FAMU: Today, Tomorrow, and Forever | Gallop Franklin II

There's a vibrant community atop one of Tallahassee's seven hills where individuals come together to gain knowledge, build skills, and prepare for success in life.

This place is "The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University," a beacon of student success, innovative research, and academic excellence.

FAMUly First

As a proud member of the "FAMUly" and a Representative in the Florida House, I stand with my alma mater.

Designated in 1890 as a land-grant university, FAMU was part of the nation's promise to extend educational opportunities to all Americans.

From the top of the hill to to top of the class

As FAMU transitions to new leadership with the resignation of President Larry Robinson, it's essential to recognize where FAMU stands today, the hard work and commitment it took to get there, and its progress and challenges as it rises higher.

Under Dr. Robinson's leadership, FAMU has seen remarkable achievements, reflected in the U.S. News & World Report rankings:

• Top 100 public universities in the nation (No. 91).

• Top public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in America for five consecutive years.

• No. 3 among all HBCUs, public and private.

Board exam success

FAMU has faced recent criticism of the performance of graduates on licensure exams. There's another perspective that demands consideration on this challenge. 

As a pharmacist, I proudly highlight FAMU's top-ranked HBCU pharmacy school.

On average, since 2021, FAMU pharmacy graduates have led HBCUs in first-time board exam passage rates. In fact, the 90% rate graduates achieved in 2021 placed FAMU at No. 1 among Florida's pharmacy schools.

FAMU nursing graduates attained a 62% first-time passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination over the past four exam cycles.

Similarly, FAMU physical therapy students accomplished a 95% ultimate passage rate on the National Physical Therapy Examination.

The FAMU College of Law upholds the American Bar Association's standard of at least 75% of graduates passing the bar within two years of graduation.

In the upcoming legislative session, I will work to ensure that the state budget contains a clear statement of legislative intent to continue operating FAMU's vital pharmacy, law, nursing, and physical therapy programs.

Economic engine and job creator

These vital programs have an incredible return on investment for taxpayers. FAMU significantly contributes to our regional and state economies. A 2007 study by the Washington Economics Group found that FAMU generated $3.7 billion in annual economic output, which, adjusted for inflation, is now $5.6 billion.

The university also creates thousands of jobs, contributing to our community's economic stability.

Top education destination

FAMU's recent national titles in football and golf and conference dominance in various sports highlight its athletic and academic excellence.

The university attracts top students nationwide, offering a unique higher educational experience.

Financial aid ensures that 90% of FAMU undergraduates have access to education, though many students still face unmet financial needs, risking early departure from school.

Tackling this issue is essential to meeting the improvement targets set by the legislature and State University System.

The metric that truly matters

FAMU remains resilient. In the face of adversity, we will stand strong, meet students' evolving needs, and overcome our challenges to protect FAMU as an academic incubator and the school's flagship programs that cultivate future leaders.

The value of FAMU is seen in the degrees and opportunities it offers its graduates.

By making higher education accessible, FAMU empowers students from all backgrounds to rise as tomorrow's leaders.

For that, we can celebrate FAMU's achievements with great pride, embrace its challenges, and recommit ourselves to its success today, tomorrow, and forever.

Rep. Gallop Franklin II serves Leon and Gadsden counties in the Florida House of Representatives. He is a pharmacist and an assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health. A former FAMU student body president, Franklin has also served on the university's Board of Trustees and the State University System Board of Governors.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU: Today, Tomorrow, and Forever | Gallop Franklin II