TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Eta Gamma Chapter of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society at Florida Agricultural
and Mechanical University (FAMU) recently held its spring induction ceremony, shining
a spotlight on the academic resilience and excellence of the university’s transfer
student population.
The event took place on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. within the School of Journalism and Graphic
Communication (SJGC) lecture hall. During the ceremony, 45 outstanding students were
officially welcomed into the prestigious society, with faculty, family, and friends
there to support them.
Elaine Bryant, Ph.D., the associate dean of SJGC, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the unique
experiences of transfer students and the challenges that often accompany transitioning
to a new institution. She encouraged inductees to remain committed to their studies
and to leverage their experiences to become strong leaders in and out of the classroom.
“Transfer students bring a unique tenacity to our campus,” Bryant said. “While the
transition can be daunting, your presence here today proves that you haven’t just
adapted to a new environment, you have excelled in it. This induction is a testament
to your ability to turn the initial hurdles of ‘transfer shock’ into a foundation
for leadership. You are not just joining a society. You are setting a standard for
excellence at FAMU.”
Tau Sigma is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievement of
transfer students. Membership is based primarily on performance during a student’s
first semester at a new institution. To qualify, students must enroll full-time and
earn a minimum 3.5 GPA during their inaugural term at FAMU.
At FAMU, the Eta Gamma chapter serves as both an academic honor and a support network,
helping students navigate the challenges commonly associated with the “transfer shock.”
Through community building and academic support, the organization fosters belonging
and success.
“Coming to a university as large as FAMU, after starting elsewhere, felt like being
a small fish in a massive pond,” said Alyssa Griggs, a new inductee. “Earning this recognition through the Eta Gamma chapter makes the
initial struggle feel worth it. It’s more than a 3.5 GPA. It’s knowing that we belong
here just as much as those who started here as freshmen.”
Welcoming these 45 students reflects the continued success of FAMU’s transfer population.
Despite the academic and social adjustments often associated with transferring, these
students have demonstrated their ability to meet the university’s rigorous standards
while positioning themselves as leaders on campus.
“Organizations like Tau Sigma play an important role in helping transfer students
build connections early and stay engaged throughout their time at Florida A&M University,”
said Tamaria Williams, Ph.D., director of transitional services within the Office of Student Success. “Because
many transfer students arrive with associate degrees and have a shorter window to
experience campus life as Rattlers, it is essential that they quickly find community
and opportunities for involvement.”
The Eta Gamma chapter will continue supporting its newest members through professional
development workshops and community service initiatives throughout the spring semester.
The evening concluded with a reception, offering inductees the opportunity to connect
with fellow members, alumni and university leadership. Those interested in learning
more about Tau Sigma at FAMU or future induction cycles can follow the chapter on
Instagram at @tausigma_famu.
2026 Tau Sigma Inductees:
Jacques Amilcar
Gabrielle Andre
Paris Brown
Lindsay Burnett
Kaylyn Carter-Johnson
Skylar Clayton
Destiny Cohen
Carlie Collins
Makayla Cooper
Ani Craddolph
Alissa Cumberbatch
LeAndrea Daniels
Amethyst Dowling
Nechama Duperme
D’Asia Ellis
Charlene Fryson
London Gaston
Alyssa Griggs
Kaitlyn Henderson
Kori Holland
Cheyenne Hooks
Maurecia Hudson
Sharlisa James
Perry Jean
Daniele Johnson
Chrisann Jonas
Jayla Jones
Adrienne Jones
Isaak Martin
Ziara Martinez
Brianna Mitchem
Taylor Newman
Neilsonsky Noel
Malcolm Presha
Breann Rasmussen
Julissa Reed
Catherine Scott
Kierstyn Smith
Myia Tucker
Twila Vance
Marissa Vega
Destiny Walden
Aiyana Ware Rembert
Mayah Williams
Annah-Bryce Wright
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu