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This collection reflects the saved papers and artifacts of Dr. Benjamin Luther Perry, Jr., the sixth president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Most of the collection is contemporaneous with Dr. Perry’s tenure as university president from 1968 to 1977. This collection contains speeches, administrative papers, correspondence, reports, news articles, photographs, conference journals, and more, focusing on Dr. Perry’s speeches and organizational involvement. His work as a university president included advocating for the continued existence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in general and FAMU in particular, as well as many administrative and policy decisions regarding the development of university assessments and personnel procedures. 

With Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., at the helm, the 1970s brought further growth to the University. FAMU experienced a decade of rapid transition when federal laws demanded a desegregated unitary system. Dr. Perry’s administration is credited with the preservation of FAMU’s autonomy. In 1971, FAMU was recognized as a full partner in Florida’s nine-university, public higher education system.

The program and academic areas within the institution were extended to include the Black Archives Research Center and Museum, established as a state repository for black history and culture; the Division of Sponsored Research; the program in medical sciences, in conjunction with FSU and the University of Florida; the development of the School of Architecture; a Naval ROTC unit; establishment of the cooperative programs in agriculture; and a degree-granting program in Afro-American Studies.

Enrollment at FAMU increased from 3,944 (1969) to 5,024 (1970). The university was reorganized into academic areas instead of departments. The physical plants were improved by the construction of the Women’s Complex (apartment type dormitory), Clifton Dyson Pharmacy Building, new poultry building and dairy cattle resting shed, and renovation of University Commons, Coleman Library, Tucker Hall, and the FAMU Hospital into the presently named, Foote-Hilyer Administration Center (FHAC).

Every university has a history, but few have a history as unique and impressive as ours. For more than 130 years, Florida A&M University has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the nation by providing preeminent educational programs...programs that were the building blocks of a legacy of academic excellence with caring. FAMU, “Florida’s Opportunity University,” is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.

In 1884, Thomas Van Renssaler Gibbs, a Duval County educator, was elected to the Florida legislature. Although his political career ended abruptly because of the resurgence of segregation, Representative Gibbs successfully orchestrated the passage of House Bill 133 in 1884. This bill established a white normal school in Gainesville and a school for African Americans in Jacksonville. The bill passed, creating both institutions; however, the state decided to relocate the school for African Americans to Tallahassee.

After the bill’s passage, FAMU was founded on October 3, 1887. It began classes with 15 students and two (2) instructors. Thomas DeSaille Tucker (1887-1901), an attorney from Pensacola, was chosen as the first president. Former State Representative Gibbs joined Mr. Tucker as the second faculty member.

In 1891, the College received $7,500 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education. The State Normal College for Colored Students became Florida’s land grant institution for African Americans, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students.

In 1905, the management of the College was transferred from the Board of Education to the Board of Control. This significant event officially designated the College as an institution of higher education.
In 1909 the name was changed from The State Normal College for Colored Students to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees.

President Nathan B. Young (1901-1923) directed the growth of the College to a four-year degree-granting institution, despite limited resources, offering the Bachelor of Science degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee Sr. (1924-1944), the College acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. More faculty were hired, courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received from several state agencies. By the end of Lee’s term, FAMC had 812 students and 122 staff members.

In 1949, under William H. Gray Jr. (1944-1949), expansion and reorganization continued. The College obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment grew to more than 2,000.