FAMU Trustee Earnie Ellison Resigns Amid Controversy

News Summary

Businessman Earnie Ellison has resigned from the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees just four months after his appointment. His resignation took place during a challenging time for the university, which is actively searching for a new president. Key figures within the Board of Governors requested his withdrawal amid concerns over political influence and board composition. FAMU now faces critical decisions regarding presidential leadership as the search progresses with four finalists under consideration.

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Businessman Earnie Ellison has resigned from Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Board of Trustees just four months after his appointment. His resignation, effective May 5, comes amid a turbulent period for the university, which is currently in search of a new president. The Florida Board of Governors declined to confirm Ellison’s appointment after the selection process initially indicated he would serve.

The request for Ellison’s withdrawal was made by key figures, including Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb, Vice Chair Alan Levine, and State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. This request was communicated to Florida Senate President Don Gaetz, who complied, resulting in a formal withdrawal of Ellison’s nomination. The timing of the request remains unclear but appears to have been made following a Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections meeting held on March 31.

Ellison’s tenure on the board was marked by controversy and speculation about political influence in the ongoing presidential search at FAMU. Notably, he proposed suspending the presidential search in a recent board meeting, which ignited a heated debate but was ultimately rejected by the board members.

FAMU is actively working to select a new president, with four finalists in consideration, including Marva Johnson, who has ties to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Donald Palm, who currently serves as FAMU’s Executive Vice President. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 16, during which they will vote on the president following campus visits with the finalists from May 12 to 15.

Ellison, a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, has previously held a position on the Board of Trustees at Florida Atlantic University before resigning earlier this year to join FAMU. His short-lived time on the board has raised concerns regarding the board’s composition, which now has 12 voting members instead of the typical 13, potentially leading to tie votes during crucial decisions about the presidential election.

In light of Ellison’s resignation, FAMU Board Chair Kristin Harper expressed gratitude for his contributions during his brief period of service. As the university navigates through leadership challenges, the pressure for political transparency and integrity within the appointment process remains a contentious issue among stakeholders.

On the same date as Ellison’s resignation, Zayla Bryant was inaugurated as FAMU’s new Student Government Association President and student trustee, adding another layer of change to FAMU’s governance landscape.

As the Florida Board of Governors prepares to meet virtually on May 15 to discuss the lauded appointments of university trustees, the situation surrounding the FAMU Board of Trustees continues to evolve rapidly. The next steps in the presidential search promise to be closely monitored by the university community and the wider public, particularly in light of the recent controversies that have emerged.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Earnie Ellison Resigns from FAMU Board
• Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
• The Guardian: Florida HBCU FAMU Resignation
• Black Enterprise: FAMU President Wants Leadership Board Resign
• NBC Miami: FAMU Looks to Appoint Interim President
• Google Search: FAMU leadership resignation

Author: HERE Tallahassee