10/28/2026
Dear FAMUly,
A message from President Johnson...
Rattlers,
This has been a heartbreaking week. The joy of Homecoming was shattered by a senseless act of violence just outside our campus, and our hearts remain with those who were harmed and with their families. I am proud of how Rattler Nation came together to support one another.
Thanks to the swift, coordinated work of the Tallahassee Police Department and FAMU Police Department, a suspect is in custody. Your safety does not stop at the edge of campus, and neither does our commitment to your wellbeing.
Thanks to the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis, we will have an increased law enforcement presence on campus to provide additional security and peace of mind for our students, faculty, and staff. This builds on the significant investments we've made in campus safety with funding from the Governor and Florida Legislature, strengthening our security technology, infrastructure, and law enforcement resources to better protect our FAMU community.
But keeping our Rattler family safe means caring for more than just physical security. It also means supporting one another through the emotional toll of this tragedy.
If you are hurting, please don't carry it alone. Counseling and support services are available to every student, and reaching out is a sign of strength. More information about these resources can be found through the Office of Counseling Services.
This Saturday, the Rattlers take on Southern at Bragg Memorial Stadium, and I'll be there cheering them on. I hope you'll join me as we come together, show our Rattler pride, and support our team. Let's fill the stands and show the strength of Rattler Nation!
Dark clouds have gathered over our community this week, but they will not define us. We will not be ruled by fear. We draw our strength from one another. We are bigger, bolder, and better than this.
I am proud of us, and I am proud to serve as your President. See you Saturday, Rattler family!
Marva B. Johnson
President
