December 26, 1935 - June 24, 2021
Frederick S. Humphries, Sr., Ph.D., under whose leadership Florida A&M University (FAMU) was named College of the Year, and who was a lifelong cheerleader and advocate for his alma mater, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. He was 85.
Dr. Humphries, a renowned scholar, charismatic, visionary, and innovative administrator and admired public servant, left a legacy that touched countless students, corporate leaders, philanthropists, and peers across the nation. President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., who came to FAMU during Dr. Humphries’ tenure, has ordered that flags on the main campus and all satellite locations be flown at half-staff.
[photo credit: Tallahassee Democrat]
$350,000
As the Statue of Liberty proudly stands at the entry to New York City to celebrate American history, so should there be a monument to honor Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, the great man who has given so much to Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) magnificent history, our promising present, and our boundless future. This monument, a slightly-greater-than-life-size sculpture of an already statuesque (at 6’5”) leader, will serve to inspire greatness in FAMUans for generations to come.
Because of his extraordinary vision, the depth of his passion and commitment to his cause of “Excellence With Caring,” our beloved alma mater would expand beyond its granted programs and reestablish our pre-eminence among the mighty land-grant institutions.
$1M Endowment
Endowing a chairship is the most comprehensive way to honor Dr. Frederick S. Humphries. It is the highest academic award that the University can bestow on a faculty member, and it lasts as long as the University exists. Thus, it is both an honor to the named holder of the appointment and also an enduring tribute to the person for whom it is named to honor.
$1M Endowment
In 1987, Dr. Fredrick S. Humphries established the Florida A&M University Graduate Feeder Scholars Program, a direct pipeline for high achieving sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled at FAMU in any academic discipline, to attend nationally renowned universities to pursue graduate level degrees at no cost to the student. Dr. Humphries’ vision for this program was to ensure that his students had the ability to pursue and earn their degree of choice both at FAMU and beyond. Thirty-four years later, the “Feeder Program” has been copied by a host of Research 1 Institutions in their desire to expand their diversity in graduate programs. Thus, the Florida A&M University Graduate Feeder Scholars Program has become the “Flagship Pipeline Program” in America. Additionally, since 1987 FAMU has maintained more than 20 partnerships with universities such as Florida State University, the University of Florida, Cornell University, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina A&T University for more than 30 years. These types of institutions have proved their commitment to the Graduate Feeder Scholars Program and inducted Graduate Feeder Scholars by agreeing to provide full funding for up to five Feeder Scholars in graduate-level programs each year.
$6M Annually
The Life-Gets-Better Scholarship was conceived and designed by former President Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D., in 1986 “to capture and recruit the best and brightest African American students in partnership with corporate America.” These students were designated as National Achievement, Merit Finalists and Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In response to “A Nation at Risk,” he conceived the Life-Gets-Better Program (LGB), a unique industry-sponsored, full scholarship program for these students at Florida A&M University majoring in Engineering, Physical, Life, Natural and Computer Sciences and Pre-Law.
In response to the recent change in the Florida Board of Governors' Performance-Based Funding Model for all state universities to the four-year graduation rate from the national six-year graduation rate, FAMU is re-launching the Life-Gets-Better Scholarship Fund with a goal of $6M annual recurring dollars to provide scholarships to recruit and retain the best and brightest students with the goal of increasing FAMU's four-year graduation rate from 34.6% to 40% within the next year on a path toward over 50%.
“FAMUly,” we need your support in investing in our students as we continue to grow a prosperous Florida A&M University. Join us today and contribute to FAMU’s transformational future! Together, we will rise!
In 2017, the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees approved the
“FAMU Rising” 2017-2022 Strategic Plan presented by President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
“FAMU Rising” was developed with broad-based stakeholder input from faculty, staff, alumni, students, corporate partners and friends of FAMU over a two-year period.
The collective input led to six (6) transformative strategic priorities that will enable FAMU to rise and strengthen its competitive position in the nation as we work to produce highly-trained professionals with undergraduate and graduate degrees, who will be successful contributors in service to their communities.
The six (6) strategic priorities of “FAMU Rising” are listed below, and serve as the foundation of our four (4) fundraising priorities during this campaign. We invite you to support one (1) or more of our fundraising efforts and secure your position as a contributor to the successful implementation of our strategic plan.”
We are forever grateful to our donors that have committed to supporting our students.
More InfoWe are committed to creating an exceptional student experience.
More InfoFAMU is committed to strengthening our Athletics Department.
More InfoWe are committed to supporting our students in our Arts and History programs.
More InfoHelp support our students with scholarships.
Rise for our students.
We need your support to build on our legacy scholarships by raising new dollars to not only support scholarships for First-Time-in-College (FTIC) students, but to also support transfer students, returning students, graduating students and graduate students. With the rising national cost of attending college, including tuition, fees and living expenses, our students can benefit from your assistance now more than ever. Your tax-deductible contribution can make a true difference in the success of today’s and tomorrow’s Rattlers.
Help support our student success initiatives.
Rise for our student success initiatives.
We are asking for your assistance in growing and enhancing our various student success initiatives including our Living Learning Communities, #WriteOnFAMU Quality Enhancement Plan, field research and study abroad experience programs, and more. Your tax-deductible contribution can make a true difference in the success of today’s and tomorrow’s Rattlers.
Help support our student athletes.
Rise for our student athletes.
Given that only three (3) of the University’s 16 sports are currently revenue generating, fundraising is key to fulfilling the Athletics Department’s commitment to supporting student-athletes, while also enhancing athletic facilities and supporting the coaches for our teams. Your tax-deductible contribution can make a true difference in the success of today’s and tomorrow’s Rattlers.
Help support our student in art and history.
Rise for the arts.
FAMU is proud to serve some of the most talented students in the world who are taught and trained by some of the most innovative and renowned faculty from around the globe. Campus organizations and activities, such as the Marching “100,” the Essential Theatre, the Concert Choir, the Spring Literary Series, and other art and history programs, provide priceless co-curricular experiences for our students. The University is asking for your support in donating funds that will enhance their operations and ensure continued success. Your tax-deductible contribution can make a true difference in the success of today’s and tomorrow’s Rattlers.
Together We Rise!
To make a gift online, use a debit or credit card by visiting: my.famu.edu/famurising
To make a gift by mail, send a check or money order to FAMU Foundation: 625 E Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32308
To make a debit card or credit card gift by phone, call (850) 412-5755.
Text FAMURISING to 41444 to donate any amount today! For a chance to win a new Honda Pilot, text FAMURISING to 41444 with a minimum donation of $100.
For more information, please call the Office of University Advancement at (850) 412-5755.
Corporate Matching Gifts - Many employers sponsor matching gift programs that match charitable contributions made by their employees. We can assist you with initiating your company’s match.