Presidential Brief August/September 2024
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I would like to take a moment to recognize the significance of supporting the families in Florida and the Southeastern United States who have been profoundly affected by Hurricane Helene. It is my hope that we can all come together to reach out and contribute to their recovery efforts.
As I reflect on my two months as the Interim President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, the motto “FAMU Forward, FAMU Forever” feels more relevant than ever. Just last week, U.S. News & World Report reaffirmed FAMU's standing as the number one Public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation. Even more remarkable, FAMU has climbed 10 spots to rank No. 81 out of 1,625 public institutions across the country, placing FAMU in the top 4% of all public universities in the United States. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our faculty, staff, students, administrators, board of trustees, FAMU Foundation directors, and all stakeholders who have played a role in this achievement.
As one of the top 100 public universities in the nation and the leading HBCU, FAMU’s brand continues to resonate with high school graduates both in the U.S. and globally. For the Fall 2024 semester, we received over 22,000 applications, of which only 1,600 (7%) were accepted. Our student body includes individuals from 70 countries and all 50 states. This year’s freshman class boasts an impressive average GPA of 3.94, showcasing the high academic standards of our students and offering a glimpse into FAMU’s bright future. Our graduates are poised to transform their lives and, subsequently, the world. As indicated in our mission statement in the FAMU “Boldly Striking Strategic Plan,” it is our aim to continue to provide a plethora of resources towards student success at the graduate, doctoral, and professional levels. Also, FAMU’s most recent climb towards a top 50 public University, indicates FAMU’s progress towards fulfilling its vision of becoming an international and even a more highly competitive institution.
The Fall 2024 semester began with great excitement during the Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football game in Atlanta, Ga. This weekend celebration went beyond the game between Norfolk State University and Florida A&M University. It included the recruitment of nearly 1,000 Metro Atlanta high school students and engagement with numerous inspiring FAMU alumni, including movie producer Will Packer and various corporate leaders. The weekend concluded on a high note with our HBCU National Champion football team triumphing over Norfolk State University. Kudos to Coach James Colzie, his coaching staff, and our student athletes on their field performance and representing FAMU in such an excellent way.
The MEAC/SWAC Kickoff also featured representatives from FAMU, including the royal court, presidential ambassadors, and members of the Student Government Association. Their involvement was crucial in attracting prospective Rattlers to our University. Following this event, classes for students and faculty commenced with a 5% increase in enrollment compared to the 2023 fall semester.
By prioritizing research, the Division of Academic Affairs has supported faculty through travel grants, research workshops, and Teaching and Learning Center sessions focused on artificial intelligence, all aimed at enhancing productivity. These initiatives have led to increased research output at FAMU, evident in rising publications, external funding, and faculty engagement in innovative research areas. This progress is clearly reflected in the University’s Academic Analytics profile, illustrating our commitment to advancing FAMU toward Research 1 status while cultivating a culture of research excellence.
Please see below some of the highlights of my engagement activities and the major divisions throughout the University.
President’s Highlights of Activities and Engagements (August and September) Attended or participated in:
- The unveiling of the Eddie Jackson Wall at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center
- FAMU Golf Putting Dedication at Gaither Gym
- FAMU Booster Golf Tournament and Kickoff Luncheon
- Weekly call with Board of Trustees Chair, Kristin Harper
- Monthly meeting with Chancellor Ray Rodrigues
- Keynote speaker for Faculty Pre-Planning Conference
- Keynote speaker at the 220 Quarterback Club meeting
- Faculty and staff Giving Breakfast Campaign
- FAMU Police Officers Swearing-in Ceremony
- Industry Cluster Introduction meeting
- Presenter, FAMU President’s Ambassadors Training
- FAMU Day at Tampa Bay Rays Baseball game - Tampa, Fla.
- National Alumni Association meeting
- Tour and visitation to College of Law in Orlando, Tampa’s Pharmacy Clinical and Brooksville Research site
- MEAC-SWAC Kickoff Game and Festivities, multiple meetings with alumni - Atlanta, Ga.
- Breakfast meeting with Will Packer - Atlanta, Ga.
- Keynote speaker at Freshmen Transition Convocation
- Student Government Association presentation
- Keynote speaker at President’s Convocation
- FAMU-South Carolina State Football game
- FAMU-Miami Football game and recruitment activities, multiple meetings with alumni - Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Fla.
