FAMU Leaders Address Finances, Academic Priorities and Alumni Recognition at Dec. 4 Board Meeting
Florida A&M University administrators delivered clear-eyed financial updates, enrollment and academic progress reports, and mission-centered student and alumni spotlights during the FAMU Board of Trustees Meeting held Thursday, Dec. 4, in the Grand Ballroom. The wide-ranging session detailed the opportunities of a shifting philanthropic environment while highlighting the University’s ongoing momentum in student success, academic excellence and alumni engagement.
FAMU's University Advancement is adjusting fundraising strategies in alignment with
national trends, according to Acting Vice President Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ph.D., during
her report at Thursday's board meeting. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Fundraising Update Highlights National Recalibration in Corporate Giving
Acting Vice President for University Advancement Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ph.D. presented a detailed overview of FAMU’s year-to-date fundraising, emphasizing transparency amid shifting national trends.
“As of today, we are approximately $1.1 million behind where we stood at this point last year,” Tatum-Fedrick told trustees, explaining that the current gap is driven primarily by declines in corporate and foundation giving—a shift that mirrors national philanthropic trends.
“While this shortfall is important to acknowledge, we remain optimistic but cautious, given the current economic pressures.”
Additionally, Tatum-Fedrick emphasized that donor engagement is increasing and the fundraising pipeline remains strong. The University has seen growth in the number of alumni and friends giving, though at slightly lower average gift amounts — an indicator of a broadening and more active donor base.
“We have made up ground in the organizational giving category, showing that momentum is building in other areas,” she said. “Our donor base is more engaged, and our development capacity is stronger than ever.”
Tatum-Fedrick underscored several reasons for optimism:
- Multiple seven-figure proposals are currently pending.
- FAMU has received four verbal six-figure commitments for the Marching “100.”
- Fifteen additional six-figure proposals are in the pipeline across University divisions.
- Alumni and individual donor participation is increasing, even as average gift amounts dip.
The VP said the University is adjusting strategies accordingly.
“Our focus moving forward is accelerating corporate and foundation outreach, maintaining flexibility in our ask, and expanding our major-gift efforts with alumni,” she said. “Even with the recalibration we’re seeing nationwide, our donor engagement remains well above pre-2020 levels.”
The University also celebrated a successful Giving Tuesday, raising $67,455, the highest total in the past four campaigns and the third highest in eight years.
“We are very grateful to the FAMU community,” Tatum-Fedrick said. “Their support demonstrates continued belief in our mission.”
SGA President Zayla Bryant listens attentively to board reports before speaking on
behalf of the student body. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Provost Outlines Academic Progress and Student Success Priorities
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, Ph.D., presented updates on academic operations, accreditation, student outcomes and faculty initiatives. She emphasized the University’s commitment to academic excellence even as external conditions shift.
“Our goal is to ensure FAMU students have the academic preparation, faculty support and experiential learning opportunities needed to thrive from day one,” Watson said.
Her report outlined several priorities for the academic enterprise:
- Strengthening retention and progression strategies
- Supporting faculty development and research productivity
- Expanding workforce-aligned degree programs
- Enhancing instructional innovation across colleges
- Maintaining strong accreditation readiness
Watson emphasized that FAMU’s academic strength remains a key factor in attracting both students and external partners.
“Academic excellence is foundational to everything we do,” she said. “It drives enrollment, strengthens our reputation and reinforces our value proposition to donors and stakeholders.”
President Johnson Urges Focus, Flexibility and Confidence
In her report to the Board, President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., praised the transparency of institutional updates and stressed the importance of adaptability during a period of national change in philanthropy and higher education.
“We are navigating a different landscape than we were even two or three years ago,” Johnson said. “But the work being done across this University—by our faculty, staff, students and alumni—gives me tremendous confidence in our path forward.”
President Marva B. Johnson J.D. recapped several University accomplishments and initiatives
during her president's report. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Johnson emphasized that FAMU’s strategic priorities remain anchored in the same core pillars: student success, resource stewardship, institutional stability and external engagement.
“We will continue to lead with clarity, integrity and urgency,” she said. “Even with
external headwinds in philanthropy, our mission remains unchanged. Our students deserve
excellence, and this leadership team is fully committed to delivering it.”
She also highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Board of Trustees,
saying, “Your partnership is critical as we move into this next chapter. Together,
we can ensure FAMU remains strong, competitive and student-centered.”
Keyona Williams used her mission moment to praise the impact FAMU made on her life
and to advocate for non-traditional students like herself. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Mission Moment: Student Veteran Keyona Williams
One of the most moving segments of the meeting came during the Mission Moment, featuring Keyona Williams, a fourth-year criminal justice scholar from Tallahassee. Williams, a military veteran and former law enforcement officer, shared her personal journey and the impact FAMU has made on her life.
“I chose law enforcement because I wanted young men and women who looked like me to see integrity and action,” she told trustees. “To know that there are officers who serve with honesty, compassion and purpose.”
Williams said transferring to FAMU transformed her sense of belonging.
“The Transfer Student Association helped me find my place,” she said. “They helped me grow and reminded me that I am a leader.”
She praised both the Transfer Student Association and the FAMU Student National Alumni Association for shaping her professional skills and confidence.
“The advisors were supportive, welcoming and always willing to help,” she said. “Those organizations prepared me for leadership in any setting.”
Williams, 44, spoke directly to the Board about the needs of non-traditional, older and working students.
“Students like me belong here, too,” she said. “But belonging isn’t always automatic. I ask the Board to consider creating more intentional spaces and flexible opportunities for non-traditional students.”
FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Deveron Gibbons, J.D., presented the alumni awards to
several distinguished alumni. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Alumni Awards Honor Lifelong Service and Advocacy
The meeting also included recognition of outstanding FAMU alumni, beginning with Curtis Johnson, former president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, who received the Chairman’s Award for his leadership and service, announced by Board Chair Deveron Gibbons, J.D.
“In recognition for your outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to Florida A&M University,” the award citation read.
Johnson expressed gratitude and emphasized that his accomplishments were shared across his entire administration.
“There are so many who played vital roles,” he said. “We raised monumental funds to support students at Florida A&M University. I just happened to be the leader who encouraged them, held them accountable and celebrated them when we succeeded.”
He also announced the completion of his administration’s financial close-out, signaling the formal conclusion of his tenure.
The Board also recognized Tony Ezell, who also joined the meeting remotely, along with forthcoming recognitions for John Thompson and Roy Moore, whose awards will be presented at a later date.
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
