May 9, 2025

FAMU Alumni Voice Concerns Over Presidential Candidate

News Summary

Alumni of Florida A&M University gathered at a town hall meeting to express their discontent with presidential finalist Marva Johnson. With strong support for alternative candidate Donald Palm, community members voiced their need for transparency in the selection process. Concerns regarding the integrity of the search have led to activism around transparency and proposed leadership changes at the university.

TALLAHASSEE, FL

Alumni of Florida A&M University (FAMU) gathered at a town hall meeting on May 7 at Bethel AME Church to express their disapproval of presidential finalist Marva Johnson. The event was hosted by Leon County District 1 Commissioner Bill Proctor, who aimed to address community concerns regarding the ongoing presidential search process.

Tommy Mitchell, Sr., the former president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, called upon attendees to voice their support for alternative candidates. During the meeting, he underscored the importance of selecting a president capable of enhancing FAMU’s reputation and success, asserting that the university is currently at a peak of excellence.

The meeting drew various stakeholders, including Hollywood producer and FAMU alumnus Will Packer, who expressed strong opposition to Johnson’s candidacy during a livestream, declaring that FAMU deserves better leadership. A vocal vote indicated overwhelming support for another candidate, Donald Palm, with audience members cheering enthusiastically when his name was mentioned, while other candidates received silence.

Approximately 50 attendees have committed to attending Palm’s campus visit on May 15, where they plan to demonstrate their support. In contrast, they intend to express disapproval during Johnson’s scheduled visit on May 14. One attendee made it clear that Johnson is unwelcome, highlighting his family’s longstanding ties to FAMU and the importance of meaningful leadership for the institution.

This town hall served as a forum to discuss ongoing tensions and dissatisfaction regarding the presidential search. There are concerns about transparency and the integrity of the selection process, which has been marred by rumors and speculations. Allegations surfaced claiming that FAMU board Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons played a significant role in advocating for Johnson to be included among the finalists, despite a previously narrowed selection of candidates.

Community voices, such as local blogger and columnist Chuck Hobbs, warned of potential internal sabotage within the university, comparing the situation to a Trojan horse. This commentary reflects apprehensions regarding the implication of decision-makers on the university’s future. Consequently, members of the FAMU board of trustees have faced increasing pressure from community members and fellow trustees to pause the search process and reconsider based on public feedback.

The campus visits for the four presidential finalists—Marva Johnson, Donald Palm, Rondall Allen, and Gerald Hector—are set to take place from May 12-15. These visits will include board interviews at 9 a.m. followed by public meet-and-greet sessions from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., designed to engage the community in the selection process.

Public sentiments during the town hall indicated a clear preference for Palm over Johnson, as evidenced by a petition spearheaded by FAMU Foundation Board member Chekesha Kidd that calls for a transparent selection method. This petition adds to the already drafted letter opposing Johnson’s candidacy by a group known as “Keepers of the Flame,” which will be directed to FAMU board Chair Kristin Harper and Florida Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb.

Additionally, a survey administered by the FAMU National Alumni Association is currently in progress, providing alumni a platform to vote for their preferred candidate, with the voting window set to close soon. Commissioner Proctor affirmed that the town hall marks only the beginning of efforts to secure a transparent and effective presidential selection process that aligns with the community’s expectations and needs.

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Additional Resources

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.

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