Tiffani-Dawn Sykes' era as FAMU AD comes to an end

In a move that was widely expected, Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, has been forced out as Athletic Director at FAMU.  Sykes assumed control of the program in January 2023 and held the position for approximately 20 months, a period characterized by notable on-field successes and moments of controversy.

She announced her departure from the university in an email to the FAMU Athletics staff that quickly circulated online. 

Sykes' departure comes just 11 days before the FAMU football team is set to open its 2024 season at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge against Norfolk State in Atlanta. 

During her time at FAMU, Sykes Rattlers won a SWAC football and Celebration Bowl Championships in 2023, SWAC Tennis, SWAC baseball (2023), women’s cross country and women’s track and field.  

Despite the on-field success of the football program, FAMU Athletics faced a budget shortfall of $816,912 for the 2023-24 academic year, which had to be covered by a bailout from the FAMU Foundation. According to documents, by mid-year,  Sykes overspent her operating budget by $146,752 (108%).

She also oversaw a period of academic excellence, with six athletic teams (baseball, women's basketball, bowling, tennis, volleyball, and golf) earning a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 1,000 for the 2022-23 academic year. Additionally, the football team's APR score saw a significant increase from 901 to 950 under her leadership.

However, Sykes' tenure was not without its challenges. In fact, she was a highly polarizing figure, her handling of the football coach hiring process in January led to votes of no confidence by the FAMU National Alumni Association. 

Furthermore, a very public altercation with a potential athletic donor at the FAMU National Alumni Association Convention in June drew the ire of alumni, further alienating her from the university community.

Sykes's departure was part of a larger administrative shake up following an investigative report detailing the circumstances surrounding a fraudulent $237 million gift announcement, that saw former FAMU President Larry Robinson resign.