Things looking up at FAMU

It has been five months since James Ammons took over the Presidency at FAMU. But now the school appears to be on the road to recovery.

For three years, Florida A&M University was embroiled in controversy. Financial aid payments and paychecks were late, the books didn't balance.

In the middle of it all, Jeremie Johnson made the decision to go to FAMU anyway, and has never looked back.

“Here it’s not like you’re a number. It’s more like you’re part of the family so they want to ensure that you’re successful and you graduate.”

On Tuesday, officials cut a ribbon celebrating the opening of a tutoring center at FAMU's nationally acclaimed School of Pharmacy. Provost Barbara Barnes says the expansion is a signal FAMU is back on track.

“We have the people in place. The morale is up. The positive thinking is up.”

Last spring, FAMU nearly lost control of the engineering school it shares with Florida State. Now, State Senator Al Lawson says rumors of the schools demise were greatly exaggerated.

“With a permanent president, I’ve been able to see the university accomplish some of the financial goals within 60 days where before it took about 3 ½ years.”

FAMU must still prove to lawmakers and outside auditors that it can manage its own affairs, but 5 months into a new administration the historically black college is making progress.

More than 11 thousand students attend Florida A&M University. The school is the state’s only public historically black college or university.