TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Nine decades of Rattler nurses stood together Saturday, Sept. 19, as the Florida
A&M University School of Nursing celebrated its 90th anniversary with a commemorative
gala honoring the people, milestones and enduring impact behind one of FAMU’s historic
academic programs.
Held at the AC Hotel Tallahassee, the gala brought alumni, faculty, staff, students
and university supporters together for an evening of reflection, recognition and renewed
commitment to the school’s future. Graduates spanning decades were honored alongside
former deans and university leaders, five alumni were inducted into the School of
Nursing Gallery of Distinction, and supporters made financial contributions to help
invest in the program’s next chapter.
SON Leaders from left to right: Dr. Carswella Phillips, Associate Dean, Dean Smith,
Dr. Taiwo Arise, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, and Dr. Robin Butler, Assistant
Dean of Undergraduate Programs. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
The milestone commemorates FAMU’s establishment of a fully recognized Bachelor of
Science nursing program in 1936, the first baccalaureate nursing program in Florida.
Its history stretches even further, with the University offering its first nursing
courses during the 1904-1905 academic year. The program has since become the oldest
continuing baccalaureate nursing program at a historically Black college or university
in the United States.
Honoring the Foundation, Building the Future
Dean Shannon Bright Smith, Ph.D., the 11th dean of the School of Nursing, opened the
gala by recognizing those who built the program while challenging the FAMU nursing
community to continue their work.
“The generations who came before us built a foundation of excellence. They opened
doors, broke barriers and created opportunities,” Smith said. “We stand where we stand
today. Now the responsibility belongs to us.”
FAMU School of Nursing alumni and supporters gather for a photo during the school’s
90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee. The evening celebrated
generations of Rattler nurses and recognized individuals who have contributed to the
school’s legacy. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
Smith emphasized that carrying the legacy forward requires continued investment in
students, nursing science and the health of communities. Her message reflected the
school’s broader vision for its next chapter, including expanding academic offerings,
strengthening research capacity and developing new pathways for student success.
Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., executive vice president for Health Sciences Enterprise
and Research Innovation, echoed that responsibility, framing the anniversary as a
bridge between those who built the school and those charged with moving it forward.
“Tonight we celebrate more than an anniversary; we celebrate a testimony of faith,
perseverance and sacrifice,” Palm said. “Now the torch is passed to us to protect
this legacy, expand its reach and ensure that future generations of FAMU nurses are
prepared to lead, to heal and to serve.”
Nine Decades, One Rattler Legacy
One of the evening’s most defining moments came as graduates were recognized by decade.
Across the ballroom, Rattler nurses representing different eras of the program rose
to their feet — a living reflection of the school’s reach across generations.
Former School of Nursing deans Georgie C. Labadie and Ruena Norman added their own
reflections on the institution’s evolution.
“The School of Nursing and I have something in common: We were both delivered in the
same year,” Labadie said. “Dr. L.H.B. Foote delivered me first, and then he brought
forth the baccalaureate program.”
Former FAMU School of Nursing Dean Georgie C. Labadie reflects on the school’s history
and legacy during its 90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee.
(Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
Norman turned the reflection toward what comes next, calling on graduates to remain
engaged with the school.
“As we celebrate 90 years of history and honor that legacy, we must also look at our
shared responsibility,” Norman said. “I charge you, Rattler nursing graduates: Let
this weekend reignite your passion, dedication and support for the School of Nursing,
and be agents of change in a rapidly evolving health care system.”
FAMU National Alumni Association President Artisia Polk reinforced that call to action.
FAMU National Alumni Association President Artisia Polk shows her Rattler pride during
the FAMU School of Nursing’s 90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee.
(Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
“Congratulations on 90 years of trailblazing history,” Polk said. “Let us continue
to honor our past, invest in our students and move forward together.”
School of Nursing Alumni Association President Jasmine Mount also thanked faculty
and staff for continuing to mentor graduates long after they leave FAMU and encouraged
alumni to return, support students and remain connected to the school. Polk and Mount
were among the alumni leaders included in the official gala program.
Excellence Across Generations
The gala’s celebration of achievement continued with the induction of five alumni
and nursing leaders into the 2026 School of Nursing Gallery of Distinction: Lottie
Cuthbertson, Michelle Lockett, Frantrice McMillan-Riley, Yuvonne Martin and retired
Capt. Thecly Hines Scott.
Michelle L. Lockett, a 2006 FAMU graduate and 2026 School of Nursing Gallery of Distinction
inductee, displays her award during the School of Nursing’s 90th anniversary commemorative
gala. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
For Lockett, a 2006 FAMU graduate and clinical assistant professor at Villanova University,
the recognition represented a full-circle moment shaped by the standard of excellence
instilled in her at FAMU.
“FAMU taught me to be the best, taught me to be better than the rest, and they instilled
that through their words and their actions,” Lockett said. “I went to three different
schools — a state school, an Ivy League school and FAMU — and FAMU is the school that
instilled excellence in me.”
A FAMU School of Nursing honoree receives an award during the school’s 90th anniversary
commemorative gala, celebrating generations of nursing excellence, leadership and
service. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
Years before becoming a professor or Gallery of Distinction inductee, Lockett left
another mark on the School of Nursing.
In 2005, while still a nursing student, she authored the School of Nursing Pinning
Pledge. More than two decades later, Lockett stood before a ballroom filled with Rattler
nurses and led them in reciting the words she first wrote as a student. The pledge
continues to be recited by FAMU nursing graduates at pinning ceremonies.
Across the room, generations of graduates stood together, reaffirming their commitment
to ethical nursing practice, patient care and service.
Investing in What Comes Next
The celebration of the school’s past also translated into tangible investment in its
future.
The Class of 1973 contributed $1,100 to the School of Nursing. The freshman class
of 1973 also donated $1,250 to the School of Nursing. Gallery of Distinction inductee
McMillan-Riley contributed $10,000, while alumna Brenda Steger announced an additional
$25,000 gift to the program. The commemorative journal also recognizes McMillan-Riley
and iCan Publishing as Legacy Donors, each contributing $10,000.
The gifts reinforced a message woven throughout the gala: A 90-year legacy is not
sustained by history alone. It continues through the people willing to invest in the
students, faculty and programs that will shape the next generation of Rattler nurses.
A guest showcases Rattler pride in an elegant orange ensemble with gold detailing
and a coordinating headwrap during the Florida A&M University School of Nursing’s
90th anniversary commemorative gala. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
As the evening came to a close, attendees rose together to sing the FAMU Alma Mater.
Current students stood alongside alumni. Former deans stood among the graduates whose
careers were shaped by the school. Across decades and experiences, they were connected
by an institution that has prepared nurses to lead and serve since its earliest nursing
courses more than a century ago.
The gala celebrated 90 years of baccalaureate nursing education, but its message extended
beyond the anniversary: The legacy built by generations of Rattler nurses is now in
the hands of those prepared to carry it forward.
A FAMU School of Nursing honoree receives an award during the school’s 90th anniversary
commemorative gala, which recognized alumni and nursing leaders for their contributions
to the profession and the school’s legacy. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu