FAMU Unveils Honorary Statue of Former President Frederick S. Humphries
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Beneath a clear October homecoming sky, the heart of Florida A&M University pulsed with admiration and anticipation. The sound of the Marching “100” filled the air as generations of Rattlers, faculty, staff, students and families dressed in orange and green stood shoulder to shoulder in front of Lee Hall, honoring the towering legacy of President Emeritus Frederick S. Humphries.
A crowd gathers to celebrate and honor the enduring legacy of Frederick S. Humphries.
(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
“When the dark clouds gather on the horizon, he was present standing tall. When thunder and lightning pierced the sky, he was present standing tall. When the hills summoned you, you answered the call to come home to Father FAMU,” said Chief of Staff Carmen Cummings, opening the celebration.
The crowd also offered heartfelt thanks to Humphries’ children — Frederick Humphries Jr., Robin (Humphries) Watson and Laurence Humphries — saying, “Thank you for sharing both of your parents with us,” as the three sat front and center, preparing to witness the trailblazing tribute to their father.
Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D., a cherished and influential figure in FAMU’s history, was born in Apalachicola, Florida. He graduated from FAMU in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and earned a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964. By the 1970s, Humphries had already made his mark on historically Black colleges and universities, helping to set new academic standards as director of the HBCU 13-College Curriculum Program.
President Marva Johnson honors the trailblazer who paved the way before her, celebrating
the enduring legacy. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
“We’re gathered here to celebrate a man whose life’s work continues to shape every inch of this campus. It shapes every dream that takes root here,” said FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D.
Humphries served as FAMU’s eighth president from 1985 to 2001, perfecting the “Rattler Charge” and championing philanthropy, student advocacy, and the creation of the Eternal Flame monument — a symbol of FAMU’s 1997–98 recognition as Time magazine’s “College of the Year.”
“People will describe the Humphries era as legendary. He is one of the longest-serving and most impactful presidents,” said Brandi V. Tatum, Ph.D., acting vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation Inc.
Celebrating legacy together: family and community mark this milestone with smiles
and togetherness. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
The newly erected 600-pound full-body statue was sculpted by Brodin Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and stands in front of the Eternal Flame. The work contains detailed inscriptions of four words — “roots,” “principle,” “practice” and “promise” — reflecting Humphries’ life and contributions to FAMU.
Humphries made long-lasting connections with students, faculty and the community, encouraging them to pay it forward.
Keshia Walker, a student during the Humphries era, described him as a father figure who inspired her to choose FAMU over Howard University and become a lifelong Rattler.
“He was known for his ‘Strike, Strike, Strike.’ I have defined what that means to me because of him,” said Walker, president of Insights Marketing and Promotions Company.
She explained that the signature chant came to symbolize “scholarships,” “transformation,” “recognition,” “inspiration,” “knowledge,” and “empowerment”—values she continues to carry with her.
Keshia Walker reflects on the profound impact Frederick S. Humphries had on her as
a student during her speech. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
During the unveiling, Johnson announced the relaunch of the Life Gets Better Scholarship Program — a signature of Humphries’ legacy. The program is powered by HBCU Change, an initiative supporting historically Black colleges and universities.
“This statue standing tall in the heart of our campus serves as both a tribute and a charge,” Johnson said. “It reminds us that the work continues — that each of us carries his vision to lead, to serve, and to make sure every student who walks this campus truly gets better, and that everybody knows you can get anywhere from here.”
During his administration, Humphries raised more than $157 million in scholarships, helping more than 800 students. Enrollment grew to over 12,000 by the early 2000s, and grants for the university increased to nearly $62 million. He also coined the now-popular, nationally recognized motto, “Excellence With Caring.”
Distinguished alumnus Bernard Kinsey, L.H.D., presents a certificate, signed by Mayor
Karen Bass, thanking the Frederick S. Humphries family for their patriarch's unwavering
dedication to the university. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
“Generations will remember your inspiration and your relentless drive for excellence. Those who pause before your statue won’t just be reminded of you — they’ll be reminded of their own light, their own capacity to shine brightly in any darkness, which was always your magic,” wrote Watson, in a heartfelt letter to her father that she shared during the unveiling.
Though no longer physically present, Humphries’ courageous and pioneering spirit lives on. His achievements and the lasting enhancements he inspired are etched into FAMU’s history. Now, a physical monument allows students, faculty and visitors to witness the story of a man with a plan and a revolutionary vision.
“Fifteen years. When we started this project, one of the things we had to convince people of was that this wasn’t about vanity. Dr. Humphries believed we need representation, reminders of greatness, and ways to solidify moments in time. That’s what this statue is about,” said Laurence A. Humphries, honoring his father from the podium.
Honoring the Humphries legacy, pictured from left to right: Frederick Humphries Jr., Robin (Humphries) Watson, and Laurence Humphries. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU Communications)
The Humphries project was led by RAM Construction & Development LLC, with support from subcontractors Reiff Electrical Services, EML Consulting & Generator Services, Gaskin Contractors, Florida Georgia Monument Company and South Georgia Vault.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
