Explore HBCU – Florida Memorial University
Florida Memorial University is a private historically black university in Opa-locka North, Miami Gardens Florida.
Background
Founded in 1879, Florida Memorial University is one of the oldest academic centers in Florida, and the only HBCU in Southern Florida. Though it was originally named the Florida Baptist Institute and located in Live Oak, Florida, in 1892, members of the institution established a separate branch in Jacksonville. Four years after the founding, the heads of the two differing locations combined the two institutions to found the Florida Normal and Technical Institute.
In 1918, the school moved to St. Augustine, and in 1941 the Live Oak and St. Augustine campuses merged, combining their offers and ultimately becoming a four-year liberal arts institution. In 1963, the school changed its name to Florida Memorial College, just five years before the college relocated to its present site in northwest Miami. In 2006, the institution changed its name to Florida Memorial University in order to reflect its expansion into graduate studies.
Programs & Opportunities
Today, Florida Memorial University offers more than 30 degree programs, with a wealth of offerings in 28 undergraduate specialties and programs, as well as three master’s programs in business administration, reading/esol specialization, and student education.
With its comprehensive selection of majors and extracurricular activities, Florida Memorial University is committed to a comprehensive education and advancement of its students’ skills within public service, academics, and leadership.
Notable Alumni
A few of Florida Memorial University’s more well-known alumni include, but are not limited to:
- Nelis J. Saunders—former member of the Michigan House of Representatives—earned her associate’s degree from Florida Memorial College
- Barrington Irving—a Jamaican-American aircraft pilot who previously held the record for the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world alone in 2007—earned his undergraduate degree and studied aerospace science at Florida Memorial.
- Freddie Lee Peterkin—multi-hyphenate actor, ordained Minister, singer-songwriter, and published author—earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management & Airway Science with Minors in Education.
- Christopher Benjamin—attorney and member of the Florida House of Representatives—graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Political Science
Financial Information
At Florida Memorial University, tuition comes out to a total of $16,236, with an average of 86% of students on the receiving end of financial assistance, most of which is scholarships and grants. In fact, it’s estimated that over 90% of the complete student population get grants, the approximate amount per student being over $10,000.
Conclusion
At Florida Memorial University, students grow to become fully equipped to pursue their dreams and disrupt the world for good. With access to leading professionals and a hands-on learning environment, FMU students are especially primed to be positive change makers within their communities and the global environment.
Sources:
- https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/florida-memorial-university-1879/
- https://www.fmuniv.edu/academics/
- https://www.findmyhbcu.org/school/florida-memorial-university/
- Nelis: https://mdoe.state.mi.us/legislators/legislator/LegislatorDetail/3029
- Barrington: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/irving-barrington-1983/
- Freddie: https://www.facebook.com/ministerfreddieleepeterkin/
- Christopher: https://www.ilp.law/christopher-e-benjamin
- https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university/paying-for-college/financial-aid/
- https://www.univstats.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university/financial-aid/
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