Florida A&M University President Retains Support of the Board of Trustees

James Ammons

Last week, Florida Governor Rick Scott called for the board of trustees of Florida A&M University to suspend President James Ammons until an investigation surrounding the death of university band member Robert Champion Jr. is completed. On Monday the board, which previously issued a reprimand to Ammons, decided not to suspend the university’s president but to meet weekly to discuss developments in the case.

The Orange County sheriff’s department has ruled Champion’s death a homicide. According to the autopsy report, Champion died from heart failure and hemorrhagic shock due to internal bleeding within an hour of being the victim of a hazing incident. The report said that Champion suffered “multiple blunt trauma blows to his body.”

President Ammons had earlier fired band leader Julian White and expelled four students but those actions were rescinded pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.

Last week, three FAMU band members were arrested in the case of another band member who claimed she was the victim of a hazing-related beating a few weeks before Champion’s death. She has since left the university.

 

Related Articles

1 COMMENT

  1. As a proud alumnus of Florida A&M, I am most pleased with the Board of Trustees’ confidence in President Ammons’ ability to lead the University. Ammons is the saving grace of FAMU. Surely, his tenure first started with a 90 day plan to retain the University’s accreditation and continuously building the academic integrity of the Institution. After looking at his track record and commitment levels, Ammons has yet to let the Rattler family down.

    Thank you FAMU BOT and Pres. Ammons,

    Education Prof.
    FAMU C/O 2005

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Report Identifies Racial Diversity Trends in California’s Higher Education Workforce

Since 2013, the share of Black faculty and staff at the University of California and California State University systems has slightly decreased, while their representation at California Community Colleges has experienced a small increase.

Pamela Wilks Named Provost of Paine College in Georgia

Dr. Wilks has an extensive background in HBCU academic and administrative leadership. Prior to her new appointment, she served as provost at Coppin State University for three years.

Graduate Enrollment Surges at Winston-Salem State University

In fall 2024, Winston-Salem State University enrolled 244 new graduate students, an increase of 31.2 percent from the prior year. The HBCU now enrolls nearly 600 graduate students.

Two Black Women College Presidents Announce Their Retirements

Gilda Barbino, president of Olin College of Engineering, and Soraya Coley, president of Cal Poly, Pomona, have announced their plans to retire at the end of this academic year. Both Dr. Barbino and Dr. Coley are the first woman presidents of their institutions.

Featured Jobs