FAMU: Your Beacon of Opportunity during Dark Economic Times
From: FAMU Public Relations
Press Release July 21, 2008
Posted: 11:15p.m .est, July 21, 2008

Roland H. Gaines Vice President for Student Affairs

As Florida and the nation slip into one of the darkest economic periods seen in years, a light still shines amid the budget cuts in Florida’s system of higher education. It just so happens, this beacon of hope and light is emitting from the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, Fla., at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

 

Many Florida state universities are reducing the number of students being admitted this fall because budget cuts have force them to take a realistic look at their ability to pay for faculty to accommodate the students.

 

FAMU has not reached its capacity and we are still admitting qualified students. So if you are in Tallahassee and or other parts of the state, remember our doors are still open to qualified applicants.

 

Throughout the 2007-2008 school year, FAMU has been actively recruiting and raising money for scholarships, despite the bleak economic forecast. FAMU President James H. Ammons and his leadership team have traveled throughout the State of Florida and cities like Chicago, New York, Washington, DC and Los Angles, to name a few, awarding scholarships on the spot and raising scholarship dollars.

 

The week of spring break alone, nearly $2 million in scholarships were awarded throughout Florida during the President’s Bus Tour.

 

FAMU’s President recently revealed, at his monthly President’s Forums, that although the university has suffered from budget cuts, the one area that has not been affected is academic affairs. What does this mean? FAMU is committed to proving a top academic program. It means FAMU is dedicated to recruiting top students in order to increase its enrollment, which will increase revenue at the institution.

 

With an average tuition cost of $1,528, in-state, and $7,548, out-of-state, for undergraduate students (one of the most economic in the nation), Florida A&M University offers 62 bachelor’s degrees and 37 master’s degrees. The university has 13 schools and colleges and one institute. We offer three professional degrees: the JD, PharmD, and the doctor of physical therapy. We have 11 doctoral degree programs including 10 Ph.D. degrees and the doctor of Public Health. The Ph.D. degrees include the following: engineering (6); pharmaceutical sciences; physics; educational leadership; and environmental science.

 

In addition to competitive and world-renowned academic programs, FAMU offers various scholarships to student athletes and artists.

 

Guidance counselors should work with potential college students interested in attending a four-year institution and find out if a program at FAMU would suit them. We would encourage area students to apply for a scholarship at FAMU.

 

For an individual searching for an enlightening academic experience and faculty that care about student development, FAMU has those things and more. For the student that has, unfortunately, been denied admission to FSU and other institutions because of the economic downturn forced by statewide budget cuts, FAMU will be more than happy to welcome you into its environment of excellence with caring.

 

Don’t look at it as a second choice, but a way to find light in a dark situation. Follow that light to FAMU.