Future Looks Bright for South Florida’s Only HBCU
Board of Trustees Announces President’s Contract Extension
Miami Gardens, Fla. (July 11, 2022) – Florida Memorial University’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to extend the contract of Dr. Jaffus Hardrick for an additional five years.
“I have great love for Florida Memorial University. I am a graduate, a contributor, and I am extremely pleased to see this University moving in the right direction under Dr. Hardrick’s leadership,” said William C. McCormick, Chairman of FMU’s Board of Trustees. “We will remain focused on achieving the goals that will bring FMU into the future.”
Dr. Hardrick began laying a foundation to elevate South Florida’s only Historically Black College and University to a world-class institution in 2018. The key to this transformation was focusing on five strategic areas: student success, academic quality, operational excellence, financial solvency, and relationship development.
Under Dr. Hardrick’s leadership, FMU’s accreditation was reinstated. On June 16, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees voted to remove the University’s sanction, Probation for Good Cause.
FMU is currently experiencing a 306 percent increase in enrollment commitments for Fall 2022, compared to 2021, with degree offerings in aviation, education, computer science, healthcare, renewable energy, and innovation technology, amongst many others.
In addition to academic accomplishments, Dr. Hardrick restored FMU’s football team after 62 years, implemented an award-winning marching band, introduced an Esports curriculum, and launched women’s softball, women’s flag football, women’s beach volleyball, and junior varsity basketball and baseball to uplift campus culture.
During his tenure, one of the most commendable feats achieved by Dr. Hardrick has been the restoration of the University’s finances. He has secured $2.4 million for aviation and science renovations, and more than $12 million in private and government funding. Overall donor giving has increased by 30 percent year-over-year.
The future is looking bright for FMU, and the latest article in Forbes magazine further validates this position by listing FMU as the most financially improved University for 2022, compared to more than 900 other institutions. The University is now financially stable, academically sound, and continues ascending to excellence.
FMU has formed strong partnerships with renowned corporations and organizations such as the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Lennar Foundation, Knight Foundation, and many others which helps advance student success, academic quality, and overall operational excellence.
Dr. Hardrick and his leadership team are reimagining the University’s future in a bold new way.
“The vision for our University’s future is transformative and invigorating,” said Dr. Hardrick. “I look forward to continuing to work with our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and partners to grow and unify our University with the greater community. I am truly thankful to everyone who believes in FMU and our mission.”
Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University is the only Historically Black College and University in South Florida. FMU is a private, coeducational, culturally diverse institution that offers 28 undergraduate programs, four graduate programs, and several professional programs. FMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Aviation Accreditation Board International, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Florida Department of Education, and the Council on Social Work Education. FMU has a competitive Inter-Collegiate Athletics program, more than 40 clubs and organizations, and its ROAR Marching Band is ranked number one in Division II among HBCUs. Please visit www.fmuniv.edu to learn more about the University.
