About Florida A&M University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, founded on October 3, 1887, as the State Normal College for ColoredStudents, began classes with fifteen students and two instructors. Its destiny - to become an institution of higher learning, striving toward even greater heights of academic excellence. Today, Florida A&M University is one of nine institutions in Florida 's State University System, and excellence - "excellence with caring" - remains its goal.

Leading the State Normal College through its infancy were two distinguished citizens and educators. They were Thomas DeSaille Tucker, an outstanding attorney from Pensacola who was selected as the college's first president, and Thomas Van Rennasaler Gibbs, a state representative from Duval County who was Tucker's top assistant. In 1891, the college received $7,500 under the Second Morrill Act for agricultural and mechanical arts education; thus, it became Florida's land grant institution for African-Americans. The college was moved from Copeland Street (now the site of Florida State University) to its present location, and its name was changed to the State Normal and Industrial College for Colored Students. It was at this new site that President Tucker initiated his plans for institutional growth and development.

In the 1900s, this young institution flourished under the leadership of Nathan B. Young. In 1905, management of the college was transferred from the Board of Education to the Board of Control. This event was significant because it officially designated the college as an institution of higher education. The name was changed in 1909 to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (FAMC). The following year, with an enrollment of 317 students, the college awarded its first degrees. In spite of a setback caused by a tragic fire which destroyed Duval Hall (the main building which housed the library, administrative offices, cafeteria and other college agencies), progress was made when a gift of $10,000 was presented to the college by Andrew Carnegie for the erection of a new library facility-which held the distinction of being the only Carnegie Library located on a African-American land-grant college. President Young directed the growth of the college with limited resources and expectations, to a four-year degree-granting institution, offering the B.S. degree in education, science, home economics, agriculture, and mechanical arts.

Under the administration of John Robert Edward Lee, Sr., Florida A&M University acquired much of the physical and academic image it has today. Buildings were constructed; more land was purchased; more faculty was hired; courses were upgraded, and accreditation was received from several state agencies. In 1944, Florida A&M University had constructed 48 buildings, accumulated 396 acres of land, and had 812 students and 122 staff members. In 1949, under the guidance of William H. Gray, Jr., expansion, along with reorganization, continued; the college had obtained an Army ROTC unit, and student enrollment had grown to more 2,000.

Perhaps the greatest achievement under the presidency of Dr. George W. Gore, Jr., was the elevation of the school to university status. In 1953 the college's name was changed by legislative action from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Obtaining university status meant restructuring existing programs and designing new academic offerings to meet the demands of producing quality students at the professional and graduate levels. Between 1953 and 1968 the Schools of Pharmacy, Law, Graduate Studies, and Nursing were created.

During the years 1950-1968, the university experienced its most rapid growth. Twenty-three buildings were erected with construction and renovation costs totaling more that 14 million. These facilities included the Dairy Barn, Faculty Duplexes, Law Wing of Coleman Library; Gibbs, Tucker, and Truth Halls; Agriculture and Home Economics Building(Perry Page), Student Union Building, Demonstration School Building and cafeteria; Health and Physical Education Building, Music and Fine Arts Complex, High School Gymnasium, Stadium, and Health and Physical Education Building. The hospital was completed and operative. The university staff increased by more that 500. At this time, the four-quarter plan was implemented, and the school became the first Negro institution to become a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment increased to more than 3,500.

With Dr. Benjamin L. Perry, Jr., at the helm, the 1970s brought further growth to the institution. FAMU experienced a decade of rapid transition during a time when federal laws were demanding a desegregated unitary system. His administration is credited with the preservation of FAMU's autonomy. In 1971 FAMU was recognized as a full partner in the nine-university, public higher education system of Florida. The program and academic areas within the institution were extended to include the Black Archives Research Center and Museum, established as a state repository for black history and culture; the Division of Sponsored Research; the Program in Medical Sciences, in conjunction with FSU and the University of Florida; the development of the School of Architecture; a Naval ROTC unit; establishment of the cooperative programs in agriculture; a degree-granting program in Afro-American Studies. Enrollment at FAMU increased from 3,944 (1969) to 5,024 (1970). The University was reorganized into academic areas instead of departments. The physical plants were improved by the construction of the Women's complex (apartment type dormitory), Clifton Dyson Pharmacy Building, new poultry building and dairy cattle resting shed and renovation of University Commons, Coleman Library, Tucker Hall and the FAMU Hospital was converted into the presently named, Foote-Hilyer Administration Center.

