Florida A&M University has been ranked number 1 out of 25 Universities in the United States by The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine for African Americans earning bachelor’s and doctoral degrees.
Between 2002-2006, the top 10 baccalaureate institutions for African-Americans who earn a bachelors and doctoral degrees were historically black colleges and universities, including, Howard, Morehouse, Tuskegee, Hampton and North Carolina A&T, according a university press release.
“FAMU’s highly talented and dedicated faculty prepare and motivate our students to pursue doctoral degrees,” said President James Ammons. “These statistics also underscore the importance of HBCUs in producing our brain trust for the future.”
National Academics of the United States would like to strengthen the science and engineering across the U.S. by primary focusing on minorities, who are one of the fastest growing groups in the U.S. population, according to the National Academics website.
Minority participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education at all levels should be top national priority, in efforts to improve quality education with the underrepresented minorities of America.
“Its well-documented that the United States needs a strong science and technology workforce to maintain global leadership and competitiveness,” said Freeman Hrabowski III, president of University of Maryland-Baltimore County and chair of the National Academics Committee.
“The minds and talents of underrepresented minorities are a great, untapped resource that the nation can no longer afford to squander.”
Students at FAMU appreciated the university being recognized as a No. 1 university for high graduating rates for minorities.
“I am proud of FAMU and also a proud student that attends the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical of science,” said Charles Spagnuolo, a 23-year-old fifth-year pharmacy student from Flagler Beach, Fla. “I am thankful for the opportunity to receive my degree from the school that has high graduation rates for African-Americans and minorities.”