News Summary
Florida A&M University will unveil a 6-foot-7-inch bronze statue of former president Frederick S. Humphries during the homecoming festivities. The statue, funded through a successful private campaign, aims to honor Humphries’ significant contributions to the university, including increased enrollment and academic programs. The ceremony is expected to draw numerous alumni and supporters, celebrating his legacy as a transformative leader.
TALLAHASSEE — Florida A&M University (FAMU) is set to unveil a 6-foot-7-inch bronze statue honoring former president Frederick S. Humphries on October 17 during homecoming festivities. This event will take place near Lee Hall on the FAMU campus.
The statue project was supported by a private fundraising campaign that successfully raised $200,000 to cover both the sculpture’s creation and its future maintenance. This unveiling ceremony is anticipated to attract a significant number of alumni, family members, and former colleagues of Humphries, reflecting his lasting impact on the university community.
Frederick S. Humphries, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 85, served as FAMU’s president from 1985 to 2001. His presidency is marked by considerable achievements, including a substantial increase in enrollment, enhanced scholarship opportunities, and elevated national recognition for the university. Under his leadership, FAMU became one of the nation’s leading institutions in producing African American graduates in science and engineering fields, and the number of doctoral programs expanded from one to ten during this period.
Born on December 26, 1935, in Apalachicola, Florida, Humphries earned a degree in chemistry from FAMU in 1957. He later earned a doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, making history as the first African American to receive that Ph.D. from the institution. After completing his studies, Humphries returned to FAMU as a chemistry instructor before advancing to serve as president of Tennessee State University from 1974 to 1985, prior to his return to FAMU.
Brenda Ash, the former Mayor Pro-Tem of Apalachicola, spoke of Humphries’ deep connections to his hometown and his efforts in encouraging local students to pursue higher education. Humphries was known for his visionary proposals, such as establishing a marine research division and expanding the regional airport, which aimed to create opportunities for Black farmers in the Panhandle.
As FAMU’s eighth president, Humphries initiated a period of significant growth and development for the university. Enrollment nearly doubled during his tenure, supported by the creation of the “Life Gets Better” scholarship program designed to attract top-tier students. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the revitalization of the FAMU law school in Orlando. His leadership was recognized when, in 1997, FAMU was named TIME/Princeton Review’s “College of the Year.” Humphries was also instrumental in preserving FAMU’s independence during discussions of a potential merger with nearby Florida State University in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Humphries is remembered for his passionate advocacy for the university’s mission and its community, highlighting the importance of protecting FAMU from external challenges. He maintained strong ties to his hometown and supported initiatives that would benefit local communities, advocating for an increase in Black Ph.D. graduates nationally and supporting programs aimed at helping students advance to graduate and professional schools.
Surrounded by family, Humphries is survived by three adult children. His son Laurence remarked that the statue serves as a way to preserve his father’s legacy for future generations. Current FAMU President Marva Johnson described the statue as a powerful symbol of the transformative nature of education, reinforcing the values and vision that Humphries stood for throughout his notable career.
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