Joshua Lowder

The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees, met March 27-30^th to talk discuss the universities the strategic plan for the future.

The Florida A&M University (FAMU), is governed by the Board of Trustees which consists of thirteen 13 members. Each of the 13 board members have warm personalities that are full of joy, passion and love for this university and the betterment of the students, faculty and staff.

Furthermore, the six trustees are appointed by Governor Rick Scott, and five trustees are appointed by the Board of Governors and are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. The Presidents of the Faculty Senate as well as the Student Government Association (SGA) are elected by their bodies, and they serve a one-year term.  While, other trustees are appointed for staggered terms that go up to five years.

The Board of Trustees meets quarterly every year to discuss about the strategic plan, and the impact that this plan will have on FAMU in 2022.

First the strategic plan will improve better student experience and with an increase in student success. Secondly, the plan will improve faculty support, and engagement by increasing student success. In addition, the plan will be more efficient with a focus on customer service.

During the meeting, the public was allowed the floor; Board of Trustees members heard different perspectives from the audience. Furthermore the public comments creates conversation and allows the board to hear were they can improve on.

For example, Rattler Boosters are upset with the Board of Trusteee because the board is blaming the Rattler Boosters for stealing the money according to Rattler Boosters.

Issues that was mentioned during the public comment selection of the meeting were the board scores by the College of Pharmacy. Although, the recent scores were low the faculty has created a detailed action plan to take the steps to drive better performances.

The President’s Report was a highlight of the great things that the university has done in the past two months.

Each department of the university was thoroughly represented by there representative. Vice President of Research Dr. Timothy Moore, goes on to explain his role at the university, and how it ties to the board.

“We have a set of board members that are very interested in making sure that this university is ready for the next 15 to 20 year,” Moore said. “The meeting focused on our strategic plan to make sure that we had an aggressive visionary plan, and how we are going to take this university, and students to the next level.”

Trustee Matthew Carter, constantly thinks about how can he make FAMU a better place for the students, and staff.

“Fundamentally what we are trying to do is get world class programs we can’t exist in the past, the past is great but if you don’t remember it you are bound to repeat it,” Carter said. “We can’t go further thinking small ball because we want to be here another 130 years, so that why we got to engage in big ideas by putting some meat, and bread behind it.”

Overall, the Board of Trustees meeting was very insightful full of wisdom, knowledge, and direction that can make the university a better place.