Tuesday, the Twenty-First of April
Two Thousand Twenty-Six At Eleven O’clock in the Morning
VESTED IN EXCELLENCE
Advancing Excellence, FAMU Forward
A University rises in every generation by the courage of those entrusted with its care — and by the resolve of a community that will not surrender excellence.
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
Thirteenth President
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
BIOGRAPHY
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
Thirteenth President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Marva B. Johnson, J.D., MBA, is the thirteenth president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) — which is named among the Top 100 public universities in the nation and America’s top-ranked public Historically Black College and University. Confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors on June 18, 2025, and assumed the helm on August 1, 2025, President Johnson’s tenure began at a defining moment in FAMU’s institutional history, bringing with her a record of transformative leadership, policy mastery, and an unrelenting commitment to expanding opportunity.
A nationally recognized architect of education policy, President Johnson served on the Florida State Board of Education beginning in 2014 and was elected chair in 2015 — guiding one of the nation’s largest and most complex state education systems. Under her leadership, the Board advanced sweeping reforms in student outcomes, performance-based funding, and institutional accountability. She has been a fierce and consistent voice for closing achievement gaps and ensuring that every student — regardless of zip code or background — has access to a world-class education. Her influence further extended to Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission in 2018, where she chaired the Education Committee and helped shape the foundational law of the state.
Beyond the halls of government, President Johnson has been a driving force in the private sector. As Group Vice President of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications, she led efforts to bring broadband connectivity to underserved communities across nine southern states — understanding, long before it became a national priority, that digital access is an education access issue. Her work bridged the divide between policy, technology, and community in ways that produced lasting and measurable impact.
At FAMU, President Johnson is charting a bold course — accelerating the University’s trajectory toward Carnegie R1 research classification, deepening federal partnerships, and positioning FAMU as a national hub for agricultural innovation, health equity, and workforce development. Her vision is grounded in FAMU’s historic mission and propelled by the urgency of the present moment: a university poised not merely to serve its students, but to shape the nation and the world.
Her service on the boards of the Florida Scholars Academy, Florida Virtual School, and the Pace Center for Girls reflects a personal covenant with youth development and the power of education to transform lives. President Johnson holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law, an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University. A proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she leads with purpose, principle, and the unshakable conviction that FAMU’s greatest chapter is still ahead.
ORDER OF CEREMONY
Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs · Presiding
MUSICAL PRELUDE
The FAMU Band
The Processional
PRESIDENTIAL AMBASSADORS LEGACY TRIBUTE
The Presidential Ambassadors
Bearing the portraits of the Presidents of Florida A&M University in order of Presidency
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Florida Board of Governors
FAMU Board of Trustees
Former University Presidents
Senior Leadership Team University Delegates Academic Deans
Faculty
Student Government Association and Student Organization Leadership
Direct Support Organization Presidents Platform Guests
PROCESSION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Members of the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees
Led by Michael White, Vice Chairman
The Presidential Legacy Procession
PRESIDENTIAL FANFARE
The FAMU Band
GRAND ENTRANCE — INTERIM PRESIDENT
Henry Lewis, Ph.D.
GRAND ENTRANCE — INTERIM PRESIDENT
Timothy Beard, Ph.D.
GRAND ENTRANCE — NINTH PRESIDENT
Fred Gainous, Ed.D.
GRAND ENTRANCE — TENTH PRESIDENT
James Ammons, Ph.D.
GRAND ENTRANCE — TWELFTH PRESIDENT
Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
THE GRAND ENTRANCE OF THE THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
The Opening
PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS
FAMU Police Department Honor Guard
United States Army and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps
FAMU Developmental Research School ROTC
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede Head Drum Major, the FAMU Marching 100
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM · LIFT EV’RY VOICE AND SING
The FAMU Marching 100 Directed by Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede
INVOCATION
The Honorable Rosalind Osgood Senator, Florida State Senate, District 32
WELCOME
Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Greetings
MICHAEL WHITE
Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees
DEVERON GIBBONS, J.D.
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Presented by Video
BRANDI TATUM-FEDRICK, Ed.D.
