News Summary
Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees has assessed Dr. Timothy Beard’s time as interim president, revealing a split among board members. While some praise Beard’s efforts to foster communication, others critique his leadership as the worst in the university’s history. This evaluation coincides with the appointment of new president Marva Johnson, who faces protests over her selection, as the university seeks to address pressing issues within its governance and leadership structure.
TALLAHASSEE – Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees has completed evaluations of Dr. Timothy Beard’s tenure as interim president, revealing a stark divide in opinions among board members. The evaluations indicated significant dissatisfaction regarding Beard’s leadership, with remarks labeling his presidency as the worst in the university’s history. In contrast, some members of the FAMU alumni community expressed support for Beard, viewing the criticisms as overly harsh and vindictive.
Dr. Beard, who described his time as interim president as an “honor of a lifetime,” expressed his surprise at the evaluations, emphasizing that unexpected feedback can be challenging. While some trustees praised his efforts to enhance communication and stakeholder trust during challenging periods, others raised concerns about accountability and leadership effectiveness. The evaluation scores noted a decline compared to the previous year, suggesting a growing frustration among trustees.
Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons delivered particularly scathing feedback, calling Beard’s presidency a “complete embarrassment.” However, Beard rejected these stark criticisms, asserting that they do not encapsulate his contributions to the university during his tenure. He highlighted the positive evaluation he received from Board Chair Kristin Harper as indicative of his impact.
As FAMU navigates the transition to new leadership with the appointment of Marva Johnson as the new president effective August 1, Dr. Beard expressed his commitment to support Johnson’s success as she implements significant changes within the university’s leadership structure. Johnson’s administration will include the newly designated Executive Vice President of Health Sciences and Research Innovation, Dr. Donald Palm, and the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Kelvin Lawson, who formerly served as a trustee.
Additionally, former Verizon executive Michelle Robinson has been appointed as Vice President of Government Relations under Johnson. Johnson aims to initiate a 100-day action plan focusing on enhancing student success, ensuring financial stability, and improving organizational efficiency across the institution.
The backdrop of these transitions is a contentious presidential selection process, with some stakeholders claiming that politics influenced decision-making. Concerns over Johnson’s background and values have sparked protests among students and certain alumni, emphasizing a desire for leadership that prioritizes student needs and addresses pressing campus issues.
In light of the recent evaluations and leadership changes, the FAMU National Alumni Association has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the university’s legacy. Alumni call for greater accountability from FAMU’s leadership amid mixed feelings surrounding the evaluations of Beard’s presidency. Community members, including Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr. and Pastor Gregory James, have urged unity among the board, indicating that continued discord could hinder the university’s progress.
As Dr. Beard prepares to conclude his tenure, he hopes for a seamless transition to Johnson’s presidency, expressing confidence in her capability to lead the university. The evaluations of Beard symbolize deeper issues within the Board of Trustees and the expectations of the FAMU community, indicating a critical moment for the university’s governance and future direction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shooting on University Campus Claims Lives
Leon County Schools Prioritize Safety as Students Return
Florida Schools Implement Mandatory Reading Training for Teachers
Leon County School Board Approves Key Policy Amendments
Leon County Schools Considers Legal Action Over Renaissance Academy Closure
FSU and FAMU Celebrate Summer Graduates Amid Leadership Changes
Timothy Beard Concludes Tenure as Interim President of FAMU
Florida State University Battles Federal Complaint on Diversity Scholarships
Florida Schools Introduce New Allergy Management Regulations
Tallahassee Schools Show Strong Rankings and Innovations
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee: FAMU President Marva Johnson’s 100-Day Plan
- WTXL: Former FAMU Interim President Responds to Evaluations
- Tallahassee: Evaluation of Former FAMU President Timothy Beard
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida A&M University
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