- FAMU-Troy University Football game - Troy, Alabama
- Meetings with several corporate representatives of Wells Fargo, Eli Lilly, and Honey Well
- Miracle Deliverance Golf Tournament
- FAMU Board of Trustees Retreat and Business meeting
- Florida Board of Governors meeting - Tampa, Fla.
- FAMU Foundation Directors meeting
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS HIGHLIGHTS
Under the leadership of Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D., and the Academic Affairs team, the following accomplishments were achieved in August/September 2024:
- The 2024 Academic Progress Rate (APR) at 86%. The Academic Progress Rate shows FAMU students are successfully matriculating through degree programs. *Preliminary results.
- 4-year Graduation Rate at 40.3%. The first-time in college (FTIC) four-year graduation rate has increased. *Preliminary results.
- Retention Rate at 89.7%. The retention rate has increased above the national average of 80.9% for four-year public universities. *Preliminary results.
- New centers, labs, and artificial intelligence (AI) digital fabrication labs opened in the College of Education, the School of Architecture, and Engineering Technology in collaboration with industry partners.
- A new Center for African and African American Studies has been established with funding from the Henry Luce Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
- AI and Machine Learning (ML) have been integrated in course curricula across disciplines, including a new $500K NSF grant to enhance biology education at HBCUs with AI and ML.
STUDENT AFFAIRS HIGHLIGHTS
Under the leadership of VP William Hudson Jr., Ph.D., and the Student Affairs team, the division achieved the following accomplishments in August/September 2024:
- Financial assistance disbursements from 8/18/2024 - 9/30/2024 included federal, state, institutional aid - $48,055,817.01, private scholarships $1,522,220.42, and 85 total private scholarships student disbursements.
- Student Health Services (Food Pantry) included 480 student pantry visits and 184 clinical visits for September.
- In Student Activities, Clubs and Organizations Fair, 89 clubs and organizations signed up, 112 clubs and organizations participated, 520 students engaged
- The on-campus student housing occupancy rate is 96.7%.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Donald Palm, Ph.D., and the Advancement team, the following accomplishments for August/September 2024 have been achieved:
- The growth and engagement of the @FAMUAlumni1887 social media accounts increased connection with alumni and supporters. On Instagram, the account has reached over 16,000 followers, with 166,856 views in a 90-day period, indicating strong audience engagement and widespread visibility. Similarly, the Facebook account has garnered 2.4K followers, with 2K likes and 7.6K views in the same period.
- Verifying the 2023-2024 fundraising campaign raising of nearly $27M, a 4.64% increase over the previous year, this included 7,565 gifts, a 14.48% increase over the previous year. Alumni donors increased to 5,500, a 12% increase, with an increase in alumni giving of 31%. Day of Giving increased by 6.52% while celebrating its 5th year.
- Acquiring Free Will, the platform that allows donors to create a will and donate to the university, secured 26 estate gifts for a total of $2,084,300.
LEGAL AFFAIRS
Under the leadership of University Counsel Shira Thomas, Esq. and the Legal Affairs team, the Legal department achieved several key accomplishments during August/September 2024, including:
- Conducted comprehensive reviews of Memorandums of Understandings and procurement, construction, research, athletics, affiliation agreements, etc.
- Negotiated both the construction contract and construction financing for the ongoing development of the new 700 bed student housing facility.
- Negotiated and secured an extension of the due diligence period for the solar energy project at the Brooksville Agricultural and Environment Research Station.
- Launched a comprehensive website to centralize access to university policies and regulations.
- Collaborated with departmental representatives to draft, review, and/or revise 21 regulations and 14 policies.
- Provided education and training to the university community on policy development procedures and best practices.
- Successfully completed the FY 2023-24 Assessment Plan and Report, as well as the FY 2024-25 Assessment Plan.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Under the leadership of VP Robert Seniors, the Division of Information Technology Services achieved several significant accomplishments during August/September 2024, including:
- The Division of Information Technology Student and Technical teams provided system updates to ensure proper loading of the new 2024 FAFSA forms required for financial aid processing and distribution.
- The Division of Information Technology Services worked closely with AWS, our Peoplesoft cloud hosting provider, to ensure that Campus Solutions (Student Information System), Finance, HCM and Payroll systems performed at an optimal level during the peak time of the academic year.
