An open letter to Ms. MacKenzie Scott

Dear Ms. MacKenzie Scott,

We write to you at a pivotal moment in the history of FAMU—a moment defined by both profound challenges and extraordinary promise. As one of the nation’s foremost educational philanthropists, you have demonstrated a transformative commitment to institutions that advance equity, excellence, and opportunity. It is in this spirit that we invite you to join us in shaping FAMU's next chapter.

Despite operating within a complex and constrained political environment (that is Florida), and with a Board of Trustees that is more than a little bit f*cked up, FAMU has not only persevered but excelled. We are a top 100 public university, the highest-ranked public HBCU in the country, and 22nd nationally on the Social Mobility Index for elevating students from low-income backgrounds into positions of economic and professional influence. Our ability to deliver meaningful change is evidenced by our graduates—leaders in business, the sciences, health professions, law, education, public service, and the arts who carry forward the university’s mission of excellence with caring.  FAMU has carved a distinctive and unmatched niche in higher education.

Yet the need for your investment has never been more urgent. More than 63% of our students depend on federal Pell Grants, and over 83% require some form of financial assistance to pursue their education. In the face of declining public support and mounting external pressures, our capacity to sustain access and excellence cannot be taken for granted.

Our vision is clear and ambitious: to continue to improve our four-year graduation rate, which this year saw a 6% increase to 41% (fifth best among all HBCUs), keep our student's debt low, improve operational efficiencies, create new in-demand academic programs that address critical workforce gaps in technology, healthcare, recruit and retain world-class faculty, significantly enhance scholarship support to ensure that no talented student is turned away or has to drop out for financial reasons, and modernize our campus classrooms and facilities.  These priorities are not merely operational—they are foundational to our identity as an engine of social mobility and a beacon of intellectual vitality.

An unrestricted gift of $75 to $100 million would enable us to reignite our Life Gets Better Scholarship program, continue our storied history of thinking big and pushing boundaries, and advance our unchanging mission to produce the next generation of visionary leaders of consequence and problem solvers—women and men of consequence.  Most importantly, it would safeguard the distinctive culture of nurturing and excellence that defines FAMU, ensuring that this institution remains more than a university; but a bold, powerful testament to the world on Black excellence.

Ms. Scott, we have seen what you have done for others, we humbly ask that you do the same for us. With your support, FAMU will continue its commitment to attract the most gifted students and distinguished faculty from every corner of the globe.  Your gift, your investment, will empower FAMU to continue to push the frontier of learning, teaching, research, and service, and expand upon our our position as the leading global voice on educating and developing students of color.  

Thank you for considering this request.

With respect and hope,

--The Rattler Nation