{"id":416645,"date":"2026-10-02T10:56:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T10:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/416645\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T10:56:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T10:56:21","slug":"famu-school-of-nursing-celebrates-90-years-of-excellence-leadership-and-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/416645\/","title":{"rendered":"FAMU School of Nursing Celebrates 90 Years of Excellence, Leadership and Service"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 Nine decades of Rattler nurses stood together Saturday, Sept. 19, as the Florida
\n A&M University School of Nursing celebrated its 90th anniversary with a commemorative
\n gala honoring the people, milestones and enduring impact behind one of FAMU\u2019s historic
\n academic programs.<\/p>\n

Held at the AC Hotel Tallahassee, the gala brought alumni, faculty, staff, students
\n and university supporters together for an evening of reflection, recognition and renewed
\n commitment to the school\u2019s future. Graduates spanning decades were honored alongside
\n former deans and university leaders, five alumni were inducted into the School of
\n Nursing Gallery of Distinction, and supporters made financial contributions to help
\n invest in the program\u2019s next chapter.<\/p>\n

\"SONSON Leaders from left to right: Dr. Carswella Phillips, Associate Dean, Dean Smith,
\n Dr. Taiwo Arise, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, and Dr. Robin Butler, Assistant
\n Dean of Undergraduate Programs. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)\u00a0<\/p>\n

The milestone commemorates FAMU\u2019s establishment of a fully recognized Bachelor of
\n Science nursing program in 1936, the first baccalaureate nursing program in Florida.
\n Its history stretches even further, with the University offering its first nursing
\n courses during the 1904-1905 academic year. The program has since become the oldest
\n continuing baccalaureate nursing program at a historically Black college or university
\n in the United States.<\/p>\n

Honoring the Foundation, Building the Future<\/p>\n

Dean Shannon Bright Smith, Ph.D., the 11th dean of the School of Nursing, opened the
\n gala by recognizing those who built the program while challenging the FAMU nursing
\n community to continue their work.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe generations who came before us built a foundation of excellence. They opened
\n doors, broke barriers and created opportunities,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWe stand where we stand
\n today. Now the responsibility belongs to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FAMUFAMU School of Nursing alumni and supporters gather for a photo during the school\u2019s
\n 90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee. The evening celebrated
\n generations of Rattler nurses and recognized individuals who have contributed to the
\n school\u2019s legacy. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

Smith emphasized that carrying the legacy forward requires continued investment in
\n students, nursing science and the health of communities. Her message reflected the
\n school\u2019s broader vision for its next chapter, including expanding academic offerings,
\n strengthening research capacity and developing new pathways for student success.<\/p>\n

Donald E. Palm III, Ph.D., executive vice president for Health Sciences Enterprise
\n and Research Innovation, echoed that responsibility, framing the anniversary as a
\n bridge between those who built the school and those charged with moving it forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight we celebrate more than an anniversary; we celebrate a testimony of faith,
\n perseverance and sacrifice,\u201d Palm said. \u201cNow the torch is passed to us to protect
\n this legacy, expand its reach and ensure that future generations of FAMU nurses are
\n prepared to lead, to heal and to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nine Decades, One Rattler Legacy<\/p>\n

One of the evening\u2019s most defining moments came as graduates were recognized by decade.
\n Across the ballroom, Rattler nurses representing different eras of the program rose
\n to their feet \u2014 a living reflection of the school\u2019s reach across generations.<\/p>\n

Former School of Nursing deans Georgie C. Labadie and Ruena Norman added their own
\n reflections on the institution\u2019s evolution.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe School of Nursing and I have something in common: We were both delivered in the
\n same year,\u201d Labadie said. \u201cDr. L.H.B. Foote delivered me first, and then he brought
\n forth the baccalaureate program.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"FormerFormer FAMU School of Nursing Dean Georgie C. Labadie reflects on the school\u2019s history
\n and legacy during its 90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee.
\n (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

Norman turned the reflection toward what comes next, calling on graduates to remain
\n engaged with the school.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs we celebrate 90 years of history and honor that legacy, we must also look at our
\n shared responsibility,\u201d Norman said. \u201cI charge you, Rattler nursing graduates: Let
\n this weekend reignite your passion, dedication and support for the School of Nursing,
\n and be agents of change in a rapidly evolving health care system.\u201d<\/p>\n

FAMU National Alumni Association President Artisia Polk reinforced that call to action.<\/p>\n