Vice President, University Advancement
Executive Director, FAMU Foundation
CHORAL SELECTION
“Elijah Rock” · arr. Mark Butler
The University Concert Choir
Greetings
ALBERT D. MOSLEY Ed.D.
Eighth President, Bethune-Cookman University
THE HONORABLE RICK SCOTT
United States Senator, State of Florida
Presented by Video
THE HONORABLE ASHLEY MOODY
United States Senator, State of Florida
Presented by Video
THE HONORABLE ANASTASIOS KAMOUTSAS
Commissioner of Education, State of Florida
CHANCELLOR RAY RODRIGUES
State University System of Florida
ALAN LEVINE
Chairman, Florida Board of Governors
MUSICAL BRIDGE
The FAMU Band
THE HONORABLE ARTHENIA JOYNER
Former Senator, Florida State Senate
NOMI BERGMAN
Advance/Newhouse Investment Partnership
Distinguished Colleague
ZAYLA BRYANT
President, Student Government Association
The Investiture
CHORAL SELECTION
“I Love the Lord” · “Total Praise” Richard Smallwood, arr. Bradley Knight The University Concert Choir Joanna Sobkowska-Parsons, DM, Accompanist
PRESENTATION OF THE FAMU MACE AND THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION
Joined by Fred Gainous, Ed.D., James H. Ammons, Ph.D., and Larry Robinson, Ph.D. the Ninth, Tenth, and Twelfth Presidents of Florida A&M University
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Florida A&M University FORMAL INVESTITURE OF THE PRESIDENT
Michael White
THE INVESTITURE ADDRESS
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
Thirteenth President of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
The Closing
The audience is invited to stand and join in singing THE FAMU ALMA MATER
The University Concert Choir and Congregation
Pastor Darrick D. McGhee, Sr. Bible Based Church BENEDICTION
THE RECESSIONAL
The Platform Party · Former Presidents · The Board of Trustees Faculty · Delegates · Student Leadership
ABOUT FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded on October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) stands as one of the nation’s premier historically Black universities and a leading institution within the State University System of Florida. Established originally as the State Normal College for Colored Students, the University opened with just 15 students and two instructors, guided by founding president Thomas DeSaille Tucker and educator Thomas Van Rensselaer Gibbs.
From its earliest days, FAMU was created to expand access to education for African Americans during a period of profound social and political challenge. In 1891, the institution became Florida’s land-grant university for Black students under the Second Morrill Act, strengthening its mission in agriculture, mechanical arts, and applied sciences.
The mid-20th century marked a transformative era. In 1953, the institution achieved university status, becoming Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. This period saw the establishment of key professional schools—including pharmacy, law, nursing, and graduate studies—and significant expansion in enrollment, faculty, and campus infrastructure. FAMU also became the first historically Black institution to gain membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, reflecting its growing academic stature.
During the 1960s and 1970s, FAMU navigated the complexities of desegregation while preserving its unique identity and mission. The University expanded its academic footprint with new research initiatives, the creation of the Black Archives Research Center and Museum, and partnerships in medical and scientific education. By 1971, FAMU was fully integrated into Florida’s public university system, solidifying its role as a vital contributor to higher education in the state.
Growth and innovation continued through the 1980s and beyond. The University expanded to multiple schools and colleges, introduced doctoral programs, and enhanced campus facilities and athletics. Under the leadership of presidents such as Frederick S. Humphries, FAMU experienced record enrollment growth and national recognition, including producing more National Achievement Scholars than several Ivy League institutions during the 1990s.
Today, FAMU enrolls nearly 10,000 students and offers a broad array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across multiple campuses in Florida. Guided by its enduring motto, “Excellence with Caring,” the University remains committed to academic distinction, research innovation, and the advancement of opportunity for underserved communities. Under the leadership of President Marva B. Johnson, the University is advancing a forward-looking agenda focused on student success, strategic growth, and national prominence.
For more than 138 years, Florida A&M University has cultivated leaders, advanced knowledge, and transformed lives—earning its distinction as “Florida’s Opportunity University” and continuing to shape the future through education, service, and impact.
