FAMU eager to pump up its brand

Tallahassee, FL - Whenever Angela Suggs sits in front a potential corporate supporter of Florida A&M athletics, she seldom goes by the routine marketing script. She lets her on-campus background set the precedent. John Burt didn't grow up on FAMU's campus like Suggs did, but he understands the culture of an HBCU.

FAMU clearly is banking heavily on Burt and Suggs. He is a representative of the mega collegiate marketing firm IMG. She is FAMU's associate athletic director for marketing. Together, they have the task of helping the school's athletic department raise millions of dollars, and at the same time get fans back in the kinds of numbers that will have its teams performing in front of packed or near-packed arenas regularly.

It is the first time in at least 20 years that FAMU has made such an intense effort.



So the obvious concept is this: Increase attendance to make the work of Burt and Suggs a little easier. In the meantime, the duo believes FAMU's past success, such as its victory in the first Division I-A championship game in 1978 and its past history of winning titles along with academic achievements and social involvement, make the school recognizable.

READ MORE:

FAMU A.D. Derek Horne's Rattler Progress Report

You will want to watch the exclusive interviews (see below) conducted by Tallahassee WCTV's Elton Gumbel with Florida A&M University athletic director Derek Horne. I can honestly say that the RattlerNation is well pleased with Horne's actions to raise the bar on Rattler athletics.

Yes, we know the Rattlers men basketball program need some serious attention, but that's coming with the completion of the present coaching staff contracts.

When the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., finalizes negotiations with Southern University to be the 2011 classic opponent for FAMU, the football schedule will have some great new flavor, with Fort Valley State (SIAC), University of South Florida (Big East), North Carolina Central (MEAC) and possibly Southern (SWAC).

The FVSU Wildcats finished 8-2 in 2010, and will be an exciting season opener for FVSU's eighth president, Dr. Larry E. Rivers on his return to the hill. Dr. Rivers previously served as one of two FAMU “distinguished university professor” and dean of the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences. We will talk more about the schedule later.

Now, back to Derek Hornes and his perspectives on where he is leading the Rattlers athletic programs.

(beepbeep)
------------------

Just a few years ago the FAMU Rattlers' athletic road seemed to be full of speed bumps and maybe even a few wrong turns. But now their Wahnish Way is brighter and brighter by the day. For the last 149 days (and counting), Quitman, Georgia native Derek Horne has been settling into his role as athletic director.

Having the Rattlers win a MEAC football title just 4 months into the job helps make the new gig easier... But now that FAMU has transitioned from football and started putting the focus on Winter and Spring sports, the new leader has had a little bit of time to sit back and evaluate the state of the program. Safe to say, he likes what he sees.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.




Please Click Each Title below to view WCTV Video Interview

FAMU's Derek Horne on FAMU Optimism
FAMU's Derek Horne Unplugged
FAMU's Derek Horne on Spring Sports
FAMU's Derek Horne on Atlanta Classic Changes
FAMU's Derek Horne on First 4 Months as A.D.