Unlocking Potential: How FAMU Helps Drive Florida's Higher Education Success

By Dr. Timothy Beard and Chancellor Ray Rodrigues

Florida’s higher education system isn’t just excelling, it’s leading the charge. Across the state, institutions are driving groundbreaking innovation, shaping the workforce of tomorrow, and powering economic growth. At the heart of this success is Florida A&M University (FAMU) — a powerhouse among Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a rising force in higher education.

More than just a university, FAMU is a catalyst for change, empowering trailblazers who break barriers, transform industries, and uplift communities. Its impact extends far beyond the classroom — because at FAMU, students don’t just graduate, they lead.

FAMU is at the forefront in shaping future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Its graduates excel in critical fields, from business to agriculture and food sciences, and their contributions reinforce why the State University System of Florida (SUS) has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for higher education for an unprecedented eight consecutive years.

This year, FAMU has once again earned national recognition as one of the nation's highest-ranked public Historically Black Colleges and Universities, rising to No. 81 among the Top 100 Public Universities in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges Rankings.

The University didn’t reach these milestones by chance. It resulted from strategic investment, dedicated leadership, and a focus on student achievement. Now, with the system’s SUS 30 initiative guiding the next decade of higher education in Florida, FAMU’s impact can be elevated even further. By aligning the University’s goals with this vision, the state can ensure that FAMU and the entire SUS continue to lead the country in academic and workforce development.

A key component of SUS 30 is targeted investment in faculty excellence, research, and student success initiatives, which are critical to FAMU’s continued rise. That’s why the University’s top legislative priority this year is securing $55.5 million in recurring funding to recruit and retain top-tier faculty and staff,

increase bar passage rates for the College of Law, enhance the College of Engineering to enable research commercialization, enhance campus security, and establish the Office of Technological Innovation. This will enable FAMU to sustain its national reputation and provide students with a world-class education. Investing in faculty means investing in student outcomes, making sure its graduates are equipped to compete in a rapidly evolving job market.

Because FAMU is a land-grant institution, agriculture remains central to its mission and Florida’s economy. To maintain this leadership in agricultural research and workforce preparation, the University is seeking funding to strengthen the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and modernize the Brooksville Agricultural and Environment Research Station. This will expand veterinary sciences, food sciences, and biological systems engineering programs to create a pipeline for state colleges and students who desire to pursue careers in agriculture.

Enhancing these programs will enable FAMU to address critical issues such as food security and environmental sustainability while providing hands-on training for students. These investments will not only strengthen Florida’s agricultural industry but also drive innovation, create jobs, and improve the overall economic resilience of communities across the state.

Student success is the essence of FAMU’s mission, and the University is committed to improving key performance metrics, including retention, graduation rates, and licensure pass rates in high-demand fields such as nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and law. The goal is clear: Every student should earn a degree and graduate ready to lead in their profession. By enhancing academic support systems and expanding career readiness initiatives, FAMU can continue to strengthen Florida’s workforce.

As FAMU Day at the Capitol approaches on April 9, the University urges lawmakers to continue prioritizing investments in higher education. Performance-based funding has been essential in enhancing student success, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Supporting initiatives similar to SUS 30 will allow all universities across Florida to enhance their trajectory on the national stage while honoring their rich individual legacies.

An investment in FAMU is an investment in Florida’s future — one that drives innovation, strengthens communities, and prepares students to lead in an ever-changing world. The path ahead is challenging, but the potential is limitless. Let's continue to build on this great University’s legacy of excellence, ensuring that its future is one that all of Florida can be proud of.

Dr. Timothy Beard is Interim President of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. Ray Rodrigues is the Chancellor of the State University System of Florida.