Founded on October 3, 1887, as the State Normal College for Colored Students, what is now Florida A&M was started with 15 students and two instructors.

Today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is one of nine institutions in the State University System. In 2008, Diverse Issues in Higher Education cited FAMU as the #1 producer of African-Americans baccalaureate degree holders. Additional accolades include being named "College of the Year" in 1997 by Time Magazine Princeton Review and was named the No. 1 institution for African Americans in 2007 by Black Enterprise magazine.

While the University continues its historic mission of educating African Americans, persons of all races, ethnic origins and nationalities are welcomed and encouraged to remain life-long members of the university community. The University, through its diverse faculty and staff, provides a caring, nurturing, collegial and respectful environment.

The mission of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), as an 1890 land-grant institution, is to provide an enlightened and enriched academic, intellectual, moral, cultural, ethical, technological and student-centered environment, conducive to the development of highly qualified individuals who are prepared and capable of serving as leaders and contributors in our ever-evolving society. The university seeks and supports a faculty and staff of distinction dedicated to providing outstanding academic preparation at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional school levels, with a particular emphasis on integrity and ethical conduct. FAMU is committed to inspirational teaching through creative partnerships at the local, state, national and global levels. The University is also committed to the resolution of complex issues that will enhance humankind.