To Whom It May Concern (And Frankly I Do Not Give AF Right Now About Your Feelings),

Despite my deep frustration with the university’s operations, functions, and customer relationship management, which includes leveraging my family’s extensive contributions through years of employment, donations, attendance, and athletic participation, my love for FAMU remains unwavering. This also extends to our family’s stewardship of the largest privately held African American collection in the U.S., contrary to any other claims you may have heard and the baffling decision not to partner with a collection of this magnitude. Despite my personal grievances with the university, my affection for my alma mater endures. However, I refuse to stand by silently as it descends into chaos. The pressing question, one that echoes the sentiments of many of my classmates, is:

“What the f— is wrong with y’all?”

I am writing this letter as a deeply disappointed and outraged alumnus of Florida A&M University. The recent developments within both the Athletic Department and the broader university administration are nothing short of disgraceful. It is appalling that the leadership at FAMU has allowed such a chaotic and embarrassing situation to unfold, tarnishing the reputation of our esteemed institution.

Firstly, the athletic department under Tiffani-Dawn Sykes’ tenure has been a roller coaster of instability and poor decision-making. While there have been notable athletic successes, such as championships in multiple sports, these achievements are overshadowed by the utter chaos that has plagued the department. The abrupt departure of a successful head football coach, coupled with the loss of key recruits, has left our athletic program in disarray. This instability has not only affected team performance and athlete morale but has also strained relationships with alumni and booster organizations, culminating in a vote of no confidence from the alumni association. This is a clear indication of leadership failure and a blatant disregard for the trust and support of the FAMU community.

Moreover, Sykes’ decisions, perceived as dismissive of the preferences and sentiments of the fan base and stakeholders, have exacerbated tensions within the FAMU community. The public relations nightmare that has ensued is a direct result of poor leadership and an inability to effectively manage and communicate with key stakeholders. This level of incompetence is unacceptable and unworthy of the high standards that FAMU should uphold.

However, the problems do not end with the athletic department. The university-wide issues, particularly the scandal surrounding the $237 million donation from Gregory Gerami, have exposed a shocking level of mismanagement and negligence at the highest levels of the administration. The fact that such a substantial donation was announced without proper vetting, leading to an internal investigation and significant backlash, is a testament to the gross incompetence of those in charge. The subsequent resignation of President Larry Robinson only underscores the severity of this debacle. His failure to exercise due diligence and transparency has not only damaged the institution’s reputation but has also eroded the trust of students, alumni, and the wider community. I know you would love for me to add other names but I’ll refrain because the buck stops with the leader.

The mishandling of communications and the lack of proper procedures in dealing with the donation scandal highlight broader issues within the university’s management. The lack of transparency and accountability is astonishing, and it has left a stain on the legacy of FAMU that will not be easily washed away. The resignation of key officials is a small price to pay for the colossal blunders that have been made, but it does little to rectify the damage done.

Furthermore, this is not the first time FAMU has faced such egregious missteps. Historically, the athletic department has been plagued by scandals and poor oversight, from compliance issues that led to sanctions to the inability to retain top talent due to internal mismanagement. These recurring issues reveal a systemic problem within the leadership that has persisted over decades.

In the broader administration, FAMU has a history of leadership turmoil. The abrupt resignations, scandals involving misuse of funds, and persistent accreditation issues have consistently undermined the university’s credibility. This pattern of incompetence has created an environment where meaningful progress is stifled, and the university’s potential remains unfulfilled.

Adding to this incompetence is the fact that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. This behavior gives fuel to those who believe that high-level positions held by Black professionals are merely the result of DEI initiatives, affirmative action, or other external policies, rather than merit and capability. Such perceptions are not only false but deeply insulting to the FAMU community. Our university has produced some of the most capable and accomplished graduates on the planet. The university owes it to its graduates to lead accordingly.  These graduates have proven their excellence time and time again in various fields, demonstrating that the real issue lies not in our ability but in the leadership failures that hinder our progress.

It is high time we erase all this bullshit and usher in a new generation of competent leadership. Leadership that is available from both alumni and non-alumni who are passionate about taking FAMU to the next level of operational excellence. We need leaders who are committed to hard work, transparency, accountability, sustainability, mental acuity, discipline, and genuine progress, leaders who understand the importance of upholding the values and reputation of our beloved institution.  We have lost our way along the journey to our why.

Enough is enough. The time for change is now. FAMU deserves better, and so do its students, alumni, and supporters. It is time to step up and demand the leadership our university needs to thrive and excel.