AMERICA | An exceptional young scholar named Curtis Lawrence III, has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in the United States, graduating summa cum laude at just 20 years old.
Curtis made history when he arrived at FAMU in 2021 at age 16, becoming the youngest student in his class. Four years later, he is completing his degree with a minor in Liberal Arts, closing a remarkable chapter defined by excellence, resilience, and growth.
Curtis' Story and How She Did It
Originally from Washington, D.C., Curtis was already a standout long before stepping onto FAMU’s campus. He graduated high school at 16 years old with over $1.6 million in scholarship offers, gaining admission to more than 14 universities, including Harvard and Yale.
Despite these elite options, Curtis chose Florida A&M University, drawn by the sense of belonging he felt during his campus visit.
“What really made me want to come to FAMU was that I felt comfortable and at home. Being so young, it was important to be somewhere I felt like I would fit in,” he said.
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Adjusting to college life at such a young age was not without challenges. Curtis admitted he was initially shy and intimidated, but the welcoming culture of FAMU helped him thrive. “When you hear people saying ‘FAMUly,’ it really is like one big family,” he said.
Over time, he fully embraced the HBCU experience, cherishing moments like homecoming, Greek life events, professional networking, and campus traditions that celebrated Black excellence.
“Being around a fountain of Black excellence—that’s something I’ll always carry with me,” Curtis said.
Curtis balanced a demanding academic schedule, initially taking up to 18 credit hours per semester, later settling into a more balanced load as he became more involved on campus and began applying to graduate school.
He also took select courses at Florida State University, including geology and anthropology, with herpetology emerging as his favorite class.
Now preparing for the next chapter, Curtis will attend Villanova University, where he plans to pursue research with the long-term goal of becoming a professor, committed to mentoring future generations.
“FAMU brought out the best in me,” he said. “I’m leaving here as a much different person—prepared for what’s next..
Curtis’s parents, Curtis Lawrence Jr. and Malene Lawrence, expressed immense pride in their son’s achievements.
His father described his journey as proof that faith, discipline, and community support can produce extraordinary outcomes. Curtis’s younger brother, Corey, is also following in his footsteps as a current FAMU student.
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