“Doc” Buchanan Named Grand Marshal of the 97th Clovis Rodeo

Dr. Floyd “Doc” Buchanan has been named grand marshal of the 97th Clovis Rodeo. Buchanan led the Clovis Unified School District for more than 30 years and has been a fixture in Clovis since he accepted his first teaching position in the community in 1957. The 97th Clovis Rodeo is scheduled to take place April 21-24, 2011.

“So many of us that are involved with the Clovis Rodeo also attended Clovis schools or now have children enrolled in Clovis, and we know firsthand what Doc did for a child’s education in our community,” said Ron Dunbar, president of the Clovis Rodeo Association. “It is truly an honor for our association to recognize Doc for all he has done for Clovis.”

Floyd “Doc” Buchanan became the Clovis Unified School District’s (CUSD) first superintendent when the district unified seven individual school districts in 1960. During his 31 years as superintendent, the CUSD Governing Board implemented many of Doc’s revolutionary programs. Among the most notable was the 90% Goal. The program was designed to have 90% of Clovis students at grade level in math and reading in three years. Beginning with the 90% Goal, Doc continued to encourage his faculty, students and staff to “be the best you can be in mind, body and spirit,” until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure, Doc and his team gained national recognition for their success and when he retired 95 % of the student body had reached grade level.

Born to Millard B. and Laura E. Buchanan in 1924 in a log cabin in the Ozark Mountains above Dale, Arkansas, Doc is proud to claim his Arkansas birthright, even though he spent most of his childhood in Colorado. After graduating from high school, Doc enrolled in the pre-med program at the University of Denver. He was an exemplary student and an outstanding athlete. Doc eventually put his education on hold and enlisted in the Merchant Marines during World War II where he served on the tanker, SS Daylight. While stationed in New York, he married Molly, who he met during his freshman year of college, on June 9, 1945. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was honorably discharged in 1947. He promptly returned to college in Denver, and completed his Bachelors Degree in 1948.

Following graduation, Doc accepted his first teaching position at Arvada High School in Arvada, Colorado and continued to study; earning his teaching credential and a Masters Degree. Never one to do anything half way, he continued teaching while he studied for his doctorate in education at the University of California at Berkley. Two-weeks after receiving his doctorate, Doc accepted the position as Principal/Superintendent for Jefferson Elementary School District in Clovis in 1957.

Doc and Molly were married for 62 years; she passed away in 2006. They raised five children: Larry Buchanan; Randy Sue (Buchanan) Hein; Deborah Buchanan; Laurie (Buchanan) Poduska; and John Buchanan. They have nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Doc will be presented with the traditional cowboy hat and belt buckle given to the Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshal during the Rodeo Banquet on Saturday, April 16 at the Clovis Rodeo Hall. He will also have the honor of leading the annual Clovis Rodeo parade through the streets of downtown Clovis on Saturday, April 24.

The Clovis Rodeo will open on Thursday, April 21 with the PBR Bull Riding Touring Pro-Division. Friday night rodeo action will be followed by a concert for fans with country star Easton Corbin. Two days of non-stop rodeo action will continue through the weekend. Tickets are available by calling 559-299-5203 or visiting www.clovisrodeo.com.

Photo: 97th Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshal, Floyd “Doc” Buchanan by Keith Seaman and used courtesy of the Clovis Rodeo Association