The Florida Board of Governors has confirmed Marva Johnson, J.D., as the brand new president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College (FAMU). The affirmation vote, held on June 18, was unanimous.
Johnson turns into the thirteenth president in FAMU’s historical past. She was initially chosen by the FAMU Board of Trustees on Might 16 following a nationwide search that narrowed the sphere to 4 finalists.
“It’s a profound honor to be chosen because the thirteenth president of Florida A&M College,” Johnson mentioned. “I’m able to carry a daring, business-minded, results-driven strategy to pupil success, monetary development, and institutional excellence.”
Her first official day as president is ready for August 1.
A Background in Enterprise and Schooling Coverage
Marva Johnson has held management roles in each the company and public sectors. She beforehand chaired the Florida State Board of Schooling, the place she supported performance-based funding and labored to shut achievement gaps throughout the state’s schools, in response to a press launch from the College.,
She has additionally obtained nationwide recognition, together with honors from Cablefax Journal as one of many “High Girls in Tech.”
Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb mentioned Johnson’s “visionary management” and company connections would assist elevate FAMU’s pupil profession pipeline.
Supporters Reward Her Imaginative and prescient
Leaders in Florida’s training system have praised Johnson’s affirmation.
Raymond Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State College System of Florida, mentioned, “President Johnson brings a robust imaginative and prescient for pupil success and a dedication to elevating FAMU’s nationwide profile.”
Supporters say her mix of enterprise savvy and coverage expertise will information FAMU into a brand new period of development.
Regardless of the formal affirmation, Johnson’s appointment has drawn widespread criticism from FAMU alumni, college students, and stakeholders. Some FAMU college students and employees confirmed up on the Board of Governors assembly in Boca Raton to visually present their displeasure. As Johnson gave remarks, some in attendance rose and turned their backs to her as she spoke.
Considerations have been raised about her lack of expertise in larger training administration and her political affiliations. Many consider her company background doesn’t replicate the cultural values and grassroots historical past of the college.
This sentiment has been notably seen on social media. In response to the announcement on FAMU’s official X (previously Twitter) account, many customers expressed opposition.
One person, @DatDuvalDude, wrote, “We will get via this Rattlers. We have now to channel our outrage, and disdain for her and her controllers into hyper vigilance to guard The Hill as greatest we are able to till we are able to get her and all who’re a part of this hostile takeover out.”
Such messages replicate a rising mistrust amongst members of the FAMU household, lots of whom really feel excluded from the presidential choice course of.
Questions About Her Greater Ed Expertise
Critics additionally level out that Johnson has by no means served in a management position inside a college setting. Whereas she brings robust credentials in enterprise and coverage, opponents argue that FAMU wants a frontrunner with deep expertise in traditionally Black larger training.
Some pupil and alumni teams have expressed issues that her business-focused strategy might sideline the wants of scholars and the preservation of FAMU’s distinctive institutional legacy.
What’s Subsequent for FAMU
Johnson is predicted to imagine her duties on August 1. She steps into the position at a time when the college’s nationwide profile is rising, however inside tensions are excessive.
Successful over FAMU’s devoted alumni base and present college students might show to be one of many defining challenges of her presidency. How she engages the campus and group in her first months might set the tone for her tenure.
