FAMU’s Performance Shows Legislature’s Investment Is Paying Off
Florida A&M University’s performance over the past year is evidence that the Legislature’s investment in us is paying healthy dividends.
We are seeing improvements in our student success metrics across the University. Others are paying attention. FAMU is now ranked No. 91 among the top national public universities. We are the top-ranked public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for the fifth consecutive year and No. 3 overall among all HBCUs, public and private, according to U.S. News & World Report. FAMU’s continued impact on the trajectory of our students is reflected by our social mobility ranking of 21 among national universities.
In the past fiscal year, FAMU registered records in philanthropic giving, research and development spending, and we are well on the way to attaining the status of “Very High Research Activity.”
Our success on the athletic field of play as conference champions in women’s indoor track and field, women’s tennis, women’s cross-country, baseball and HBCU National Champions in football is mirrored by excellence in our classrooms. For example, thanks to increased funding used to support our School of Nursing (SON), 28 out of 29 spring 2023 graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on the first try. That gives the SON 2023 spring cohort a 96.55 percent first-time pass rate. Their success means more licensed FAMU nurses are in the state’s healthcare workforce.
Results matter. Funding matters. We are seeing increases in our retention and graduation rates as part of our student success initiatives.
But we can’t rest on our laurels. Our task is incomplete. We are requesting from the Legislature $45.5 million in recurring funding to accelerate our efforts to be among the top-tier of State University System (SUS) institutions in the Florida Board of Governors’ Performance Metrics; among the first HBCUs to earn the prestigious Carnegie “Very High Research Activity” designation; attract and retain high-achieving students; improve faculty excellence through increased support; and strengthen the University’s distinguished academic programs.
We are also seeking funding to address some of our most pressing infrastructure needs and support high-profile academic programs.
Among our other top legislative priorities:
$13.1 million recurring budget request from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in its drive to become a top 50 engineering school. Ensuring adequate financial support for undergraduate and graduate students, attracting, and retaining exceptional faculty who can contribute significantly to research and educational objectives. Recruiting highly motivated and skilled staff members who can effectively support operations and contribute to the overall success of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
$19.1 million for the Chemical and Biological Laboratory Research Center. This center will provide research and study space to facilitate interdisciplinary research conducted by faculty, students and staff in STEM and health related disciplines. It will increase research productivity, including STEM grant awards and research expenditures, and an enhanced cadre of competitive graduates for employment in high-need STEM disciplines.
$29 million for renovation of the School of Business and Industry (SBI) South Wing. Originally built in 1982 under the leadership and vision of legendary SBI Dean Sybil Mobley, the 49,100-square-feet structure was renovated more than a quarter century ago. SBI is one of FAMU’s signature programs. SBI alumni are excelling in executive suites and board rooms across the country. America’s top companies are aggressively recruiting our students, who deserve a facility consistent with their excellence. The ceilings, floors, bathrooms, and HVAC equipment require replacement in the five-story structure, in addition to installation of a generator and emergency power grid throughout the building.
Transformative renovation will lead to enhanced student learning outcomes, increased recruitment of high-performing students, increased academic progress, improved four-year graduation rates, and increased students’ post-graduation employability.
Our goals bear repeating. We aspire to become a leader among the SUS top-tier institutions; remain a top 100 national public university; rank in the top 10 for social mobility; a Carnegie Research 1 institution; and a top talent producer in STEM, health, and business.
I am pleased with our progress, and I am optimistic about our future. We are boldly striking.