FAMU Accountability Plan Charts Bold Path for Student Success, Research Growth, and Institutional Excellence
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to student success, academic excellence, research growth, and fiscal stewardship through its 2026 Accountability Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that aligns the University’s priorities with the Florida Board of Governors’ 2030 System Strategic Plan.
The annual plan outlines ambitious, yet achievable goals designed to strengthen student outcomes, expand research productivity, increase workforce readiness, and position FAMU for continued national prominence. The plan serves as both a strategic guide and a public demonstration of the University’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
As Florida’s premier public historically Black university, FAMU continues to build on a strong foundation of achievement. The Accountability Plan highlights improved student success outcomes, including a 60.7% university access rate, a 72.5 % rate of bachelor’s graduates enrolled or employed, and an 88.1% academic progress rate. The University also continues to expand opportunities in high-demand fields while advancing its goal of achieving Carnegie R1 research status.
“Accountability and transparency are not bureaucratic obligations, they are expressions of the covenant we hold with every family that entrusts FAMU with their son or daughter’s future,” said Marva B. Johnson, J.D., president of Florida A&M University. “This plan reflects our willingness to measure what matters, celebrate our progress, and confront challenges with purpose and determination. It gives Florida, and every parent, guardian, and student who has bet on this university, a clear framework for how we will elevate student success, strengthen research and innovation, and ensure that every decision we make advances our mission. We welcome this accountability because the families who partner with us in transforming lives deserve nothing less than our absolute best.”
Among the University’s targeted areas of expertise are Health and Workforce Readiness, Business Innovation, and Engineering and Design. Planned investments in faculty recruitment, innovation laboratories, simulation training, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities are intended to strengthen workforce preparation and support Florida’s economic development priorities.
"Thank you to the Florida Legislature and the Governor. Upon his signature of the budget, FAMU looks forward to putting this year's $111.75 million legislative appropriation to good use in accomplishing these goals — including $91 million for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to expand campus infrastructure. These critical resources will guarantee an accelerated path toward enhanced excellence," said President Johnson.
FAMU also projects significant growth in research activity, with total research expenditures expected to sustain above $80 million or more annually by 2029-30. The University is further expanding graduate and doctoral education to support innovation, discovery, and economic competitiveness.
“Execution is where strategy becomes impact,” said Allyson Watson, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The goals outlined in this Accountability Plan represent our collective commitment to ensuring every student has access to the resources, support systems, academic programs, and experiential learning opportunities needed to succeed. We are energized by the work ahead and excited to translate this vision into measurable outcomes that will strengthen the student experience and prepare graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving world.”
The plan also reinforces FAMU’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity while maintaining academic rigor. Through enhanced advising, targeted student support initiatives, strategic enrollment management, affordability efforts, and expanded pathways into high-demand careers, the University is focused on helping more students persist, graduate, and thrive. This level of accountability is one of the reasons why FAMU is recognized as the No. 22 institution in the country for social mobility.
As FAMU prepares to implement a new 3-year strategic plan in 2027, the Accountability Plan provides a transparent framework for measuring progress and ensuring the University remains responsive to the needs of students, employers, communities, and the State of Florida.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas Ph.D.
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
