The board overseeing Florida’s public universities has okayed a work plan submitted by Florida A&M University. The approval of FAMU’s plan comes a year after the same board scolded the school for its low graduation rates and high student debt.
Some 20 percent of FAMU students default on their federal loans before they’re even out of school. The university is also trying to decrease the number of “profile admits” it accepts. Those are students who may not meet all the state’s requirements for acceptance into a university. During Tuesday’s meeting, State University System Chancellor Frank Brogan praised Interim FAMU President Larry Robinson’s leadership:
“I know Florida A&M is going through a tough stretch. I understand that," Brogan said. "But I also understand the only way you can address problems is to admit you’ve got them. And some of these problems weren’t created by the people sitting at that table. And here’s the reality check. It’s going to take some time to correct.”
FAMU’s relationship with the Board of Governors under former President James Ammons grew strained shortly after the hazing death of FAMU band drum major Robert Champion and relations further deteriorated after the school was placed on accreditation probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
