News Summary
Marva Johnson has been officially appointed as the 13th president of Florida A&M University. Her confirmation, however, has sparked community disapproval amid claims of political maneuvering by Governor Ron DeSantis. Critics question her qualifications in education leadership and raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process. Johnson aims to enhance performance-based funding and elevate FAMU’s academic status, despite the tensions surrounding her appointment.
TALLAHASSEE — Marva Johnson has been confirmed as the 13th president of Florida A&M University (FAMU) as the Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously on June 18. Johnson, a lawyer and corporate lobbyist currently serving as the group vice president for Charter Communications, steps into her leadership role amid significant community opposition.
The selection of Johnson has raised eyebrows, as it continues a trend in Florida of appointing university presidents with political backgrounds. This decision is perceived as part of Governor Ron DeSantis’ agenda to exert conservative influence over higher education, aligning with an ‘anti-woke’ initiative aimed at steering state universities toward specific ideological perspectives. Johnson’s confirmation is viewed as another achievement for the governor’s administration regarding higher education policy.
Despite the unanimous vote, objections were voiced by numerous FAMU stakeholders, including students and alumni who expressed their concerns during the Board of Governors meeting. Tensions escalated as attendees loudly protested with cries of “no” when Johnson’s candidacy was presented. Observers noted the presence of security officers, indicating the charged atmosphere surrounding the confirmation.
During the meeting, Deveron Gibbons, the vice chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees, presented Johnson’s candidacy, stepping in for chair Kristin Harper, who had opposed the decision. Critics of Johnson’s appointment highlighted her lack of experience in higher education, raising doubts about her qualifications for a role that requires deep understanding in an academic environment.
Furthermore, Chekesha Kidd, a board member associated with the FAMU Foundation, lent her voice to the critique, organizing a petition against Johnson’s appointment that reportedly gathered substantial signatures. Dissatisfaction surrounding the selection process has fueled a group of FAMU stakeholders to file a lawsuit seeking an investigation into the presidential selection procedures, pointing to a perceived lack of transparency, as public university hiring processes are not subject to state Sunshine Laws.
In response to her critics, Johnson emphasized her commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and preserving FAMU’s legacy during her address at the meeting. She outlined a vision for the university that focuses on enhancing performance-based funding, improving licensure exam passage rates, and diversifying funding sources. A significant goal she aims to achieve is elevating FAMU’s academic classification to Carnegie R1, positioning it for more extensive research funding and recognition as a top-tier research institution.
Johnson’s term will officially commence on August 1, 2023. Her appointment follows the stepping down of the previous president, Larry Robinson, amidst a donation controversy, with Timothy Beard serving as interim president in the interim. Johnson’s contract stipulates a five-year term with a base salary of $650,000, which could increase to over $750,000 with performance bonuses.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed support for Johnson’s selection, reinforcing the perception that the decision aligns closely with the ongoing efforts of Governor DeSantis. Allegations have surfaced suggesting political maneuvering behind Johnson’s selection, with claims that key figures in DeSantis’ administration orchestrated her appointment, demonstrating an intersection of politics and education leadership in Florida.
In summary, the appointment of Marva Johnson as FAMU’s president signifies a pivotal moment for the institution amidst community concerns and potential political influences. As stakeholders continue to voice their dissent, the dynamics of higher education governance in Florida remain under scrutiny.
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Additional Resources
- CNN
- Tallahassee.com
- Florida Phoenix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida State University
- Google Search: Marva Johnson FAMU
