Jaffus Hardrick has been named the 14th president of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida. The historically Black university enrolls just over 1,200 students, 73 percent of whom are Black.
Dr. Hardrick has been serving as interim president of Florida Memorial University since July 2018. Since assuming the presidency, he has promoted five strategic focus areas for FMU: student success, operational excellence, financial solvency, academic quality, and relationship development. His recent accomplishments include raising more than $1.7 million in donations, securing a partnership with CareerSource South Florida to establish a career center, expanding micro-credential and vocational opportunities, approving two new healthcare-oriented degree programs, strengthening the division of academic affairs and student engagement infrastructure, and expanding student internship opportunities.
Previously, Dr. Hardrick served for 10 years at Florida International University as vice provost for access and success and as vice president of human resources. Earlier, he spent 12 years as assistant provost for academic affairs and vice president of human resources at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
“I thank God for the opportunity to serve and lead FMU to the next level of academic excellence and national prominence. Under my leadership, FMU will be fully integrated into the greater community and focus on preparing students to compete in the global marketplace, transition to rigorous graduate and professional schools, or develop their own enterprises,” President Hardrick said. “Our five strategic principles will help us continue to transform ourselves and our community.”
Dr. Hardrick is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he majored in sociology. He holds a master of education degree in counseling from Prairie View A&M University in Texas and a doctorate in educational administration from Baylor University.
