James H. Ammons, university president, recently received the 2008 leader of the year award to the excitement of students and staff.
Alex Turner, 18, a freshman Tallahassee native, said he believes Ammons deserved the award because he has made many changes at Florida A&M University.
“Before attending FAMU, I heard family and friends often complain about long lines and financial aid,” Turner said. “Since attending FAMU and Ammons being president, I rarely hear of any complaints from students.”
Leadership Tallahassee, the division of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, presented the award to Ammons during the 14th Annual Distinguished Leadership Awards Ceremony last month.
The Leader of the Year Award is given to an individual whose ideas and hard work significantly benefited the community in the past year.
Ammons was recognized for his leadership in regaining FAMU’s accreditation and his effort in making financial improvements at the university.
Kenneth Jones, associate professor of broadcast journalism, said Ammons significantly helped FAMU during a critical time when the university endured major problems.
“Prior to him, FAMU had major problems in management of financial aid, faculty being paid on time, and these types of issues,” Jones said. “Since he’s been president, he made sure these issues were taken care of immediately.”
Ammons was appointed president on Feb. 1, 2007, and his appointment was ratified on March 8, 2007 by the Board of Governors. FAMU was placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges before Ammons arrival.
“President Ammons has provided excellent leadership related to cleaning up problems associated with SACS,” said Yvonne Bell, associate professor of psychology.
“When he came, the university was on probation with SACS and due to his excellent leadership, FAMU was removed from probation status.”
During his first year, Ammons was able to get all the colleges at FAMU in good standing with SACS.
Jones said Ammons’ role in improving FAMU has also helped to better the community.
“Ammons played a role in realizing that FAMU has a responsibility to its students getting a good education, and also a responsibility to the Tallahassee community,” Jones said. “As he tried to better the university, he made sure the university improved the community.”
Many professors at FAMU said they believe Ammons has helped make a positive change at FAMU.
“Overall, President Ammons seems to be dedicated and committed to the forward movement of FAMU,” Bell said.
of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges before Ammons arrival.
“President Ammons has provided excellent leadership related to cleaning up problems associated with SACS,” said Yvonne Bell, associate professor of psychology.
“When he came, the university was on probation with SACS and due to his excellent leadership, FAMU was removed from probation status.”
During his first year, Ammons was able to get all the colleges at FAMU in good standing with SACS.
Jones said Ammons’ role in improving FAMU has also helped to better the community.
“Ammons played a role in realizing that FAMU has a responsibility to its students getting a good education, and also a responsibility to the Tallahassee community,” Jones said. “As he tried to better the university, he made sure the university improved the community.”
Many professors at FAMU said they believe Ammons has helped make a positive change at FAMU.
“Overall, President Ammons seems to be dedicated and committed to the forward movement of FAMU,” Bell said. “The conference is an excellent opportunity for students interested in graduate education,” said Linda Knight, Director of Fellowship Programs and Academic Affairs and the Director of GFSP.