Florida A&M University’s Destination FAMU Recruitment Tour has Back-to-Back Events in St. Petersburg and Tampa
ST. PETERSBURG & TAMPA, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) brought its signature spirit, energy, and recruitment power to St. Petersburg College (SPC) in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa, Florida, this week as part of a series of statewide engagements leading up to the Florida Blue Florida Classic.
The “Destination FAMU” events, presented by Enrollment Management, in the Division of Student Affairs, drew hundreds of high-achieving students eager to learn more about opportunities at the state’s only public historically Black university.
"Destination FAMU is a time where we invite parents and students to receive information about FAMU. We talk about our admissions requirements and financial aid offerings, and then we provide students with an opportunity to interact with our students who attend the university. So really in a nutshell, this is basically an informational session for parents and students who are looking to attend FAMU," explained Juan Alexander, Ph.D., vice president of enrollment management.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., poured into students at St. Petersburg College during
the Destination FAMU recruitment event on Wednesday, Nov. 19. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
The tour began at St. Petersburg College (SPC), where FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., delivered remarks alongside SPC President Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two institutions built on Florida’s nationally recognized 2+2 transfer system.
“I am honored to be the 13th president for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” Johnson said, praising SPC’s leadership and highlighting the value of state college partnerships in expanding access to higher education. She emphasized that Florida’s articulation model makes it possible for students to transfer seamlessly without losing credits or taking unnecessary courses—saving time and money. “When we work together, we multiply the opportunities, we remove the barriers, we accelerate your journey to success,” she said.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., and St. Petersberg College President Tonjua Williams,
Ph.D., talked about the importance of partnerships. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
The event, hosted by Mister FAMU Miles Howard and Miss FAMU Edwina Fleuridor and supported by the Royal Court and Presidential Ambassadors, blended information with the unmistakable culture of FAMU. Students were introduced to academic programs, financial aid resources, student life, and campus traditions.
Mister and Miss FAMU kept the audience entertained during the recuritment event at
St. Petersberg Colleg. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Johnson, who grew up in the Tampa Bay area, praised Florida’s higher education system for consistently ranking number one in the nation.
A panel of four FAMU student leaders shared personal stories about choosing the University and what they have gained from student involvement. Their favorite campus traditions—Homecoming, Set Fridays, Fried Chicken Wednesdays, and spirited pep rallies—drew cheers from the SPC audience. The panelists encouraged students to get involved early, seek mentors, and embrace the supportive environment that has long defined the FAMU experience.
The room came alive as the King and Queen of Orange and Green Gucciany Toussaint and Tamia Williams led spirited chants, including a crowd favorite: “I put my F in front of my A, my A in front of my M, my M in front of my U — I love my HBCU!”
Among the students who attended was Jabari Shirley, an SPC music student who plans to transfer to FAMU in Spring 2026 to major in music education. Shirley said the event affirmed his decision.
“I love the presentation,” he said. “I hype up FAMU as a St. Petersburg College student any chance I get.” He added that he appreciated the depth of information about financial aid, which he said is often missing from recruitment events.
Shirley, who is building his own entertainment company, said he hopes to be in Tallahassee spring 2026. “I’m super excited about my journey to FAMU and looking forward to being on the Highest of Seven Hills.”
Day Two: Hundreds of Tampa Students Experience Destination FAMU
The momentum continued the following day at a packed event in Tampa, Florida, where hundreds of students from local high schools—including Riverview, Middleton and Jefferson—packed the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center for a chance to engage directly with University recruiters, deans and student leaders.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., grew emotional as she talked about growing up in
the Tampa area. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Johnson again delivered welcoming remarks, this time reflecting on her personal ties to the area. “I’m a proud product of Hillsborough County public schools,” she said. “If a little girl moved from Orange County, California, to Tampa, Florida, and lived in the public housing project right across the street, can stand before you today as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, you can go anywhere.”
She reminded students that they would be the first incoming class she personally participates in recruiting. “You will be like my classmates,” she said, encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
For many local schools, Destination FAMU offered an essential connection point.
High School Counselor Ann Griffin talked about why Destination FAMU makes a difference.
(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Ann Griffin, a college and career counselor at Riverview High School, said she brought 13 students to the event, many of whom will tour FAMU in Tallahassee the following day.
“It gives a little bit of FAMU right here in our own backyard,” Griffin said. “The programs, the culture, the vibe—it feels like home, being away from home.” She said events like this are especially valuable for students who may not be able to visit campus.
Dozens of students expressed interest in becoming Rattlers, including many who had already applied for early admission.
Ava Woods, a senior class senator at Middleton High School, said the event helped her connect the campus experience with real conversations about academic programs. Woods hopes to become a corporate attorney and plans to major in criminal justice.
“I like that I could go from a four-year degree from FAMU to their law school as well,” she said. “It’s connected, and I really love their pre-law program.” Woods has already applied and hopes to join FAMU’s Mahogany Dance Theatre when she arrives.
Cohen Allen, who plays linebacker at his highschool, stands with his high school's
defensive coordinator and program advisor Willie Washington, who encourages him on
the field and in the classroom. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Cohen Allen, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, said he is interested in civil engineering and heard that the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is one of the best. He said the event presented “a great opportunity to network.”
Allen, whose parents are FAMU alumni and pharmacists, plans to pursue engineering in the military before transitioning into civilian work. “I really want to go to FAMU,” he said. “It’s close to home and I know a lot of people there already so my transition from high school to college will be good.”
Da’Zorah Pinckney, a senior at Middleton High School, said the event helped her explore new academic paths.
She intends to major in psychology, minor in criminal justice and ultimately create supportive spaces for formerly incarcerated individuals. “Every time I come to a FAMU event, it feels all-inclusive,” she said. “They make you feel welcome, like this is your community.” Pinckney has already applied for early admission.
Queen of Orange and Green Tamia Williams made sure the students did not miss a beat
when it came to FAMU chants. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Across both cities, FAMU’s recruitment team sought to deliver one message: students can get anywhere from FAMU.
With hundreds of future applicants energized across St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida, Johnson said the enthusiasm reflects what makes FAMU special.
“We didn’t get that number one public HBCU designation by just showing up,” she told Tampa students. “It’s a reflection of the excellence of our students and our faculty.”
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
