Shawnta Friday-Stroud Named Dean of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry

In an over-flowing room of faculty, staff and students, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris appointed Shawnta Friday-Stroud dean of the School of Business and Industry (SBI) after a national search.

“It is truly an honor to have Dr. Friday-Stroud lead our School of Business and Industry,” said Provost Hughes Harris.  “I am confident we have the very best person.”

        Friday-Stroud formerly served as the interim dean and is a professor of management. She also serves as the University’s Southern Association for Colleges and Schools  (SACS) Accreditation Liaison. Under her leadership, the University attained reaffirmation of accreditation through 2018

“I am humble by the confidence that President Ammons and Provost Hughes Harris have placed in me by appointing me to this awesome position and trusting that I have the skills and capability to lead one of the nation’s prestigious and dynamic business schools,” said Friday-Stroud.

Students in the School of Business and Industry were thrilled to hear the announcement of Friday-Stroud’s appointment.

“I’m very happy,” said Aaron Galloway, first year MBA student.  “I have worked closely with Dr. Friday-Stroud on recruitment events.  She really understands SBI.”

Other students echoed Galloway comments.

“Let me compose myself first because I am so excited,” said Audreen Robinson, a fifth-year SBI student from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  “This is some of the best news I have heard since I have been here at FAMU.  Even though, I am graduating in May I know that SBI is in very capable hands.” 

Rayvin Julien, who will also graduate in May, said she had tears in her eyes.

“The future of SBI is that much brighter now,” said Julien, a native of Chicago, Ill.

Friday-Stroud is a former McKnight Doctoral Fellow and a former McKnight Junior Faculty Development Fellow.  She has been recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.  She has also taught at Florida International University and Florida Memorial College. 

Friday-Stroud was featured in the January 2, 2003 issue of Black Issues in Higher Education as a “Standout Scholar.” Friday-Stroud has also self-published two books, Take A.C.T.I.O.N.® and Cultivate Your S.P.I.R.I.T®. The books offer professionals and individuals a simple holistic process for accomplishing more of their personal and professional goals in less time with less effort and stress.

She was appointed by the governor of the State of Florida and confirmed by the Florida Senate as a consumer member of the Florida Board of Respiratory Care. She is the Board Chair and also serves as Budget Liaison.

She has consulting experience in the areas of strategic planning, leadership training, diversity course development and training, employee attitudinal assessments, workload analysis, strategic market assessment, team building, computer training, conflict resolution and management, and employee-management relations liaison to name a few.

Friday-Stroud received her bachelor’s degree in business administration and an MBA from FAMU.  She received her Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in management from Florida International University in Miami, Fla.