After graduating valedictorian from Lincoln High School in 1968, Dr. Fullwood received her bachelors’ degree in 1972 from the University of Florida. She went on to graduate with her MA and then her Ph.D. in Counselor Education in 1978 from this same institution.  After graduation Dr. Fullwood continued at UF to become a director and lecturer for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Office for Academic Support and Institutional Services (OASIS). She also served as a counselor coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at UF.

She has dedicated her time and efforts to Black students at the University of Florida. In 2003 she published with co-author Kevin McCarthy, the first comprehensive history of African-American life at the University of Florida, African-Americans at the University of Florida. She has also done extensive research on academics and Black students in higher education. She continues to show her passion for Black student life at the University of Florida by holding a position as faculty advisor for the Black Student Union since 1978. She has also held positions on the Council on Minority Recruitment and Retention, as well as the Committee on Minority Students. She has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. since 1969.

Dr. Betty J. Fullwood has received extensive awards including Educator of the Year from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. in 1981 and 1982;  Pioneering Award from the UF Association of Black Faculty and Staff in 1998; First Recipient of the C. Arthur Sandeen Improving the Quality of Life Memorial Award in 1999; Lincoln High School Hall of Fame inductee in the area of Education in 2003; and Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honor Society in 2003. 

            This February of 2010, the Black Student Union, Black History Month Committee, and Student Government, celebrate Dr. Betty J. Fullwood for her passion, commitment, and service to higher education and students at the University of Florida.