Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Timothy L. Beard today named Carmen Cummings-Martin as chief of staff. She will assume the role on March 17, 2025.

“I am excited to have Carmen serve as chief of staff on the leadership team,” says Beard. “Her years of experience in alumni relations, government relations, and logistics will be an asset, and her commitment to Florida A&M University is palpable. I am confident that she will continue to help advance our priorities in this new role.” 

Cummings-Martin currently serves as the assistant vice president of University Engagement & Alumni Affairs within the Division of University Advancement at FAMU. She will continue in this position, serving as a conduit between the University and the FAMU National Alumni Association while adding the duties of the chief of staff to her responsibilities.

"I am honored and humbled to navigate into this new assignment. Those who know me understand my passion and unwavering commitment to Florida A&M University,” says Cummings-Martin. “I convey gratitude to Interim President Beard for the opportunity. I have always tried to be a team player in every aspect of my professional journey. It took teamwork to cover the stories that matter and shape our communities.”

Cummings-Martin recalls that it took teamwork to address a plethora of concerns while she worked on the team for the congressman of the second congressional district of Florida. Her path eventually led her back to the “Highest of Seven Hills,” where her story began, and she’s proudly served for more than 17 years.

“I was thrilled to finally come home and was honored to serve as a member of the team. Obviously, God knows the plans he has for me,” says Cummings-Martin.  “I've matriculated to another level. But, I do believe my purpose remains unchanged: To serve and embrace our alumni and community stakeholders and assist our university leaders in ultimately ushering our students toward academic success. After all, I sincerely believe our amazing students are the ‘U’ in FAMU."

A former prime-time television news anchor and senior reporter, Cummings-Martin has garnered more than 200 community service and professional awards, including those for investigative reporting, feature projects and individual achievement. Her accolades also include receiving the Leon County Sickle Cell Foundation’s Humanitarian Award, the Jefferson County NAACP President’s Award for Community Service, the Tallahassee Branch of the NAACP’s Black Achievers Award, the Girl Scout Council’s Woman of Distinction, and the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Journalism Alumni Award.

Additionally, Cummings-Martin is the recipient of the FAMU NAA President’s Award for Outstanding Service, the FAMU CeDars Trailblazer of the Year, the FAMU National Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award, and National HBCU Alumni Director of the Year.  She was also designated Number 18 among the community’s 33 Most Influential Citizens by the Tallahassee Democrat.

Cummings-Martin is a member of the Florida Classic Consortium and has also been hailed for her work as an advocate for children, for awareness campaigns on the dangers of domestic violence, and has been a leader of initiatives to educate the public about Sickle Cell Disease. She is a proud wife, dedicated mother, and loyal Rattler alumna who takes great pride in being a humble servant to alumni and students of the historic Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

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