- The Division of Information Technology Services in partnership with the Division of Finance and Administration initiated project planning activities for the implementation of Workday Finance, HCM and Payroll.
- The Division of Information Technology Services in partnership with the Division of Finance and Administration and the Division of Research completed data workbooks and data cleanup required to achieve the first key milestone (tenant build) for the Workday ERP project.
- The Division of Information Technology Services, in conjunction with the Office of the President, the COO, CFO, CAO/Provost, CCO and SPAIE hosted a Workday kick-off luncheon for key project members from the campus community, including Finance, HR, Payroll, Research, Grants, Academic Affairs, Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Under the leadership of VP Rebecca Brown, the Finance and Administration team achieved several notable accomplishments during August/September 2024, including:
- Finalized the Compensation Study Report.
- Maintained a year-long Employee Recognition Program.
- Awarded meal plan scholarships to food insecure students.
- Achieved full restoration and recovery of campus facilities post two major hurricanes.
- Successfully onboarded an interim controller and a permanent chief of police.
- Ensured timely submission of financial statements.
- Timely submitted the Final FY4-25 Operating Budget.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Under the leadership of VP Charles Weatherford, Ph.D., along with the University’s dedicated team of researchers, faculty, and administrators, the division achieved significant success in August/September 2024, securing 30 awards for research and grant funding. Special congratulations to the faculty and administrators for the awards and funding amounts outlined below:
- Jinwei Liu, National Science Foundation (NSF) - $449,815
- Ubramanian Ramakrishna, NSF - $689,074
- Ramesh Karan, NSF - $360,638
- Clement Yedjou, NSF - $500
- Tejal Mulay , NSF - $299,924
- Jinyeong Moon, NSF - $391,702
- Qianwen Guo, NSF - $450,000
- Bill Hudson/Kenedria, Department of Education (DOE) - $711,23
- Bayaner Arigong, NSF - 1,591,823
- Meboob Sheik, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - $49,997
- Onokpise Oghenekome, (USDA) - $500,000
- Micheal Johnson, DOE - $30,175
- Wei Guo, NSF - $5,000,000
- Bayaner Arigong, NSF - $5,000,000
- Gang Chen, (DOA) - $1,599,306
- Yanshuo Sun, Transportation Authority - $40,000
- Muhammad Haseeb, USD - $150,000
- Muhammad Haseeb, USDA - $50,000
- William oHudson, DOE - $430,487
- Ly T. Nguyen, USDA - $49,940
- Renee Reams, National Institute of Health (NIH) - $2,451,868
- Ubramanian Ramakrishna, National Aeronautics and Space - $1,209,048
- Eric Akins, DOE - $7,031,578
- Selina Darling-Reed, NIH - $7,991,045
- Hongmei Chi, NSF - $83,882
- Selina Darling-Reed, NSF - $262,322
- Karam Solomon, National Institute of Health - $3,362,171
- Cheron Davis, Environmental Protection Agency - $20,757
- Kimberly Davis, Environmental Protection Agency-9,980
- Jamel Ali, Dept. Of Defense/-Airforce - $749,667
President’s Administrative Leadership Team Appointments
Mr. Tola Thompson, Vice President and Chief of Staff
Mr. Thompson previously served as Governmental Relations Vice President at FAMU, and Chief of Staff for Congressman Al Lawson.
Ms. Alonda Thomas, Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Ms. Thomas previously served as Associate Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Jackson State University, and Director of Public Relations at Howard University and FAMU.
Mr. Jamal Sowell, J.D., Vice President, Governmental Relations
Mr. Sowell previously served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce and Enterprise Florida.
Mrs. Angela Suggs, Vice President and Director of Athletics
Mrs. Suggs previously served as CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation and Associate Director of Athletics at FAMU.
Ms. Shira Thomas, Interim Vice President and General Counsel
Ms. Thomas has an extensive and successful tenure at FAMU as the Chief Policy Officer at the University.
As an alumnus of the number one HBCU in America and a top 100 public university, I am both humbled and grateful to serve the diverse community of institutional stakeholders as the interim president. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your contributions that help make our students and FAMU better every day. I encourage you to join me later this month for the “Rattlers Conversation with the President” during our online town hall. The date and time for this event will be announced soon. And let’s always remember, as Rattlers, we must Strike, Strike, and Strike Again!
Boldly Striking,
Timothy Beard, Ph.D., CRC, BCMC
FAMU Interim President
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