Presidential Briefing May 2025
Hello, Rattlers!
As the Spring 2025 semester concluded, we were delighted to celebrate a significant milestone of more than 1,300 graduates during our commencement ceremonies held May 2-3, 2025. Across two days and three ceremonies, our graduates—surrounded by family and friends—honored the completion of one chapter and stepped confidently into the next.
We were proud to welcome three distinguished commencement speakers to the Highest of Seven Hills: two of FAMU’s esteemed alumni, Entrepreneur Bernard Kinsey, L.H.D., and Eli Lilly and Company Group Vice President Adrienne S. Brown, along with entrepreneur and Uncle Nearest, Inc., CEO Fawn Weaver.
Dr. Kinsey, a graduate from the early 1960s and a retired corporate executive, offered powerful words of wisdom that inspired and uplifted the Class of 2025.
Ms. Brown encouraged graduates to treasure the moments that shaped their college journey and to embrace the future with confidence. Ms. Weaver challenged our graduates to dream fearlessly and think beyond traditional boundaries, leaving them with a message of bold vision and possibility.
As we officially wrap up the Spring semester, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to every member of our university community—faculty, staff, and students—for your dedication, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence throughout the term.
To our outstanding faculty: Thank you for your tireless commitment to teaching, for bringing innovation into the classroom, and for serving as mentors and guides to our students. Your work shapes minds, sparks curiosity, and equips future leaders.
To our devoted staff: Your behind-the-scenes contributions are invaluable. Your efforts ensure our campus runs efficiently and our students are supported every step of the way.
To our continuing students: Congratulations on reaching another milestone in your academic journey. Whether this was your first semester or you're preparing to graduate soon, your hard work, resilience, and growth are commendable. The lessons you've learned this semester will serve you well in life beyond the classroom.
As we look ahead to summer and beyond, I encourage you all to take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Let’s carry the momentum of this semester forward—with renewed focus, shared purpose, and unwavering confidence in what we can achieve together.
Thank you for an exceptional spring. It is truly an honor to serve as your president, and I look forward to all that lies ahead for our vibrant FAMU community.
Recent Highlights of Presidential Engagements and Accomplishments Across University Divisions
President’s Key Activities and Engagements – (Selected Highlights):
Throughout the month of April/May, I participated in or attended the following key events and engagements:
- Meeting with Senator Scott and Senator Ashley Moody, Washington, D.C.
- Meeting with Senator Janelle Bynum, Washington, D.C.
- Meeting with Lobbyist Brian Ballard, Washington, D.C.
- Meeting with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Washington, D.C.
- Pre-FAMU Day Reception
- FAMU-Honeywell Day, Atlanta, Ga.
- Meeting with Honeywell CEO and Executives, Atlanta, Ga.
- Fly-in Conference for HBCU Chancellors and University Presidents, Washington, D.C.
- Weekly strategy calls with Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper
- Weekly leadership calls with SUS Presidents and Chancellor Ray Rodrigues
- Meeting with Philanthropist and Professor Ibram X. Kendi, Ph.D.
- FAMU Day at the Capital Speaker
- Meetings with multiple Florida legislators
- Teleconference with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital CEO, Mark O’Brian
- Attended the FAMU President’s Concert
- Diamond’s Award, Atlanta, Ga.
- TRIO Awards, Miami, Fla.
DIVISIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: The following highlights represent selected accomplishments and do not reflect the full scope of achievements within the Division.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Under the leadership of Provost Allyson Watson, Ph.D., and the Division of Academic Affairs team, the following accomplishments were achieved in April 2025:
- Congratulations to the College of Science and Technology team for securing NASA funding to support faculty and student research projects that utilize data science in alignment with NASA’s mission.
- The undergraduate retention rate from first to second year rose from 73% in 2019 to 86% in 2024—an impressive 13-point increase. Special appreciation goes to the committed faculty, staff, and administrators who played a vital role in reaching this milestone.
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Under the leadership of VP William Hudson Jr., Ph.D., and the Division of Student Affairs team, the following accomplishments were achieved in April 2025:
- Hosted the “Justice on the Block” event during Set Friday, featuring the North Florida Legal Aid Clinic’s “Justice Bus”—a mobile unit offering legal education materials and resources to students.
- Recognized the Student Health Services team for their ongoing commitment to student wellness, having facilitated 213 clinic visits and supported 1,783 pantry visits during the month.
- Counseling Services provided crucial mental health support, serving 154 students through several hundred individual appointments.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Led by VP Jamal Sowell and the Governmental Relations team, the Office of Governmental Affairs marked several significant achievements in April 2025:
- FAMU Spring Football Game Engagement: Hosted seven Florida legislators at the FAMU Spring Football Game, where the team delivered a brief presentation outlining the University’s legislative priorities. Chief Alexander also presented on the critical importance of funding for campus security enhancements currently under legislative consideration.
