Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) extends thanks to the Florida governor and legislators for a successful 2025 session. Through the assistance of the Office of Government Relations, the Board of Trustees, and the many alumni, students, and supporters who advocated on FAMU’s behalf, the University secured nearly $65.5 million in legislative budget requests, an increase of more than $39.4 million over last year (The $65.5 million appropriations consist of operational support for FAMU and PECO funding appropriations only. It excludes increase in recurring funding like those of the Joint College of Engineering and MMERI, as well as support for the Crestview campus). The budget also authorizes the FAMU Board of Trustees to use available reserves or carry-forward balances for presidential renumeration.  

“On behalf of the entire FAMU community, I’d like to thank our friends in the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for this record year of appropriations,” said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “This was truly a team effort, and we are grateful for the investment to help further our mission of educating Florida’s students to become global leaders.”

FAMU’s initial request was for $55.5 million in funding to recruit and retain top-tier faculty and staff, and support academic initiatives in the College of Law, the College of Engineering, and the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences. FAMU President-elect Marva Johnson, J.D., says the allocated funding, including enhancements to campus security, demonstrates the State’s commitment to seeing FAMU succeed for generations to come.

“I am a fervent believer in the power of relationships, and I am grateful to the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for supporting Florida A&M University’s mission of providing students with a world-class education, while maintaining Florida’s competitive advantage through innovative research and a talented workforce,” said Johnson. “I look forward to further collaboration with our partners and community stakeholders as we continue to move FAMU and the state of Florida forward by uplifting our most valuable assets, our students.”

The successful session was made possible through the support of several appropriation sponsors—Senators Tracie Davis, Corey Simon, and Darryl Rouson, as well as Representatives Gallop Franklin II and Tyler Sirois. Internally, FAMU’s efforts were supported by FAMU Vice President of Government Relations Jamal Sowell and Milan C. Thompson.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend heartfelt gratitude for this historic investment in Florida A&M University. This milestone funding of nearly $65.5 million will empower us to enhance student success, recruit and retain top-tier faculty, and strengthen key academic programs. Together, we are ensuring FAMU’s legacy as the No. 81 public university and the #1 public Historically Black College or University," said FAMU Board Chair Kristin Harper.

Additional supporters of FAMU echoed sentiments of appreciation and a positive outlook for the future.

“This is an outstanding development for Florida A&M University,” said Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb. “This unprecedented amount of funding demonstrates our State’s commitment to Florida A&M University’s success. I am excited to see how this funding will support FAMU’s continued success and positive impact on our state and its education system.”

“We are confident in the future and the new leadership at Florida A&M University,” said the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Incoming Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas. “With this funding, the University has the resources and support to continue making strategic investments in its students, faculty, and future. We are excited to see the University continue on this upward path.”

FAMU Appropriations

College of Engineering (Building C) | $40 Million

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is seeking a new building to accommodate an increased number of students, research facilities, classrooms, and student activities. The requested funds will be used for the planning of a 163,867 gross square foot addition to FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to assist with the urgent need for additional innovative classroom and study areas, laboratories, offices, as well as facilities and additional spaces that will improve student success while enhancing the region's economic impact. This project will improve the quality of education and serve critical engineering disciplines of strategic importance within the STEM field.

Operational Enhancements | $15 million

FAMU is making steadfast efforts to align its over 530 faculty and 1,500 staff salaries with the market median competitive salaries. The $15 million non-recurring funds will assist in the critical needs to strategically attract, retain, and train top talent, on par with Top 100 Universities, to educate, engage, and support students’ efforts to increase innovative research, productivity, and graduation rates while remaining a higher education leader. These efforts include meeting the annual cost-of-living adjustment, offering merit-based raises, and increasing student support in mental health services and academic support areas.

College of Law | $5 million

The FAMU College of Law currently educates about 350 students with nearly 50 faculty members. This funding is connected to student assistance for bar exam preparation among law students and boost initiatives to improve first-time bar passage rates. It will enhance infrastructure, install a data management system, strengthen student learning, modernize classroom technology, and create a health care and food service space at the law school to support and advance student achievement.

Security Hardening | $2.5 million

The security hardening funding will be utilized to enhance the security infrastructure, including updates to mass communication and dispatch systems, increased safety cameras, lights, storage, and cybersecurity measures. During the busy 2024 Hurricane Season, the State of Florida utilized the Al Lawson Center as a state shelter for evacuees and teams to assist in recovery efforts. Further funding will enhance FAMU’s efforts to keep Florida residents and our students safe and well-protected.

College of Agriculture and Food Sciences | $2 Million

This funding will be used to enhance the Agricultural and Food Science career pipeline for high school and college students, as well as citizens seeking agricultural careers, in partnership with local state colleges. It will strengthen academic programs and facilities in veterinary sciences, food sciences, and biological systems engineering at the Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station. Additionally, the funding will support essential upgrades and research enhancements for the FAMU Viticulture and Small Fruit Research Center, including necessary maintenance to the grape and wine processing capacity and the installation of modular storage units with sterile conditions for wine supplies.

Agronomics Study | $975,000

This funding will be used to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops in Florida. The study will include one or more viable crops or products that would provide economic benefits to growers using current agricultural infrastructure on land that has been taken out of production due to diseases and adverse weather conditions. FAMU will submit a report to the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the chair of the House of Representatives Budget Committee by December 15, 2025. The report will detail the environmental impact of each crop or product considered for the study, the suitability for Florida’s climate, and the economic benefit, with recommendations for best practices to sustain and improve Florida’s agricultural industry.

Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas | Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu

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