\"FAMUFAMU National Alumni Association President Artisia Polk shows her Rattler pride during
\n the FAMU School of Nursing\u2019s 90th anniversary commemorative gala at the AC Hotel Tallahassee.
\n (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations on 90 years of trailblazing history,\u201d Polk said. \u201cLet us continue
\n to honor our past, invest in our students and move forward together.\u201d<\/p>\n

School of Nursing Alumni Association President Jasmine Mount also thanked faculty
\n and staff for continuing to mentor graduates long after they leave FAMU and encouraged
\n alumni to return, support students and remain connected to the school. Polk and Mount
\n were among the alumni leaders included in the official gala program.<\/p>\n

Excellence Across Generations<\/p>\n

The gala\u2019s celebration of achievement continued with the induction of five alumni
\n and nursing leaders into the 2026 School of Nursing Gallery of Distinction: Lottie
\n Cuthbertson, Michelle Lockett, Frantrice McMillan-Riley, Yuvonne Martin and retired
\n Capt. Thecly Hines Scott.<\/p>\n

\"MichelleMichelle L. Lockett, a 2006 FAMU graduate and 2026 School of Nursing Gallery of Distinction
\n inductee, displays her award during the School of Nursing\u2019s 90th anniversary commemorative
\n gala. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

For Lockett, a 2006 FAMU graduate and clinical assistant professor at Villanova University,
\n the recognition represented a full-circle moment shaped by the standard of excellence
\n instilled in her at FAMU.<\/p>\n

\u201cFAMU taught me to be the best, taught me to be better than the rest, and they instilled
\n that through their words and their actions,\u201d Lockett said. \u201cI went to three different
\n schools \u2014 a state school, an Ivy League school and FAMU \u2014 and FAMU is the school that
\n instilled excellence in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AA FAMU School of Nursing honoree receives an award during the school\u2019s 90th anniversary
\n commemorative gala, celebrating generations of nursing excellence, leadership and
\n service. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

Years before becoming a professor or Gallery of Distinction inductee, Lockett left
\n another mark on the School of Nursing.<\/p>\n

In 2005, while still a nursing student, she authored the School of Nursing Pinning
\n Pledge. More than two decades later, Lockett stood before a ballroom filled with Rattler
\n nurses and led them in reciting the words she first wrote as a student. The pledge
\n continues to be recited by FAMU nursing graduates at pinning ceremonies.<\/p>\n

Across the room, generations of graduates stood together, reaffirming their commitment
\n to ethical nursing practice, patient care and service.<\/p>\n

Investing in What Comes Next<\/p>\n

The celebration of the school\u2019s past also translated into tangible investment in its
\n future.<\/p>\n

The Class of 1973 contributed $1,100 to the School of Nursing. The freshman class
\n of 1973 also donated $1,250 to the School of Nursing. Gallery of Distinction inductee
\n McMillan-Riley contributed $10,000, while alumna Brenda Steger announced an additional
\n $25,000 gift to the program. The commemorative journal also recognizes McMillan-Riley
\n and iCan Publishing as Legacy Donors, each contributing $10,000.<\/p>\n

The gifts reinforced a message woven throughout the gala: A 90-year legacy is not
\n sustained by history alone. It continues through the people willing to invest in the
\n students, faculty and programs that will shape the next generation of Rattler nurses.<\/p>\n

\"AA guest showcases Rattler pride in an elegant orange ensemble with gold detailing
\n and a coordinating headwrap during the Florida A&M University School of Nursing\u2019s
\n 90th anniversary commemorative gala. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/p>\n

As the evening came to a close, attendees rose together to sing the FAMU Alma Mater.<\/p>\n

Current students stood alongside alumni. Former deans stood among the graduates whose
\n careers were shaped by the school. Across decades and experiences, they were connected
\n by an institution that has prepared nurses to lead and serve since its earliest nursing
\n courses more than a century ago.<\/p>\n

The gala celebrated 90 years of baccalaureate nursing education, but its message extended
\n beyond the anniversary: The legacy built by generations of Rattler nurses is now in
\n the hands of those prepared to carry it forward.<\/p>\n

\"AA FAMU School of Nursing honoree receives an award during the school\u2019s 90th anniversary
\n commemorative gala, which recognized alumni and nursing leaders for their contributions
\n to the profession and the school\u2019s legacy. (Photo Courtesy: Steve Byrum)<\/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 Nine decades of Rattler nurses stood together Saturday, Sept. 19, as the Florida A&M University…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":416646,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[232,234,233],"class_list":["post-416645","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\/416645","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=416645"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/416645\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/416646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=416645"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=416645"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=416645"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}