Greetings Rattlers!
Welcome to another exciting issue of FAMU Forward. Since the last issue, our state, nation, and very own Rattler Community have endured unspeakable acts that led to the loss of an irreplaceable member of our FAMUly – Capt. Antonio D. Brown.
Captain Brown was a 2008 graduate of FAMU and one of the 49 victims of the heinous Orlando Pulse Club shooting, which occurred in the early morning hours of June 12. Taking place just a few blocks from our very own College of Law, this unfortunate attack on our fellow citizens has only helped to further ignite a sense of support and comradery among us. May we continue to build upon the display of comfort and unity currently being expressed to the families of the victims, and to those injured during the attack. During these difficult times, FAMU stands with the Orlando Community, the state of Florida and our nation. More information on Capt. Antonio Brown is available in this issue of FAMU Forward.
In this issue, you will also learn more about a history making million-dollar gift presented to the School of Business and Industry from the Hershey Company, paying homage to the legendary Sybil C. Mobley. You will also gain information on the more than 100 distinguished scholars who will soon make FAMU their home as members of the Class of 2020.
I am also happy to report the great strides we are making as a University community. During the Florida Board of Governor’s Meeting in Orlando this week, the University was awarded $25.6 million in performance funding, due to a 13-point improvement from last year in our performance metrics score. Our improvements and the additional funding will serve the University’s student success efforts well.
As we look forward to continued success in meeting and exceeding our performance objectives and goals, we have carefully woven the metrics set before us into our proposed revision of the University’s strategic plan, “FAMU Forever Forward” or “F3.”
You can read more about the strategic plan at the following link: http://www.famu.edu/BOT/2016%20FAMU%20Strategic%20Plan_DRAFT.pdf.
A new initiative we are planning will also help us continue to excel in student success, and will help revitalize our historic campus and stimulate the redevelopment of Tallahassee’s Southside Adams and Monroe Street Corridor.
The initiative, known as the Palmetto North Project, includes a new and improved residential facility in the form of a living-learning community (LLC). An LLC is an environment where students are placed together based on a common major, common interest or common program affiliation assignments. Research suggests that this type of collaborative learning outside the classroom improves academic outcome for students. This project would greatly contribute to student success, retention, and recruiting, which will improve enrollment and graduation rates. You can read more about the Palmetto North Project right here on FAMUNews.com, at the following link: http://famunews.com/2016/06/famu-prepares-to-install-new-living-learning-communities-at-palmetto-north/.
With this initiative and other programs on the rise, we are working to ensure that FAMU’s light continues to shine brightly for years to come.
Thank you and keep Striking Rattlers!
