James Ammons Prepares to Wield the Budget Axe at Florida A&M University

James Ammons, the president of historically black Florida A&M University, is facing deep cuts in appropriations from the state government. This will be the fourth year in a row that appropriations from the state will be reduced. And this year there will be no money from the federal stimulus programs to offset the losses of state funds. As a result, Dr. Ammons has stated that there will be significant changes in the university budget he will submit to the university’s board of trustees in March.

In a recent forum held on campus, President Ammons admitted that there will be staff and faculty layoffs. He also stated that the university may eliminate one of the two summer school sessions, reduce the number of schools within the university, and realign academic programs and departments.

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