Welcome
WelcometotheFloridaAgriculturaland MechanicalUniversity’s (FAMU) PresidentialAmbassadors Program! FAMU Presidential Ambassadors is an elite group of FAMU’s top students who express gratitude to FAMU through excellence, recruitment, and service. Established in 1985 by our eighth president, Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, Presidential Ambassador, accompanied him across the country to recruit outstanding scholars. Under the leadership and vision of President Larry Robinson, the PresidentialAmbassadorsProgramwasreinstatedtocontinuethis essential legacy. Presidential Ambassadors will revive this esteemedmissionandcontinuetoenhancetheUniversity’sbrand, vision, and values. The role of a Presidential Ambassador includes recruiting scholars and promoting the University’s brand. Take pride in your role and progression in your professional and academic growth in this program and beyond. Presidential Ambassadors set the example for excellence and academic achievement at FAMU. Thus, this position deservesthe humblest and highest degree of Ratter Pride. Presidential Ambassadors recruit high-achieving scholars, promote the University’s brand, and act as hosts during convocations, commencements, and various presidential events with corporate executives, government officials, and alumni. For some, you will be the first impression ofFAMU.Forothers,youmay be the final influential factor in a student deciding to become a part of our FAMULY, collaborations, or partnerships. Nearly forty years later, the Presidential Ambassadors continue to be an elite, eclectic group of scholars working diligently for the betterment of Florida A&M University.
FAMU History
Everyuniversityhasahistory,butfewhaveahistoryasuniqueandimpressive as ours. For nearly 140 years, FloridaAgricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the world through its preeminent educational programs. These programs are the building blocks for a legacy of “Excellence with Caring.”
In 1884, Thomas Van Renssaler Gibbs, a Duval County educator, was elected tothe Florida legislature.Althoughhispolitical careerended abruptlybecause of the resurgence of segregation, Representative Gibbs was successful in orchestrating the passage of House Bill 133 in 1884. This bill established a white normal school in Gainesville and a school for African Americans in Jacksonville. The bill passed, creating both institutions; however, the state decided to relocate the school forAfricanAmericans to Tallahassee.
After the bill’s passage, FAMU was founded on October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and 2 instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker, an attorneyfromPensacola, was chosen to be the first president from1887-1901. Former State Representative Gibbs joined President Tucker as the second faculty member and Vice President until his sunset in 1898.
In 1891, the College received $7,500 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education. The State Normal College for Colored Students became Florida’s land grant institution for African Americans, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.
In 1905, management of the College was transferred from the Board of Education to the Board of Control.This significant event officially designated the College as an institution of higher education.
In 1909 the name was changed from The State Normal College for Colored Students to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees.
President Nathan B.Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.
Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. More faculty were hired, courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received fromseveralstateagencies.BytheendofLee’s term, FAMChad 812students and 122 staff members.
In 1949, under the guidance of William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion, along with reorganization, continued. The College obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment grew to more than 2,000.
Perhaps one of the most outstanding achievements came under the presidency of Dr. George W. Gore (1950-1968). The Florida legislature elevated the College to university status, and in 1953, Florida A&M College became FloridaAgricultural and Mechanical University.
Obtaining university status meant restructuring existing programs and designing new academic offerings to meet the demands of producing quality students at the professional and graduate levels. Between 1953 and 1968, the Schools of Pharmacy, Law, Graduate Studies, and Nursing were created.
During this time, FAMU achieved a significant first by becoming the first Negro institution to become a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
During the years of 1950-68, the University experienced its most rapid growth. Twenty-three buildings were erected, with construction and renovation costs totaling more than $14 million.
The hospital was completed and operative.The university’s staff increased by more than 500. At this time, the four-quarter plan was implemented, and the school became the first black institution to become a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, with enrollment increasing to more than 3,500.
With Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., at the helm, the 1970s brought further growth to the University. FAMU experienced a decade of rapid transition when federal laws demanded a desegregated unitary system. Dr. Perry’s administration is credited with the preservation of FAMU’s autonomy. In 1971, FAMU was recognized as a full partner in the nine-university, public higher education system of Florida.
