FAMU President James Ammons to step down immediately

Dr. James H. Ammons

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Trustees at Florida A&M University decided this morning that President James Ammons should step down immediately instead of waiting for his scheduled resignation date of Oct. 11.

Ammons submitted his resignation last week amid a growing scandal over the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion in Orlando last fall and widespread criticism over management, financial and academic problems at the university.

Trustees Chairman Solomon Badger suggested at an emergency meeting this morning that the trustees waive their requirement that Ammons provide a 90-day notice of his intent to leave office.

Instead, they agreed Ammons should leave today so the university can move forward with needed changes.

"I think that FAMU needs pretty much immediate stability at this point," said trustee Marissa West, who is also FAMU's student body president.


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