Faculty and staff gathered in Lee Hall Auditorium as Florida A&M University President, Larry Robinson, gave his State of the University Address. The occasion celebrates growth and accomplishments made by the university, its students, and faculty.
Robinson took no time to commend the hard work put in by his faculty and staff in an effort to continue rising as a university.
“There is no way that I can take credit for any of the accomplishments that I am going to highlight this afternoon,” said Robinson. “All of you deserve the credit for each and every one of these accomplishments.”
Robinson felt that it was only right to have the university address close out the month of Black History as it continues to showcase not only the role Florida A&M University has played in the history of this nation but the evolution of African Americans in every endeavor of the state, nation, and world today.
All achievements presented during the address centered around the universities 2017 – 2022 Strategic Plan: FAMU Rising. This plan being the visionary roadmap to FAMU’s future serves as a catalyst for effective and efficient changes that will have an impact on the university’s students, faculty, staff, stakeholders, and the global community.
Numerous accomplishments were highlighted ranging from an exceptional increase in graduation rates by 53%, to ground breaking research conducted by the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences leading to the first 3D print of a human cornea in the US, and five simultaneous construction projects taking place on campus.
Whether in the classroom or on the court yard, exciting things are happening every day at FAMU.
“Everywhere I turn on this campus I see greatness,” said Robinson. “It makes me proud to be a leader of such outstanding faculty, staff, and students who each day advances efforts to fulfill our mission at FAMU.”
Numerous faculty members were also acknowledged for their outstanding achievements so far during the academic year. 2019 Woman of the Year from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Dr. Jennifer Taylor, believes that the award is bigger than her.
“It is such a great opportunity to have this recognition for the university,” said Taylor.
Ann Marie Cavazos, Faculty Senate President, took note of the dedication to academic engagement put in by FAMU professors to help turn graduation rates around. Not only that, Cavazos is excited to witness the impact faculty members are having in the classroom and with research.
“It is great that our students are being successful,” said Cavazos. “But I want to say that they are being successful because of the best and brightest faculty.”
As the legislative session quickly approaches, Robinson is looking forward to partnering with upcoming representatives to continue the university’s progress.
“We are putting a lot of emphasis on ensuring that we do everything we can to get the requests we think are important to continue this momentum that we have at the institution.”
If there was ever any doubt, President Robinson left those present at the address with confirmation that “FAMU is indeed rising.”