A Historic Starting
On August 1, 2025, Marva Johnson, J.D., MBA formally grew to become the thirteenth president of Florida A&M College (FAMU). Her appointment made historical past as she grew to become simply the second girl to carry the highest place on the college.
Solely weeks into her tenure, Johnson is already shaping her administration. She introduced a brand new management staff designed to strengthen FAMU’s operations, tutorial footprint, and neighborhood affect. For a campus balancing legacy with the push for future progress, these appointments ship a transparent message: Johnson plans to maneuver decisively.
Constructing the Workforce
Amongst her first main strikes was naming Kelvin Lawson as Government Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. A FAMU graduate and former trustee, Lawson brings years of enterprise and institutional expertise. His background in operations and fundraising makes him a strategic match for a job that may oversee the college’s day-to-day capabilities and long-term planning.
She additionally appointed Dr. Donald E. Palm, III as Government Vice President for Well being Sciences Enterprise and Analysis Innovation, a newly created function. Dr. Palm will information FAMU’s push for Carnegie R1 analysis standing, with a deal with well being sciences and innovation. His function displays Johnson’s ambition to raise FAMU as a frontrunner in cutting-edge analysis.
Michelle Robinson was named Vice President of Authorities Relations, after 20 years with Verizon in coverage, philanthropy, and advocacy. Her appointment displays FAMU’s want for sturdy political connections and a constant voice in legislative areas.
Lastly, Dr. Brandi Tatum-Fedrick will function Appearing Vice President of College Development, along with her function as Director of Alumni Affairs. She’s going to deal with fundraising and donor engagement at a time when increased training establishments are underneath growing monetary stress.
Why These Strikes Matter
Johnson’s early selections present a mix of institutional belief and recent perspective. Lawson’s alumni connection anchors the staff in FAMU custom, whereas Robinson’s company and political background alerts an outward-facing technique. Dr. Palm’s appointment highlights a research-centered imaginative and prescient, and Dr. Tatum-Fedrick’s twin function factors to a renewed emphasis on cultivating alumni and donor networks.
Collectively, these appointments replicate Johnson’s priorities: advancing FAMU’s tutorial profile, securing monetary assets, and making certain operational excellence.
Going through Challenges Head-On
Johnson’s arrival hasn’t been with out debate. Some school and alumni questioned her political ties and lack of conventional increased training expertise. However by surrounding herself with skilled leaders who know FAMU’s tradition and the calls for of upper training, Johnson seems decided to reply critics with outcomes.
Her capability to align this management staff round a typical mission will probably form her presidency. If the group delivers on its targets, it may strengthen FAMU’s popularity not solely as a number one HBCU but additionally as a nationwide analysis establishment.
Wanting Forward
Together with her staff in place, Johnson should now information FAMU by means of urgent challenges: boosting analysis output, increasing scholar success initiatives, and making certain monetary progress by means of strategic partnerships and alumni engagement.
The brand new president has set a tone of urgency, and her first steps sign a dedication to each honoring FAMU’s historical past and positioning the college for long-term success.
