FAMU celebrates Gaines' contributions

Now retired FAMU Vice President for Student Affairs Roland H. Gaines was honored by his colleagues on Thursday, June 24 in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.

Gaines, who announced his retirement in early April, plans to retire at the end of the month. More than 200 guests attended the high-spirited event, “The Best is Yet to Come: A Tribute to Roland H. Gaines.”

“I’ve never had to worry about student affairs because Roland was at the helm,” FAMU President James H. Ammons said during the ceremony. “The best and the brightest students made their way to FAMU because Roland Gaines convinced them that Florida A&M University was the place to be. He has a passion for students.”

Gaines’ tenure at FAMU covers 36 years, interrupted by a six-year-stint as vice chancellor of student affairs at North Carolina Central University. He served as associate vice president for Student Affairs at FAMU before his appointment at NCCU.

A native of Tallahassee, Fla., Gaines graduated from FAMU in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and was awarded the master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1970.

“We are honoring a man who has impacted so many lives that have matriculated through Florida A&M University in such a positive way,” said Director of Student Administration Michael James, who served as master of ceremony for the event.

Gaines’ dedication and love for FAMU has been evident throughout his years at the university.

“This has been more than I could have dreamed it could be,” Gaines said of the event, which included entertainment by the FAMU Marching “100,” Mt. Zion Mime Ministry of St. Petersburg, Fla., and the FAMU Jazz Ensemble. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. FAMU will always hold a prominent place in my life.”

During his professional career, Gaines owned two restaurants and two companies; one a real estate company and the other a company evaluating foreign credentials. Upon graduation in 1968, Gaines began his career at FAMU. In 1997, he was promoted to associate vice president for Student Affairs and served as interim vice president until July 1997. Gaines retired August 2001 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary service to FAMU and its students.

On Sept. 1, 2002, Gaines began a new career at North Carolina Central University as director of Enrollment Management. Gaines was largely responsible for the growth in the number of scholars and increasing enrollment by 58 percent at NCCU. He retired on May 31, 2007.

On July 2, 2007, Gaines returned to FAMU as vice president for Student Affairs, launching a major initiative to grow the enrollment with America’s best and brightest students.