FAMU rebounds

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees welcomed the good news.  President Elmira Mangum revealed a dramatic change in academic growth, recruitment and fundraising.

“FAMU must be ‘best in class’ and that requires outside financial resources, which means cultivating and obtaining gifts from major corporations. Increased endowments are components of my vision for FAMU’s future,” stated Mangum.

The former Cornell vice president for planning and budget is making good on that promise by surpassing November 2013 fundraising totals by 150 percent for this fiscal year.  FAMU acquired $2.8 million in cash gifts during that time, the vast majority from alumni, which is another reversal.

The president’s scholarship gala raised a record $550,000 while alumna Cheka Rose Green’s “10 for 10” campaign reengaged alumni by raising $150,000 so far.  The financial gifts total almost $7 million since Mangum’s April arrival on the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee.

Pursuing the president’s strategic plan is designed to increases the university’s global influence. That effort is reflected as she completes her senior leadership team. Marcella David, the new provost will take the academic helm. She comes from the University of Iowa and is a professor of law and international studies. She is a recognized legal scholar and human rights advocate.

Dr. Timothy P. Moore has been tapped as the new vice president for research. He is currently an Auburn University associate vice president for advancement and research development. He has exceptional fundraising and research accomplishments that demonstrate expertise in the commercialization of patents and important public private partnerships.

One such patent obtained in November by Dr. Madhavi Gangapuram is reflective of anti-cancer causing agents that kill cancer cells without harming normal cells. FAMU has received over $21million in research dollars this year for similar efforts.

Mangum presided over her third graduation this year where 700 students became alumni. Selected graduates were awarded the President’s Strong Finish Award that totaled $200,000.  The funds come from the $5 million gift from FAMU alumnus and Microsoft Chairman John W. Thompson and his wife Sandi.  The awards will help pay down the student’s debt with an additional $1,000 to help new alumni transition to the workplace.

For more information on FAMU, visit www.famu.edu