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Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

"Head, Heart, Hand, Field" "Excellence With Caring"

1887
Founded
Public historically black land-grant university
Type
9,313
Total Students
7,890
Undergrad
1,423
Graduate
$136M
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Marva Johnson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida's only public HBCU, FAMU builds leaders with a powerful legacy of excellence.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) stands as a beacon of education and empowerment in Tallahassee, Florida. As a public historically black land-grant university, FAMU is not only the third-largest HBCU in the United States by enrollment but also the sole public historically black university in the state of Florida. Guided by its mottos, "Head, Heart, Hand, Field" and "Excellence With Caring," FAMU is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to make a significant impact on the world.

Established in 1887, FAMU's history is deeply intertwined with the fight for civil rights and educational equity. From its origins as the State Normal College for Colored Students, the university has continuously evolved, expanding its offerings and cementing its legacy. FAMU played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, with its courageous students leading influential actions like the Tallahassee bus boycotts and sit-in protests. This tradition of activism and resilience underscores FAMU's enduring commitment to justice and community advancement.

Academically, FAMU provides a comprehensive educational experience, accredited to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university has been recognized for its academic strengths, notably being selected as the Time - Princeton Review "College of the Year" in 1997 and honored in 1999 for awarding more baccalaureate degrees to African-Americans than any other institution nationwide. Furthermore, FAMU has a proud history of attracting top talent, successfully recruiting more National Achievement Scholars than Harvard on multiple occasions. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a vibrant campus life as the home of the NCAA Division I FCS Rattlers and Lady Rattlers, competing fiercely in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1887, it is Florida's only public historically black land-grant university.
  • The third-largest Historically Black University (HBCU) in the U.S. by enrollment, serving over 9,300 students.
  • Recognized as the "College of the Year" by Time - Princeton Review in 1997.
  • Awarded more baccalaureate degrees to African-Americans than any other institution nationwide in 1999.
  • Successfully recruited more National Achievement Scholars than Harvard in 1992, 1995, and 1997, tying in 2000.
  • A member of NCAA Division I FCS, with its Rattlers and Lady Rattlers competing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Timeline

1885
Black abolitionist Jonathan C. Gibbs introduced legislation to create the State Normal College for Colored Students.
1887
The State Normal College for Colored Students began classes on October 3.
1891
Received land-grant status and changed its name to State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.
1905
The Buckman Act transferred control, laying the foundation for the modern Florida A&M University.
1923
Student strike occurred to preserve the liberal arts program from being eliminated by Governor Hardee.
1951
Inaugurated its pharmacy and nursing programs, along with building a hospital for hands-on experience.
1953
The college's name was officially changed to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
1956
FAMU students Wilhemina Jakes and Carrie Patterson were arrested, sparking the influential Tallahassee bus boycotts.
1960
Students participated in their first sit-in at a Woolworth lunch counter, leading to arrests and widespread protests.
1997
Selected as the Time - Princeton Review "College of the Year."
🏛️
139 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

💊

Pharmacy Program

Established in 1951, providing vital hands-on experience, initially through its own hospital which served African Americans in the region.

💉

Nursing Program

Launched in 1951, it included practical training at the university's hospital, which was the only one for African Americans within 150 miles until 1971.

Leadership

Marva Johnson
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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