"You cant negotiate or use diplomacy with people that will kill you that way. You've got to kill them in return" -Rufus Montgomery

In the eyes of many executive and alumni observers who care about FAMU as a pillar of national HBCU culture, Montgomery is quickly eroding the potential for FAMU to attract or retain executive talent, legislative support and alumni confidence. People all over the country are tired of the infighting, and more than that, the lack of a backstory to figure out who’s side we all should take. 

Despite how Rufus feels about Dr. Mangum and many feel about him, we can all agree that it is time for a him to be replaced. Many of the other Trustees are intimidated by him and are afraid to speak up in support of Dr.Mangum. Dr. Mangum was hired and accomplished many things in a short time frame.

The first-year president was on Capitol Hill touting a major land acquisition in Brooksville. The appearance of Mangum seated before the House Agriculture Committee, soon spread on social media. FAMU supporters were eager to see their university in the national spotlight.

The acceptance of the 3,800 acres to FAMU is a history-making event for one of the country's major HBCUs, the university said.

"The transfer will enable FAMU to develop educational training and developmental programs for new and beginning farmers and ranchers, and to teach them the latest biotechnological innovations and other key initiatives," Mangum said in a release.

"With your continued and enhanced support, we will continue to use these resources to expand our teaching, research, and extension programs to serve the increasing needs of our state and nation."

For Mangum, who became the first woman president in FAMU's history in January 2014, it was another example of addressing one of her goals of positioning the university's footprint nationally and even internationally. During the past year, Mangum has traveled to China, Africa and Brazil in establishing international educational relationships.

On campus, she is credited with:

•Settlement of the Robert Champion Hazing Lawsuit against the university for $300,000.

•Saving the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering from a takeover attempt by former Florida House Speaker and current Florida State University President, John Thrasher.

•Creating the Strong Finish Award to help pay student college debt down and encourage on-time graduation.

•Starting the passport program to encourage global travel for students.

•Establishing the High Achievers Award to provide scholarships to low-wealth students and encourage top grades, on-time graduation.

•Creating the Student Success Center.

•Establishing the FAMU Sustainability Institute that will offer educational opportunities for student and economic possibilities for FAMU.

•She was named 2015 HBCU Female President of the Year – AARP HBCU Awards and earlier, she was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee for Trade – 2015

Dr. Mangum is also responsible for

•Increasing the number of online courses from 18 course sections in 2013-14 to 149 course sections in 2014-15.

•Enrolling more than 1,400 students in those courses, an increase of more than 1000 percent.

•Earning a ranking as the No. 1 public HBCU by US News and World Reports.

•Earning a ranking as the No. 3 university in the nation for promoting social mobility.

•Increasing the number of donors making gifts and pledges by 51 percent, from 3,728 to 5,633 over the previous year.

•Increasing the number of cash donors by 126 percent, from 2,331 to 5,258, over the previous year.

•Achieving a 236-percent increase in the amounts of gifts and pledges, from $2.6 million to $8.8 million.

•Receiving re-accreditation for the law school

•Creating a 21st Century Living and Learning Community at FAMU buy increasing online offerings, expanding living-learning housing on campus and improving our communications structure.

•Earmarking Title III money to hire 13 tenure-track faculty members in biology, chemistry computer and information sciences, and mathematics to support our STEM initiative.

•She also listed several initiatives to improve FAMU's research capabilities and in engaging faculty.

Dr. Mangum has only been President for 2 years at FAMU and has made the Rattler Nation proud. Lets force Rick Scott to find a new position for Rufus Montgomery. We do not want him on FAMU's Board of Trustees. Sign this petition if you support Dr. Mangum and her vision to take FAMU to the top.