The hustle and bustle inside Florida A&M University’s Towers North Residence Hall signaled the arrival of a new academic year, as parents and students filled the hallways. Administrators, faculty, staff and student leaders worked side-by-side, pushing bins, carrying bags, and handing out swag to antsy newcomers and seasoned upperclassmen.  

Making her Move-In Week debut was FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., dressed in spirited Rattler gear and classic Converse sneakers. She mingled with students and families, sharing in the anticipation of what was to come.  

Among the many families making the transition was Rashid Williams, from Jacksonville, Florida, who, alongside his wife, helped their daughter Haylee unload her belongings.

“Her first choice was FAMU. My older brother is a FAMU graduate. My father-in-law is also a FAMU graduate, and all of his siblings. So, it’s been in our family. It was what she grew up knowing. We came to homecomings and classics with her as well. So, she grew up believing that she wanted to be a Rattler,” said Williams. “So, I'm excited that she is where she originally wanted to be in her heart, and I'm excited for her to start her journey.”

Although a Florida State University alumnus, Williams recalled spending much of his college years on FAMU's campus. He described Tallahassee as his first experience living away from home and credited the community with shaping his adulthood.

“I was able to meet people from all across the country and different places. I learned to be a man in this place, but I also made relationships,” said Williams, noting the impact of his mentor, William Hudson, Jr., Ph.D., now FAMU’s vice president of Student Affairs. "I want her to make and build relationships with adults who can help her and guide her along the way. You know, we believe in the village mentality, so it feels good to know that we are leaving her in a place that we call FAMUly.”

For Haylee, majoring in nursing, her excitement outweighed the nerves. She credited her upbringing around FAMU culture—athletic events, commencements, and family connections—for aiding her decision.

"I just loved the feeling that the campus gave me, and I knew from a very young age that I wanted to come here," she said.

Looking forward to classes, Haylee said she is ready to meet new people, network and immerse herself in FAMU student-life experiences. She even took a moment to reassure her fellow first-time students.

“Don't be nervous. This is a family. This is a community. Everybody's going to pour into you. Just pour back into it and you’ll be fine,” she said.  

With more than 1,400 first-time students expected, along with transfer, graduate and online students, Florida A&M is bracing for approximately 3,100 residential students by the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 25.

For Hudson, the week carried a sense of nostalgia. By his recollection, he has participated in nearly 700 move-in weeks at FAMU. Despite the staggering amount, he said the moment never gets old.

“It's been a great morning. We've had President Johnson here, our leadership, and others to ensure the move-in is going well. We have our student volunteers and our clubs and organizations that are helping,” said Hudson. “It really makes a difference because it alleviates a lot of the stress on the parents. Having someone to help and guide them through the process is really beneficial. So, we do this every year, and it's a great time. It re-energizes our campus to have students moving in.”

The day also allowed Hudson to reunite with his former mentee, Williams. When he heard Williams was nearby, Hudson sprinted over to greet him with a hug and laughter. The exchange was a reminder of the power of the relationships, often built on campus. 

"It was over 20 years ago that he moved in, and now he's bringing his daughter to move into our institution the same way. It just brings back memories and joy to my heart that I have such an influence and that they remember what I meant to them. It felt very good to see and hug and tell him I love him because I love all my students," he said.

Feel-good vibes were in the air, but even more importantly, there was no housing waiting list as it had been in years past. The opening of Venom Landing, a new 700-bed residential facility, has boosted the university’s capacity from 2,700 to 3,400 beds, easing pressure on students and administrators, such as Director of Housing Herb Johnson.

“I'm always excited about the new students who are coming here. We have a tremendous opportunity to help shape young minds. The second part is that I'm excited about the number of returning students we've been able to house this year,” he explained.

Johnson then reminded students about the true purpose of their time at FAMU.

“There are a lot of exciting things going on and many opportunities. But just remember you came here to get an education, graduate in four years, and become a lifelong FAMUAN,” he said.  

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