FAMU Launches “Best of Both Worlds” Campaign to Showcase Unique Student Experiences
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) is proud to launch “Best of Both Worlds,” a bold new student recruitment campaign that highlights the University’s vibrant academic and student life culture. This dynamic initiative celebrates the distinctive FAMU experience, where students thrive both in and out of the classroom while turning their dreams into reality.
“This campaign is a heartfelt celebration of our students' stories and the transformational experience that FAMU offers,” said Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Alonda Thomas, Ph.D. “While we’re known for high-impact videos highlighting our top-tier rankings and athletic excellence, we wanted this campaign to capture what makes FAMU truly special authentically.”
Developed through surveys and focus groups, the Best of Both Worlds campaign is rooted in real student testimonials. Participants shared how FAMU empowers them through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a close-knit campus culture that challenges them to grow personally and professionally.
“The Best of Both Worlds campaign is a great way to feature our programs of strategic emphasis and to inform prospective students about the numerous programs we offer in high-demand fields,” said Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “Careers in business, cybersecurity, pharmacy, architecture, and nursing are on the rise, and our faculty is ready to equip our scholars with the skills they need to succeed.”
The campaign will roll out in phases beginning this fall and includes a newly produced 30-second promotional video, which will serve as the University’s official commercial. The spot debuted to enthusiastic audiences at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies and the 2025 FAMU National Alumni Association Convention in Frisco, Texas. It will also appear in AMC Theaters as part of the Summer Blockbuster Series in select Florida and Georgia locations through July 31.
Living the Dream: From Vision to Victory at FAMU
The Best of Both Worlds print campaign kicks off with the inspiring story of Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, a Nigerian American transfer student from Atlanta, Georgia, whose path to FAMU was anything but ordinary.
“I wrote down a five-year dream for myself and I wrote down that I wanted to go to FAMU and I wanted to be a FAMU drum major,” recalled the alto saxophonist.
Initially, Dupe pursued musical theater elsewhere but soon realized her heart still longed to be part of the FAMU experience. The decision to transfer wasn’t easy—but it was life-changing.
“I was scared to tell my mom, but she asked me, ‘What was your dream?’ I said, ‘Mommy, I want to go to FAMU.’ And she said, ‘Then you’re going to go to FAMU.’”
With the support of her family and FAMU administrators, Dupe transferred into the theater performance program and joined the world-renowned Marching “100.” Balancing her dual passions presented challenges, but her determination and talent ultimately prevailed.
“Dupe’s leadership and talent have been an asset to the Marching 100 since her arrival,” said Director of Marching Bands Shelby Chipman, Ph.D. “That’s why we were proud to appoint her as the second female drum major in program history—and the first female head drum major for our 2025–2026 season.”
Now, Dupe encourages others to embrace every part of themselves, both academic and artistic.
“The best of both worlds means you’ve got to hold your weight. It’s not easy to be a theater scholar and a member of the Marching 100. The standard of excellence is different,” she said. “I forgot my dream, and I’m glad that I got it back. Who knows if I would’ve been able to do it had my mom not believed in me and said I could.”
The Journey Begins Here
As the Best of Both Worlds campaign rolls out across social media, theaters, and university events, FAMU invites future Rattlers to imagine their journey—and discover how they too can thrive in an environment where ambition is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and dreams are made possible. For more information, visit www.FAMU.edu.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
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