LOIS J. HURSTON GASTON, PH.D.
as part of the Zora Neale Hurston Festival Dallas
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 12:30 PM
Ashley Jordan, We Form Creatives, and Lois J. Hurston Gaston, Ph.D., a grandniece of Zora Neale Hurston and a veteran public school and community college educator, in conversation
via Instagram Live
Lois J. Hurston Gaston, Ph.D. is a grandniece of Zora Neale Hurston and a veteran public school and community college educator. From 1992 to 2006, she served as President of the Ybor City Campus of Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. There, she guided the campus through significant renovations and capital construction projects, directed the creation of a film and arts festival and oversaw new academic program offerings in childcare, dance and other performing arts as well as the creation of several occupational programs. During the time of her work in education and higher educational administration, she received many awards and acknowledgements for her contributions to students and her communities.
When Hurston Gaston moved to Florida in 1992 followed by a relocation to Georgia, Zora Neale Hurston was deceased; however, she found new friends among the many Zora scholars, researchers and documentarians who were engaged in introducing Zora to a new era of readers. She also bonded with previously unknown family members when they gathered together in Eatonville, Florida to celebrate Zora's achievements. Together, they now work to help preserve the multi-faceted legacy of Zora Neale Hurston. Today, Lois Hurston Gaston serves as one of the trustees for the Zora Neale Hurston Trust.
Please email questions to andrea.tosten@dallas.gov