Latest news with #FloridaA&M
Miami Herald
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Four star basketball recruit considering an HBCU
New Florida A&M men's basketball coach Charlie Ward is wasting no time making waves on the HBCU recruiting trail. Ward and his staff are going head-to-head with elite programs as they build his first Rattlers roster. On Monday, July 21, Christopher Washington Jr., the No. 1 basketball prospect in Tennessee, included FAMU in his top seven college choices. The four-star forward also named Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Villanova-all powerhouse programs known for high-level competition. In an interview with On3's Jamie Shaw, Washington explained what he's looking for in a college:"I want to go somewhere that feels like a family. And I want to play early, so I want to go somewhere I'll play right away. How they play will be big for me. I like playing fast and playing on the wing. Location won't matter to me as long as it feels like family there." Washington, a 6-foot-7, 175-pound small forward, plays for Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is rated the No. 13 small forward nationally and 31st overall by 247Sports. Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Washington began his high school career at The Villages Charter School before transferring to Providence as a junior. His inclusion of an HBCU in a list packed with Power Five programs signals growing respect for what Coach Ward is building at FAMU. Ward was officially named Florida A&M men's basketball head coach on April?16,?2025, replacing Patrick Crarey II, who departed to lead Grambling State after just one season there. This marks Ward's first college head coaching role. The former Heisman Trophy winner and 11-year NBA veteran arrives amid renewed optimism, aiming to build on FAMU's progress and bring new energy to the Rattlers program. With his storied history in Tallahassee, the season is setting up for a pristine opportunity of community support and high-level basketball. The post Four star basketball recruit considering an HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Marva Johnson officially named 13th president of Florida A&M
The post Marva Johnson officially named 13th president of Florida A&M appeared first on ClutchPoints. After much protest, Marva Johnson has officially been named the 13th president of Florida A&M. She was confirmed for the position following a unanimous vote by the Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday afternoon at Florida Atlantic University's campus. 'Under my leadership, I don't expect FAMU to just survive,' Johnson said during the meeting. 'I expected it to thrive.' Johnson, currently Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, served eight years on the Florida State Board of Education. She was appointed for a first four-year term by Governor Rick Scott and later reappointed for a second term by Governor Ron DeSantis. Florida A&M supporters protested her candidacy for the presidency due to her ties to DeSantis and her lack of experience in running a university. 'If I was to seat a CEO or president of a business, I would not hire the president of a university which had no experience in business,' Florida A&M Boosters president Zachary Ansley in a comment during the town hall in May. 'By that token, I say, why are we even considering a person that has a great resume in business, but no educational background?' However, despite the outcry from the university community, Johnson was voted to be the next president by the Florida A&M Board of Trustees in an 8-4 decision on May 16th. Over a month later, the Florida Board of Governors made her hire official. Chairman of the Florida Board of Governors Brian Lamb commented about her hire in a statement, saying, 'Marva Johnson's confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university's legacy. Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.' Johnson, whose tenure starts on August 1st, said, 'It is a profound honor to be selected as the 13th president of Florida A&M University—a historic institution with a rich legacy shaped by giants,' said Johnson. 'As president, I recognize the legacy I carry and remain committed to protecting and extending that legacy and FAMU's mission, while fighting to ensure that we are positioned for success in the evolving higher education landscape. I am ready to bring a bold, business-minded, results-driven approach to advancing student success, financial sustainability, and long-term institutional growth.' Related: 'Love Island' winner nabs role in HBCU series on Keke Palmer network Related: Three Mississippi-based HBCUs look to expand AI Education
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Son of Florida Gators legend transfers to Florida A&M
The post Son of Florida Gators legend transfers to Florida A&M appeared first on ClutchPoints. After an underwhelming 7-5 season in 2024, Florida A&M has added another talented quarterback to an already competitive QB room. Lawrence Wright IV, the son of Florida Gators legend Lawrence Wright III, is joining the Rattlers after leaving the Gators in the transfer portal. He announced his commitment to FAMU on his social media account. Wright IV played his junior year at South Broward High School in South Florida before moving to Gainesville. At P.K. Yonge High School in Gainesville, the 6-foot-1, 243-pound quarterback wrapped up his high school career by rushing for 470 yards and six touchdowns, while also passing for 468 yards and one touchdown during his senior season. Advertisement Wright III, a University of Florida Athletic Hall of Famer, was a key player in the Gators' 1996 National Championship win. In 1995, he was named an All-American and also earned the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award. He contributed to four consecutive SEC championships before moving on to the NFL. Wright III spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, recording 25 tackles across 18 games. Wright IV's commitment comes after former Fordham quarterback CJ Montes committed to the Rattlers and then departed to rejoin Kent State. The son of the Florida legend will be tasked with winning the