MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. Dr. Jaffus Hardrick was inaugurated as the 14th President during a formal Investiture Ceremony on Friday, March 17, 2023.

The long overdue ceremony included a five-day series of events for the university community, delegates, and dignitaries to enjoy.

Some of the events during the week of this momentous occasion were the Coleman Drive Rock the Block Party; FMU’s 144th Founders’ Day Ceremony, where guest speaker Dr. Yanela G. McLeod spoke passionately about social consciousness, race relations and the African American experience; there was An Evening of Jazz on the Lawn; The Presidential Gala at the Diplomat Beach Resort; Community Worship Service; and the Bowties and Pearls Brunch, hosted by First Lady Janet Hardrick. A portion of the proceeds from the ticketed events will be donated to the Presidential Scholarship Fund.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, who successfully secured money from the National Defense Authorization Act for the university for the next four years after lobbying hard over the past two years, presented Dr. Hardrick with a $5,000,000 check to further advance our STEM and Aviation programs. Her unwavering determination and commitment to education will help change the lives of hundreds of students, elevate our research efforts, and produce talented graduates to meet the current and future workforce needs.

Dr. Hardrick also received a special donation of $250,000 from Thompson Hospitality, the university’s catering vendor, and more than $440,000 from the university’s dedicated sponsors.