FAMU Made: Raleigh Ford Heads to Brown University After Leaving Her Mark at FAMU
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on May 27, 2026 When Raleigh Ford first arrived at Florida A&M University, leadership was the last thing on her mind. The Leesburg, Florida, native describes herself then as quiet, reserved and unsure of what her college journey would become. “Very shy. Very quiet,” Ford said. “I did not see myself doing any sort of leadership. Being involved in big events and big things was unheard of to me.” Earlier this month, Ford walked across the commencement stage as a decorated scholar, accomplished researcher and student leader preparing for her next chapter at Brown University, where she will pursue a Master of Public Health this fall. For Ford, choosing FAMU was intentional. Growing up in a predominantly white community outside Orlando, she wanted a college environment where Black excellence was visible in every form — not just athletics, but academics, leadership and service. “I wanted to be around people who looked like me who were also doing amazing things,” Ford said. “I wanted to be somewhere that simply said, ‘You’re doing so well.’” She found that community on the Highest of Seven Hills. Though she entered FAMU as a political science major, Ford quickly discovered her passion for public health and transitioned into the School of Allied Health Sciences. That shift opened the door to research, mentorship and opportunities that would shape her future. As a University Honors Program scholar, Ford joined the Behavioral Science and Health Innovation Research Lab, where she began studying sexual health awareness and HIV stigma among college students at HBCUs. The work sparked a deeper academic interest that followed her throughout college. She presented research at the South Regional Honors Council Conference, the Classics Research Symposium and the National Society of Allied Health Sciences Annual Conference. Her honors thesis, Bridging the HIV Stigma Knowledge Gap Among College Students, further reflected her growing commitment to improving health outcomes through education and research. “I want more students to get involved in research,” Ford said. “Especially if they’re considering graduate school. It opens your eyes to so much.” Her academic excellence earned repeated Dean’s List recognition, membership in Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and support through the Strada Education Foundation Scholarship. But Ford’s story at FAMU was never limited to the classroom. She became a familiar face in student leadership, serving as president of the Health Science Professional Student Association after previously serving as vice president. Willie Williams, Ph.D., faculty advisor for the organization, said her success reflects years of discipline and determination. “Raleigh Ford’s acceptance into Brown University’s distinguished Master of Public Health program is no surprise,” Williams said. “It speaks to her preparation, consistency, persistence and willingness to make bold moves.” During her time with the organization, Ford helped launch the Allied Health Inter-Organizational Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive Competition, an initiative that brought together students, faculty and campus organizations while contributing more than 100 toys to Florida A&M’s presidential toy drive. She also played a key role in developing undergraduate research panels designed to expose students to graduate-level expectations and professional pathways in health care. “Sometimes just seeing someone who has already done what you want to do makes all the difference,” Ford said. Ford’s leadership extended beyond allied health. As president of the Honors Student Association, she helped reenergize student engagement within the University Honors Program, creating a stronger sense of pride and community among members. That level of involvement required balance. Alongside academics and campus leadership, Ford completed a competitive internship with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, worked as a research lab associate and took on a role as a patient access specialist at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. At one point, she realized doing everything alone was unsustainable. “There was a point where I realized I literally could not be in four places at once,” Ford said with a laugh. “I had to learn how to trust people, delegate and rely on my team.” Williams said that perspective is exactly what makes her stand out. “If I had to describe Raleigh’s legacy at FAMU in a few words, I would say servant leadership, scholarship and impact,” Williams said. “She leads with humility, serves with intention and remains committed to helping others develop along the way.” Ford describes her FAMU journey in one word: transformative. The once-shy freshman who simply wanted to be in a place where she felt seen leaves FAMU with a clear purpose and the confidence to pursue it. Her long-term goal is to earn a doctorate and build a career in public health research and policy. “FAMU is such a unique place,” Ford said. “We’re all here because we want to succeed, we want to be the best and we want to do it in a place where we know we can be valued.” As Ford prepares for Brown, she carries with her the lessons, confidence and sense of purpose cultivated at Florida A&M University. That is what it means to be FAMU Made. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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