Research, Student Success, Partnerships and Star Power Highlight FAMU Board of Trustees Meeting
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida A&M University trustees spent much of their day-long meeting on Thursday, June 11 focused on initiatives designed to strengthen the University's research enterprise, academic offerings and path toward Carnegie R1 designation, including a proposed doctoral program in biological sciences, strategic legislative funding priorities and new national research partnerships.
In the Grand Ballroom on FAMU's main campus, the Board of Trustees received updates on a proposed doctoral program in biological sciences, updates on FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS), legislative budget priorities, the University's pursuit of Carnegie R1 research status and a presentation from actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist Malinda Williams on the impact of her E.S.T.E.A.M.E.D. Summit that convened on the HBCUs campus that week.
The meeting also featured the inaugural "Meet the Trustees" segment, an initiative introduced by Board Chair Deveron Gibbons to provide greater visibility into the individuals serving on the University's governing board.
Board of Trustees Chair Deveron Gibbons (Photo by Michael Cork)
Proposed Ph.D. Program Supports Research Growth and R1 Aspirations
Among the most significant items discussed was a proposed doctoral program in biological sciences featuring a concentration in cancer biology, data science and machine learning developed in partnership with Tampa-based Moffitt Cancer Center, Florida's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Provost and VP for Academic Affairs Allyson Watson, Ph.D., said the program aligns with the Florida Board of Governors' State University System 2030 Strategic Plan and would expand FAMU's research enterprise through increased doctoral production, federal grant competitiveness, cancer research activity and innovation partnerships.
Students enrolled in the program would also receive exposure to intellectual property development, patent awareness and research commercialization opportunities associated with emerging biomedical discoveries.
"This program serves as a critical strategic lever in advancing FAMU towards its aspirational goal of achieving Carnegie R1 status," said Watson, noting FAMU's pursuit of the highest classification for research universities.
University leaders said the program would help meet workforce demands in high-growth STEM fields while expanding FAMU's research capacity and competitiveness for federal funding opportunities.
The program is expected to strengthen doctoral degree production, increase cancer research activity and create new opportunities for innovation and commercialization.
FAMU DRS Superintendent Michael Johnson, Ed.D. gives an update on the DRS five-year
plan. (Photo by Michael Cork)
DRS Leadership Focuses on Accountability and Student Outcomes
Trustees also received an update on efforts to strengthen FAMU Developmental Research School through a newly established operating framework centered on accountability, governance and student achievement.
Trustee Jamal Brown shared that the DRS strategic structure includes six working teams focused on key areas including academic performance, staffing, research, finance, facilities and community engagement.
"We're looking at DRS having data-driven documentation to move from identified needs and how we can translate into measurable improvement," Brown said.
Officials also outlined plans for a comprehensive dashboard system designed to track performance indicators and ensure consistency across academic and operational areas.
FAMU DRS Superintendent Michael Johnson, Ed.D., also highlighted efforts to strengthen college and career readiness through the school's Future Center, which helps students identify academic and professional pathways beyond graduation.
This year, 15 graduating seniors, representing 36% of the class, were selected for FAMU's IGNITE program, while 10 graduates, or 24%, enrolled directly at Florida A&M University.
"All of our students do have a pathway," Johnson said, noting that the school's goal is to continue increasing the number of graduates who choose FAMU while supporting families in finding the best postsecondary option for their students.
Legislative Priorities Centered on Research, Innovation and Workforce Development
The Board reviewed legislative budget requests that support FAMU's strategic priorities and future growth.
Vice President for Government Relations Michelle Robinson emphasized that the University's requests were intentionally focused and aligned with state priorities due to a reduced state budget and changing political landscape.
"Florida's budget environment is one of discipline rather than expansion," Robinson said. "We focused our recurring ask for fiscal year 2027-2028 on two specific requests where we have a reasonable opportunity to benefit students and to enhance our contribution to the state of Florida."
The Board of Trustees meeting was held on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (Photo by Michael
Cork)
Among the University's priorities are a proposed Cardiometabolic Health Disorders Institute and the Florida Center for Legal Innovation, Technology and Judicial Leadership at the FAMU College of Law.
Provost Watson outlined additional funding requests designed to accelerate research growth, including investments in agricultural innovation, workforce development and research excellence.
"FAMU is strategically positioned to become the nation's next public HBCU to achieve Carnegie R1 status," Watson said. "Advancing to R1 will strengthen our national research profile, increase federal research funding, expand doctoral education, attract top faculty and generate long-term economic returns through innovation and commercialization."
Watson also highlighted a request for recurring funding to support the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, where enrollment has increased by 30% and doctoral production has doubled during the past year.
The Board of Trustees and the Division of Athletics celebrate Hall of Fame Coaches
Rudy Hubbard and Veronica Wiggins. (Photo special to FAMU)
Two Rattler Legends Receive National Recognition
Trustees and attendees also paused to recognize two of FAMU's most accomplished athletics leaders for recent national honors.
During his report, Vice President and Director of Athletics John F. Davis acknowledged former Head Football Coach Rudy Hubbard, who was recently inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame, and former Head Softball Coach Veronica Wiggins, who was named to the 2026 class of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Both were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to collegiate athletics
and their lasting impact on Florida A&M University. Trustees, University administrators
and members of the campus and local community offered congratulations and celebrated
the achievements of two coaches whose accomplishments have elevated the University's
national profile.
President Marva B. Johnson J.D., gave board updates that included a special guest.
(Photo by Michael Cork)
President Johnson Highlights National Research Partnerships
During her report, President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. highlighted FAMU's role as a founding member of the Association of HBCU Research Institutions (AHRI), a national consortium established in partnership with the Association of American Universities.
"That partnership gives FAMU direct access to the best practices from the nation's leading research institutions and universities," she said. "It creates expert guidance for our R1 Carnegie classification roadmap."
Johnson said the partnership positions FAMU within a national research infrastructure designed to strengthen long-term research competitiveness and increase opportunities for collaboration and funding.
The Board of Trustee meeting had guest Malinda Williams, actor and entrepreneur, spoke
about the impact of her coding boot camp, hosted at FAMU. (Photo by Michael Cork)
Malinda Williams Shares Impact of E.S.T.E.A.M.E.D. Summit
The meeting concluded with Johnson emphasizing the institutions collaborations and partnerships with an update from actress, producer and entrepreneur Malinda Williams, co-founder of the Arise and Shine Foundation and creator of the E.S.T.E.A.M.E.D. Summit, which is hosted at FAMU.
The initiative focuses on entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and education while combining technical training, mentorship and personal development for HBCU students.
"We believe that preparing students for success requires more than technical training and education," Williams said. "It also requires developing the whole person."
Since launching in 2024, the program has served nearly 200 students representing 21 states and 30 historically Black colleges and universities. The initiative has supported the creation of more than 150 applications, deployed more than 100 devices and awarded $115,000 in scholarships.
"As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding opportunities for students, increasing scholarships and access to education and wellness," Williams said. "And we know this work is only possible through strong partnerships with institutions like FAMU."
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
