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Dr. Fred S. Humphries
Dr. Fred S. Humphries, of Apalachicola, Florida founded the Black Male College Explorers program in June of 1990.
Dr. Humphries served as the eighth president of Florida A&M University, and he fulfilled that role with ambition and vitality. In 1997, under Dr. Humphries’s keen leadership and ambition, FAMU was selected as “College of the Year” by TIME Magazine and the Princeton Review. FAMU would even go on to surpass ivy league schools to become the leader in the recruitment of National Achievement Scholars.
Inspiring and trailblazing leadership wasn’t just a career for Dr. Humphries; it was his passion. For decades, Dr. Humphries dedicated his life to improving the chances of professional success for the best and brightest around the country. Dr. Humphries’s commitment to supporting minorities in their academic efforts is evident in the countless initiatives and scholarships that he launched.
During Dr. Humphries' tenure at FAMU, he succeeded in more than doubling enrollment rates from 5,000 to over 12,000. Dr. Humphries also played a prominent role in the reestablishment of a new law school, and number of outreach initiatives that continue to serve hundreds of Black Male College students each year. As a magna cum laude graduate of FAMU, Dr. Humphries committed decades to serving the university that became such an integral part of his life.
Tommy Mitchell, Sr.
Tommy Mitchell, Sr., of Tallahassee, Florida is proud to call Florida A&M University his Alma Mater.
Tommy graduated from FAMU in 1961, but his love for education didn’t stop there. His desire for serving others would ultimately result in 28 years of dedication to the University. Tommy filled countless roles from President of the FAMU Boosters to President of the FAMU National Alumni Association, but perhaps the most meaningful accomplishment during his tenure was to serve as Founding Director of the Black Male College Explorers Program.
Tommy’s love for inspiring others is evident in the hundreds of students that have gone through the Black Male College Explorers Program. An intervention program designed to prevent Black Males from dropping out of high school, “BMCEP” (bim-sep) has significantly increased these young men’s chances of earning a college degree.
An ordained deacon and faithful member of his church, Tommy is passionate about helping those in need. It’s because of that faith that Tommy has felt led to volunteer for a variety of organizations. As a former athlete himself, Tommy especially loved serving his community by coaching Little League basketball, serving as a YMCA physical director, and even directing a local marching band.
