![\"Raleigh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_FORD3.jpg\")
Raleigh Ford poses outside Florida A&M University\u2019s Lewis-Beck Allied Health Building,\n where she cultivated her passion for public health through research, leadership and
\n service. (Photo Courtesy: Raleigh Ford)<\/p>\n
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014\u00a0When Raleigh Ford first arrived at Florida A&M University, leadership was the last
\n thing on her mind.<\/p>\n
The Leesburg, Florida, native describes herself then as quiet, reserved and unsure
\n of what her college journey would become.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery shy. Very quiet,\u201d Ford said. \u201cI did not see myself doing any sort of leadership.
\n Being involved in big events and big things was unheard of to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Ford walked across the commencement stage as a decorated scholar,
\n accomplished researcher and student leader preparing for her next chapter at\u00a0Brown University, where she will pursue a Master of Public Health this fall.<\/p>\n
For Ford, choosing FAMU was intentional.<\/p>\n
Growing up in a predominantly white community outside Orlando, she wanted a college
\n environment where Black excellence was visible in every form \u2014 not just athletics,
\n but academics, leadership and service.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to be around people who looked like me who were also doing amazing things,\u201d
\n Ford said. \u201cI wanted to be somewhere that simply said, \u2018You\u2019re doing so well.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
She found that community on the Highest of Seven Hills.<\/p>\n
Though she entered FAMU as a political science major, Ford quickly discovered her
\n passion for public health and transitioned into the School of Allied Health Sciences.<\/p>\n
Raleigh Ford poses outside Florida A&M University\u2019s Lewis-Beck Allied Health Building,
\n where she cultivated her passion for public health through research, leadership and
\n service. (Photo Courtesy: Raleigh Ford)<\/p>\n
That shift opened the door to research, mentorship and opportunities that would shape
\n her future.<\/p>\n
As a University Honors Program scholar, Ford joined the Behavioral Science and Health
\n Innovation Research Lab, where she began studying sexual health awareness and HIV
\n stigma among college students at HBCUs.<\/p>\n
The work sparked a deeper academic interest that followed her throughout college.<\/p>\n
She presented research at the South Regional Honors Council Conference, the Classics
\n Research Symposium and the National Society of Allied Health Sciences Annual Conference.
\n Her honors thesis,\u00a0Bridging the HIV Stigma Knowledge Gap Among College Students, further reflected her growing commitment to improving health outcomes through education
\n and research.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want more students to get involved in research,\u201d Ford said. \u201cEspecially if they\u2019re
\n considering graduate school. It opens your eyes to so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her academic excellence earned repeated Dean\u2019s List recognition, membership in Alpha
\n Lambda Delta Honors Society and support through the Strada Education Foundation Scholarship.<\/p>\n
But Ford\u2019s story at FAMU was never limited to the classroom.<\/p>\n
![\"Raleigh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_FORD2.jpg\")
Raleigh Ford poses during a Foundation event, reflecting the scholarship, service
\n and leadership that defined her Florida A&M University journey. (Photo Courtesy: Raleigh
\n Ford)<\/p>\n
She became a familiar face in student leadership, serving as president of the Health
\n Science Professional Student Association after previously serving as vice president.<\/p>\n
Willie Williams, Ph.D., faculty advisor for the organization, said her success reflects
\n years of discipline and determination.<\/p>\n
\u201cRaleigh Ford\u2019s acceptance into Brown University\u2019s distinguished Master of Public
\n Health program is no surprise,\u201d Williams said. \u201cIt speaks to her preparation, consistency,
\n persistence and willingness to make bold moves.\u201d<\/p>\n
During her time with the organization, Ford helped launch the Allied Health Inter-Organizational
\n Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive Competition, an initiative that brought together students,
\n faculty and campus organizations while contributing more than 100 toys to Florida
\n A&M\u2019s presidential toy drive.<\/p>\n
She also played a key role in developing undergraduate research panels designed to
\n expose students to graduate-level expectations and professional pathways in health
\n care.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes just seeing someone who has already done what you want to do makes all
\n the difference,\u201d Ford said.<\/p>\n
Ford\u2019s leadership extended beyond allied health.<\/p>\n
As president of the Honors Student Association, she helped reenergize student engagement
\n within the University Honors Program, creating a stronger sense of pride and community
\n among members.<\/p>\n
![\"Recent](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_FORD4.jpg\")
Recent Florida A&M University graduate Raleigh Ford poses with academic honors and
\n graduation regalia, reflectingthe end of her college journey. (Photo Courtesy: Raleigh
\n Ford)<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
That level of involvement required balance.<\/p>\n
Alongside academics and campus leadership, Ford completed a competitive internship
\n with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, worked as a research lab associate
\n and took on a role as a patient access specialist at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.<\/p>\n
At one point, she realized doing everything alone was unsustainable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a point where I realized I literally could not be in four places at once,\u201d
\n Ford said with a laugh. \u201cI had to learn how to trust people, delegate and rely on
\n my team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams said that perspective is exactly what makes her stand out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I had to describe Raleigh\u2019s legacy at FAMU in a few words, I would say servant
\n leadership, scholarship and impact,\u201d Williams said. \u201cShe leads with humility, serves
\n with intention and remains committed to helping others develop along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ford describes her FAMU journey in one word: transformative.<\/p>\n
The once-shy freshman who simply wanted to be in a place where she felt seen leaves
\n FAMU with a clear purpose and the confidence to pursue it.<\/p>\n
Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate and build a career in public health research
\n and policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cFAMU is such a unique place,\u201d Ford said. \u201cWe\u2019re all here because we want to succeed,
\n we want to be the best and we want to do it in a place where we know we can be valued.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Ford prepares for Brown, she carries with her the lessons, confidence and sense
\n of purpose cultivated at Florida A&M University.<\/p>\n
That is what it means to be FAMU Made.<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n