The 1980's served as a model for productive development of FAMU. Under the administration of Dr. Walter L. Smith, the University grew to eleven schools and colleges, and a Division of Graduate Studies, Research, and Continuing Education. In 1984, the University was granted the authority to offer its first Doctor of Philosophy degree, the Ph.D. in Pharmacology. The '80s also saw the expansion of the Gaither Athletic Center, which includes the construction of a new Women's Athletic Complex equipped with a track, an olympic pool, men's and women's weight training rooms, and softball and baseball fields. Bragg Memorial Stadium was renovated and expanded to provide seating for some 25,000 spectators, and a modern field house was erected. The old laundry was converted into the Industrial Education Classroom-Laboratory. New facilities were constructed to housing the Schools of Allied Health Sciences, Architecture, Business and Industry, and Nursing. Construction and renovation projects amounted to more that $34 million. Under the leadership of Dr. Smith, the University launched the Centennial Celebration Fund for establishment of a university endowment.

In 1985, construction of a new corridor of history was begun as Dr. Frederick S. Humphries became the eighth president of FAMU. Under his leadership, FAMU has experienced significant growth and unsurpassed accomplishments. President Humphries has the distinction of residing over the University's Centennial Celebration: October 2, 1986-December 31, 1987. This commemorative event, which centered upon the theme, "A Legacy to Preserve--A Future to Design," was initiated with the president's inauguration, highlighted with many activities (lectures, concerts, convocation, etc.) and honors, and culminated with the burial of a time capsule.

Dr. Humphries' unique administrative initiatives have heightened the appeal for FAMU to high-school students, parents, and other publics. Some of the achievements made during President Humphries' administration include the following.

The University has experienced record-breaking enrollment growth during years 1986 to present. In 1985, enrollment was 5,100; and statistics for 1992-93 showed total enrollment at 9,551.

The University's national ranking in enrolling National Achievement finalists has steadily climbed from fourth place in 1989 to first place in 1992, surpassing institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Through implementation of innovative recruiting efforts, such as the Life-Gets-Better, Excellence in Achievement, and President's Scholars Award programs, more outstanding students have been admitted to the university.

FAMU successfully completed the requirements for establishing five Eminent Scholars Chairs through the State Major Gifts Program: the Warner-Lambert Chair in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; the Garth Reeves and the Knight foundation chairs in the School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Arts, which were both filled during the 1992-93 academic year; and the Anheuser-Busch and Centennial chairs in the School of Business and Industry.

At the 1989 Spring Commencement Exercises, the University awarded its first Ph.D to Hyacith Chi Akunne in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. By spring 1992, nine students had been awarded the Ph.D. in pharmacy since inception of the doctoral program.

The FAMU Marching "100" Band, under the direction of Dr. William P. Foster, was invited by the French government to participate in the Bastille Day Parade as the official representation from the United States. This event was held in celebration of the Bicentennial of the French Revolution. The Marching "100" continues to perfect its legacy of excellence, which has resulted in it being labeled as the "Best Marching Band in the Nation" by Sports Illustrated (August, 1992). The band received national recognition in January 1993, when it performed in the 52nd Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C. by invitation of President-Elect William "Bill" Clinton.

Five buildings--the William H. Gray, Jr. Center, Plaza, Lua Bartley Women's Athletic Complex, George W. Conoly Greenhouse, Galimore-Powell Field house, and Maxwell S. Thomas Industrial Arts Laboratory--were officially named and dedicated during the 1986-87 academic year. In 1989 construction of the President's residence was completed. In 1990, much of the physical plant of the University was redesigned with a "new look". The completion of renovation of the H. Manning Efferson Student Union Complex, Coleman Library, the Quadrangle, and the Perry-Paige Building was officially completed in April, 1993. The total cost of designing, refurnishing, constructing, and renovating the facilities was approximately $8,458,000.