The 1980s served as a model for productive development. Under the administration of Dr. Walter L. Smith, the University grew to eleven schools
and colleges and a division of graduate studies, research, and continuing education. In 1984, the University was granted the authority to offer its first Doctor of Philosophy degree, the Ph.D. in Pharmacology.
In 1985, the construction of a new corridor of history began as Dr. Frederick S. Humphries became the eighth president of FloridaA&M University. Under his leadership, FAMU experienced significant growth and unsurpassed accomplishments. In 1992, 1995, and 1997, FAMU enrolled more National AchievementfinaliststhanHarvard,Yale,andStanford.TheHumphriesYears were heralded as a time of unprecedented expansion and achievement. President Humphries is responsible for the inception of the renowned Life Gets Better Scholarship as a means of recruitment of the country’s top scholars. In the same year, those top scholars were brought together by President Humphries with a vision of creating a group of high-achieving students to travel the country with him in an effort to recruit other scholars alike to Florida A&M University. This group became known as the Florida A&M University Presidential Ambassadors.
Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, FAMU continued to thrive and implemented new recruitment and retention strategies, strengthened the University's academic programs, awarded best public Historically Back College and University (HBCU) for five consecutive years, ranked No. 3 among all HBCUs, public and private, rose into the Top 100 of all public universities in the country, and ranked as high as No. 13 ranked in Social Mobility (2021) according to U.S. News & World Report. Under his leadership, we increased research fundraising to more than $100 million and set annual fundraising records topping $20 million annually for the last five years in an effort to acquire Carnegie Research 1 Status.While serving on two National Academy of Sciences committees, the Climate Crossroads Committee and the Gulf Research Program's Division Committee, he also serves as Principal Investigator on the largest grant on campus, generating more than $30 million in research funding with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and established the bachelor’s and doctoral programs in environmental science and led the transition to FAMU's School of the Environment. Under Dr. Robinson’s unwavering leadership, FAMU increased student-centered resources by centralizing student services on campus and completed the Center forAccess and Student Success (CASS) building, elevated the resurgence of record numbers of applicants to the University with more than 132 percent of applications from first-time-incollege (FTIC) students and set academic profiles records of admitted,
increased enrolled students, improved graduation rates, and increased student housing to 920 bed with plans to increase total campus housing capacity to more than 4,000. He elevated the surrounding community by implementing FAMU’s COVID-19 community response which was the longest operating testing and vaccination site in the Big Bend area, spearheaded the $10 million drive from the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency for the renovation of Bragg Memorial Stadium, and the naming of Perkins Way, Althea Gibson Way,andFAMUWayattheCollegeofLaw.FAMUalsoreceivedrecordyears offundingfromtheStateLegislature andBoardofGovernorsinPerformanceBased Funding and experienced record years of endowment value.
Mission Statement
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels. FAMU enhances the lives of its constituents and empowers communities through innovative teaching, research, scholarship, partnerships, and public service. The University continues its rich legacy and historic mission of educatingAfrican Americans and embraces all dimensions of diversity.
Vision Statement
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) will be recognized as a leading national public university that is internationally renowned for its competitive graduates, transformative research, and innovation.
Values
FloridaAgricultural and Mechanical University is committed to the values of accountability,inclusion,innovation,andintegrity.TheUniversityalso values and endorses the Board of Governors' Statement of Free Expression and expects open-minded and tolerant civil discourse to take place throughout the campus community. These values represent the tenets that guide our actions, enable us to sustain our historical mission, and realize our strategic plan.
Colleges and Schools
At FloridaA&M University, students receive a world-class education via our 14 colleges and schools, 54 bachelor's degrees, 29 master's degrees, three professional degrees, and 12 doctoral degrees, which prepare our scholars to be leaders in their chosen fields. Our alumni have received national and international accolades due to the outstanding educational opportunities
provided through “Excellence with Caring” at the #1 public HBCU. In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
1. College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS): land-grant arm of the University
2. College of Education (COE): Since 1887, the College of Education (COE) at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has played a roleinthestate'sfuture.TheCollegeofEducation wasthefirstandonly college, department, or major within the university at its inception in 1887. The COE continues to celebrate superior accomplishments by its students, faculty, staff, and graduates.
