Dr. Fred J. Gainous, Predsident Designate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tallahassee native Fred J. Gainous, has been selected to become the ninth president of Florida A&M University.

Gainous, 54, a FAMU alumnus served as Chancellor for Alabama College Systems Department of Post-Secondary Education for the past 14 years. He was instrumental in leading the merging of many of Alabama's two-year campuses.

Gainous was responsible for 19 community colleges, two junior colleges, seven technical colleges, Alabama Industrial Development Training Institute and Athens State University. As chief executive officer for the system, he was responsible for state allocated funds of $578.3 million in 2001.

Arthur Collins, chairman of the FAMU Board of Trustees, said the board is excited about its selection. "We are elated now that we've come to the conclusion of a 10-month process to select the ninth president of FAMU," said Collins. "A favorite son has come home. We have no doubt he was well trained begin a graduate of FAMU, and there's no doubt he will be an outstanding president."

Gainous earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture education, from FAMU and both his master's degree in agricultural education and doctorate in education from the University of Florida.

His career in academia includes having served as associate vice president for educational and student services at S. Petersburg Junior College; Assistant Commissioner for Community Colleges and Vocational Education at Kansas State Department of Education; and Coordinator of Occupational Programs at the Florida State Department of Education.

"Certainly this is red-letter day for me and my family," Gainous said. "I am extremely honored that the Board of Trustees selected me as FAMU's new president. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all of the support I have received from students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni. I look forward to working with everyone."

Carolyn H. Collins, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, said the decision by the Board to name Gainous as president took into account his passion and compassion in moving the University to the next level.

"He has indicated that he wants to be very involved with the alumni," Collins said. "That involvement he explained would include visiting the various chapters within the region to become better acquainted with them. I am real encouraged that the University is destined for great things."

Gainous served as trustee of Faulkner State University and is a member of the board of directors for Alabama College Education Savings, Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition, Alabama Technology Network, Baptist medical Center and Tome Bevill Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

He is also a member of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education Advisory Council; Alabama Council of College and University Presidents/Chancellors, Association of Community College Trustees; and Junior College and Trade School Authority.

Gainous has been honored with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Bellwether Award from the University of Florida, which recognized the accomplishments of the State of Florida's Teaching and Learning Initiative.

He and wife Madie, also a FAMU graduate, have three adult children, Tamara, Nikki and Kelli.

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FAMU Ranks #2 In Recruiting National Achievement Scholars

Florida A&M University (FAMU) was the No.2 recruiter of National Achievement Scholars, who some call the nation's "top African-American high school students" for the year 2001. Harvard, named #1, recruited 55 of our students, while FAMU recruited 52. "This ranking clearly distinguishes FAMU," said FAMU Interim President Henry Lewis III. Over the past ten years, FAMU has been one of leaders in the recruitment of Achievement Scholars. FAMU earned the top spot in academia for four years---in I992, 1995, 1997 and 2000 (when FAMU tied with Harvard). Each scholarship is a four-year award to undergraduate students covering tuition, fees, room and board, and partial payment of books. There are approximately 213 National Achievement Scholars at FAMU. The top (5) 2001 Achievement Scholars schools were:

1) Harvard College (55)
2) Florida A&M University (52)
3) Stanford University (50)
4) University of Florida (39)
5) Yale University (33)

(Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation Annual Report 2000)