Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a public historically black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. It was founded in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students, making it one of the oldest historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country. Today, FAMU is a comprehensive institution with a diverse student body of over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
FAMU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of agriculture, business, engineering, and pharmacy. The university is home to 13 schools and colleges, including the FAMU College of Law, which is ranked among the top HBCU law schools in the nation. FAMU is also one of the few HBCUs to offer a doctoral degree in physics.
In addition to its academic offerings, FAMU is renowned for its marching band, the Marching 100. Founded in 1946, the Marching 100 has performed at numerous events, including Super Bowls, presidential inaugurations, and parades. The band is known for its high-energy performances, intricate formations, and unique style, and is often referred to as one of the best marching bands in the country.
FAMU is committed to serving its community and has a strong tradition of producing graduates who are leaders in their fields. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in research, community service, and other extracurricular activities, and has a vibrant campus life. FAMU also has a strong athletic program, with 14 NCAA Division I teams that compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Florida A&M University (Wikimedia)
There are a number of interesting facts about FAMU. Let’s talk about 27 of those interesting facts.
- FAMU was founded in 1887 as the State Normal College for Colored Students.
- The university was established as a result of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, which provided funding for land-grant colleges for African Americans.
- FAMU is the only HBCU that is part of the State University System of Florida.
- The university has produced more African American pharmacists and doctors than any other institution in the country.
- FAMU has a rich tradition of producing leaders, including civil rights activist and Congressman John Lewis.
- The university is home to the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, which is a joint program with Florida State University.
- FAMU is known for its strong academic programs in business, engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy.
- The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral degrees in physics, pharmaceutical sciences, and educational leadership.
- FAMU has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.
- The FAMU College of Law is ranked among the top HBCU law schools in the country.
- The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- FAMU has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes focused on a wide range of topics, including environmental sustainability, social justice, and biomedicine.
- The university is home to the Marching 100, one of the most famous marching bands in the country.
- FAMU is also known for its concert chorale, which has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
- The university has a strong athletic program, with 14 NCAA Division I teams that compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- FAMU has a long history of community service and outreach, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at serving the local community.
- The university has a vibrant Greek life community, with over 40 fraternities and sororities.
- FAMU is home to the Center for Access and Student Success, which provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed academically.
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a number of initiatives focused on reducing energy use and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
- FAMU has a number of unique programs and initiatives, including the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s Eco-Car Challenge, which challenges students to design and build fuel-efficient cars.
- The university is home to the Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, which conducts research on grape and berry production in the southeastern United States.
- FAMU is home to the Essential Theatre, which produces a variety of theatrical productions throughout the year.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at promoting a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
- FAMU has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a wide range of fields, including business, government, education, and the arts.
- The university has a number of partnerships with other institutions, including the FAMU-Florida State University Joint College of Engineering.
- FAMU has a strong commitment to international education, with study abroad programs available in countries such as China, Ghana, and Italy.
- The university has a number of student organizations and clubs, including the FAMU Gospel Choir and the FAMU Jazz Ensemble.
Florida A&M University is a historically black university with a rich history of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. From its origins as a teacher training college to its current status as a research university with a diverse range of academic programs, FAMU has played a vital role in shaping the intellectual and social landscape of Florida and beyond. With its commitment to innovation, diversity, and social justice, FAMU continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for students from all backgrounds, and a source of pride for its alumni and the broader community.
