FAMU Athletics Looks to Boost Funding Through 'OneFAMU' Initiative

New athletic director John Davis outlines plans to increase alumni donations and support for Rattlers sports programs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:29am

A vibrant, cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of orange and green, conceptually representing the energy and momentum behind FAMU's efforts to boost funding and support for its sports teams.FAMU's new 'OneFAMU' initiative aims to rally the school's alumni base to provide more financial support and engagement for its athletics programs.Tallahassee Today

Florida A&M University has formed a steering committee to increase alumni giving and support for its athletics programs through a new 'OneFAMU' initiative. The effort is being led by FAMU's new Vice President and Director of Athletics, John Davis, who previously served as secretary of the Florida Lottery.

Why it matters

FAMU has a long and proud history in collegiate sports, but the university's athletic programs have faced funding challenges in recent years. The 'OneFAMU' initiative aims to rally the school's alumni base to provide more financial support and engagement, which could help elevate FAMU's competitiveness across various sports.

The details

The 'OneFAMU' project will focus on growing alumni donations, event attendance, and overall engagement with the university's athletics department. Davis, who took over as FAMU's athletic director in January 2026, believes the initiative can help the Rattlers secure the resources needed to enhance facilities, recruit top talent, and achieve greater success on the field.

  • John Davis began as FAMU's Vice President and Director of Athletics on Monday, January 5, 2026.
  • The 'OneFAMU' steering committee was recently formed to spearhead the new fundraising and engagement initiative.

The players

John Davis

FAMU's new Vice President and Director of Athletics, who previously served as secretary of the Florida Lottery.

Florida A&M University

A historically Black university with a proud tradition in collegiate sports, seeking to bolster funding and support for its athletics programs.

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What they’re saying

“FAMU has always been its strongest when Rattlers strike together.”

— John Davis, Vice President and Director of Athletics

What’s next

The 'OneFAMU' steering committee will work to develop specific fundraising goals, engagement strategies, and a timeline for the initiative in the coming months.

The takeaway

By rallying its alumni base through the 'OneFAMU' project, FAMU hopes to secure the necessary resources to elevate its athletics programs and restore the university's competitiveness in collegiate sports.