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A New President begins a new year at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee. James Ammons resigned following the hazing death of a drum major and accreditation problems, as well as incomplete and false audit reports, so the  new President has a mission to right financial woes and a falling enrollment.

The mood on Florida A & M’s campus is hopeful following a string of problems that were uncovered following the death of Drum Major Robert Champion. Music major Jamal Wallace of Jacksonville is glad to have the band back. “It was a dreary moment for the students, for the campus as a whole. You know, spirits have been lifted, and we’re glad to see the band back.”.

Now Elmira Magnum, who took over in April, begins her first full academic year.

“This living and learning environment that we have at FAMU is going to be pre-eminent and best in class.”

Magnum spent the summer assembling new leadership team. She says there is a” little more shaking to come.” Negotiations are underway with a candidate for Chief Financial Officer. She is yet to hire a Provost.

Under Magnum’s leadership, there will be a greater emphasis on students. “And we want to make sure we provide the support the students need to be successful in four years.” She emphasized “four years”.

And many students, including Ebony Newkirk of Panama City,  are hopeful the worst is behind the university. “And she has a lot of really good ideas and discipline that I think we need” says the student.

In the last three years, enrollment here has dropped twenty five percent.

Magnum says filling class rooms is not her top concern.  “A smaller class size does not bother me. I focused more is making sure we have that qualIty and that interest” says the new President

But not all students believe change will be real. Tysha Nccig of Tampa wants to wait and see before proclaiming things are on the right track. Q:” Will this be good for the University?” “Maybe. Possibly. I’m not really sure about that yet.”

The new president has already tangled with a least one member of her trustees and come out swinging…an indication that she understands kid gloves won’t fix the universities problems.

And the new President says her biggest challenge will be convincing alumni to reinvest in their alma matter.