1890 Universities Community Mourns the Passing of Dr. Fred Humphries, Sr.
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The 1890 Universities Foundation expresses heartfelt condolences on the passing of Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, Sr., one of the most celebrated and revered presidents at both Tennessee State University and Florida A&M University and a leader within the 1890 Universities community. Dr. Humphries served at Tennessee State University from 1974-1985 and Florida A&M University from 1985-2001.
Memorial services for Dr. Humphries will be taking place in July on the following dates and the following locations:
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Location: FAMU, Eternal Flame on the main campus
6 p.m. University Students' Vigil sponsored by the SGA of FAMUFriday, July 9, 2021
Location: FAMU Lee Hall Auditorium
3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dr. Humphries lying in repose (public viewing)
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Public Wake
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omega Service (open to the public)
“Fred was a friend and colleague. He served as chair of the Council of 1890 Presidents and provided key leadership in the early days of the USDA-1890 Taskforce. We are fortunate to have had Fred Humphries, Sr., as a higher education champion and trailblazer whose legacy will live on through the influential work of his son Fred Humphries, Jr.,” said Dr. Mortimer Neufville, President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation.
“Dr. Humphries was a historic figure in the HBCU and higher education community. It is an honor for many of us to follow in his footsteps,” said Dr. Makola Abdullah, Chair of the 1890 Universities Foundation Board and President of Virginia State University. “My condolences to his family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”
Fred Humphries, Sr.’s passion and commitment to the HBCU Land Grant institutions has been passed on to his son Fred Humphries, Jr., Vice President for U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft, who is leading a major corporate initiative on racial equity including new funding and tech acceleration resources for HBCUs.
The entire 1890 Universities community is grateful to Fred Humphries, Sr., for his dedication and lasting contributions to higher education and his community. We stand with the entire higher education community and the Humphries family in celebrating a life well lived. Dr. Humphries died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, June 24 in Orlando at the age of 85.