University Address

FAMU President James H. Ammons gave his state of the university address Feb. 15. Ammons emphasized the rising need for funds for programs, but the ever-decreasing amount provided by the state of Florida. Five goals Ammons has for the university included:
1) to increase enrollment
2) to maintain quality of the university
3) improve current programs
4) increase scholarship funds
5) increase student retention and graduation

Ammons hopes to ensure that FAMU remains competitive within today's changing economy, and wants to spearhead FAMU into "a world-class institution of higher education."
"Now is the time to invest in higher education," said Ammons. "We are looking for an investment and not a bail out."
While the address did provide specifics about the current university revenue, much of the information is already assumed by students. As students take notice of the always-poor state of university housing, classrooms that are always dirty (as in FAMU GEC, old DRS, and B.L. Perry) and parking areas that are never sufficient for students or faculty, it is obvious that FAMU does not have nearly enough money to function. The solution seems simple: rely on alumni contributions and community donations, but such funding is typically restricted.
FAMU has a long way to go, but Ammons concluded the short speech with the usual inspirational motto "FAMU yesterday, FAMU today, and FAMU forever."