Support NorthStar News - Make a Donation

video icon  Video of the Week

Kenyan Art Up for Auction in London

Search Past Issues

July 12, 2012

James H. Ammons resigned as president of Florida A&M
James H. Ammons resigned as
president of Florida A&M

James H. Ammons, FAMU President, Resigns in the Wake of Robert Champion, Jr.'s Hazing Death

James H. Ammons, president of Florida A&M University, which has been rocked by a scandal resulting from the hazing death last year of drum major Robert Champion, Jr., resigned on Wednesday.

In a letter to Dr. Solomon Badger III, chairman of FAMU's board of trustees, Ammons said he will retire on Oct. 11, 2012, but he will remain at the Tallahassee, Fla., school as a tenured full professor to continue his work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ammons, who has been FAMU president for five years, said he made the decision to step down after conversations with his family.

Dr. Badger said in a statement, "I am saddened by President Ammons' decision to resign, but it his choice to do so. Given all that has transpired, it seems to be in the best interest of the university and I applaud him for putting FAMU ahead of his personal goals."

The trustees did not name Ammons' successor.

Robert Champion Jr.
Robert Champion, Jr.
Champion, a 26-year-old drum major for FAMU's world famous "Marching 100" band died Nov. 19, 2011, on a chartered bus in Orlando, Fla., from internal injuries resulting from body punches sustained during a hazing ritual.

After Champion's death, President Ammons made major changes to the way the band and music department operated, but that did not prevent school's trustees from giving him a vote of no confidence, regarding his leadership.

Champion's parents appeared to have sued the school based on a statement issued by FAMU officials.

"We have known for quite some time that the family intended to file suit. Our hearts and prayers still go out to the Champion family. We are unable to comment further due to the pending litigation surrounding this matter," the statement said.

The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Chicago, IL | 312.504.0223
Copyright © The Northstar News & Analysis, Inc.
Contact Us: info@TheNorthstarNews.com
Privacy Policy

My statusContact Us on Skype