By Andrew Skerritt
Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., led students, administrators, staff, faculty, and alumni in an all-hands-on-deck push to promote the University’s legislative priorities.
Addressing a gathering at the start of FAMU Day at the Capitol activities Thursday, Robinson said the success of students and alumni, such as recently sworn St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and St. Paul, Minnesota, Mayor Melvin Carter, attests to the value of the University.
“We have a lot to brag about,” Robinson said. “We have a lot to tell people about why it’s important to invest in the best public Historically Black College and University.”
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the usual day-long schedule was trimmed. Events were streamed live for alumni and supporters from all over the country who couldn’t attend in person.
FAMU Day at the Capitol is designed, Robinson said, “to make elected officials more aware of FAMU’s contributions to enhancing the lives of our students and the livelihood of their communities.”
FAMU is seeking significant support to address improvements in first-time-in-college (FTIC) four-year graduation rates, FTIC retention rates, and licensure pass rates in nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy. The University is requesting $15 million in recurring funding to help address the State University System’s strategic priority to increase student success.
“This is an investment in improving the socioeconomic status of first-generation and low-income students and fulfilling critical workforce needs,” Robinson wrote in a recent op-ed to highlight the University’s legislative priorities.
