FAMU to Convene First HBCU Student Success Summit as Retention Reaches Record 97.1%
Tallahassee, Fla.—March 18, 2026—Florida A&M University (FAMU) will host a first-of-its-kind HBCU Student Success Summit led by an institution on April 17, convening higher education leaders from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to share practical strategies that strengthen student persistence, engagement, and academic achievement.
“Student success requires intentional strategies and coordinated support across the institution,” said Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “At Florida A&M University, we are seeing the impact of that work in our student outcomes. By convening HBCU leaders to share proven strategies, we can strengthen persistence and create more pathways for student achievement across our institutions.”
The one-day summit comes as colleges nationwide intensify efforts to improve student retention and completion. FAMU recently achieved a 97.1% fall-to-spring retention rate for first-year students, placing it among the top-performing HBCUs nationally and far exceeding the national average, which typically ranges from approximately 83% to 85%.
The outcome positions FAMU as a leading example of how coordinated student success
strategies can improve persistence and completion outcomes. The summit also reflects
the university’s growing role as a convener of HBCU leaders advancing student success
across institutions.
The student success summit is open to higher-education leaders faculty members, program
directors, and student success professionals. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Discussions during the summit will highlight FAMU’s student success ecosystem, built around four pillars: academic excellence, Rattler belonging, financial wellness, and career and purpose. These pillars guide coordinated efforts across the University to ensure students receive the support and resources needed to persist, graduate, and thrive in their chosen professions.
Sessions will explore topics including:
- Data-informed student success strategies
- Coordinated advising and support systems
- Cultivating cultures of belonging that strengthen persistence
- Lessons from high-performing student success initiatives
“The summit is designed to focus on strategies that institutions can implement to strengthen student persistence and completion,” said Jennifer Collins, Ph.D., associate provost for Student Success. “Participants will engage with peers and national experts, examine approaches grounded in data and lived experience, and leave with practical insights they can apply on their campuses.”
The summit is open to higher education leaders, faculty members, program directors, and student success professionals. Regional HBCUs have been invited to attend, including Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters University, and Florida Memorial University. Seating for the summit is limited to ensure meaningful dialogue and engagement among participants.
For more information about the HBCU Student Success Summit, contact program liaison Imani Evora at (850) 561-2414.
About the HBCU Student Success Summit
The HBCU Student Success Summit is the first convening of its kind focused on sharing
strategies that strengthen student persistence, engagement, and academic achievement
across historically Black colleges and universities. Hosted by the Florida A&M University
Office of the Provost in collaboration with the Office of Student Success, the one-day
summit brings together higher education leaders and student success professionals
to exchange best practices and advance outcomes that support student retention, completion,
and career readiness.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.com
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications, Academic Affairs
deidre.williams@famu.edu