PRESIDENTS OF FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
In order of Presidency
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD FOURTH
FIFTH
SIXTH
SEVENTH
EIGHTH
NINTH
TENTH
ELEVENTH
TWELFTH
THIRTEENTH
Thomas DeSaille Tucker, LL.B.
Nathan B. Young, A.M.
John Robert Edward Lee, Sr., LL.D.
William H. Gray, Jr., Ph.D.
George W. Gore, Jr., Ph.D.
Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., Ph.D.
Walter L. Smith, Ph.D.
Frederick S. Humphries, Sr., Ph.D.
Fred Gainous, Ed.D.
James H. Ammons, Ph.D.
Elmira Mangum, Ph.D.
Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
Acting and Interim Presidents
1887 – 1901
1901 – 1923 1924 – 1944 1944 – 1949
1950 – 1968
1968 – 1977
1977 – 1985
1985 – 2001
2002 – 2004 2007 – 2012
2014 – 2016
2017 – 2024
2025 – Present
Florida A&M University has also been served by William A. Howard, Acting President, 1923–1924; J. B. Bragg, Acting President, April–September 1944; H. Manning Efferson, Acting President, 1949–1950; Henry Lewis III, Pharm.D., Interim President, January–June 2002; Castell Vaughn Bryant, Ed.D., Interim President, 2004–2007; Larry Robinson, Ph.D., Interim President, 2007, 2012–2014, and 2016–2017; and Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., Interim President, 2024–2025.
FAMU FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(*Denotes ex-officio member)
Officers
KENNETH M. NEIGHBORS CHAIR
Partner McGuireWoods LLP
TWUANNA MUNROE WARD TREASURER
VP, US Networks Distribution Revenue Accounting Warner Bros. Discovery
ANGELA C. ADDERLEY
President, McDonald’s Franchisee ACA Foods Corp. dba McDonald’s
ELAINE E. ARMSTER
Chief Sustainability Officer Managing Partner Linkscape360, LLC
TERRY D. ARNOLD
Group Chief People Officer Digicel Group
GREGORY L. CLARK
Vice President
TIRRELL D. WHITTLEY VICE CHAIR
CEO-Principal Liquid Soul
CHAN BRYANT ABNEY, ESQ. SECRETARY
General Counsel & Director of HR Gary, Williams, Parenti, Watson, & Gary P.L.L.C.
BOARD MEMBERS
MARCELIA C. FREEMAN
Investor Relations & Product Mgmt. Clearlake Capital Group
LAKITSIA GAINES
Multi-Office Agency Owner State Farm Insurance
JEMAL O. GIBSON
Regional Vice President McKesson Medical-Surgical Division
JOHN L. GREEN, J.D., PH.D., C.P.A. John L. Green, CPA, Atty. At Law
Institutional Advancement & Executive Director, ASU Foundation Alabama State University
HOSETTA B. COLEMAN, SPHR
ED, Advancing Black Pathways JP Morgan Chase
JOHN M. CROSSMAN
Board of Trustee Liaison Founder and President CrossMarc Services
TONY EZELL
EVP, President of the Americas Becton, Dickinson and Company
BILLY B. GREER, IV, C.P.A. Managing Director PGIM Private Capital/ Prudential Financial, Inc.
NELSON J. GRILLO, JR. AVP, Marketing Analytics MedStar Health
ERICA D. HILL Vice President Global Talent Acquisition
LAURENCE A. HUMPHRIES President & CEO
The Wellness Development Group, LLC
CHEKESHA C. KIDD Founder and CEO Kinumi, Inc.
HANNAH G. KIRBY
University Student Designee Florida A&M University
MARVA B. JOHNSON, J.D.
University President Florida A&M University
LISA RAE LABOO
CEO, Prosperity Investment Services, Inc. Pres., Prosperity Real Estate, LLC
SAMIQUE MARCH-DALLAS, PH.D.
Faculty Senate Designee Florida A&M University
ARTISHA R. POLK President FAMU National Alumni Association
FREDDIE RAINES
Market Sales Executive – Houston Capital One
T.J. ROSE Partner Veritas Capital
G. SCOTT UZZELL
Chief Executive Officer Helen of Troy Limited
EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Alfreda D. Blackshear, M.D.