3. College of Law
4. College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health
5. College of Science and Technology
6. College of Social Sciences,Arts and Humanities (CSSAH)
7. FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
8. School ofAllied Health Sciences
9. School ofArchitecture and Engineering Technology
10. School of Business and Industry (SBI)
11. School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR)
12. School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC)
13. School of Nursing (SON) is the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in the United States at a historically black institution. Established in 1904 as a hospital-based program, it became the first baccalaureate program in Florida in 1936.
14. School of the Environment (SOE)
Accolades, Highlights, & FAMU Fanfare Top-Ranked HBCU
FAMU consistently ranks as one of the top HBCUs in the United States. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked FAMU as the No. 3 HBCU in the nation, making FAMU the No.1 Public HBCU in the nation for five consecutive years. We are also ranked Top 25 in Social Mobility and No. 91 for public schools in the nation, making us a Top 100 University.
Strong Academic Programs
FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, is renowned and has consistently produced top-tier professionals in the field. The School of Architecture and Engineering Technology and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering are highly respected for their innovative programs and research contributions.
National Championships in Athletics
FAMU has a storied athletics program, particularly in football. The university’s football team, the Rattlers, won the first-ever NCAA Division IAA(now FCS) National Championship in 1978.
Excellence in Research
FAMU is recognized as a Carnegie R2: Doctoral University – High Research Activity,highlightingitssignificantresearchcontributions.Theuniversityhas been involved in groundbreaking research in environmental sciences, agriculture, and public health.
Leading Producer of African American Graduates
FAMU is among the leading producers of African American graduates in the United States, particularly in fields such as engineering, law, journalism, and health sciences.
Top Producer of African American PhDs
The university is a top producer of African American PhDs, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Marching “100” Band
FAMU’s Marching “100” band is world-renowned and has performed at prestigious events such as the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards, and presidential inaugurations. The band is often considered one of the best marching bands in the country.
High Rankings for Affordability
FAMU is consistently recognized for its affordability and value, offering a high-quality education at a competitive cost and making it accessible to a diversestudentbody.TheseaccoladescontributetoFAMU’sreputationasone of the most respected and influential HBCUs in the United States.
Organizational Charts
Please utilize the links below to study members of the Board of Trustees, Leadership Team, and the organizational chart.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
TheOfficeofAdmissions assistsprospectivefreshmen,transfer,international, returning, graduate, law, and online students through being admitted into FAMU. Their website provides resources for students at each level with resources to speak with an admissions representative, apply, schedule a tour or take a virtual tour, explore the Rattlerverse, forms, and career planning.
• Freshman Requirements
• Transfer Requirements
• International Requirements
• Returning Students
• Graduate Students
• Law Students
• FAMU Online
UniversityAcademic Calendar
Please review the university academic calendar for important dates and deadlines for upcoming Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
FinancialAid
The Office of Financial Aid is committed to assisting students in meeting the cost of a college education at FAMU. Their website provides information regarding FAFSA, important dates, forums and publications on obtaining financial aid for students and parents, scholarships, financial planning portals, find your representative, cost, aid options, taxes, webinars, and additional resources.
Housing
The Office of University Housing (OUH) provides assistance to students in guiding them in their next steps with its website of invaluable information. Their website includes information on residential facilities, learning communities, applications for housing, conferences and guest services, maintenance requests, housing tours, student and parent portals, virtual tours, and other important dates.
Student Clubs & Organizations
With over 420 on-campus clubs and organizations, students can be impactful to the University and grow professionally and academically. These organization categories include academic and professional, cultural
fraternities, sororities, co-ed fraternities, governing bodies, honor societies, law school, media, military, performing arts, religious, sports clubs, department-supported student associations, and volunteer and community service organizations.
PresidentialAmbassadors
In this section, you’ll find information needed to be an exceptionally successful Presidential Ambassador. Through this experience, Presidential Ambassadors will enhance your professionalism, refine your leadership and communication skills, and deepen your dedication to service with excellence. This appointment is unique as you will represent your University as hosts during special events, including convocations, commencements, and presidential events involving corporate and governmental executives and alumni. You’ll also meet prospective students and their families while you share the best parts of FAMU, including your favorite organizations, culture, programs, and activities. Here, we will cover your requirements, responsibilities and expectations, advisors and student assistants, committees, and other directives to enhance your connections with visitors.
