TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ The Board of Trustees at Florida A&M University (FAMU), the stateโs sole public historically Black university, has selected Marva Johnson as its new president. Johnsonโs appointment has stirred controversy among students, faculty, and alumni due to her ties with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, whose administration has been scrutinized for efforts to limit the teaching of African American history and curb the use of taxpayer funds for diversity initiatives. Johnson, an executive at Charter Communications and former member of the state Board of Education, must receive confirmation from the stateโs Board of Governors. Her career includes appointments by Governor DeSantis and former Governor Rick Scott to various state boards.
During her interview, Johnson emphasized her commitment to securing resources and facilitating progress. โAs the leader, I am championing resources. I am moving mountains if they get in your way,โ she stated. However, she acknowledged her primary experience is not within academia. Her selection concludes a contentious decision-making process criticized for its lack of transparency and perceived political bias. Concerns rose to the extent that a board member resigned after advocating for a pause in the search to address community objections.
Proponents of Johnson argue that her non-academic background is beneficial given the current political climate, where public universities require adept navigation of legislative priorities to secure funding. Jamal Brown, President of the Faculty Senate and board member, conveyed the urgency of having a leader who understands and can operate within these systems. โThis moment calls for someone who understands the systems that fund and govern us,โ he remarked.
Despite these endorsements, the decision faced significant opposition from some of FAMUโs dedicated supporters, who cherish the universityโs commitment to Black excellence and cultural identity. Board Chair Kirstin Harper expressed concerns regarding Johnsonโs qualifications and the lack of cultural connection. She questioned the merit of selecting a candidate who does not meet all job criteria over other well-qualified individuals.
The boardโs decision involved considering four finalists, with Donald Palm, FAMUโs chief operating officer, a popular choice among students and supporters. Palm also received support from the alumni association. Film producer and alumnus Will Packer warned the board about the potential consequences of selecting a leader without broad support from the university community.
Johnsonโs nomination occurs during a period of increased uncertainty concerning public university funding, coupled with an inclination, by appointees of Governor DeSantis, towards selecting former Republican legislators to lead these institutions. Board member Belvin Perry, despite having discussions with the governorโs staff, felt unconstrained by political pressures and voted for Palm. Nonetheless, he saw Johnsonโs appointment as inevitable. โIt is a foregone conclusion as to the result of this vote today,โ he commented.