Betty S. Holzendorf
Thomas Jones, Jr.
William J. Bryant, D.D.S., Sc.D.
Cecil B. Keene
Harold L. Martin, MD
COL (Ret.) Brodes Hartley, Jr., Chair
Milton L. Jones, Jr.
Joseph L. Webster, Sr., MD
FLORIDA BOARD OF GOVERNORS
State University System of Florida
Ray Rodrigues
Chancellor
Alan Levine
Chair
Timothy M. Cerio
Vice Chair
MEMBERS
Ashley Bell Barnett
The Honorable Douglas Broxson
Carson Dale
Dr. Kimberly Dunn
Aubrey Edge
Carson Good
Edward Haddock
Ken Jones
Ashley Lukis
Charles H. Lydecker
Craig Mateer
Michael Okaty
The Honorable Keith Perry
Nick Sinatra
The Honorable Anastasios Kamoutsas Commissioner of Education, State of Florida EX OFFICIO
THE FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman
Deveron Gibbons, J.D. Vice Chairman
Michael White Trustees
Jamal A. Brown, Pharm.D.
President, Faculty Senate
Zayla Bryant
President, Student Government Association
John Crossman
Natlie G. Figgers, J.D.
Emery A. Gainey
Roderick Harris
Kenneth Jones
Prerak “Pre” Shah, J.D.
Raphael Vazquez
Nicole Washington
Victor Young
Marva B. Johnson, J.D.
Corporate Secretary to the Board of Trustees
FAMU NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
Artisha R. Polk, President
Ashleigh Cooper, First Vice President
Avis Hannon Payne, Financial Secretary
Yolanda L. Pinkard, Second Vice President
Angela T. Freeman, Third Vice President
Reginald J. Mitchell, Sr., Esq., Recording Secretary
Pierre E. Rutledge, Treasurer
Jeremiah L. Carter, Corresponding Secretary
DELEGATES
From Colleges, Universities, and Learned Societies
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University acknowledges with profound gratitude the colleges, universities, and learned societies whose representatives honor this day by their presence. Delegates are listed in order of the founding of their institutions — a tradition that recognizes the continuity of the academy across the centuries.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1851
Richard McCullough, Ph.D., President
Delegate: Jim Clark, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Founded 1853
Donald W. Landry, M.D., Ph.D., Interim President
EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY
Founded 1866
Donald W. Landry, M.D., Ph.D., Interim President
ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1867
Quinton T. Ross, Jr., Ed.D., President
Delegate: Col. (Ret.) Gregory Clark, M.S., Vice President for Institutional Advancement
BENEDICT COLLEGE
Founded 1870
Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D., Ed.D., President
BENNETT COLLEGE
Founded 1873
Teresa Hardee, Ed.D., Interim President
FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
Founded 1879
William C. McCormick, Jr., M.B.A., President
Delegate: Jacqueline Hill, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1881
Mark A. Brown, Ed.D., President
Delegate: Brandon Toliver, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the President for Facilities and Construction
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1882
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., President
Delegate: Willis Walter, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for External Relations
CLINTON COLLEGE
Founded 1894
Pamela Richardson Wilks, Ph.D., President
DELEGATES
FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1895
Paul A. Jones, Ph.D., President
Delegate: Britney Smith, M.B.A., Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1896
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers, President
BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
Founded 1904
Col. (Ret.) Alexander Conyers, President
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Founded 1912
Glenda Baskin Glover, Ph.D., J.D., President Emerita
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Founded 1956
Moez Limayem, Ph.D., President
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Founded 1963
Alexander N. Cartwright, Ph.D., President
Delegate: Janet Owen, J.D., Vice President for Government and Community Relations
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
Founded 1963
Manny Diaz, Jr., M.Ed., President Rebecca Matthews, Chair, Board of Trustees
METROPOLITAN COLLEGE OF NEW YORK
Founded 1964
Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D., President
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Founded 1965
Jeanette M. Nuñez, M.P.A., President
Delegate: Lynne Shaw, J.D., Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations
TALLAHASSEE STATE COLLEGE
Founded 1965
Jim Murdaugh, Ph.D., President
INVESTITURE COMMITTEE
With deep appreciation to those who gave shape and spirit to this celebration.
Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D. Co-Chairs
Angela Adams Suggs
Committee
Chief Audrey Alexander
Mary Brown
Vernon E. Bryant
Trustee Zayla Bryant
Marcus Burgess, Ed.D.
Mark Butler, DMA
Arthur T. Cavano, Ph.D.
Shelby Chipman, Ph.D.
Carmen Cummings-Martin
Nick Dulcio
Deputy Chief William Evers
Kechaunda Gilcrease
Gregory Hill
William Hudson, Jr., Ph.D.
Kelvin Lawson
Altony Lee III, Ed.D.
Jennifer Lee
Cateatra Mallard
Valencia Matthews, Ph.D.
Allison McNealy
Nichole Murry
Michelle Robinson
Nicole Schloss
Yolanda Sharpe
Kimberly E. Taylor
Alonda Thomas, Ph.D.
Sabrina P. Thompson
Jefferson Walker
Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D.
Kennedy Williams
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
The Heart of the Rattler Nation
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is made luminous by the leadership, service, and creativity of her students. The organizations listed here represent the many ways in which Rattlers pursue scholarship, service, faith, performance, professional development, and fellowship — carrying forward the mission of the University in every direction at once.
The 1887 Legacy Cheer Squad
Jocelyn Johnson
The 412 Movement
727 Club
Myles Green
Aniya Laurence
90.5 (WANM-FM)
Jasen Glanton
ACLU @ FAMU
Darchelle Pickett
Adventist Christian Fellowship
Stanley Northe
Advocates for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (AIRR)
Yusimy Viltres Ceruto
African Graduate Students Association
Maxwell Ogada
African Student Association
Nkedi Diekumpuna
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Alpha Chapter
Sydney Friley
Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Honor Society of Sociology
To Be Announced
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc Beta Nu Chapter
Wynton Johnson
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Valeria Jimenez
American Institute of Architecture Students
Morton Stokes
American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at FAMU (FAMU APhA-ASP)
Rayana Johnson
The American Red Cross Club at FAMU
Monae Walker
Animal Science Club
Kayla Armand
Anime Club
ASM
E’Mani Lordeus
Tia Duke
ASM Student Chapter at FAMU
Tia Duke
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
Taylor Williams
Bahamians United & Involved
Dionne Jones
Baseball Club FAMU
Ty Andrews
Kappa Epsilon Pharmacy Fraternity
Skylar Mangham
Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Inc.Delta Iota Chapter
Kazah Dixon
Kappa Psi Psi Healthcare Sorority, Inc.
Venable, Rachel C.
Kemetic Mathematical Society
Cory Ward
Lambda Alpha Epsilon
To Be Announced
Live, Love, Strike at FAMU
Alantis Austin
Mahogany Dance Theatre
Janelle Williams
MALIK Fraternity
Hezekiah Destinoble
MANRRS
Lauryn Tellis
Marshall-Bell Law Society
Kaylah Clark
Men’s Lacrosse Club at FAMU
Ryan Henry
The Miami Club @ FAMU
Qiara King
Minorities for Medical Marijuana at the FAMU College of Law
Richell S. De Jesus
Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students
Anisa Adams
Minority in Sports
Rahjade Anderson
National Association of Black Accountants
Aldous Blackwell
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
Keyona Williams
The National Council of Negro Women
Jordyn Ash
National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
Jordyn Ash
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (FAMU-Collegiate Section)
Ms. Jordyn Ash
National Diamondback Pharmacy Student Council
Aleigh Bonner
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students
Ethan Sturdivant
National Sales Network FAMU Collegiate Chapter
Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
Tyler Brown
Big Brother Little Brother
Hanibal Grant
Big Sister Little Sister mentoring Program
Zaria Ware
Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), FAMU Chapter
LeJohn Thomas
Black Law Student Association
Makayla Vaughns
Black Men in Medicine
Treyvious Copeland
Bold and Black Women In Media
Taliyah Marshall
Boxing Club- FAMU
Akinseye Iyanu
Campus Plus
Amani Williams
Caribbean Law Students Association
Anne Charles
Caribbean Students Association
Anju Sujanani
Catholic Student Association
Godfred Okai
Chapter of Minorities in Sports Next
Rahjade Anderson
Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (FABJ)
Morton Stokes
American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at FAMU (FAMU APhA-ASP)
Ashton Johnson
Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America
Lariel Green
Chess Club at FAMU
Caleb Parker
Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Chi Phi Beta Chapter
Brenda Bryant-Acting
Chicago Club
Kinaya Kerr
Chief Financiers Organization
Derek Holloman, Jr.
