TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons is the recipient of the 2008 Leader of the Year Award presented during the 14th Annual Distinguished Leadership Awards Ceremony sponsored by Leadership Tallahassee.
“I am truly grateful to have receive such an honor from Leadership Tallahassee,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “This award is symbolic of a team effort. FAMU alumni, faculty, staff, students and the community were supportive of what we were able to achieve.”
The Leader of the Year Award is awarded to an individual whose ideas, vision and hard work achieved significant, tangible benefits to the community within the past year. Such work could include a focus on a particular initiative or project that improve the quality of life of Tallahasseeans.
Ammons was recognized for the leadership he demonstrated in FAMU’s efforts to regain its accreditation and institute financial and management improvements.
On February 1, 2007, Ammons was appointed president and his appointment was ratified by the Board of Governors on March 8, 2007. Less than a week before he was to report to work, Ammons learned that FAMU had been placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. He spent his first year working to make sure FAMU was in compliance with the SACS Commission on Colleges. He also focused on restoring the public’s trust in FAMU’s ability to handle its finances. He traveled across the country meeting with alumni and securing their support for FAMU, setting a new record in fund raising through the Tom Joyner School of the Month Campaign. During his first year, FAMU received its first clean audit in three years and the academic programs continued to soar. Six programs were in jeopardy of losing their accreditation when he came on board. Today, all are in good standing with their respective accrediting association.
The Distinguished Leadership Award event is Leadership Tallahassee’s major community fundraiser with proceeds to go toward the Youth Leadership Tallahassee program.
According to Barbara Boone, executive director of Leadership Tallahassee, “Tallahassee’s mission is to cultivate a diverse network of emerging and experienced leaders committed to improving the community.”
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