Jaffus Hardrick, president of Florida Memorial University, has stepped down from his role after five years in the position.
Florida Memorial University is a historically Black university located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The university enrolls about 1,100 undergraduate students and 40 graduate students. Black students represent three-quarters of the undergraduate population.
During his five year tenure at the helm of Florida Memorial University, Dr. Hardrick led the university to regain accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Under his leadership, the university enhanced student extracurricular activities, improved STEM research opportunities, established community partnerships, and increased enrollment.
Prior to assuming the Florida Memorial University presidency in 2019, Dr. Hardrick served as vice provost for access and success at Florida International University and as assistant vice provost for academic affairs at Baylor University in Texas. His career has been dedicated to improving educational opportunities and advancing academic success among underrepresented students. He is the co-author of Making Global Learning Universal: Promoting Inclusion and Success for All Students (Routledge, 2018).
Dr. Hardrick holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in Texas, and a doctorate from Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Until Dr. Hardrick’s permanent successor is appointed, William C. McCormick, former university board chairman, will serve as interim president.
McCormick brings over three decades of executive industry experience to his new appointment. He has an extensive background in pharmaceutical and healthcare operations, working in the areas of information systems, sales, marketing, and ethical business practices. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Americlaims Billing, Inc. Earlier in his career, he founded the Cullen Home Health Pharmacy, a specialized home delivery pharmaceutical service.
McCormick holds an MBA in healthcare administration from Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs.
