FAMU Logo (Florida A&M University Logo) PNG
The logo of Florida A&M University is a link that connects the entire educational community, including teachers, students, and alumni. It signifies their affiliation with one educational organization. As part of the FAMU brand, the emblem is important in promoting the university and symbolizes pride.
FAMU (Florida A&M University): Brand overview
Florida A&M University (FAMU) traces its origins to 1887, when the State Normal College for Colored Students was established in Tallahassee on the grounds of Lincoln Academy, later relocating in 1891 to the former Highwood plantation site, a location deeply connected to the region’s history of slavery. Initially operating in buildings once associated with slavery, the institution evolved significantly after the Buckman Act of 1905 granted it college status, prompting reconstruction and expansion. FAMU officially gained its current name and university status in 1953, subsequently becoming a prominent center for African American education, professional training, and civil rights activism, with notable involvement in the Tallahassee bus boycott and student-led sit-ins. Throughout its history, the university has emphasized agricultural, mechanical, and technical education, reflecting its land-grant mission established under the Morrill Acts. Despite financial and social challenges, it introduced pioneering programs such as one of the nation’s earliest pharmacy schools for African Americans and a School of Law, which was temporarily closed and later reinstated. Recognized nationally, FAMU was named “College of the Year” in 1997 and ranked as the top public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in recent years, currently enrolling over 10,000 students and continuing its tradition of academic excellence and leadership development.
Meaning and History
Florida A&M University, like other American educational institutions, has its system of visual symbols. At its core are the brand colors: green and orange. They ensure the design’s integrity, which is important for a university that manages many colleges and schools. FAMU’s logos and seal demonstrate its uniqueness and diversity. They connect the entire university community, allowing its members to feel like a part of a friendly collective. The appealing brand helps the university attract new students and potential investors to expand educational programs.
What is Florida A&M University?
Florida A&M University is a higher education institution established in 1887 specifically for African Americans. Its main campus is in Tallahassee, with additional locations in other areas of Florida. FAMU provides accessible, high-quality education and conducts research in various scientific fields. The university has its own sports team, known as the Rattlers, participating in NCAA Division I.
1987 – today
The logo of Florida A&M University reflects its identity and connection to history. The design is centered around the university’s name in two colors and fonts. Large green letters “A” and “M” are positioned at the center with an orange ampersand between them. The word “Florida” appears in black to the left, while to the right, the word “University” is displayed. An additional element consists of two thin green lines extending from the “A” and “M” in both directions, integrating the text into a cohesive composition.
Orange is associated with Florida’s citrus industry, one of the state’s key economic sectors. Green represents fertile soil and the university’s agricultural roots, reflecting its historical support for agrarian education.
FAMU collaborates closely with Florida State University (FSU) through their joint College of Engineering. A separate emblem was created for this institution, incorporating symbols from both universities. At the center of the composition is an image of a flame, representing FAMU’s “eternal flame” and FSU’s three torches. This emblem highlights the partnership between the institutions and their commitment to the advancement of science and education.
The Seal
The university is very strict about using its seal, so it cannot be depicted in advertising materials. It adorns the university’s official documents, including graduates’ diplomas, and is sometimes found on business cards and official letterheads.
A dark green triangular shield is in the central circle with two inverted arches at the top. It is divided into four parts by a white cross, inside which the founding year of the educational institution, 1887, is indicated. Above the shield is the orange word “HEAD,” below it – “FIELD,” to the right – “HAND,” to the left – “HEART.” These are the core values of FAMU, which educates students in science and physical labor. Beyond the green circle are depicted:
- A hand holding a torch (a symbol of enlightenment);
- A plow (hinting at the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences);
- A mechanical gear (referring to the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology);
- An open book (embodying accessible knowledge).
Each drawing is positioned opposite one of the words, corresponding to its meaning. The name of the educational institution occupies the space between the pictograms without the conjunction: “FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY.” The outer contour of the seal is decorated with numerous sharp protrusions, making it resemble the sun or a gear.
FAMU Emblem
According to the university’s standards, this emblem is its official logo. It consists of two parts with different designs.
- A large green rectangle on the left contains the white letters “FAMU.”
- On the right is the full name of the university. It is divided into four lines and is in bold font, except for the conjunction “AND,” which consists of thin glyphs. The text is placed inside tall square brackets in orange color.
This design balances the two halves of the logo, one of which appears visually heavy and the other empty.
Font and Colors
Florida A&M University’s typography features various types of fonts. For instance, the text mark is designed in a contrasting serif font with thin serifs. On the other hand, the logo with the rectangle contains inscriptions in bold grotesque. A similar font, but with more elongated glyphs, is used in the circular seal. This demonstrates the university’s rich diversity.
In all of FAMU’s visual symbols, its official colors are orange (#EE7624) and green (#1B5633). The first is associated with Florida’s developed citrus industry, and the second is with agricultural plants.