FAMU can credit much of its present academic stature to the leadership of its eight distinguished presidents:

1887-1901
1901-1923
1923-1924
1924-1944
1944
1944-1949
1950-1968
1968-1977
1977-1985

Henry Lewis - Interim 2001-2002
Dr. Fred Gainous 2002-2004
Dr. Castell Bryant - Interim 2005-Present

For much more in-depth information


about the Presidents of FAMU, simply


click or on one of the presidents above.

For more than 100 years, Florida A&M University has served the citizens of the State of Florida and the nation through its provision of preeminent educational programs. . .programs which were the building blocks of a legacy of academic excellence with caring. With the approaching dawn of the 21st century, FAMU, "Florida's Opportunity University," is committed to meeting the challenges and needs of future generations.

REQUESTING OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

 

There are several ways to submit you request(s) for an official transcript.

1.)      Fill out an official transcript form in person at the FAMU's Registrar's front counter.

*The Registrars office is located in the Foote-Hilyer Administration Center Rm# 112.

*Complete the official transcript form located in the labeled rack at the front counter.

*After completing the official transcript request, give it to one of the representatives at the front counter.

*Your request will then be posted to our system and that representative will then ask you to go make payment.

*After making payment at the FAMU's cashiers' office, you will then bring that printed receipt back to the     

registrars' front counter along with your official request form.

*Please allow 3-5 business days for your official transcript request to be processed.

*Make sure that you do not have any holds on your FAMU's account.

*There are several types of holds that can prevent the Registrars Office from processing your request.

*Each transcript cost $5.00 each, accepted in the form of cash, visa, debit, cashier's check, U.S. Money Order.

               

2.)      Go to FAMU's Registrars web page to forms and complete the official transcript printable form.

*Complete the official transcript form

*After completing the request form, you may bring the form to the Registrars front counter, fax (faxing process

explained below) and/or mail (mailing process explained below) your request.

*Please allow 3-5 business days for your official transcript request to be processed.

*Make sure that you do not have any holds on your FAMU's account.

*There are several types of holds that can prevent the Registrars Office from processing your request.

*Each transcript cost $5.00 each.

 

3.)      Fax in your completed official transcript request form.

*Complete the official transcript form from the Registrars web page or hand write your request applying this info

here:      - Your full name or any other names used while attending FAMU.

                - Dates of attendance.

                - Your mailing address, including zip code.

                - Your Social Security Number and/or FAMU Student ID Number.

                - The number of copies you are requesting.

                - The address of the recipient including their zip code

                - Your signature on the request

                - Your telephone number(s)

*You may include special instructions such as:

                - Please hold for current term grades:  Current term grades are usually posted approximately three to

                   five days after final examination.

                - Please hold for degree statement:  Degree statements are usually posted approximately six weeks after

                   the graduation ceremony.

- Please hold for grade change or forgiveness policy to take effect.

*Please allow 3-5 business days for your official transcript request to be processed.

*Make sure that you do not have any holds on your FAMU's account.

*There are several types of holds that can prevent the Registrars Office from processing your request.

*Each transcript cost $5.00 each, accepted in the form of cashier's check, U.S. Money Order mailed to the

University.  If brought in person to the cashier's office, payment can be accepted in the form of cash, visa, debit,

cashier's check or U.S. Money Order.

 

4.)      Mail in your completed official transcript request form.

*Complete the official transcript form from the Registrars web page or hand write your request applying this info

here:       - Your full name or any other names used while attending FAMU.

                - Dates of attendance.

                - Your mailing address, including zip code.

                - Your Social Security Number and/or FAMU Student ID Number.

                - The number of copies you are requesting.

                - The address of the recipient including their zip code

                - Your signature on the request

                - Your telephone number(s)

*You may include special instructions such as:

                - Please hold for current term grades:  Current term grades are usually posted approximately three to

                   five days after final examination.

                - Please hold for degree statement:  Degree statements are usually posted approximately six weeks after

                   the graduation ceremony.

- Please hold for grade change or forgiveness policy to take effect.

*Please allow 3-5 business days for your official transcript request to be processed.

*Make sure that you do not have any holds on your FAMU's account.

*There are several types of holds that can prevent the Registrars Office from processing your request.

*Each transcript cost $5.00 each, accepted in the form of cashier's check, U.S. Money Order mailed with your

request to the University.  If brought in person to the cashier's office, payment can be accepted in the form of cash,

visa, debit, cashier's check or U.S. Money Order.

 

Please call (850) 561-2953 or 2954 to inquire about any financial holds: and to clear them up before ordering transcript.  If you

owe monies to the University, your request will not be processed and your request will be returned to your provide return

address.  You must then satisfy you debt and resubmit your request with fee.

 

Please send payment and written request to:                   Florida A&M University

Office of the University Registrar

                                                                                                112 FHAC

1700 Lee Hall Dr.

Tallahassee, Florida 32307-3200

College of Law Receives Full Accreditation from ABA

ORLANDO, Fla

. - The American Bar Association (ABA) Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar granted full approval to Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law during its meeting in Chicago on July 30, 2009, according to FAMU President James H. Ammons.

"I applaud Dean Pernell, his administration, faculty, and students for reaching this milestone," said FAMU President James H. Ammons.  "This achievement speaks volumes about their hard work, dedication and commitment."

Ammons announced the Council's decision regarding accreditation during a press conference held in the ceremonial moot courtroom of the FAMU College of Law in downtown Orlando. He was joined by FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman C. William Jennings, Law School Dean LeRoy Pernell, Former FAMU President Frederick Humphries, dozens of university administrations, law school alumni, friends and supporters.

"Critics of our school once said that the mountain was too steep to climb," said Dean Pernell. "When faced with a mountain you have to cross, the slope is irrelevant.  The Council's decision is a reflection of the resilience, perseverance and commitment of the university, our students, faculty and staff to the mission of the FAMU College of Law."

Under the rules of the ABA, the Council's decision is final and effective immediately, subject to review by the ABA House of Delegates. While the House of Delegates may request reconsideration of the Council's decision, the group has never done so in the history of the ABA.

"Full accreditation by the ABA ensures that the 500-plus FAMU College of Law graduates can continue to sit for the Bar exam in any state in the nation and it reaffirms what we have always known: that we have and will continue to provide our students with a great legal education," Pernell said. 

The FAMU College of Law becomes one of only 189 law schools fully approved by the ABA.  To remain in compliance with ABA standards, the FAMU College of Law will undergo its next full site evaluation in three years then reviews every seven years thereafter.

The FAMU College of Law was reestablished in 2000 and opened its doors to 89 students in 2002. The ABA granted the law school provisional accreditation in      August 2004.  Since that time, the FAMU College of Law continued to grow and pursue its mission.

With the arrival of Ammons from North Carolina Central University in July 2007, and Pernell from Northern Illinois University's College of Law in January 2008, sweeping changes and improvements followed at the law school. The changes included the addition of 16 nationally-recognized faculty members and a new Center for International Law and Justice (CILJ) at the start of the Fall 2008 semester.  Law faculty publication and scholarship output increased; the law school was recognized as the most diverse law school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report; and was ranked seventh nationally for providing clinical opportunities by National Jurist magazine. The campus was enhanced also with the opening of the FAMU Café in December 2008 and the FAMU Bookstore in January 2009.

"This is a significant milestone for FAMU," Ammons said.  "But it's just the beginning of a long journey to make the College of Law a premiere institution of legal education, committed to its history of making an indelible mark on the community and the world."

The law school was created with a specific mission -  to "meet the educational needs of African Americans and other ethnic minorities, while maintaining its leadership in racial diversity."

To view the press conference, you can visit and click on "On Demand", and then click on "Law School Accreditation Press Conference".

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
 
Dear Prospective Students, Rattlers, Supporters and Friends;
It is with great pride that I assume the responsibility as president of this great university. I have a vision for Florida A&M University, which includes making sure this institution continues to be recognized as a leader in higher education in the U.S. and internationally.

Florida A&M University is a great university and the nation's No.1 producer of African Americans with baccalaureate degrees. As a graduate, I am aware of what FAMU has done to prepare me and alumni across this great state and nation for positions of leadership. This is why we are not surprised that you have logged on to our Web site.

We welcome you to www.famu.edu and hope that you will find the information you need. Please feel free to contact me at . I look forward to serving you as the 10th president of Florida A&M University.

 

   

" Florida A&M University has an extraordinary history and we are dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience in a successful learning environment that promises positive student outcomes.  Although we are proud of our standing and reputation as a major historically black university, we continuously strive to move to the next level of being a major player in higher education among all colleges and universities.  The future holds bright promise and exciting opportunity for growth and achievement in our changing and competitive world.  There is no place quite like FAMU."

Castell Vaughn Bryant                                                                         Interim President      

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
Division of Student Affairs
August 15th - August 23rd
FALL 2009 - WELCOME RATTLER WEEK
"EXCELLENCE WITH QUALITY IS CRITICAL"

(QEP - QUALITY ENHANCEMENT PLAN)
Enhancing Performance in Critical Thinking


Saturday, Aug. 15th - "Moving in & Meeting New Rattlers
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. -- Move in - All Housing Facilities/All Residence Halls
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. -- Target - Shopping displays/Snacks/Games FAMU Park (Music)


Sunday, Aug. 16th - "Target - Shopping Spree"
7:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m. -- Move In - All Housing Facilities/All Residence Halls
5:00 p.m. - 08:00 p.m. -- Freshman Rattler Review (Book Distribution) - Rattlers Den
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. -- Target - Shopping Spree (Discounts/Refreshments) - TARGET Tallahassee Store


Monday, Aug. 17th - "FAMU Students Connect"
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. -- Woman to Woman (What to Wear, Say and Do) - Perry Paige Auditorium
10:30 a.m. - Noon -- Man to Man (What to Wear, say and Do) - Perry Paige Auditorium
9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. -- The "Real Dating" Game (Relationships & Y-O-U) - Gaither Gym (DJ)


Tuesday, Aug. 18th - "Meet the Greeks"
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. -- Summer Reading Review "The Pact" - Varied Locations, TBA
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -- Rattlers Meet Rattlers - BAR-B-QUE - FAMU Park (DJ)
9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. -- Meet the "Greeks" - Gaither Gym (DJ)


Wednesday, Aug. 19th - "Freshman Talent Review' Showcasing "Clubs & Organizations"
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. -- LEADERSHIP (Becoming a Better YOU) - Rattlers Den
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- LEADERSHIP (Becoming a Better YOU) - Rattlers Den
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. -- Freshman "Talent Review" - Gaither Gym (DJ)
9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. -- Showcasing "Clubs & Organizations" - Gaither Gym (DJ)


Thursday, Aug. 20th - "SGA Team & Spirit Showcase"
11:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. -- (*) Meet "The Doctors" QEP - Etiquette Luncheon - Multi-Purpose Teaching Gym DRESS FOR SUCCESS (Suits, slacks, Collar Shirts, Dresses)
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. -- Meet the "SGA Team" & 3-on-3 Basketball - Gaither Gym (DJ)
9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. -- Rattler "Spirit Showcase" - Gaither Gym ("100" & DJ)


Friday, Aug. 21st - Hip Hop Concert
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. -- Learning How To Stay Healthy & Fit - Recreation Center
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. -- Hip Hop "Concert" - Multi-Purpose Gym (DJ)
11:00 p.m. - 01:00 a.m. -- Meet the Artist & Party - Multi-Purpose Gym (DJ)


Saturday, Aug. 22nd - "FAMU Volunteer Service & Fun Day"
10:00 a.m. - Noon -- CAMPUS VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACTIVITY - Start earning your RATTLER RECORD Hours (Earned Hours will be Posted to your Official Transcript) - Meet on The SET
12:00 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. -- Fun Day - Games & Food - FAMU Park (DJ)


Sunday, Aug. 23rd - Worship Service
4:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m. -- Non-Denominational Service - Guest Speaker/Artist - Lee Hall
Contact the Office of Student Affairs with questions or concerns.

Bob Hayes Joins NFL Hall of Fame

CANTON, Ohio (August 8) - On a cool, crisp Saturday evening, the late FAMU sports great Robert "Bullet Bob" Hayes finally had his dream of football immortality realized, as he joined five others in the National Football League (NFL) Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hayes' 2009 enshrinement classmates included Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr., defensive back Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Oakland, Baltimore), guard Randall McDaniel (Minnesota), defensive tackle Bruce Smith (Buffalo and Washington) and linebacker Derrick Thomas (Kansas City), who like Hayes, was inducted posthumously.

Both Hayes and Thomas were represented by their sons, Bob Jr. and Darrien.

