Florida A&M University, the historically Black educational institution in Tallahassee, has been selected as the lead institution in a new collaborative called the Center for Coastal and Marine Ecosystems. Partnering with Florida A&M University in this project are two other historically Black educational institutions: Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Jackson State University in Mississippi. The other partners in the initiative are California State University, Monterey Bay, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, and the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley.
The new center is supported by a five-year, $15.4 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Larry Robinson, Distinguished Professor and interim president of Florida A&M University, will serve as the director of the Center for Coastal and Maine Ecosystems. Dr. Robinson stated that “we have the opportunity to engage in education, research, and outreach consistent with NOAA’s priorities, while contributing to the well-being of the coastal communities and ecosystems so dear to all of our partners.”
The grant requires that at least 50 percent of all the funds be used to support students. Timothy Moore, vice president for research at Florida A&M University, stated that “the student-centered aspect of this award aligns perfectly with the priorities of all CCME institutions and specifically with FAMU’s focus on preparing our students for success in today’s competitive learning and work environments.”
