FAMU Day at the Capitol has dual focus: secure resources; warn against political influence in search for next president

FAMU alumni, leaders, and supporters from across the state will gather at the Florida Capitol today for the annual FAMU Day at the Capitol, urging legislators to bolster funding for the historic institution. 

The event coincides with the 138-year-old institution’s efforts to amplify recent successes, including its No. 81 ranking among 1,662 U.S. public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s latest assessment and its sixth consecutive year as the nation’s #1 public historically Black college or university (HBCU).

Legislative priorities
FAMU’s rising prominence has fueled unprecedented demand, with a record 24,300 applications received for just 1,600 freshman slots in fall 2024. University leaders will highlight the need for increased state funding to expand capacity, recruit and retain first-rate faculty and support staff to ensure student success, and to improve in key areas like the College of Law—where improving bar passage rates is a priority—and the College of Engineering, which requires strengthened additional FAMU STEM faculty and more scholarship support (for students) to meet workforce demands.

Interim President Tim Beard emphasized the university’s role in driving “Florida’s talent pipeline and economic growth,” crediting past investments from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature for measurable gains. However, he stressed that continued support is critical to “open doors wider” for high-achieving students and maintain FAMU’s upward trajectory.

Alumni must push back against political influence
While at the Capitol, alumni, friends, and supporters must also “speak truth to power,” urging state leaders—including the Governor and the Board of Governors—to avoid political interference in FAMU’s presidential search. FAMU needs --and deserves-- a process free from the political influence that has plagued recent leadership selections at the University of Florida, New College of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and the recent 'tom foolery' at Florida International University.

For the past few months FAMU alumni have heard the heard growing murmurs of a 'pre-selected candidate', and political favoritism a foot in the FAMU search process, however today we must   demand autonomy.

University’s stakeholders must declare “Hands OFF FAMU!”  Our next president must be a first-rate academic leader, not a political crony. 

We’ve seen enough backroom deals and culture war theatrics elsewhere. FAMU’s process must remain free of partisan agendas.

Alumni stakeholders must let legislators and the Governor know that we reject their attempts to impose their  “GOP cultural wars” and ideology on the "Highest of Seven Hills!"  

A pivotal moment
Today’s FAMU Day at the Capitol reflects a dual challenge: securing resources to meet soaring demand while safeguarding our independence. With state budget negotiations underway, the university’s ability to advance its mission—rooted in access, excellence, and upward mobility—may hinge on Tallahassee’s response. 

As alumni rally today, Rattlers must continue to lead with excellence and "Strike Boldly"; Strike Forward; and Strike together!"   The stakes for Florida’s only public HBCU have never been higher.