Christian Collegiate Leadership Cohort
McKinley Wilson
Christian Engineering Society
Joshua Thompson
Christian Legal Services
Samela Pynas
The Close Knit Crochet Club
Leyah B. Hubbard
Club R.E.A.L., Real Estate and Leadership Club
Lariel Green
College of Law Minorities for Medical Marijuana
Richell S. De Jesus
Collegiate 100 of FAMU
Joseph Stuckey
COPPS Ambassadors
Britney Denton
CoPPS Student Council Association
Ajeya Adams
Cornerstone Bible Study Club
Thaddeus Powell Jr.
DC Metro Club
Tyler Skinner
The Diamond Dancers
Jordyn Clarke
Carlynn Andrews
National Society of Black Engineers NSBE
Simone Eloi
National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM)
Zaria Ware
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Timia C. Williams
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Lori-Ann Dawes-Wright
National Society of Pershing Angels, Inc
Brielle Haye
The National Society Of Pershing Rifles
Xavier Odom
The Natural Hair Club
Ongel Harris
NextGen Education, Recreation, and Research Advocacy (NextGen ERRA) at Florida A&M University
Arianna DeBagio
NROTC
MIDN Shabazz
The OASIS
Jourdan Garnett
Omega Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi, Professional Business
Fraternity Inc.
Godfred Okai
Chapter of Minorities in Sports Next
Rahjade Anderson
Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (FABJ)
Morton Stokes
American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at FAMU (FAMU APhA-ASP)
Jerome Parris
The Orlando Club
Taylar Watson
Phi Beta Lambda
Johnson, Assata
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Jeremiah Hopkins
Phi Delta Kappa
Amariya Hancock
Phi Sigma Theta
Marlita Jones
Physicians In Training
Vincent Lewis
Planned Parenthood FAMU Generation Action
Taylor Bennett
Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association
Aaliyah Fonville
Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International
Tyra Garcia
Predental Society at FAMU
Kennedy Moore
Pretty On Purpose
Aiyanna Nixon
Project C
Adrinana Clanton
Psi Beta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.,
Yulissa Martinez-Garcia
Psi Chi International Honor Society
Jaala Curry
Queens.E.O.
Layah Gaines
The Rattler Robotics Club
Mr. Cason Allen
Rattler Tennis Club At FAMU
Jada Fowler
Residence Hall Association
To Be Announced
DMV Metro Club
Ty SKinner
Dream Defenders
Rajha Davis
The Duval Club @ FAMU
Chase Stanford
Elite Dance Squad at FAMU
Nikayla Henry
English Literary Guild
Kimora Hardy
Entrepreneurship Club @ FAMU (E-Club @ FAMU)
Tajh-Michelle Gayles
Environmental Law Society
Carina Draper
Epsilon Eta Environmental Fraternity Nu Alpha Chapter
Camron Curry
Essential Theatre Union
Ryan Pettaway
Esther Funds Foundation
Nayel Jones
The Etiquette Academy
Maiya Malone
Every Nation Campus
Paige Moore
The FAMU chapter of Progressive Black Men, inc.