QB1 job last held by Daniel Richardson last season. Richardson emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in HBCU football. Heading into the MEAC-SWAC Challenge against Norfolk State, Richardson was named as Florida A&M's starting quarterback and immediately secured his spot for the defending Celebration Bowl champions. He led the Rattlers to comeback wins over both Norfolk State and South Carolina State, showcasing his throwing accuracy and ability to make plays. Richardson's play helped Florida A&M become ranked in the AFCA Coaches Poll before their loss to Jackson State. But, he ultimately suffered an injury against Prairie View A&M University in November. He wasn't on the sidelines for long as he finished out the season strong to complete the season for the Rattlers. Now, the Rattlers look to figure out the next step in their quarterback journey. Advertisement Now, Lawrence Wright IV will have the opportunity to create his own legacy at an HBCU and possibly be the quarterback to get the Rattlers back to their contending ways. Related: Former Morehouse College coach joins in-conference rival Related: Mo Williams, Jackson State offer scholarship to son of NBA standout
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charlie Ward, Florida A&M nabs Florida State assistant
The post Charlie Ward, Florida A&M nabs Florida State assistant appeared first on ClutchPoints. New Florida A&M head basketball coach Charlie Ward is quickly making his impression on his new Rattlers team as he has hired former Florida State assistant Jarrod Lazarus to his coaching staff, per a release by the athletic department. Advertisement 'Jarrod Lazarus is the perfect addition as Associate Head Coach at Florida A&M. His leadership, passion for the game, and dedication to developing young talent will elevate the program,' said Ward in a statement. Lazaurus expressed his excitement to join the coaching staff, saying, 'I'm thrilled to join Florida A&M Men's Basketball and be part of such a historic program. I would like to thank Head Coach Charlie Ward for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to working with the team, embracing the culture, and helping take this program to new heights.' Lazaurus earned a B.S. in Business Management from Florida State University in 2009 and completed his MBA in Business Administration at Middle Tennessee State University in 2016. Lazarus most recently served as an Assistant Coach at Florida State University under Leonard Hamilton. Prior to that, he spent five seasons as the Director of Basketball Operations for Hamilton and his staff. During his time with the Seminoles, Lazarus helped lead FSU to the Sweet 16 of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the championship game of the 2021 ACC Tournament, and the 2020 ACC Championship. Advertisement In 2020, he played a key role in leading the Seminoles to their first-ever ACC Regular Season Championship. The team achieved a 26-5 overall record and an impressive 16-4 in ACC play, setting a new school record for ACC wins in a single season. They ended the season ranked No. 4 in the final Associated Press poll, the highest final ranking in school history. Florida State was poised to secure one of the top NCAA Tournament seeds before the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year also saw Patrick Williams (No. 4, Chicago Bulls) and Devin Vassell (No. 11, San Antonio Spurs) become the first pair of Seminoles selected in the NBA Draft Lottery. He now joins a Florida A&M team that looks to continue its ascent to contenders in the SWAC, led by Ward in his first season with the program. Related: Michael Vick hire brings 82% increase to Norfolk State ticket prices Related: HBCUs make huge move on NCAA House settlement
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida A&M places Angela Suggs on administrative leave following arrest
The post Florida A&M places Angela Suggs on administrative leave following arrest appeared first on ClutchPoints. Following her arrest, Florida A&M has placed Angela Suggs on administrative leave. Suggs faces charges of grand theft, scheme to defraud, and four misdemeanor counts for submitting false travel voucher claims, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The Florida A&M alumna surrendered earlier on Monday and was released on a $13,500 bond shortly after 2:30 p.m., according to court records. Per a statement by interim president Dr. Timothy Beard to HBCU Gameday, Suggs was placed on leave with pay until further notice and deputy directors of athletics Travis Glasgow and Brittney Johnson will run operations. Sugg's arrest and subsequent investigation and charges stem from her work with the Florida Sports Foundation, in which she served as president of the organization. The Florida Sports Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as the Sports Industry Development Division for the State of Florida. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement released a statement detailing the scope of their investigation. 'The investigation began in November 2024 after FDLE received a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce's Inspector General with an audit of Suggs' business credit card purchases and corresponding travel reimbursements,' the statement read. 'The investigation revealed Suggs misused her FSF-issued credit card to make wire transfers and cash withdraws and personal purchases at casinos during business trips, totaling more than $24,000. The statement continued, 'When asked about the unauthorized charges, Suggs claimed some were for business meals and others were accidentally charged to the business card. She failed to fully repay (the foundation) for her personal expenditures.' In September 2024, Suggs was appointed Athletic Director at Florida A&M University, succeeding Tiffani-Dawn Sykes. A proud Tallahassee native and FAMU alum, Suggs has a longstanding connection to FAMU Athletics. Suggs recently facilitated the hiring of Florida State legend Charlie Ward to become the next basketball coach for the institution. Related: Former HBCU basketball player passes away in tragic accident Related: Doug Williams's son nabs NFL coaching job, continues family legacy
