to compete for customers, votes, public awareness, and market share with great success.

As a Pensacola native, Dick’s commitment to improving the community has awarded him numerous leadership roles with organizations such as Rebuild Northwest Florida, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Waterfront Rescue Mission and The Ronald McDonald House.

As a UWF Alumni, he served on the UWF Foundation and as an adjunct professor in Advertising. He was elected to the UWF Sports Hall of Fame and is a member of the Sword and Shield Club.

Dick has also been inducted into the AAF Pensacola Hall of Fame as well as the Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame, awarded the Art’s Council of Northwest Florida’s Muriel Shugart Award”, the MLK Living the Dream Award, and the Pensacola Chamber's Pace Award. He was named Kiwanis "Man of the Year” and received the Paul Harris Fellow recognition by his Rotary.

Dick is married to his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Palmer Appleyard. They have three children and seven grandchildren.