Angela Suggs, the newly appointed Vice President and Director of Athletics at Florida A&M University (FAMU), was recently arrested on charges of grand theft and fraud, alongside four misdemeanor counts related to false travel claims. The arrest was made public following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which started in November 2024 after a criminal referral linked to an audit of her business credit card expenses while serving as the president and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation (FSF).
According to the FDLE, Suggs allegedly misused her credit card for personal expenses, including cash withdrawals and purchases at casinos during business trips, accumulating over $24,000 in unauthorized charges. She reportedly submitted falsified travel vouchers, misclassifying these charges as business meals. When questioned, Suggs claimed some expenses were business-related or mistakenly charged, but failed to reimburse the FSF for her personal spending.
Upon her arrest on June 9, Suggs turned herself in at the Leon County Jail and was released shortly after on a $13,500 bond. Interim FAMU President Timothy Beard acknowledged the allegations but clarified that they pertain to her previous role and are not related to her current duties at the university. Nevertheless, he stated that FAMU is closely monitoring the situation.
Suggs joined FAMU on October 7, 2024, replacing Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, who stepped down in August 2024. Her contract was approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees, amounting to $750,000 over three years. Suggs has a strong background in the sports industry, having managed significant scholarship programs and events throughout Florida. A FAMU graduate herself, Suggs previously took on vital roles within the university’s athletics department, illustrating her longstanding commitment to the institution.
This evolving story highlights the challenges faced by leaders in academic settings and the imperative for ethical conduct, especially in the management of funds and resources. The situation serves as a reminder for organizations to uphold transparency and accountability in their operations.