Myron Dobson
FAMU-FSU Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Student Chapter
Ariana Tyson
The FAMUAN
FCA
Naji Rutherford
Nay’Ron Jenkins
Federal Bar Association Student Division
Crystal Eugene
Federalist Society
Jason A. Holloway
The Federalist Society at Florida A&M University
Jason Holloway
FL ASABE-BASE
Janelle Thomas
The Florida A&M Best Buddies Chapter
Dominique Taylor
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Women in STEM
Camrynn Harper
Food Science Club at FAMU
Sanaa King
Free The Period FAMU
Angel Mayfield
#FreeThePeriod
Angel Mayfield
Future Public Health Professionals (FPHP)
Khalisha Halley
FWPC Collegiate Prayer Group
Alicia Adams
Girls 2 Girls
Maya Clever
Girls Like Me
Helena J. McAllister
Global Medical Brigades
To Be Announced
Graduate Physical Therapy Association (GPTA)
RISE Tallahassee, Inc.
SAAC
Yerimiah Evans
Nay’Ron Jenkins
Scholars of Finance
Candace Harrison
Seven Hills Capital
Richaya Dunbar
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Kira Smith
Sigma Pi Sigma Physics and Astronomy Honor Society
London Starks
Sister Sister Initiative
Saniya Moore
The Society of Black Future Female Attorneys
Te’Anna Williams
Society of Mastery and Fortitude at FAMU
Jeremiah Martin
Society of Physics Students
London Starks
Society of Professional Journalists
Sydney McLennan
Sociology and Criminal Justice Club
Charlotte Arnold
Special Olympics at FAMU
Jasmine Jenkins
Spectrum LGBTQ Pride Student Union
Jordyn C. Powell
Sports Pharmacy Network at Florida A&M University
Quintin McGriff
St. Michael and All Angels Campus Ministry Club
A’Shanti Watkins
STARS Student Computing Corps @ FAMU (STARS SCC @ FAMU)
Aniyah Koonce
Stonewall LGBTQA
Michael A. Mclean
Strikers Dance Troupe
Miles Henry
Student Animal Legal Defense
Kayla-Christie Carestia
STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION
Amber Newsome
Student Florida Education Association
Maydina Simon
Student Health Informatics and Information Management (Association (SHIIMA)
Student National Alumni Association
Nia Mason
Student Nurses’ Association
Samara Petit-Homme
Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists at FAMU (FAMU-SSHP)
Gabrielle Darbeau
Student Veterans of America- FAMU Chapter
Xavier Davis
Students Demand Action
Elisha McDowell
Supply Chain State of Mind
Kari Johnson-Bowens
Sustainability Club
Jasmine Winston
Jayla Ramsey
Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc.
Torin J. Robinson
Grow 352
LeiLani Mills
Haitian Cultural Club (HCC)
Deborah Maurice
HBCU Data Science Student Ambassadors (HBCU-DSSA)
Breniah Saimpre
HBCU Inc.
Miya Dennis
Health and Educational Relief Organization (H.E.R.O.)
Joniesh Miller
Health and Harmony
Vincent Lewis
Health Law and Policy Society
Lauren R. Woodward
Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy Association (HSPPTA)
Kimari Peterson
Her University
Chierie Chieh
HERO
To Be Announced
Hispanic American Law Student Association (HALSA)
Richell S. DeJesus
Honors Student Association
Alyssa Mack
Images Modeling Troupe, inc.
