FAMU Shifts Funds, Marching 100 Emerges Stronger

Florida A&M University's Marching 100 Secures Additional Funding Amid Budget Changes

Florida A&M University’s iconic Marching 100 has found a way to maintain its momentum despite recent budget adjustments. The university’s Foundation recently revised its 2025-26 fiscal year budget, which initially proposed cutting $400,000 in funding for the band. However, instead of leaving the program without support, the university has opted to use its "carry forward funds" — unspent money from previous years — to allocate approximately $800,000 to the Marching 100.

This decision ensures that the band can continue its mission of growing its membership and maintaining its high standards. The funding will help increase the number of student players from 275 to 330, as outlined by Marching 100 Band Director Shelby Chipman. FAMU President Marva Johnson emphasized the importance of supporting this vision during a virtual foundation board meeting on August 12, where the revised budget was unanimously approved.

Reallocation of Funds and Impact on Other Areas

The original $400,000 that would have been allocated to the Marching 100 has now been redirected to other areas within the university. Specifically, $300,000 is being used to support executive salaries, including those of key leadership figures such as:

• Angela Suggs, Vice President and Director of Athletics
• Kelvin Lawson, Executive Chief Operating Officer
• Allyson Watson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Donald Palm, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Enterprise and Research Innovation
• Carmen Cummings-Martin, Chief of Staff

This move aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure that senior leadership is adequately compensated, particularly given the recent changes in the university’s financial structure. Additionally, $100,000 from the reallocated funds has been added to the “office of the president” budget line item, bringing the total to $200,000. This portion will be used to support student and fundraising initiatives, according to Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, acting Vice President of University Advancement and executive director of the foundation.

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Transparency

Despite the positive outcome for the Marching 100, some foundation board members expressed concerns about how the changes might be perceived by alumni and other stakeholders. Board member Monica Williams Harris worried that the shift could lead to the misconception that the foundation is no longer supporting the band. She also highlighted the need for continued financial support for students, noting that several band members had spoken out at a university board meeting in June about their need for scholarships and additional resources.

However, foundation board chair Kenneth Neighbors argued that the changes reflect a broader commitment to student support. He reminded members that the foundation’s role has always been to fund programs through donations and community generosity, and that the current arrangement is a result of ongoing communication and advocacy.

To clarify the reasoning behind the budget changes, a footnote has been added to the amended proposal. It explains that the $800,000 from carry forward funds will offset the $400,000 previously earmarked for the Marching 100. This transparency aims to reassure alumni and other stakeholders that the band remains a priority.

Next Steps and Ongoing Challenges

The next step in the approval process involves FAMU’s Board of Trustees, which must review and approve the revised budget proposal. While it is unclear when the board will vote on the spending plan, the changes mark a significant shift in how the university manages its financial resources.

For now, the Marching 100 appears to be in a stronger position than before, thanks to the strategic use of carry forward funds. As the university moves forward, the focus will remain on balancing financial responsibilities while continuing to support its most iconic programs.