The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law held its Annual State of the College of Law Address on November 19, 2025, in Orlando. The event focused on recent achievements, student success, and new investments intended to advance legal education at the college.
Interim Dean Cecil Howard opened the program by welcoming students, faculty, alumni, judges, and community supporters. He reflected on the college’s progress over the past year and reaffirmed its academic theme: Strike First. Strike Far. Strike with Excellence. Howard commended the contributions from the Student Bar Association and broader FAMU Law community.
“Our momentum is real, and our mission is clear,” Howard said. “We are preparing our students not only to excel in the classroom and on the bar exam, but to lead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. At FAMU College of Law, we will continue to Strike First, Strike Far, and Strike with Excellence.”
A significant announcement during the address was that FAMU College of Law received its first direct legislative budget allocation in more than ten years. The $5 million funding will be used for infrastructure improvements and to establish an Innovative and Emerging Law HUB. This new hub aims to broaden educational opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intellectual property, sports and entertainment law, and international law. Additional resources will go toward renovating student spaces—including a lounge with hot food options—and creating a Wellness HUB that will offer yoga, meditation, and fitness activities.
Howard also acknowledged FAMU College of Law graduates who have recently been elected or appointed as judges in Florida and Georgia. He invited attendees to a portrait unveiling ceremony honoring these alumni later that evening.
The address included mention of improved bar exam results; specifically, a 76.1% first-time passage rate for the July 2025 exam. Howard also highlighted ongoing outreach efforts through the Strike with Excellence Tour which has helped connect the college with alumni, prospective students, and partners across various cities.
