Why FAMU Matters
Degree production:
n FAMU is the nation’s leading producer of African Americans receiving baccalaureate degrees. It is a distinction the university has held for five consecutive years. In 2000, the university awarded bachelor’s degrees to 1,309 African Americans.
n FAMU is the nation’s leading producer of African American undergraduates receiving bachelor’s degrees in education.
n FAMU is the third leading producer of African American undergraduates who earn bachelor’s degrees in psychology and in health professions and related sciences.
n FAMU is the fourth leading producer of African American undergraduates earning bachelor’s degrees in computer and information sciences, and in business management and administrative services.
Research
n While the institution’s first priority is undergraduate teaching and learning, FAMU has a growing research enterprise. The university currently has more than $40 million in federal research contracts and grants. It also offers doctoral programs in 13 areas. Among them: educational leadership, environmental sciences, physics, six different engineering concentrations and four different concentrations in pharmacy.
Students
n FAMU is the institution of choice for many National Achievement Scholars. This year, it tied with Harvard University in attracting the highest number of National Achievement Scholars — 62. Howard University, which ranked second, attracted 46 National Achievement Scholars. The University of Florida, which attracted 28 National Achievement Scholars, was the only other Florida university to rank in the top 10. The National Achievement Scholars program recognizes minority high school students who score high on the SAT.
n In 1997 Black Issues In Higher Education’s annual Top 100 report revealed that FAMU had replaced Howard University as the nation’s largest producer of Black students.
n In 1997, FAMU was selected by Time magazine as its “College of the Year.” The magazine uses the distinction to highlight institutions that achieve excellence while also nurturing their students.
n In 1999, Black Enterprise rated the university third among the top 50 colleges and universities for African American students.
—Compiled by Cheryl D. Fields
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
