State News

Biden and Harris Recognize Impact of Former FAMU President Frederick Humphries

WFSU | By Regan McCarthy

Published July 13, 2021 at 1:02 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2001 file photo, Frederick Humphries, president of Florida A&M University, announces his resignation from the steps of Lee Hall in Tallahassee, Fla. Former Florida A&M University president Frederick S. Humphries, whose 16 years of leadership at the school are often referred to as its “golden years,” has died, Thursday, June 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Mark Foley, File)

Friends, family, and elected officials celebrated the life of former Florida A&M University president Frederick Humphries over the weekend. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris wrote letters recognizing Humphries’ leadership in education.

Vince Evans graduated from FAMU and now works in Harris’ office. He read an excerpt from the letters during Humphries’ funeral.

“President Biden writes 'Frederick Humphries was extraordinary. He was selfless. He was a great leader. His tireless work with an investment in historically Black colleges and universities paved the way for generations of students,'” Evans read.

In her letter, the vice president calls Humphries a "scholar, true leader and innovator."

"He led the effort to ensure HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) were among our nation's leading institutions," Harris wrote.

Humphries died last month at the age of 85. He is remembered for his efforts to help FAMU rise to national prominence. He’s credited with helping FAMU earn the title of Time magazine’s college of the year in 1997.