Appointment Requirements, Duties, Expectations, and Responsibilities
To maintain your appointment as a Presidential Ambassador, you must maintain an overall 3.3 GPA, participate in all required training, and abide by the Student Code of Conduct (Regulation 2.012), or be terminated from the programif failure to do so. Below, you can find a link to the Code and the first paragraph of reference as needed:
2.012 Student Code of Conduct: (1) The Student Code of Conduct (“Code”) applies the principles and freedoms found in University Regulation 2.013, Due Process, Other Rights, and Responsibilities, by promoting responsible freedom for all students. This Code seeks to apply the principle of responsible freedom as it guides the conduct of FloridaA&M University(“University”) students.Theresponsibilityto know and abide by the Code ultimately lies with the student. The Student Code of Conduct supersedes all other means of disciplining or removing students for behaviors prohibited by the University.
Presidential AmbassadorsAdvisory Council
Linda Barge-Miles istheFloridaA&MUniversity(FAMU)BoardofTrustees liaison. During her 20-plus years at FAMU, she serves as Chief of Staff, Assistant General Counsel, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and an Adjunct Professor. Her legal experience includes working as an Assistant AttorneyGeneraland General Counselforalaborunion.Ms.BargeMiles earned a B.S. in Communicative Disorders from FAMU and a Master’s in Speech Pathology and Juris Doctor from Florida State University. She is a member in good standing with the Florida Bar and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. She is the mother of three adult children and a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Vernon E. Bryant is the Coordinator of Public Functions and Special Events in the Office of the President. He received his Bachelor's in Graphic Design from Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University. He is a native of Dothan, Alabama, and enjoys watching sports, traveling, and quiet time at home with family and friends.
Booker Gainor is the Assistant Director for Branding, Communications, and Marketing in the Office of Communications. He is a native of Cairo, Georgia, and is in his second term as the youngest and first African American mayor in Cairo’s history. Booker is a 2012 graduate of the School of Business and has a Master's in Education Leadership Tier 1 from Albany State University. Famed for his culinary skills, Mr. Gainor enjoys cooking and has acquired the name "Book the Cook."
Marny Marsh, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is the Executive Assistant to Dr. William E. Hudson, Vice President for Student Affairs. Marny holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and an MBA, with a concentration in Project Management, from Florida State Universityand is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The proud mother of Kennedy Penix, she enjoys reading, shopping, fine dining, and most genres of music.
Eugene Matthews is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and is the Associate Director of Student Support at the School of Allied Health Sciences. He has been employed at Florida A&M University (FAMU) for over 18 years and is an advisor to several organizations and clubs. He loves educating and motivating students, attending HBCU Football games, home cooked meals.
Kimberly Taylor, a native of Pelham, GA, is the Coordinator of Administrative Services and Board Operations. She received her Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Albany State College and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida A&M University. She enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with family.
Milan Thompson is the Assistant Director of Government Relations and an alumna who received both her Bachelor’s in Health Care Management and Master’sinPublicAdministration degreesfromFloridaA&MUniversity.She is a fifth-generation native of Jacksonville, Florida and enjoys travel, yoga, and building her candle company, MiCo Candles.
Antonio Witherspoon is the Coordinator of Administrative Services in the Office of the Provost and Division of Academic Affairs. He is an alumnus who received his Bachelor's in Business Education, Master's in Public Administration, and Master's in Education from Florida A&M University. He is a native of Hastings, Florida, and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity, Inc.andKappaAlphaPsiFraternity, Incorporated.Heenjoyswatching sports, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Presidential Committee Structure and Leadership
Presidential Ambassador committees will best assist in sustaining the longevity and unity of the program and participants. Committee structure, leadership, and membership will beselected bypeerand currentAmbassadors and will include, but not be limited to, Public Relations, Event Coordination & Campus Engagement, Community Engagement & Outreach, and Ethics & Rules. These committees are recommendations and can be amended as needed.