There is no feeling more superior to me than knowing I am a Florida A&M University Rattler. But, I don’t think I’d ever go as far as saying FAMU is the superior historically black college.
What defines superiority in a college? It’s a combination of things, such as academics, the participation of the student body in student activities, how well the administration interacts with the students, up-to-date technology and the administration’s willingness to help students.
I would be remiss in not applauding President Castell Bryant for a job well done in handling FAMU’s budget.
But, as much as students and employees want to believe that FAMU is really the best HBCU in the country, which it was once named “College of the Year” by Time magazine in 1997, the prestigious title once bestowed upon us does not seem to be the case anymore.
It seems that this well-rounded establishment, is no longer one. Although FAMU has several programs, clubs and organizations to offer students, the people that work here make the student experience more difficult than need be.
As I mentioned before, I believe that being the superior HBCU takes standards. FAMU has almost everything to achieve that title once again, but some kinks need to be worked out.
FAMU can achieve its status as the best HBCU again, if the attitude of the University’s administration changes. It seems that as time goes by, FAMU’s administration cares less about the student body and what students are going through.
I’ve noticed that as the years pass, it becomes harder and harder to obtain classes or to iron out issues regarding financial aid. When I try to handle my personal business with school, instead of being greeted with friendly helpful faces, I’m greeted with long lines, bad attitudes and snide comments.
As a university, the faculty and staff of FAMU should do all that it can to keep its students happy and attendance up. With a drop in enrollment, it seems more students than ever before are turning away from the college.
However, with all the pitfalls, FAMU still has the potential to be the superior HBCU.
It has the potential to be the most superior institution of higher education in the country. But, there are some basic housekeeping issues that need to be taken care of before FAMU can ever go to that level.
Kelli Robinson is a fourth year public relations student from MT. Vernon, N.Y. She can be reached at Krobin629@yahoo.com.