TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., delivered a passionate “State of the University” address during the President’s Convocation on Sept. 19. The President’s Convocation is an annual gathering that unites students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and supporters to celebrate the start of a new academic year.
Dr. Mangum’s speech underscored the University’s recent listing by the U.S. News & World Report as the No.1 public historically black college or university (HBCU) in the nation. U.S. News & World Report also named FAMU among its 2015 list of “Best Colleges” in the nation, and the No. 8 HBCU among private and public institutions.
“While we take pride in recognition as the nation’s top public HBCU, our ultimate goal is focused on becoming an internationally renowned ‘best-in-class’ institution,” Mangum said. “And while history proves that FAMU can certainly accomplish this feat, I challenge each of you here today to look deep within yourselves to determine how you can personally contribute to FAMU’s advancement.”
During the crowd-stirring speech, President Mangum also proclaimed that the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine have all recognized FAMU as the No. 1 institution of origin in America for African Americans who go on to earn doctorates in the natural sciences and engineering.
Mangum assured the crowd that her presidency would serve to continue FAMU’s profound impact in these areas.
“I have set a course that is designed to make our University ‘A Brand that Matters in the 21st Century,’ with an increased focus on science, technology, research, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. I call it STREAM,” she said.
She also highlighted the access to educational opportunities the University continues to provide across the State of Florida, the nation and around the globe, including being recognized by the College Database for providing high-quality education at an affordable price, with graduates earning an average salary of $41,000.
Dr. Mangum also highlighted several of her key initiatives, which have already begun to be implemented as a part of her 2014-15 strategic plan. These include: increasing the University’s international presence, implementing a new customer service enhancement initiative, establishing the University’s Efficiency and Effectiveness Office, and launching the FAMU Sustainability Institute.
“By working together, FAMU can one day stand alone as the most regarded institution of higher learning in America, and the only school of choice for America’s best and brightest students, faculty and staff,” she said. “For this is a new day. This is our aim, and this is the fuel that we need to finish the race.”
Photo: Dr. Elmira Mangum rallies the crowd after the State of the University address with the traditional “Rattler Charge.”
About FAMU
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the largest historically black college or university in the nation. The University blends a strong research focus with a commitment to economic empowerment and community service.
The University was founded in 1887 as the State Normal School for Colored Students. Today, FAMU’s vision is to be a best-in-class, land-grant institution with a global reach that focuses on science, technology, research, agriculture and mathematics (STREAM). FAMU contributes to a strong workforce by providing a high-quality, affordable education to students of diverse backgrounds.
FAMU’s achievements are what set it apart as a unique learning experience.
FAMU has been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as one of its 2015 “Best Colleges” and as the nation’s top public historically black college or university (HBCU). These rankings also list FAMU as the No. 8 HBCU among both private and public institutions.
The University is also one of the top institutions for providing a high quality education at an affordable price in Florida, according to The College Database (2013).
For more information about FAMU, visit http://www.famu.edu.
