Winter Haven residents who knew him were thrilled when one of their own, soon to be former Florida A&M President Dr. James Ammons, was appointed to the university's top post in 2007.
On Wednesday, Ammons announced he was resigning from his post in the wake of the FAMU band hazing scandal, long before those supports could have imagined.
Ammons was born in Winter Haven and grew up on Avenue P N.E. in the Florence Villa community.
Former Haines City Vice Mayor and FAMU alumnus Adam Burgess said Wednesday night he has known the family for years. "He is a favorite son [of Winter Haven]" Burgess said. His family has close ties and Ammons' sister was Burgess' guidance counselor in high school.
There was a lot of pride in Polk County went Ammons took over the presidency and he believes despite his resignation, Ammons has a real hear for his students. "President Ammons is a breath of fresh air," he said. "During his tenure at Florida A&M, he's been an amazing president and made quite a few advances there at the university."
Ammons letter did not mention the death of FAMU marching band drum major Robert Champion of the hazing scandal. His resignation is effective October 11.
In his resignation letter, Ammons said his decision to resign came after "considerable thought, introspection and conversations with family." And he's not giving up on FAMU. He plans to continue working at the university as a professor.
Despite his resignation, Burgess hopes FAMU can find a capable replacement for Ammons. "I would hope that the incoming administration would lean to his policies and visions on some significant level during the transition period." He also felt Ammons has a lot to still offer their alma mater in spite of the hazing controversy.
The school's trustee gave Ammons a vote of "no confidence" in June. At the time he said he would stay in his post.