Angela Suggs at her introductory press conference.
After a long and extensive search, the hunt for a new vice president of athletics is over. Angela Sugg’s homecoming is early as she returns to FAMU.
During a press conference on Friday, the university announced that the Florida A&M Board of Trustees approved a three-year contract worth $750,000 for Suggs to become the next vice president of athletics.
Suggs will be the 12th athletic director for FAMU since 2009.
During Friday’s conference, the trustees and interim university president, Dr. Timothy Beard, met to discuss how Suggs fit their needs for an athletic director.
“Mrs. Suggs has established a stellar reputation within the sports industry,” Beard said. “Her profound industry, knowledge, and dedication to excellence can elevate FAMU athletics to a prominent position in collegiate sports, driving our athletic program to new levels of success on and off the field.”
Prior to her new position, Suggs served as the chief executive officer and president of the Florida Sports Federation. According to her bio with the FSF, she impacted Florida’s sports industry, contributing over $70 billion in annual economic impact. She has helped with sporting events, hosts, and communities secure through the Foundation’s grant programs.
Additionally, she participated in the Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games and supported national and promoted the development of amateur sports.
Suggs is no stranger to the Tallahassee area. A native, she attended FAMU Developmental Research School and FAMU, earning her bachelor’s degree in economics and her master’s in therapy at St. Thomas University.
Suggs is also familiar with FAMU athletics. From 2009 to 2017, she held multiple positions within the department.
During Monday’s press conference, Suggs shared what it means to return to her alma mater.
“I’m humbled, really, it’s a humility,” Suggs said. “It’s really understanding what coming home really means—understanding that I get a chance to lock arms with our leadership here on campus, students, our student-athletes, and our coaches. To then bring FAMU into the community, to bring championships, to contribute to what is a championship town. Being home doesn’t mean just me coming home. It’s the hometown success, it’s what Tallahassee is about, it’s what Florida A&M is about … that’s where the emotion comes from.”
As a FAMU grad, Suggs reflected on attending FAMU sporting events and said she wants to bring back some traditions for the community to experience.
“Packed house, energy, cheering to victory … I have great memories of being at all of our sporting events,” Suggs said.
Suggs already has a vision for what she wants all athletics to be moving forward.
“My vision for FAMU athletics is to win 14 championships,” Suggs said. “For us to create a stellar student-athlete experience.”
Suggs will officially begin her new position on Oct. 7.