TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Florida A & M University's newest president is ready to get to work. Elmira Mangum, P.h.D. began her first official day on the job as the school's 11th president.
Mangum has already made history as the first female president at FAMU. She said she's impressed with women in leadership on campus and is excited to be a part of the community.
"I hope that they understand that we are a place to be," said Mangum. "A safe campus, exciting campus, where they can have fun and also focus and achieve their goals."
Mangum replaces James Ammons, who resigned last summer after controversy surrounding the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion. The university was also placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools after the incident. The probation was lifted in December 2013. Now, Mangum says she's looking forward, finding ways to keep those issues from happening again.
"I think, though, that the institution has done an awful lot to assure people that we are moving forward and that the opportunities are here," said Mangum.
She says her time as Vice President for Planning and Budget at Cornell University taught her the importance of being a part of the surrounding community, something she hopes to make stronger at FAMU.
But Mangum says her number one priority is making the university a place where students can thrive.
"Our programs, the grants that we receive, our faculty's research interests will let students and parents know that they can come to FAMU and study anything they want and get the personal attention that they need from a university this size and the faculty that's committed to them," said Mangum.
On Friday, April 4 the university will honor Mangum with a welcome rally at 12:15 p.m. on the steps of Lee Hall.
Larry Robinson, the school's interim president while they searched for a new president, is taking a six month sabbatical.
