Forty-Five Scholars Inducted into FAMU’s Tau Sigma National Honor Society
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Eta Gamma Chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) recently held its spring induction ceremony, shining a spotlight on the academic resilience and excellence of the university’s transfer student population.
The event took place on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. within the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) lecture hall. During the ceremony, 45 outstanding students were officially welcomed into the prestigious society, with faculty, family, and friends there to support them.
Elaine Bryant, Ph.D., the associate dean of SJGC, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the unique experiences of transfer students and the challenges that often accompany transitioning to a new institution. She encouraged inductees to remain committed to their studies and to leverage their experiences to become strong leaders in and out of the classroom.
“Transfer students bring a unique tenacity to our campus,” Bryant said. “While the
transition can be daunting, your presence here today proves that you haven’t just
adapted to a new environment, you have excelled in it. This induction is a testament
to your ability to turn the initial hurdles of ‘transfer shock’ into a foundation
for leadership. You are not just joining a society. You are setting a standard for
excellence at FAMU.”
Tau Sigma is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievement of
transfer students. Membership is based primarily on performance during a student’s
first semester at a new institution. To qualify, students must enroll full-time and
earn a minimum 3.5 GPA during their inaugural term at FAMU.
At FAMU, the Eta Gamma chapter serves as both an academic honor and a support network,
helping students navigate the challenges commonly associated with the “transfer shock.”
Through community building and academic support, the organization fosters belonging
and success.
“Coming to a university as large as FAMU, after starting elsewhere, felt like being a small fish in a massive pond,” said Alyssa Griggs, a new inductee. “Earning this recognition through the Eta Gamma chapter makes the initial struggle feel worth it. It’s more than a 3.5 GPA. It’s knowing that we belong here just as much as those who started here as freshmen.”
Welcoming these 45 students reflects the continued success of FAMU’s transfer population. Despite the academic and social adjustments often associated with transferring, these students have demonstrated their ability to meet the university’s rigorous standards while positioning themselves as leaders on campus.
“Organizations like Tau Sigma play an important role in helping transfer students build connections early and stay engaged throughout their time at Florida A&M University,” said Tamaria Williams, Ph.D., director of transitional services within the Office of Student Success. “Because many transfer students arrive with associate degrees and have a shorter window to experience campus life as Rattlers, it is essential that they quickly find community and opportunities for involvement.”
The Eta Gamma chapter will continue supporting its newest members through professional development workshops and community service initiatives throughout the spring semester.
The evening concluded with a reception, offering inductees the opportunity to connect with fellow members, alumni and university leadership. Those interested in learning more about Tau Sigma at FAMU or future induction cycles can follow the chapter on Instagram at @tausigma_famu.
2026 Tau Sigma Inductees:
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Jacques Amilcar
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Gabrielle Andre
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Paris Brown
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Lindsay Burnett
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Kaylyn Carter-Johnson
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Skylar Clayton
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Destiny Cohen
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Carlie Collins
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Makayla Cooper
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Ani Craddolph
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Alissa Cumberbatch
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LeAndrea Daniels
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Amethyst Dowling
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Nechama Duperme
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D'Asia Ellis
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Charlene Fryson
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London Gaston
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Alyssa Griggs
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Kaitlyn Henderson
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Kori Holland
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Cheyenne Hooks
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Maurecia Hudson
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Sharlisa James
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Perry Jean
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Daniele Johnson
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Chrisann Jonas
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Jayla Jones
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Adrienne Jones
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Isaak Martin
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Ziara Martinez
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Brianna Mitchem
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Taylor Newman
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Neilsonsky Noel
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Malcolm Presha
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Breann Rasmussen
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Julissa Reed
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Catherine Scott
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Kierstyn Smith
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Myia Tucker
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Twila Vance
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Marissa Vega
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Destiny Walden
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Aiyana Ware Rembert
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Mayah Williams
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Annah-Bryce Wright
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
