Florida A&M appoints interim athletic director

Published: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 2:12 am

Florida A&M University Names Interim Athletic Director Amidst Leadership Changes

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has appointed Michael Smith as its interim athletic director, marking his fourth time holding the position. Smith replaces Travis Glasgow, who is departing to take on a role at Alabama A&M University. This change in leadership comes amidst a period of significant transition within the university's athletic department.

The appointment follows the recent legal troubles of former Vice President and Athletics Director Angela Suggs. Suggs was arrested on fraud and theft charges related to the misuse of a university-issued credit card. The investigation, initiated in November 2024 by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), revealed that Suggs allegedly used the card for personal purchases, including wire transfers, cash withdrawals, and casino spending, totaling over $24,000.

Suggs, who was appointed athletic director in 2024, is currently on administrative leave with pay. She is participating in a pretrial intervention program, which, if successfully completed, could lead to the dismissal of all charges. The program mandates gambling addiction treatment and prohibits her from holding positions that grant access to employer funds or credit lines.

The FDLE's investigation stemmed from a criminal referral from the Florida Department of Commerce's Inspector General, following an audit of Suggs' business credit card usage and travel reimbursements. The university has seen a relatively high turnover in its athletic director position, with only eight full-time directors in the past 18 years.

BNN's Perspective: The frequent changes in leadership at Florida A&M's athletic department, coupled with the recent legal issues, highlight the need for stability and a renewed focus on financial accountability. While the university navigates these challenges, the appointment of an experienced interim director like Smith offers a degree of continuity. The successful resolution of Suggs' case and the implementation of stricter financial oversight will be crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the athletic program.

Keywords: Florida A&M University, athletic director, interim, Michael Smith, Travis Glasgow, Angela Suggs, fraud, theft, FDLE, gambling addiction, pretrial intervention program, HBCU, administrative leave

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