{"id":318246,"date":"2026-06-24T16:15:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T16:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/318246\/"},"modified":"2026-06-24T16:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T16:15:09","slug":"largest-famu-engineering-graduating-cohort-in-more-than-25-years-reflects-growth-support-and-student-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/318246\/","title":{"rendered":"Largest FAMU Engineering Graduating Cohort in More Than 25 Years Reflects Growth, Support and Student Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 The Spring 2026 graduating class at the Florida A&M University\u2013Florida State University
\n College of Engineering represents a milestone more than two decades in the making.<\/p>\n

Fifty engineering degrees were awarded this spring to 49 graduates, making it the
\n largest graduating cohort of FAMU engineering students since the turn of the millennium.
\n The achievement reflects years of strategic growth, student-centered support and a
\n commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers.<\/p>\n

Building a Pipeline for Success<\/p>\n

For university leaders, the achievement represents more than a number\u2014it reflects
\n the success of intentional recruitment, academic support and student development initiatives
\n designed to help engineering students thrive.<\/p>\n

“Graduating the largest group of FAMU engineers from the joint college since the turn
\n of the millennium is evidence that what we’ve built here is working,” said Suvranu De, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “Our enrollment has grown, our support
\n infrastructure has matured, and our faculty have deepened their investment in student
\n success. These were students who were recruited intentionally, supported consistently
\n and graduated because we built systems designed to get them there.”<\/p>\n

\"DeanDean Suvranu De, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, congratulates
\n a graduating engineering student during Florida A&M University’s Spring 2026 Commencement
\n Ceremony. (Photo courtesy Christian Whitaker)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Over the past five years, FAMU undergraduate enrollment at the joint college has increased
\n by 66%, reflecting the effectiveness of strategic recruitment efforts and student
\n support programs. Dean De said the college’s success is rooted in a comprehensive
\n approach that begins before students arrive on campus and continues through graduation.<\/p>\n

“This milestone belongs to an entire ecosystem, and we’ve invested deliberately in
\n every part of it,” De said. “On the recruitment side, we have a full-time recruiter
\n dedicated solely to identifying FAMU-bound students who are well prepared in math
\n and science and on track to complete an engineering degree.”<\/p>\n

That support continues once students arrive through expanded scholarship opportunities,
\n Engineering Living Learning Communities, peer-to-peer tutoring and academic resources
\n designed to help students navigate the rigors of engineering coursework.<\/p>\n

Investing in Student Achievement<\/p>\n

Among the programs contributing to student success is the Engineering Student Access
\n Program, supported through Florida A&M University’s Title III Programs. Of the 40 first-time-in-college students in the graduating cohort, 34 participated
\n in engineering access initiatives, representing nearly 85% of the graduating class.<\/p>\n

\"AA member of the Spring 2026 graduating class celebrates earning an engineering degree
\n during Florida A&M University’s Commencement Ceremony. (Photo courtesy Christian Whitaker)<\/p>\n

For Charmane V. Caldwell, Ph.D., director of Student Access at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the milestone
\n reflects years of intentional efforts to remove barriers and create pathways to success
\n for aspiring engineers.<\/p>\n

“For me, this moment is deeply personal because it represents a journey that began
\n decades ago,” Caldwell said. “As a student at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
\n in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand what the college meant to students on both campuses.
\n There was a strong sense of community, pride and responsibility to help the next generation
\n succeed.”<\/p>\n

After returning to the college more than a decade ago, Caldwell worked with alumni,
\n industry partners and FAMU Title III to expand student access programs and strengthen
\n support systems designed to improve retention and graduation outcomes.<\/p>\n

\"AA Spring 2026 engineering graduate celebrates with Florida A&M University President
\n Marva Johnson, J.D., during Commencement. The historic graduating class included 49
\n graduates who earned 50 engineering degrees, marking the largest FAMU engineering
\n cohort in more than 25 years. (Photo courtesy Christian Whitaker)<\/p>\n

Today, approximately one-third of incoming engineering freshmen participate in one
\n of the Engineering Student Access programs she oversees. This spring, those students
\n accounted for approximately 85% of the engineering graduates who entered the university
\n from high school and earned degrees.<\/p>\n

“That statistic tells a powerful story,” Caldwell said. “It demonstrates what can
\n happen when students are given the opportunity, support system and belief they need
\n to thrive.”<\/p>\n

Caldwell said creating a sense of belonging has been central to the success of the
\n program.<\/p>\n

“The key has always been creating an environment where students feel like they belong
\n before they ever question whether they can succeed,” Caldwell said. “Engineering is
\n challenging, and students need a community that pushes them, supports them and reminds
\n them they are not facing those challenges alone.”<\/p>\n

Erick Akins, Ph.D., executive director of Title III Programs, said the partnership has played a critical
\n role in supporting student success.<\/p>\n

“It gives them a sense of belonging because they don’t just participate the first
\n two years\u2014they participate all four years,” Akins said. “That helps them when they
\n graduate because they’re exposed to the rigor and expectations of the engineering
\n profession while they’re still students. It’s rewarding to see them succeed, and it’s
\n a great return on investment for the university.”<\/p>\n

