ST. PETERSBURG & TAMPA, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) brought its signature spirit, energy, and recruitment
power to St. Petersburg College (SPC) in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the Shanna and
Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center in Tampa, Florida, this week as part of a series
of statewide engagements leading up to the Florida Blue Florida Classic.
The “Destination FAMU” events, presented by Enrollment Management, in the Division
of Student Affairs, drew hundreds of high-achieving students eager to learn more about
opportunities at the state’s only public historically Black university.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., poured into students at St. Petersburg College during
the Destination FAMU recruitment event on Wednesday, Nov. 19. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
The tour began at St. Petersburg College (SPC), where FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., delivered remarks alongside SPC President Tonjua Williams, Ph.D., strengthening a longstanding partnership between the two institutions built on Florida’s
nationally recognized 2+2 transfer system.
“I am honored to be the 13th president for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,”
Johnson said, praising SPC’s leadership and highlighting the value of state college
partnerships in expanding access to higher education. She emphasized that Florida’s
articulation model makes it possible for students to transfer seamlessly without losing
credits or taking unnecessary courses—saving time and money. “When we work together,
we multiply the opportunities, we remove the barriers, we accelerate your journey
to success,” she said.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., and St. Petersberg College President Tonjua Williams,
Ph.D., talked about the importance of partnerships. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
The event, hosted by Mister FAMU Miles Howard and Miss FAMU Edwina Fleuridor and supported by the Royal Court and Presidential Ambassadors, blended information
with the unmistakable culture of FAMU. Students were introduced to academic programs,
financial aid resources, student life, and campus traditions.
Mister and Miss FAMU kept the audience entertained during the recuritment event at
St. Petersberg Colleg. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Johnson, who grew up in the Tampa Bay area, praised Florida’s higher education system
for consistently ranking number one in the nation.
A panel of four FAMU student leaders shared personal stories about choosing the University
and what they have gained from student involvement. Their favorite campus traditions—Homecoming,
Set Fridays, Fried Chicken Wednesdays, and spirited pep rallies—drew cheers from the
SPC audience. The panelists encouraged students to get involved early, seek mentors,
and embrace the supportive environment that has long defined the FAMU experience.
The room came alive as the King and Queen of Orange and Green Gucciany Toussaint and
Tamia Williams led spirited chants, including a crowd favorite: “I put my F in front
of my A, my A in front of my M, my M in front of my U — I love my HBCU!”
King of Orange and Green Gucciany Toussaint made sure the student engagement was high.
(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Among the students who attended was Jabari Shirley, an SPC music student who plans to transfer to FAMU in Spring 2026 to major in music
education. Shirley said the event affirmed his decision.
“I love the presentation,” he said. “I hype up FAMU as a St. Petersburg College student
any chance I get.” He added that he appreciated the depth of information about financial
aid, which he said is often missing from recruitment events.
Shirley, who is building his own entertainment company, said he hopes to be in Tallahassee
spring 2026. “I’m super excited about my journey to FAMU and looking forward to being
on the Highest of Seven Hills.”
Day Two: Hundreds of Tampa Students Experience Destination FAMU
The momentum continued the following day at a packed event in Tampa, Florida, where
hundreds of students from local high schools—including Riverview, Middleton and Jefferson—packed
the Shanna and Bryan Glazer Jewish Community Center for a chance to engage directly
with University recruiters, deans and student leaders.
President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., grew emotional as she talked about growing up in
the Tampa area. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Johnson again delivered welcoming remarks, this time reflecting on her personal ties
to the area. “I’m a proud product of Hillsborough County public schools,” she said.
“If a little girl moved from Orange County, California, to Tampa, Florida, and lived
in the public housing project right across the street, can stand before you today
as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, you can go
anywhere.”
She reminded students that they would be the first incoming class she personally participates
in recruiting. “You will be like my classmates,” she said, encouraging them to pursue
their ambitions with confidence.
For many local schools, Destination FAMU offered an essential connection point.
High School Counselor Ann Griffin talked about why Destination FAMU makes a difference.
(Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Ann Griffin, a college and career counselor at Riverview High School, said she brought 13 students
to the event, many of whom will tour FAMU in Tallahassee the following day.
“It gives a little bit of FAMU right here in our own backyard,” Griffin said. “The
programs, the culture, the vibe—it feels like home, being away from home.” She said
events like this are especially valuable for students who may not be able to visit
campus.
Dozens of students expressed interest in becoming Rattlers, including many who had
already applied for early admission.
Ava Woods, a senior class senator at Middleton High School, said the event helped her connect
the campus experience with real conversations about academic programs. Woods hopes
to become a corporate attorney and plans to major in criminal justice.
“I like that I could go from a four-year degree from FAMU to their law school as well,”
she said. “It’s connected, and I really love their pre-law program.” Woods has already
applied and hopes to join FAMU’s Mahogany Dance Theatre when she arrives.
Cohen Allen, who plays linebacker at his highschool, stands with his high school’s
defensive coordinator and program advisor Willie Washington, who encourages him on
the field and in the classroom. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Cohen Allen, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, said he is interested in civil engineering
and heard that the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is one of the best. He said the
event presented “a great opportunity to network.”
Allen, whose parents are FAMU alumni and pharmacists, plans to pursue engineering
in the military before transitioning into civilian work. “I really want to go to FAMU,”
he said. “It’s close to home and I know a lot of people there already so my transition
from high school to college will be good.”
Da’Zorah Pinckney, a senior at Middleton High School, said the event helped her explore new academic
paths.
She intends to major in psychology, minor in criminal justice and ultimately create
supportive spaces for formerly incarcerated individuals. “Every time I come to a FAMU
event, it feels all-inclusive,” she said. “They make you feel welcome, like this is
your community.” Pinckney has already applied for early admission.
Queen of Orange and Green Tamia Williams made sure the students did not miss a beat
when it came to FAMU chants. (Photo by Glenn Beil/FAMU)
Across both cities, FAMU’s recruitment team sought to deliver one message: students
can get anywhere from FAMU.
With hundreds of future applicants energized across St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida,
Johnson said the enthusiasm reflects what makes FAMU special.
“We didn’t get that number one public HBCU designation by just showing up,” she told
Tampa students. “It’s a reflection of the excellence of our students and our faculty.”
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu