FAMU’s new alumni association president Curtis Johnson wants to reach 10,000 paid members

It's almost been two weeks since Florida A&M University's Curtis Johnson, Jr. was sworn in as the new National Alumni Association president, and doubling the current 5,000 membership rolls is his chief ambition.

Johnson, a 52-year-old Fort Pierce native, succeeds former President Gregory Clark, after serving on the association’s board as sergeant-at-arms for two and a half years.

“I have every confidence in President Johnson in picking up the mantle and continuing to move this association forward,” Clark told the Democrat. Clark served as president for six years during two terms, with his first term beginning in 2016.

Johnson and Clark have a long history as college mates at FAMU and brothers in the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, which Johnson was the president of as an undergraduate student. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1990 and received his master’s degree in business administration in 1992 at the university.

The alumni association proposed a budget of $1 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year, with the projected funding coming from membership dues, fundraising efforts and sponsorships. To become a member, the annual fee is $50 while the one-time life membership fee is $750. The association's membership represents about 6% of the overall reported number of FAMU alumni, which is over 80,000.

Read more: FAMU President Larry Robinson among HBCU delegation in Israel on groundbreaking trip

Also: Marching 100 band camp draws record crowd, shows off precision with parade at FAMU

Johnson is a part-time city commissioner in Fort Pierce, Florida, and is the founder and CEO of The CUVEY Group, LLC, a Florida-based marketing and human resource consulting firm.

Johnson spoke to the Tallahassee Democrat about his new role and involvement at the university:

Q: After graduating from FAMU, what made you want to continue getting involved after all these years? 

A: “I've been a life member of the alumni association since 2009, so I believe in advocating for the university and providing a pathway for those that are coming in behind me to have the same success I had by graduating from FAMU. Those things align with the mission of what the National Alumni Association is doing and will continue to do. That's how I'd rather give my money back. I'd rather give it to an organization that's going to ensure that they're supporting kids coming to FAMU and kids graduating from FAMU.”

Q: How would you explain prioritizing FAMU while having other responsibilities? 

A: “Without a doubt, I absolutely can. I wouldn't have run for office if I couldn't dedicate the time. It's because I do have the flexibility in my schedule while running my own business and being city commissioner part time.”

Q: What do you plan on doing to increase membership in the NAA? 

A: “We want to have 10,000 active memberships. It's my goal to communicate and go out to activate the Rattlers and provide those things that they're looking for at our national conferences as well as the experiences at certain big events, such as the big football games.

We’re certainly engaging the Rattler fan base, understanding what they're looking for and delivering those things while asking them to be a part of the National Alumni Association.”

Q: What are the top goals you hope to accomplish during your first year as NAA president? 

A: “My first year specifically is to make sure that we advocate for FAMU and that we get engagement from the Alumni Association. We want to make sure that for the legislative season, we are engaged and active on behalf of Florida A&M University to get the funds that we're going to need to continue to function.

We also want to be active in inclusive environments this year as we have football games — Homecoming, Jackson State University, Southern University and the Orange Blossom Classic. We want to have great events that alumni can be very proud of so that we attract more people towards our goal of 10,000.”

Q: What are some of the reactions and feedback you've received about taking on this new role? 

A: “I'm excited about the feedback I've gotten from the Rattlers, and they're excited about the vision and the communication that will be coming as we move toward our goal of having more active alumni. We're going to need all the Rattlers to become part of this organization to help us continue to support FAMU.

Enthusiasm is up, people are excited and they're looking forward to hearing more and seeing even more from the National Alumni Association so that they can be a part of the success of it.”

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: FAMU new National Alumni Association president aims for new goal