Dr. Humphries, who passed away in June 2021 at the age of 85, is remembered for his significant contributions to the university during what many have termed FAMU’s “Golden Age” from 1985 to 2001.
Dr. Humphries is credited with increasing enrollment and expanding academic programs, leaving a lasting impact on the institution. His son, Laurence Humphries, expressed his pride in the project as a fitting tribute to his father’s legacy.
“It’s important that Florida A&M remembers the rich legacy of this great university. It is our intention that this effort be the first of many statues to honor our university heroes/sheroes who have come before us," Laurence Humphries said at the time.
Despite the successful fundraising efforts, the delay in completing the statue has raised questions among the FAMU community. University officials have not provided a specific reason for the delay, or provided any status reports on the project or explained what they did with the money.
By comparison, the gigantic Rattler statue outside of the CASS building was constructed by a local team from Monticello, FL at a cost of $200,000. Just this week, Killearn Country Club unveiled a life-sized bronze statue of Bobby Bowden, which cost a little more than $98,000.