FAMU alumnus Andrew Gillum, who has served as a Tallahassee
city commissioner since 2003, recently picked up a big endorsement in bid to
become the city’s next mayor. Frederick S. Humphries, the eight president of
FAMU, has officially placed his support behind Gillum’s campaign.
In the letter of endorsement, Humphries wrote the following:
Dear Alumni and Friends:
Commissioner Andrew Gillum is running for Mayor of the City
of Tallahassee, Florida. Andrew is an outstanding alumnus of Florida A&M
University (FAMU). It was during his tenure, as the student government
association (SGA) president, that he served as our inaugural student
representative on the FAMU Board of Trustees. Having worked directly with
Andrew, I can attest to his leadership as a consensus builder, negotiator,
collaborator and listener. He is an example of the leadership, dedication and
drive we instill in our alumni. As the City of Tallahassee moves forward, it is
important to have leaders like Andrew.
These are exciting times in Florida, for our Capital City and our beloved Florida A&M University! Tallahassee continues to grow, attracting more businesses and innovation, bringing greater opportunities for our students and alumni. We need leaders like Andrew.
As a city commissioner, Andrew has served as the City of
Tallahassee’s liaison and chief negotiator to FAMU, Florida State University,
and Tallahassee Community College. In this role, this young man has exhibited
extraordinary leadership and commitment to Tallahassee’s academic institutions.
For example, Andrew has helped Tallahassee continue its investment in education
and has helped forge agreements that are mutually beneficial to our educational
partners and the community-at-large.
Andrew is running to become Tallahassee’s next mayor. What
an extraordinary opportunity it would be to have a FAMU alumnus as the Capital
City’s next mayor! Andrew’s record as city commissioner, as well as, his
candidacy for mayor is a testament to FAMU’s excellence in producing innovative
leaders!
That is why I am endorsing Andrew and requesting all FAMU
Rattlers, friends and families living in the City of Tallahassee to support
Andrew’s candidacy and to help ensure one of our own continues to lead the
city’s growth, innovation, and investments.
I am so proud that this civic leader attended Florida
A&M University during my tenure as president. Andrew’s leadership as SGA
president was instrumental during the transition from a university governed by
the Board of Regents to an institution consisting of a Board of Trustees.
Gillum showed an amazing sensitivity to the issues that were most important to
protecting the autonomy and mission of FAMU. I know that he will serve with
dignity and propose programs that will benefit all of the citizens of
Tallahassee.
As Mayor, he will work to secure for minorities an equal
share of the commercial activity and work created during his tenure as
Tallahassee’s mayor. More so now, than ever, that is the type of leader that
Tallahassee needs. Prosperity needs to fall equally upon all of the various
groups in Tallahassee. He is the person with the sensitivity and knows how, to
get this done. For these reasons, I unquestionably recommend him to serve as
the next mayor of the Capitol City and the home of FAMU. Please join the
Rattler Nation by casting your vote for Andrew on Election Day, August 26. May
the Rattlers continue to Strike, Strike and Strike Again!
Sincerely,
Frederick S. Humphries, PhD
Eighth President, Florida A&M University