FAMU is grappling with a significant gender imbalance in its student body. Of the 22,713 students who applied for admission in 2023, more than 71.5 percent were female, totaling 16,255 applicants. In contrast, only 28.5 percent of applicants were male, with 6,458 applicants.
The disparity continues beyond the application process. FAMU admitted 1,436 male students in 2023, but only 391 of them enrolled full-time, according data gleamed from FAMU's submission to the National Center for Education Statistics last month.
Experts attribute this growing gap to various factors, including societal expectations, economic pressures, and a lack of targeted support for Black male students.
Del Stewart, a higher education expert at Texas A&M Commerce University, emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies. "We need to understand the unique challenges faced by Black men in higher education and develop interventions that address these challenges effectively," he said. "This includes providing mentorship, financial support, and creating a supportive campus environment that meets the needs of male students."
FAMU has already begun implementing some of these recommendations. The university has launched several mentorship programs and is working to expand its financial aid offerings. Stewart, and his colleagues, are conducting research to better understand the barriers that prevent Black men from enrolling and succeeding in higher education.
"We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our students," said FAMU VP of Student Affairs William Hudson. "Addressing the gender gap is a priority for us, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure that all students, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to succeed."
As FAMU continues to tackle this issue, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a more balanced and equitable student body, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the university's rich legacy.