Institutional Statement on Academic Program Prioritization


Florida A&M University continuously evaluates its academic portfolio to ensure strength, sustainability, and strategic alignment with student success, workforce needs, and institutional priorities. Recent program actions reflect thoughtful consolidation and modernization designed to strengthen academic delivery, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure long-term vitality.

These actions represent structural alignment and administrative efficiency, not a retreat from our mission, academic depth, or institutional identity.


African American (Black) Studies remains foundational to the history, identity, and mission of Florida A&M University. The University has no plans to eliminate or diminish scholarship in this area. Any programmatic adjustment reflects structural alignment only and does not change our enduring commitment to this field of study.


Regarding Fine Arts, the standalone Studio/Fine Art degree will transition into a reimagined academic structure. Fine Arts education will be strategically integrated into Digital Arts and Graphic Design, with expanded emphasis in Artificial Intelligence, User Experience (UX) Design, and emerging digital creative industries. This shift modernizes artistic practice while positioning students for evolving career pathways in technology-driven creative sectors.


All current students who are enrolled in either of the consolidated programs can remain and graduate in those programs through completion. Faculty within the programs presented at the board of trustees meeting will continue employment. Florida A&M University remains steadfast in preserving its historic mission while strategically positioning its academic offerings for future growth and impact. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic Program Prioritization

1. Is Florida A&M University eliminating African American (Black) Studies?

No. African American (Black) Studies remains foundational to the history, identity, and mission of Florida A&M University. The University has no plans to eliminate or diminish scholarship in this area. Any programmatic adjustment reflects structural alignment only and does not alter our enduring commitment to this field.

2. Is the University eliminating Fine Arts?

No. Fine Arts education will continue through a reimagined academic structure. The standalone Studio/Fine Art degree will transition into a modernized framework that integrates artistic practice with Digital Arts and Graphic Design.

3. Why is this change being made?

Florida A&M University continuously evaluates its academic portfolio to ensure strength, sustainability, and alignment with student success, workforce demand, and institutional priorities. These actions are part of strategic modernization and academic alignment.

4. What does this mean for current students?

All currently enrolled students may remain in their programs and graduate as planned. The University will provide academic advising and support to ensure a smooth path to degree completion.

5. What does this mean for faculty?

Program consolidations and realignments are administrative actions and do not automatically result in changes to faculty employment status. Faculty assignments will continue to be governed by existing University policies, collective bargaining agreements (where applicable), and standard academic review processes.

These actions are designed to align academic structures, not to diminish faculty expertise, scholarship, or instructional contributions.

6. How does this benefit students?

The Fine Arts transition expands emphasis in Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience (UX) Design, and emerging digital creative industries—positioning students for evolving, technology-driven career pathways while preserving artistic foundations.

7. Is this part of a broader institutional shift?

FAMU remains steadfast in preserving its historic mission while strategically positioning its academic offerings for long-term growth, relevance, and impact.