News Summary
The FAMU Board of Trustees has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit concerning the appointment of Marva Johnson as president. The lawsuit initiated by alumni donors questions the legitimacy of the presidential search process and claims board members violated state law. The Board’s motion argues that the lawsuit lacks merit and has been delayed beyond appropriate timeframes, while Johnson, confirmed as president, faces scrutiny over her qualifications and potential political ties. The controversy raises important issues about governance and transparency at Florida A&M University.
TALLAHASSEE — The FAMU Board of Trustees has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the presidential search process involving the appointment of Marva Johnson as the new president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). This motion, filed in June 2025, seeks dismissal with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be refiled.
The lawsuit, initiated by a group of alumni donors associated with FAMU, seeks an emergency injunction against Johnson’s selection. It specifically targets eight board members who voted for her appointment, as well as the Florida Board of Governors, in an attempt to question the adherence to due process and legal standards during the selection of the university’s 13th president.
According to the plaintiffs, the board members violated state law by interfering with the authority of the search committee and effectively predetermined Johnson’s selection. Allegations include complaints that some board members missed meetings intentionally, which allegedly disrupted the search process itself.
The Board of Trustees’ motion for dismissal argues that the plaintiffs have failed to meet the required burden of proof. Furthermore, they note that the lengthy delay since the complaint was filed—four months ago—cast doubts on its validity. Within the motion, six reasons are presented for why the lawsuit should be dismissed, though a ruling on the case is still pending.
Marva Johnson was officially confirmed as FAMU’s new president on June 18, 2025. She is scheduled to commence her term on August 1, succeeding Timothy Beard, the interim president. Johnson’s confirmation has sparked considerable opposition among FAMU alumni, with significant concerns raised during a public forum regarding her qualifications and potential political connections.
Johnson previously served as vice president at Charter Communications and has held several roles, including chair of the Florida Board of Education. Critics of her appointment express apprehension regarding the possibility that the selection process was influenced by political motivations, noting her previous appointments by former Governor Rick Scott and current Governor Ron DeSantis.
In light of these concerns, Johnson has committed to being responsive to the needs of the FAMU community, emphasizing the importance of engagement with stakeholders. Her contract indicates a first-year compensation of approximately $840,000, which will rise to about $981,000 by the end of the contract term.
Moreover, the Florida Legislature recently approved a rule allowing FAMU to utilize previously restricted funds to support Johnson’s contract, especially after discussions arose regarding the FAMU Foundation’s capacity to cover her salary.
This ongoing controversy has also led to the filing of an emergency petition for temporary mandatory injunctive relief. This petition, submitted earlier in June, seeks an investigation into the presidential selection process, further questioning the legitimacy of Johnson’s candidacy and the overall hiring protocol at FAMU. Stakeholders involved in the petition argue there are notable deficiencies in fulfilling requirements for presidential searches.
The situation casts a spotlight on the governance and transparency of FAMU’s administration, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the process that led to the appointment of its new president. As the legal motions are considered and the community continues to express its concerns, the outcome of these events will likely influence the future of leadership at FAMU.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Board Members Ask Court to Dismiss Lawsuit
- WTXL: FAMU Board of Trustees Files Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit
- Florida Phoenix: Marva Johnson is Now FAMU President
- Tallahassee.com: FAMU Alumni File Lawsuit on Presidential Search Process
- Tallahassee.com: Florida A&M Presidential Search Names Emerge
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
- Google Search: FAMU presidential search
- Google Scholar: FAMU presidential search
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marva Johnson
- Google News: FAMU president
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.
