Collaboration and community engagement will be an early focus of AD Suggs

In a recent interview with the Coaches Corner podcast, Angela Suggs, the newly appointed Vice President and Director of Athletics at FAMU, conveyed her excitement and dedication to elevating the university's intercollegiate athletics program. She highlighted her plan to prioritize collaboration and community involvement by scheduling one-on-one meetings with her senior staff, head coaches, student-athletes, and other university stakeholders. Suggs underscored the critical role of active listening in her strategy, emphasizing the need to grasp the contemporary dynamics of intercollegiate athletics, which have undergone substantial changes in the last seven years.

Suggs underscored her focus would be enhancing the overall experience of FAMU athletics for both the student athletes and the fans. "It’s all about the experience." she said. “We want student athletes, and their parents, to be proud of their decision to attend FAMU, so we want to create a memorable atmosphere for them.  We also want to deliver a memorable experience for our fans that will them coming back. This includes a commitment to quality experience from the moment they wake up and make the decision to drive to our facilities.  That quality of the merchandise put on, to how they are greeted in the parking lots, the vibrant tailgating culture, and of course once we have them in our facilities --- that includes  making sure that we have the appropriate staff on hand to scan their tickets, to the food selections.”

Addressing concerns about revenue and funding, Suggs highlighted the need for community support and investment in athletic programs. She aims to engage the FAMU alumni network and local stakeholders in fundraising efforts, encouraging donations that could bolster scholarships and operational budgets.

 

“We are a voluntary Division One athletic institution, and with that comes responsibility,” Suggs explained. “With that, we will ensure that our student-athletes are supported academically and athletically.”

 

Suggs, who is also a mother of a college freshman student athlete, emphasized the importance of empathy in her role. She aims to bridge the gap between the athletic administration and student-athletes, fostering open dialogues that can lead to meaningful solutions.

 

As excitement builds within the community, Suggs encouraged fans and alumni to contribute financially, suggesting that even small donations can collectively make a significant impact. “Let’s show our support for FAMU athletics,” she urged, inviting everyone to join in the effort to elevate the program.