Angela Suggs embarks on new role with high expectations

Angela Suggs begins her first day of work, today, as the new Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at FAMU. Suggs was previously the President and CEO of the Florida Sport Foundation since 2017. Where she manage a $9.8 million budget and generated more than $70 billion in economic impact to the state of Florida by bringing two Super Bowls to the state, the NFL Pro-Bowl to Orlando the past three years, and Formula1 Racing to Miami Gardens.
 
What can Suggs expect?
Suggs inherits a program with 14 division sports, the NCAA’s bare minimum, that is yearning for consistency in the AD’s position.  Suggs’ becomes FAMU’s 12^th AD since 2009.
 
She inherits a department that is financially challenged. Despite the Rattler football team's success on the field and at the box office, including hosting the SWAC Championship Celebration Bowl appearance last year, which netted the department an additional $1 million, FAMU athletics has still faced difficulties in balancing its budget.  The department twice, in past year, had to turn to the FAMU Foundation for bailouts.

 

With no real, booster organization, Suggs will have to find creative ways to raise the  funding necessary to create a sustainable division one program. She will also have to be creative in enticing the Rattler fan base to get them to open up their wallets.

 

Budget issues longstanding

FAMU Athletics’ budget issues are long standing, in 2020 the department eliminated the men’s tennis and cross country programs as a way to offset a $2.4 million deficit.

 

The primary factor contributing to the department's financial challenges, beyond a weak –to nearly nonexistent–  athletic booster organization, and escalating equipment expenses and coaches' pay, is the substantial drop in FAMU's student population by 3,940 between 2011 and 2023. This decline is particularly impactful since 70% of FAMU athletics budget is funded by student athletic fees.  Public universities in Florida have not seen an increase in tuition or fees in 13 years (since 2011).  

In Suggs, FAMU has new leader with extensive experience in sports ---at the highest level-- with  a deep understanding of the industry and FAMU culture.  She also happens to have an extensive rolodex.

As FAMU's new athletic director, Suggs is expected to implement strategic initiatives to enhance the university's sports programs, foster a culture of excellence, and ensure financial sustainability. The university community and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to see the positive changes Suggs will bring to FAMU's athletic department.