- State Senate Beverage Tasting Event (Foodie Frolic): Partnered with the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) to host the State Senate’s Foodie Frolic event. The occasion provided an opportunity to engage Senator Ben Albritton and other state senators, showcasing FAMU’s agricultural research and innovative food products.
- Strategic Advocacy Meetings: Coordinated meetings for the University President with key federal leaders including Senator Rick Scott, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, FAMU alumna and Oregon Congresswoman Janell Bynum, Congressional Black Caucus Executive Director Vincent Evans, and Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks. These discussions centered on the recent cancellation of federal grants and strategies for appealing and securing future funding.
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
Under the leadership of Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Alonda Thomas, Ph.D., and the Mar/Comm team, the Office of Communications achieved the following accomplishments in April 2025:
- Managed media and promotion for the FAMU Day at the Capitol (April 9), including Interim President Beard Op Ed in the Tallahassee Democrat.
- Presented an overview of the Office of Communications at the FAMU Annual Management Seminar.
- Managed BOT press outreach for the Presidential Search, including announcing the list
of finalists and campus visits.
UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Under the leadership of VP Tony Neal, Ph.D., the University Advancement team achieved several noteworthy accomplishments during April/May 2025:
- Secured a $1,000,000 commitment from the Waverly Foundation to support University initiatives.
- Advised the University President on the naming of the Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Band Rehearsal Hall, honoring the enduring legacy and contributions of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Under the leadership of SVP Rebecca Brown and the Finance and Administration team, key accomplishments during April 2025 included:
- Employee Recognition:Employees of the Quarter for Q1 and Q2 were honored for their outstanding dedication, performance, and contributions to FAMU’s commitment to institutional excellence.
- Office Renovations:Special appreciation is extended to Associate Vice President Kendall Jones for his leadership in overseeing the renovation of the offices in the Foot Hilyer Administrative Building. The Office of Human Resources Suite (FHAC 211) will undergo construction from April 2 to May 16, 2025, with reopening scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025.
- Position Description Updates:Sincere thanks to the Human Resources team, particularly Ms. Terissa Brown, for leading the initiative to update A&P and USPS staff position descriptions that are over two years old. Appreciation is also extended to the Vice Presidents, managers, and staff across the University who contributed to the successful completion of this project.
UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE
Under the leadership of Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer Rica Calhoun, the Office of University Compliance continues to advance the University’s commitment to ethical decision-making and adherence to compliance standards. In alignment with the Boldly Striking Strategic Plan, the office reported the following key accomplishments for the month of April:
- Promoted Sexual Assault Awareness: Successfully organized campus-wide initiatives for Title IX Sexual Assault Awareness Month. These included interactive events led by student Title IX Ambassadors, supporting Strategic Priority 1: Student Success(Goal 2: Enrich student experiences).
- Enhanced Risk Management Efforts:Collaborated with compliance partners to conduct ongoing risk monitoring. Efforts focused on proactive information sharing and mitigation strategies, supporting Strategic Priority 5: Organizational Effectiveness and Transformation (Goal 3: Enhance strategic decision-making through compliance, internal controls, and risk management).
- Strengthened Campus Dialogue:Facilitated a Civil Discourse Workshop through the Teaching and Learning Center, fostering respectful communication and enhancing community engagement. This initiative aligns with Strategic Priority 5: Organizational Effectiveness and Transformation (Goal 1: Foster a high-performing workforce and culture).
RESEARCH, CONTRACTS, AND GRANTS
Under the leadership of VP Charles Weatherford, Ph.D., and the Office of Sponsored Research, several accomplishments were realized in April 2025:
- Ten proto-businesses were honored for successfully completing the entrepreneurial program offered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
- Special appreciation is extended to the Small Business Development Center for their ongoing efforts in referring program graduates to the SBDC’s MBDA-funded Capital Readiness Program, which supports the development of financing and the launch of new companies.
ATHLETICS
- The FAMU Golf Team, led by Coach Mike Rice, secured victory at the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship. Congratulations to Coach Rice and our dedicated student-athletes on this outstanding accomplishment.
-
A heartfelt congratulations to Coach Garfield Ellenwood and the Track and Field team; Coach Brittany Beall and the Softball team; and Coach Rochelle Houston and the Tennis Team. Each team proudly captured the SWAC Championship title in their respective sports.
As a proud graduate of one of the nation’s leading HBCUs and ranked among America’s top 100 universities, I am truly honored and grateful to serve as the Interim President of this outstanding institution. Thank you for your continued dedication and the incredible efforts you put forth every day to support our students and uphold the mission of Florida A&M University.
Let us never forget—as Rattlers, we are called to Strike, Strike, and Strike Again!
Boldly Striking,
Timothy Beard, Ph.D., CRC, BCMC
Interim President
Back to Stories
