MIAMI GARDENS, FL [November 8, 2012] – The Florida Memorial University (FMU) Board of Trustees has announced the release of Dr. Henry Lewis III, the University’s 12^th president, effective today.

Dr. Mary A. O’Banner, a senior academic administrator and chief of staff at FMU, will serve as Acting President. In this capacity, Dr. O’Banner will oversee all day-to-day operations of the University’s students, faculty and administration.

Florida Memorial is committed to the pursuit of excellence and continues to educate youth, intellectually and spiritually. Strong moral character, mutual respect, freedom of worship and a commitment to serve are the hallmarks of what it means to be a Florida Memorial Lion.

About Florida Memorial University:

Florida Memorial University is a private, undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida Memorial’s history and traditions date back to 1879. Its legacy of determination and accomplishment has made it one of Florida’s longest surviving centers of academic excellence. Offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs, Florida Memorial is a culturally diverse institution that is committed to transforming lives and helping to create a future for people from many races, ethnicities, countries, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. The University offers its students a promise and a future, and has opened doors to educational opportunities that may have been previously closed for many students.  The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Council on Social Work Education.  FMU is the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in south Florida.

#  #  #

MEDIA NOTE:  A biographical profile of Dr. O’Banner is available upon request.  All media inquiries are to be sent in writing to Bernadette Morris of Sonshine Communications via email at bmorris@sonshine.com.