Education

For Immediate Release

May 14, 2024

FAMU Resumes Remote Work on Wednesday As Clean-Up Continues

Florida A&M University (FAMU) resumes remote work on Wednesday as federal, state, and county emergency management officials plan a visit to the Tallahassee campus to assess tornado damage and storm recovery efforts.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will join state and county officials in walking the campus with University administrators and staff.

Since the tornado struck on Friday morning, FAMU employees and contractors have been removing fallen trees, clearing debris, and securing damaged roofs with tarpaulin. More than a dozen buildings’ roofs were damaged.

FAMU, the state of Florida, and Leon County have all issued state of emergency declarations in response to the storm damage.

The campus was closed Tuesday as a precaution as more storms were forecasted. The University will resume remote work for the remainder of the week as the clean-up and repairs continue.

Faculty and non-essential staff are asked to work remotely until instructed to return to the office. Other Professional Service (OPS) employees are permitted to work at the authorization of their supervisor.

FAMU Developmental Research School and the Durell Peaden Jr. Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview will re-open for normal operations on Wednesday. The Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) remains closed for the remainder of the week.

Summer A and C classes will be conducted via remote through May 17, while the campus cleanup is underway. Students are advised to contact their course instructors for more details. The add-drop period has been extended to Monday, May 20.

FAMU’s Baseball team is scheduled to host Mississippi Valley State University Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the final regular season series. The ground will be open to spectators.

FAMU Police Department is providing security for the American Red Cross Shelter at the Lawson Multipurpose Center. Interim Police Chief Sgt. John Cotton is asking those on campus to lock their vehicles to deter theft.

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Media Contact

Andrew J. Skerritt

Associate Director/Media Relations

850-544-2675

[email protected]

Office of Communications

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL

Main: 850-599-3413

Statement from FAMU BOT Chair Kristin Harper

Chair Kristin Harper

FAMU Board of Trustees

May 10, 2024

Last Saturday, May 4, 2024, a gift of $237 million was announced at the university’s commencement. In addition to the gift announcement, the donor was afforded the opportunity to address the commencement audience. Serious concerns have been raised regarding the validity of the gift, the adequacy of the due diligence processes and whether the Foundation Board and Board of Trustees have been provided ample oversight opportunity. I regrettably share these concerns.

As a result, I have taken the following actions:

· The administration was directed to conduct briefings with each Trustee.

· A special Board of Trustees meeting will be convened on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 3 p.m. Several Trustees have expressed a shared interest in thoroughly and transparently addressing these issues.

We are committed to seeking truth and to recommending any corrective actions necessary to improve the operations and controls of our university. A formal meeting is required for the Trustees to continue this important work.

We will get to the bottom of this. I ask for patience and grace as we work diligently to gather information, take action, and build a stronger Florida A&M University. I look forward to updating the Rattler community as we learn more.

Thank you