Florida A&M University (FAMU) has unveiled a statue honoring former President Frederick S. Humphries, recognizing his significant contributions to the university and the broader community. The ceremony took place in front of Lee Hall during FAMU’s homecoming, drawing students, faculty, alumni, and family members.
Chief of Staff Carmen Cummings opened the event by stating, “When the dark clouds gather on the horizon, he was present standing tall. When thunder and lightning pierced the sky, he was present standing tall. When the hills summoned you, you answered the call to come home to Father FAMU.”
The ceremony included expressions of gratitude toward Humphries’ children—Frederick Humphries Jr., Robin (Humphries) Watson, and Laurence Humphries—for sharing their parents with the university community.
Frederick S. Humphries was born in Apalachicola, Florida. He graduated from FAMU in 1957 with a degree in chemistry and later earned a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. By the 1970s, he played a key role in advancing academic standards at historically Black colleges and universities as director of the HBCU 13-College Curriculum Program.
FAMU President Marva Johnson said, “We’re gathered here to celebrate a man whose life’s work continues to shape every inch of this campus. It shapes every dream that takes root here.”
Humphries served as FAMU’s eighth president from 1985 to 2001. During his tenure, he emphasized philanthropy and student advocacy and oversaw projects such as the Eternal Flame monument—a symbol linked to FAMU being named Time magazine’s “College of the Year” for 1997–98.
Brandi V. Tatum, acting vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation Inc., commented: “People will describe the Humphries era as legendary. He is one of the longest-serving and most impactful presidents.”
The new statue was created by Brodin Studios in Minneapolis and stands near the Eternal Flame monument. The sculpture includes inscriptions with four words: “roots,” “principle,” “practice,” and “promise,” which reflect Humphries’ legacy at FAMU.
Keshia Walker, who attended FAMU during Humphries’ presidency, described him as a father figure who inspired her choice to attend FAMU over Howard University. She recalled his well-known chant: “‘He was known for his ‘Strike, Strike, Strike.’ I have defined what that means to me because of him.” Walker explained that it came to symbolize values such as scholarships, transformation, recognition, inspiration, knowledge, and empowerment.
During the event, President Johnson announced plans to relaunch the Life Gets Better Scholarship Program—a signature initiative from Humphries’ time at FAMU—supported by HBCU Change.
“This statue standing tall in the heart of our campus serves as both a tribute and a charge,” Johnson said. “It reminds us that the work continues — that each of us carries his vision to lead, to serve, and to make sure every student who walks this campus truly gets better, and that everybody knows you can get anywhere from here.”
Under Humphries’ leadership at FAMU between 1985 and 2001:
– More than $157 million was raised for scholarships.
– Over 800 students received scholarship support.
– Enrollment surpassed 12,000 students by early 2000s.
– University grant funding reached nearly $62 million.
– He introduced FAMU’s motto: “Excellence With Caring.”
Robin (Humphries) Watson shared a letter addressed to her father during the unveiling: “Generations will remember your inspiration and your relentless drive for excellence. Those who pause before your statue won’t just be reminded of you — they’ll be reminded of their own light, their own capacity to shine brightly in any darkness, which was always your magic.”
Laurence A. Humphries spoke about how long it took for this project to come together: “Fifteen years. When we started this project one of the things we had to convince people of was that this wasn’t about vanity. Dr. Humphries believed we need representation, reminders of greatness and ways to solidify moments in time. That’s what this statue is about.”
The project involved RAM Construction & Development LLC as lead contractor with support from several subcontractors including Reiff Electrical Services; EML Consulting & Generator Services; Gaskin Contractors; Florida Georgia Monument Company; and South Georgia Vault.
