FAMU Unveils 2026 FAMU Under 40 Honorees; Oct. 22 Celebration of Excellence and Impact Scheduled
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A& University is honored to announce the FAMU Under 40 honorees for 2026. Formerly known as 40 Under 40, this signature event honors distinguished young alumni for their outstanding professional achievements, civic advocacy and philanthropic engagement. The awards gala will take place during FAMU’s “There’s No Place Like The Hill” homecoming week on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Jake Gaither Gymnasium.
“FAMU Under 40 shines a light on the remarkable Rattlers who are distinguishing themselves through excellence, leadership, service and impact. This year’s honorees are an extraordinary reflection of the talent and promise that define the FAMU experience,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “They are not only achieving at the highest levels in their respective fields; they are opening doors, creating opportunities and strengthening the communities they serve. We celebrate them with tremendous pride and gratitude, knowing that their accomplishments add another chapter to the powerful legacy of Florida A&M University. These are Rattlers who are not waiting for the future—they are helping to shape it.”
FAMU Under 40 Class of 2026
After earning FAMU degrees in fields ranging from business administration and education to pharmacy and electrical engineering, the 2026 cohort has carried the Rattler legacy from the Highest of Seven Hills into careers spanning to embark on careers spanning public service, education, law, the arts, entrepreneurship, the non-profit sector, healthcare, and technology.
“FAMU Under 40 represents far more than a recognition of professional achievement. It is a celebration of the extraordinary Rattlers who are leading with purpose, creating impact and carrying the excellence of Florida A&M University into communities and industries around the world, said Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Alonda Thomas, Ph.D. “This year’s honorees represent an exceptional caliber of talent and leadership, and their accomplishments reflect the enduring value of a FAMU education. Their stories remind us that the FAMU legacy is not simply something we inherit—it is something we continue to build, expand and pass forward.”
The 2026 FAMU Under 40 honorees are:
- Stephanie Andrews
- Greg Boler
- Kevicia Brown
- Ashleigh Cooper
- Dominique Crawford
- Chevone Davis-Raglan
- Quiana Downie
- Brion Eason
- Westly Francois
- Booker Gainor, IV
- Shayla George
- Nelson German
- Andrew Grant
- Zakiya Hardemon
- Vanessa Hayward
- Louis Jean-Baptiste
- Flavia Kanyago
- Wayne King
- Shayla Knighton-Black
- Chris Laboo
- Faith Lowe
- Luqman McNeil
- Brandon Moton
- Antonio Murphy
- Brett Murphy
- Shaqueria Myrick
- Anamarie Ngala-Bey
- Dex Rho
- Terrence Roberts
- Cary Robinson
- Padric Scott
- John Taylor, Jr.
- Alyse Taylor-Anyikire
- Courtney Thrower
- Stephanie Toliver
- Terry Waters
- Altrichia Wilcox
- Candra Williams
- Chandeidre Williams
- Darrin Williams
Tickets for the 2026 FAMU Under 40 Awards Gala are available through the Office of Communications. Tables are available for $1,000 and individual tickets are $150. Join us in celebrating excellence, leadership, and the next generation of Rattler legends.
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