Hayes' son during his acceptance speech on behalf of his father, said: "When I'm watching my dad on film, it's just mind blowing.  Because somebody that fast can't be human.  He got the name Bullet Bob because of his speed, because he was fast like a bullet.  He was so fast they didn't have an answer for him."

"He revolutionized the game of football because of his world-class speed as a sprinter...
In his last days, he used to talk about the Hall of Fame.  It hurts because he should have been here to witness this special occasion.

"But, unfortunately, he didn't make it to see it.  I know wherever he is, he's smiling.  He's happy.  He knows what's going on.  And he'll be with us in our spirits, in our hearts and our minds. For us he's always been a Hall of Famer. 

"I knew one day it was going to happen.  He was always going to be a big joker.  So maybe he would say 'It's about time, y'all.  I've been waiting 30 something years.'"

For Hayes, his family and his legion of fans, which included Florida A&M University alumni and friends, this day was a long time coming, and tinged a bit with sadness that the legendary sports great could not be here to experience this defining moment in person, due to his death in 2002 at age 59, after a long illness.

From the moment the NFL announced in January that he would be part of the 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class, Hayes' many accomplishments came to light again as the enshrinement weekend drew near thanks to the Internet and media outlets including ESPN and NFL Network.

His many great sports moments from his days at FAMU in both football and track; his Hall of Fame track career which culminated in the two Olympic gold medals he won in the 1964 Tokyo Games; to his pro football performance during an 11-year career (Dallas and San Francisco), which many credit with revolutionizing the staid old NFL of the 1960s, left many in awe of this singular personality.

In support of Hayes in Canton were members of his family, classmates and friends from old Matthew Gilbert High School in his native Jacksonville, Fla., along with FAMU classmates, teammates and coaches.

FAMU President James H. Ammons headed the official FAMU supporters, which included former presidents Walter L. Smith, Ph.D., Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D. and Fred Gainous, Ph.D., along with Athletic Director Bill Hayes, and Joseph P. Ramsey, II, Ph.D.,chairman of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Steering Committee.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival in Canton, Ohio, birthplace of the NFL, is a week-long event, which culminates with the induction and the Hall of Fame Football Game at Fawcett Stadium.

On Friday evening at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, Hayes and his 2009 classmates were formally introduced and regaled with a video highlights presentation at the Enshrinees Dinner.  The dinner also featured recognition of more than 50 living members of the Hall of Fame.

On Saturday evening, the three-hour long enshrinement ceremony at Fawcett Stadium featured video highlights, stirring introductions and acceptance speeches from the honorees, as well as the unveiling of the fabled bronze busts that will be housed in the fabulous Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum.

Hall of Fame legend quarterback Roger Staubach, who was not only a teammate of Hayes with Dallas, but also a close, personal friend, served as the presenter, reflecting on his memories of Hayes both on and off the field.

Before the unveiling of the bust, Staubach made a presentation to the audience. Staubach said of Hayes: "He was so impactful .... And you look at the league, and back then it was a lot of you ran more because the passing game was a little bit more difficult because of the ability to hit receivers. 

"But Bob really had an impact on the kind of coverage they use in the National Football League.  And that's what the Hall of Fame is about, is having an impact.  And a great player like Bob Hayes truly had an impact on the NFL, and he had a tremendous impact on the Dallas Cowboys.

Staubach along with Bob Hayes, Jr., unveiled the bronze bust of the former Rattler great, officially enshrining him into the hallowed Hall.

"Bob worked with me in the '80s, and Bob faced some challenges.  And everyone was there to help him through the challenges, because he was there when you needed Bob Hayes. 

"He was almost generous to a fault.  But Bob Hayes was really, really a decent, caring human being that had extraordinary skills.  And old Speedo (his Cowboy nickname) was one humble son of a gun.  I don't know if he ever showed me his gold medals from the Olympics. 

"He just was a big guy.  A great athlete, who faced some challenges.  Some a little bit more than most of us go through.  And his family was always there for him.  He was always there for them....  So it's a real privilege for me to say thank you, Canton...  Thank you NFL and thank you to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for making sure that this great athlete that had an impact on the NFL is in the Hall of Fame."

Robert "Bullet Bob" Hayes, once known as "The World's Fastest Human," and still known as the only man to be a world champion in two sports (track and football) will now be forever known by everyone as one of the greatest professional football players of all time.