Florida A&M University (FAMU) showcased its statewide impact during FAMU Day at the Florida State Capitol on January 15. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, legislators, and supporters to highlight the university’s contributions and engage with state leaders on key priorities.
President Marva Johnson emphasized the university’s role in Florida’s education system. “Our students are the reason we are here today,” Johnson said. “Florida A&M University plays a unique and vital role as the state’s only public HBCU, and an investment in FAMU is an investment in Florida — one that delivers exceptional research, workforce readiness and real results for our communities.”
Participants took part in educational exhibits and activities designed to amplify student voices and show how state support benefits both FAMU and communities across Florida.
Kennedy Hughes, a first-year master’s student in occupational therapy from Lakeland, spoke about the significance of funding health-focused academic programs. “Being here today to represent the School of Allied Health and Florida A&M University is incredibly important, especially as we seek funding to support our master’s and doctoral programs,” Hughes said. “Having the resources to continue producing graduates in health-related fields matters for our communities.”
State education officials also acknowledged improvements in student achievement across Florida. Anastasios Kamoutsas, commissioner of education for Florida, stated: “Florida is No. 1 in education, but we will not rest on our laurels. Our graduation rate reached 92.2% — the highest in state history — and that success reflects the work happening in classrooms across Florida to prepare students not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them. Education is the pathway to prosperity, and it is the great equalizer.”
Cecil Howard, dean of FAMU College of Law, noted progress made by law students: “We think about the bar exam every day, and we are seeing the results when we give our students individual focus,” Howard said. “In just two years, our bar passage rate has increased from about 40% to nearly 80%.” He added: “We’re doing well, but we’re not resting on our laurels. With continued investment, we can keep moving onward and upward.”
Alumni also highlighted their commitment to supporting future generations at FAMU Day events. Vicki Muse Johnson—a university alumna—said supporting upcoming students remains essential.
During this year’s event at the Capitol, FAMU outlined several funding requests:
– $48.3 million recurring request for faculty/staff support; academic excellence; student success; K–12 laboratory school initiatives.
– $21.1 million recurring request aimed at strengthening academic excellence while advancing toward R1 research status.
– $19.2 million recurring request focused on enhancing student success through workforce development initiatives; mental health services; veteran support; degree completion.
– $13.1 million one-time request intended for completing new research laboratories.
– $10 million planning/development request for a proposed Center for Health and Human Performance.
