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Dr. Frederick Humphries

Frederick S. Humphries is a Distinguished Visiting Research Professor at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Humphries’ research interest focuses on documenting the United States’ production of graduates with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and exploring new ways to increase the number of American—particularly African American—students who pursue such degree.

Widely recognized as one of America’s leading educators, Dr. Humphries extensive career has included serving as President of Florida A&M University (1985-2001) and President of Tennessee State University (1974-1985). While at Florida A&M, Humphries recruited a cadre of outstanding students and faculty. He increased enrollment at Florida A&M from 4,700 to over 13,000 students while simultaneously raising academic standards, and adding new masters and Ph.D. degree programs in Engineering, Physics, Pharmacy, and Law. In 1997 TIME Magazine recognized Florida A&M as its very first “College of the Year”.

Under Humphries’ leadership, Florida A&M became the nation’s number one producer of African-Americans with baccalaureate degrees and topped Harvard three times in the recruitment of National Achievement Scholars.

Humphries received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh, and a B.S. in Chemistry from Florida A&M (Magna Cum Laude). He has served on the Board of Directors of Wal-Mart Stores, Brinker International (parent company of Chili’s, Maggiano’s, Macaroni Grill, and On the Border Restaurants), the Princeton Review, the National Merit Corporation, and the Academy for Educational Development (AED).

Dr. Humphries' full biography (PDF)