Turning Support Into Success<\/p>\n

For Austin Onyebueke, a Tampa native who earned dual degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering,
\n the milestone represents years of hard work and perseverance.<\/p>\n

“Being part of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering’s largest graduating class in more
\n than 25 years means a great deal to me,” Onyebueke said. “This is one of the biggest
\n milestones of my life because it represents years of hard work, perseverance and growth.”<\/p>\n

\"AustinAustin Onyebueke, a Tampa native and Spring 2026 graduate of the FAMU-FSU College
\n of Engineering, poses inside the college’s atrium. Onyebueke earned dual degrees in
\n computer engineering and electrical engineering. (Photo courtesy Austin Onyebueke)<\/p>\n

Onyebueke credits the Engineering Living Learning Community and the Educating Engineering
\n Students Innovatively Program with helping him navigate the challenges of engineering
\n coursework and prepare for the next stage of his career.<\/p>\n

“Honestly, the ELLC and EESI were two of the main reasons I was able to make it to
\n graduation,” he said. “They surrounded me with people who believed in me, challenged
\n me to be better and gave me the resources I needed to succeed.”<\/p>\n

From Tennessee to Biomedical Engineering<\/p>\n

For Mariah Johnson, a biomedical engineering graduate from Memphis, Tennessee, being part of the historic
\n graduating class was a proud and emotional experience.<\/p>\n

“I think the word I would use is surreal,” Johnson said. “Being one of the largest
\n classes to graduate was amazing. We came in together, supported each other throughout
\n the years and then had the opportunity to graduate together. It made me feel proud
\n and hopeful.”<\/p>\n

\"MariahMariah Johnson, a Spring 2026 biomedical engineering graduate, poses inside the FAMU-FSU
\n College of Engineering. Johnson recently began her career as a clinical account specialist
\n with Johnson & Johnson. (Photo courtesy Mariah Johnson)<\/p>\n

Johnson chose FAMU because of its welcoming environment and supportive engineering
\n community. Through the Engineering Living Learning Community and Student Access programs,
\n she found the support needed to succeed academically and professionally.<\/p>\n

“I wanted to do something where I could see the impact of my work helping people,”
\n Johnson said.<\/p>\n

She recently began her career as a clinical account specialist with Johnson & Johnson
\n in Pensacola, Florida, where she supports physicians performing procedures that treat
\n patients with heart arrhythmias.<\/p>\n

First-Generation Engineer, Future Systems Leader<\/p>\n

For Azaria Moore, an industrial engineering graduate from Bradenton, Florida, earning her degree is
\n both a personal and family milestone.<\/p>\n

As a first-generation college student and the first engineer in her family, Moore
\n credits the support and community she found at FAMU with helping her persevere through
\n one of the nation’s most demanding academic disciplines.<\/p>\n

“Engineering is not easy,” Moore said. “There were many moments when I questioned
\n myself, but having a community around me helped me push through.”<\/p>\n

\"AzariaAzaria Moore, an industrial engineering graduate from Bradenton, Florida, poses on
\n Florida A&M University’s campus ahead of Spring 2026 Commencement. Moore, a first-generation
\n college student and the first engineer in her family. (Photo courtesy Azaria Moore)<\/p>\n

Inspired by research opportunities and hands-on projects, Moore plans to continue
\n her education by pursuing a master’s degree in systems engineering at the FAMU-FSU
\n College of Engineering.<\/p>\n

“I want to work in the defense industry with aircraft and advanced systems,” Moore
\n said. “The opportunities I’ve had here helped me discover what I’m passionate about
\n and where I want my career to go.”<\/p>\n

A Legacy That Continues<\/p>\n

As graduates begin careers in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, defense and other
\n industries, their accomplishments represent more than individual success stories.
\n They reflect the collective efforts of faculty, staff, mentors and programs committed
\n to helping students achieve their goals.<\/p>\n

Dean De believes the impact of this graduating class will extend far beyond the classroom
\n and workplace.<\/p>\n

“Every FAMU graduate who enters the workforce shifts the equation\u2014not symbolically,
\n but as a practicing engineer solving real problems and opening doors for the next
\n person,” De said. “I expect to see members of this class return as faculty, entrepreneurs
\n and senior leaders. That’s how legacies compound.”<\/p>\n

From first-generation college students to future innovators in healthcare, technology
\n and defense, the members of the Spring 2026 graduating class are poised to make an
\n impact far beyond the classroom\u2014continuing a legacy of excellence that will inspire
\n the next generation of FAMU engineers.<\/p>\n

\"FloridaFlorida A&M University President Marva Johnson, J.D., congratulates a graduating engineering
\n student during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony. (Photo courtesy Christian Whitaker)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Media Contact:<\/p>\n

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Back to Stories<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 The Spring 2026 graduating class at the Florida A&M University\u2013Florida State University College of Engineering…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":318247,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[232,234,233],"class_list":["post-318246","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tallahassee","tag-tallahassee","tag-tallahassee-headlines","tag-tallahassee-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/318246","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=318246"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/318246\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/318247"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=318246"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=318246"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=318246"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}