FAMU Day at The Capitol started outside in the courtyard of the Florida State Capitol. Members of the Marching 100 performed along with FAMU cheerleaders. President Larry Robinson delivered an inspiring speech and among other presentations the agenda included paying a moving tribute to Barbara A. Cohen Pippen. Cohen, who died in January, was a proud supporter of Florida A&M University and was dedicated to the success of the students and the institution.
FAMU’s Ranking in U.S. News and World Report
According to U.S. News & World Report, FAMU ranks number 91 among the top national public institutions of higher learning for the fifth consecutive year. In addition, FAMU ranks number 3 amongst HBCU’s for the fifth consecutive year.
Funding
Accordingly, the goal is to further enhance its performance outcomes, rankings and reputation. This includes attaining top-tier status among State University Systems (SUS) institutions in the annual Performance Based Funding outcomes, earning the prestigious designation of a Carnegie R1 Research Institution. R1 institutions are defined as those who have $50 million in research expenditures and grant 70 research doctorates. Currently FAMU is an R2 institution. Other goals include attracting and retaining high-achieving students, bolstering faculty excellence through increased support and strengthening the University’s distinguished academic programs.
Legislative funding will support specific areas of priority and potential impact including the College of Law Academic Initiatives, College of Agriculture and Fo
od Services, Faculty Research Excellence, Online Innovation and Excellence, Recruitment Scholarships, Student Enhancement Priorities and Transfer Student Academic Support Initiatives.
Medical Marijuana Initiative at FAMU
Although Florida voters overwhelmingly approved the use of medical marijuana and the initiative on the ballot in 2016, some in the Florida Legislature are still fighting against legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis. FAMU’s Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) is the only program mandated by the state to educate and engage Florida’s multicultural and multigenerational populations on the subject of medical marijuana and the unlawful use of recreational marijuana. MMERI seeks to educate residents, inspire them to learn and create opportunities to talk frankly about cannabis.
FAMU’s President, Dr. Larry Robinson stated the school’s request from the legislature is $45 million. Priorities for that funding includes $13.1 million recurring budget request from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in its drive to become a top 50 engineering school, $19.1 million for the Chemical and Biological Laboratory Research Center and $29 million for renovation of the School of Business and Industry (SBI) South Wing.
Additionally, the camaraderie among FAMU Alumni was strong. Those in attendance were excited to reunite with students and other alumni chapters throughout the state and country.