Jaedon Simmons
InterVarsity Fellowship
Alyssa Barnum
Intramurals Club
Marco A. Perez
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated
Wally Charles
ISACA Student Group at FAMU
Victoria Oden
J.W. HATCHETT PRE-LAW SOCIETY
Karis Wallace
Jewels, Incorporated
Danae Turner
Journey Magazine
Ashton Johnson
Juvenile Justice Club
Junai Fillyau
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Alpha Xi Chapter)
Keanu Capers
Free The Period FAMU
Angel Mayfield
#FreeThePeriod
Angel Mayfield
Future Public Health Professionals (FPHP)
Khalisha Halley
FWPC Collegiate Prayer Group
Alicia Adams
Tallahassee Rise
erimiah Evans
Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc -
Beta Phi Chapter
Julessa Velez
Tax Law Society
Lauren Woodward
Teaching Our Youth Science
Rylee Franklin
Texas Club
Renee Wilson
Theta Tau
Charles Rackely
Title IX Ambassadors at Florida A&M University
Joseph Stuckey
Transfer Student Association
Malcom Thomas
Unplugged College Ministry
Dante Hall
Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated
Tyson Gilmore
Venom Pom Dancers
Sydney Wells
Video Game Club @ FAMU (VGC @ FAMU)
Dillon Glanville
Voices Poetry Group
W.A.R
Joseph Cepeda
Samiyah Lee
We’re So Loc’d In Shania Marshall
Weightlifting
Valerie Thene
Weightlifting Club at Florida A&M
Valerie Thene
Women in Pre-Med
Whitney Berry
Women Student Union
Moraiya Wilson
WOMEN’D LAW CAUCUS
Jayelene Bryant
Women’s Flag Football Club
Trinity Sevier
Women’s Flag Football Club FAMU
Trinity Sevier
Wrestling Club at FAMU
Samantha Sherman
Young Life FAMU
Kierstin Ford
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Gamma Alpha
Chapter
Isabella DeJesus
ACADEMIC DRESS AND THE MACE
Academic Dress
The academic regalia worn on ceremonial occasions at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University traces its origin to the medieval universities of Europe, where the scholar’s gown, hood, and cap marked both a learned calling and membership in a community of inquiry. Over the centuries, the pattern has become nearly uniform throughout the English-speaking world, codified in the United States in 1895 by the American Intercollegiate Commission.
The gown distinguishes the degree held. The bachelor’s gown, worn by those holding a baccalaureate degree, is made with long pointed sleeves. The master’s gown, closed at the front, is cut with a long oblong sleeve that hangs below the arm. The doctoral gown is the most elaborate: cut full, with velvet facings down the front and three velvet bars on each bell-shaped sleeve. For the doctorate, the velvet may be black or match the color of the scholarly discipline.
The hood — draped over the shoulders and falling down the back — is the most expressive element of the regalia. Its length signals the degree: shortest for the bachelor’s, longer for the master’s, fullest for the doctorate. The outer shell is black; its facing and border are velvet in the color of the academic discipline (white for arts, drab for business, light blue for education, purple for law, green for medicine, apricot for nursing, dark blue for philosophy, golden yellow for science, and others). The silk lining reveals the colors of the institution that conferred the degree — a striking visual register of the diversity of the academy gathered in this hall.
The cap — the traditional mortarboard, or for some doctorates the soft velvet tam — completes the regalia. The tassel, worn on the left, may be black or the color of the discipline; for doctoral wearers, it is often gold.
The Mace
The mace is among the oldest symbols of authority in the Western world. It began its life as a weapon of defense carried in medieval processions, and over time passed into the hands of civil magistrates, legislative bodies, and universities as an emblem of rightful governance and lawful assembly. Today, in academic ceremony, the mace is borne at the head of the procession by the Mace Bearer and signifies that the University is convened in its full and formal authority.
The Mace of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is carried at every formal convocation of the University — commencements, investitures, and ceremonies of state. Wrought to reflect the University’s orange and green, its symbols recall the land-grant mission, the foundational year of 1887, and the continuity of scholarship that binds generations of Rattlers across more than a century of learning. When the Mace enters the hall, the assembled community rises; when it is placed, the University is in session.
On this day of Investiture, the Mace takes on a further significance. Its presence attests that this ceremony is not only a celebration but a formal act of the University — the conferral of presidential authority in the sight of the Board of Trustees, the faculty, the students, the alumni, and the friends of Florida A&M. What is done here is done in the full power of the institution, and what is entrusted today will be carried forward in that same power by the Thirteenth President.
FAMU ALMA MATER
College of love and charity
We gather ‘round thy noble shrine; We lift our voice in praise to thee, And ask a blessing all divine.
(Chorus)
FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee
I’ll fight and win what’er the battle be
The Orange and the Green thy Sons shall e’er defend
And loyal to thy voice of love attend
FAM-U! FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee!
On gridiron, diamond, track and field, Thy sons the vict’ry never yield.-
And while they tread a broader life
Thy love shall stay them in the strife.
(repeat Chorus)
God ever keep us true to thee; Thy faith that truth shall make men free. Shall guide thy loyal sons aright And fend them thru’ the skeptic night.
(repeat Chorus)
