Candidate Questionnaire
The 2026 gubernatorial election in Florida will directly impact the future of public universities across the state, including Florida A&M University. The Governor holds significant authority over university funding, leadership appointments, and system-wide priorities. Because of this, it is essential that alumni, supporters, and advocates take a thoughtful and organized approach to evaluating the candidates who seek to lead the state.
This process is designed to ensure that our engagement is informed, structured, and focused on protecting and advancing the long-term strength of our institution.
To create a fair and consistent method for understanding each candidate’s position, a formal questionnaire has been developed. This questionnaire will be distributed electronically to every officially declared candidate for Governor.
Each candidate will be given a clear deadline for submission to ensure equal opportunity for participation.
The questionnaire was developed by alumni and stakeholders who are deeply familiar with the mission, history, and needs of our university. Its purpose is to understand not only each candidate’s positions, but also their level of seriousness, understanding, and commitment in four areas:
01
Higher Education Funding Philosophy
Candidates will be asked to explain their approach to state funding for public universities, including their commitment to fair and equitable investment in FAMU. This includes operational funding, capital investments, and long-term financial stability.
02
Governance, Oversight, and Institutional Stability
Candidates will be asked about their approach to appointing university trustees, supporting effective leadership, and ensuring that universities are able to operate with stability and integrity. This includes respect for institutional governance and long-term planning.
03
Commitment to Student Access, Equity, and Opportunity
Candidates will be asked how they intend to support student access, affordability, academic success, and workforce preparation. This includes ensuring that students, faculty, and programs have the resources needed to succeed.
04
Respect for Institutional Mission and Legacy
Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of FAMU’s mission, its historic role, and its importance to the educational, cultural, and personal development of students in Florida and nationally. This includes their commitment to protecting the university’s relevance, independence, and long-term goals.
Preview: Candidate Questionnaire
A survey link will be sent to candidates. This preview is in the spirit of transparency.
Strike Forward for FAMU is an alumni-led initiative focused on the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election and ensuring the next governor supports public higher education. Given the significant impact this election will have on Florida's universities, we have developed this questionnaire to systematically evaluate candidates seeking office.
Introduction
Founded in 1887, as the only publicly funded Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Florida, Florida A&M University (FAMU) plays a critical role in advancing access, equity, and innovation across the state’s higher education system.
This questionnaire was developed by alumni and stakeholders to evaluate each gubernatorial candidate’s understanding, priorities, and commitment to policies that affect the university’s mission and future. This questionnaire is being sent to all declared candidates. Responses will be shared with alumni and stakeholders.
Responses will help guide the endorsement process and inform alumni engagement during the 2026 Florida gubernatorial election.
I. Higher Education Funding Philosophy
Background:
The Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890 created a federal framework for land-grant universities and require states to provide equitable financial support by matching federal funds dollar for dollar. In Florida, the University of Florida (1862 land-grant) and Florida A&M University (1890 land-grant) share this designation. Despite this requirement, FAMU has historically been underfunded, with an estimated shortfall of $1.9 billion since 1987. Additionally, the Higher Education Act of 1965 provided federal designation for Historically Black Colleges and Universities as “…any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] ...”
1. Funding Equity
Do you believe Florida A&M University currently receives equitable funding compared to other public universities in Florida?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
2. Commitment to Fair Funding
A. Would you commit to ensuring that FAMU receives its full, federally required one-to-one land-grant funding during your administration?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
B. As governor, what specific steps will you take to protect and increase funding for public universities and HBCUs like Florida A&M University, while also protecting academic freedom?
__________________________________________________
3. Addressing Historic Disparities
Would you support initiatives or legislation to address the historic funding shortfall experienced by FAMU?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
4. Strategic Investment
Would you make targeted investments in FAMU’s infrastructure, research, and student success programs a budgetary priority?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
5. Policy Reform
Would you support establishing a transparent system to ensure all public universities receive fair funding according to their missions and designations?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
II. Governance, Oversight, and Institutional Stability
1. Leadership Appointments
Will you commit to appointing members to the Florida Board of Governors and FAMU Board of Trustees who reflect experience, diversity, respect for the institution’s mission, and a commitment to academic integrity and transparency?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
2. Autonomy and Accountability
A. Do you believe public universities like FAMU should have stronger administrative autonomy to make academic, financial, and strategic decisions?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
B. Do you believe university Board of Trustees should have stronger autonomy to make academic, financial, strategic, and presidential appointment decisions?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
III. Commitment to Student Access, Equity, and Opportunity
1. Statewide Role of FAMU
Would you support expanded partnerships between FAMU and state agencies, private industries, and non-profits to strengthen research and workforce development?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
2. Student Access and Affordability
Would you support expanding programs to improve access, affordability, and completion rates for underrepresented and first‑generation students across Florida’s universities?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
IV. Respect for Institutional Mission and Legacy
1. Commitment to Mission
Do you support FAMU’s mission as a leading HBCU and its continued recognition and support as the state’s only publicly funded Historically Black College and University?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
2. Preserving Legacy and Heritage
Would you commit to protecting FAMU’s historical and cultural legacy in state policy and ensuring its unique contributions remain central to Florida’s higher education identity?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
3. Support for HBCUs Statewide
Would you champion statewide initiatives that recognize and strengthen the role of HBCUs in Florida’s educational and economic development strategies?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Unsure
Please explain your answer: __________________________________________________
Closing
Please share any additional comments, priorities, or perspectives you would like Florida A&M University alumni and stakeholders to understand about your vision for higher education in Florida.
__________________________________________________________________
Thank you for completing the Strike Forward for FAMU gubernatorial questionnaire. We appreciate your thoughtful engagement and your willingness to address issues that directly impact our university community and the broader state. Your participation supports our commitment to informed civic dialogue and transparent voter education.