The 2025 Diamond Awards Honors Two FAMU Administrators for Excellence in Higher Education
ATLANTA – The Not Alone Foundation recently recognized two distinguished Florida A&M University (FAMU) administrators for their life’s work in higher education during the 9th Annual Academy of the Diamond Awards in Atlanta. Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. received the 2025 Diamond Award for Lifetime Achievement in Higher Education Leadership, and FAMU College of Law Interim Dean Cecil Howard, J.D., received the 2025 Diamond Award for Excellence in Law Educational Leadership.
First Lady Wendy Beard introduced Interim President Beard, who used his acceptance speech to pay homage to the educators that helped him excel throughout his formative years.
“I had the privilege of learning from some of the most inspiring educators in the state of Florida and beyond. Because of them, I know how powerful it is to believe in someone’s potential — to see beyond what is and envision what can be,” said Beard.
He shared that working in higher education has been more than just a profession, it is his calling. He finds joy in the opportunity to pay his success forward by sowing into the next generation.
“If I succeed any further than the previous generation, it’s because I stand on the shoulder of giants,” said Beard. “That’s why I strive every day to do the same for our students: to show them that the sky is not the limit — it’s only the beginning.
FAMU Executive Director for Community Relations Mildred Graham introduced Howard. He thanked the Not Alone Foundation for recognizing a kid from Miami who survived the death of his father at age seven. Despite growing up in dire circumstances of sporadic homelessness and poverty, his faith helped him to become the man he is today.
“I was missing dad, but ultimately, I turned that anger into energy, into power. And to realize that this is an inner strength that I thought was burdening me was actually making a bigger and a better man,” said Howard. “During that time, I found any reason to read anything, whether it was an old newspaper to the back of a detergent box. Anything that could be read would be read by me.”
FAMU Interim Dean Cecil Howard, J.D., received the 2025 Diamond Award for Excellence in Law Educational Leadership, presented by Mark Dodd (right), CEO of the Not Alone Foundation.
Howard said this discipline encouraged him to dream about attending college and later law school.
“It developed in me a sense that I needed to go to college, which was unheard of in my poor, homeless, drug-ridden community. To find myself here this evening receiving this award for excellence in legal education – that is what makes this so special to me. You do this work with passion, with love, commitment, and integrity never knowing who is watching. I want to thank the Not Alone Foundation for your ability to see me when I didn’t know you saw me.”
The Not Alone Foundation is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals and communities, creating spaces for healing, hope, and resilience. The foundation strives to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked, ensuring that the transformative power of education, mentorship, and community engagement reaches those who need it most. Similarly, the Academy of the Diamond Awards serves to recognize the extraordinary achievements of individuals who have dedicated their lives to higher education, philanthropic endeavors, and community service.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
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