‘Everyone knew Andre’: Florida A&M community remembers a 'superhero' after murder

Florida A&M University’s Andre “Dre” Green — who police say was murdered in his northside apartment Tuesday afternoon — is remembered as a leader, mentor, brother and father figure to many of his students and colleagues in the FAMU community.

As director of Student Union Activities & New Student Orientation, 41-year-old Green’s 17 years of serving the university left a significant mark on the HBCU campus in Tallahassee.

FAMU’s Assistant Vice President of Alumni Affairs and University Advancement Carmen Cummings reminisced on the long hours she and Green would spend working on Homecoming projects together in the past, saying that he “sacrificed himself a whole lot to make others happy.”

“He was like a brother, and we looked out for each other. That’s why it hurts so bad, and the pain cuts like a knife,” Cummings told the Tallahassee Democrat with a trembling voice. “Not all colleagues touch your heart like Dre did.”

Before FAMU confirmed Green as the Tuesday victim, the Tallahassee Police Department opened a homicide investigation after officers found his body at Rolling Hills Apartments on John Knox Road. The investigation remains open and active, according to police.

The tragedy came as the capital city’s third homicide in a 24-hour period, following two separate shooting incidents in the Frenchtown and Griffin Heights areas.

Green — a Marianna, Florida native — earned his bachelor's degree in human sciences from Florida State University in 2004, a master's degree in student personnel administration from the University of Central Missouri in 2006 and a doctorate in higher education administration from Hampton University in 2014.

He was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

“He was more than a colleague,” Cummings said. “He was a dear friend, and he had a heart of service. He was a creative genius, and his ideas were always taking us to the next level. It was a joy working with him.”

After joining FAMU in 2006, Green went from being associate director of Student Government Association & Operations to serving in his director role, where he and his New Student Orientation staff recently completed sessions for incoming students of the class of 2027. He was also an adjunct instructor.

Cumming says Green would always receive great feedback as he created experiences that would warmly embrace both students and parents.

Green also led FAMU's historic hosting of the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) in the spring, making FAMU the first HBCU to put one on. More than 1,000 orientation leaders and professionals from more than 40 institutions from nine Southeastern states converged on the Tallahassee campus for the three-day event, according to the university.

In a March Facebook post, Green stated, "Attending my first SROW in 2002 as an FSU OL (Orientation Leader) changed my career path into Higher Education Administration. Years later to host this same conference is a full circle moment... my heart is full."

Back story: Florida A&M mourns beloved administrator; city grapples with 3rd murder case in 24 hours

Convenience store shooting: Tallahassee police investigate Monday fatal shooting inside local convenience store

More on homicides: Tallahassee police investigate second homicide, shooting less than 24 hours apart

In a university statement Tuesday afternoon, FAMU President Larry Robinson along with Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson Jr. offered their deepest condolences to the Green family, students, colleagues and friends.

Hudson said he has had a close relationship with Green for over 15 years as a Jackson County native who worked at FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement program while Green was an undergrad student at FSU.

“I watched him grow as a student, and he was a joyful person — very caring, very loving and full of energy,” Hudson said. “He had a great relationship with students as well as staff and faculty. Everyone knew Andre, and Andre touched everyone.”

“He loved to laugh, loved to joke and he always went above and beyond the call of duty,” he added. “This is a significant loss for the FAMU family.”

Green also helped plan the university’s president tours and was an advisor for FAMU’s Royal Court, where he connected with FAMU students such as 23-year-old Trelvin Payne — now a FAMU alumnus.

“He was one-of-a-kind, a man of so many talents and responsibilities,” said Payne, a Miami native who was a part of FAMU’s 2021-22 Royal Court. “He wore a cape and was definitely a superhero to a lot of people. Being in the same fraternity, he was a brother to me as well as a mentor.”

Kamiah Milliner, a 2020 FAMU graduate, said Green’s “warm and welcoming nature” made her feel valued when she first met him.

“I witnessed firsthand Dre’s unwavering commitment to upholding FAMU’s standards,” said Milliner, 24, who was a tour guide and Royal Court member while attending the university. “Dre not only inspired me, but he also inspired countless others with his wisdom, kindness and infectious spirit.”

Related news: Here’s what to know about FSU, FAMU’s graduation ceremonies this summer

The Office of Student Activities and Efferson Student Union, along with the Student Government Offices on campus, were closed Tuesday following the announcement of Green’s death. They will be closed for the remainder of the week ahead of Friday’s summer commencement ceremony, according to Hudson.

Black ribbons and two pillars of flowers were placed outside of FAMU’s Student Union building and Student Affairs office in honor of Green’s life.

As the FAMU community mourns the loss, counseling services are available for students, faculty and staff at the university.

A formal memorial service will be held on FAMU’s campus sometime next week following the university’s commencement ceremony. More details will be announced after the university communicates with Green’s family, according to Hudson.

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on twitter @tarahjean_.

Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Andre Green: Tallahassee, FAMU remember a 'superhero' after murder