Community members rally in support of transparency during the FAMU presidential search process.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesMarva Johnson faces strong opposition from the Rattler community as she is a finalist for the presidency of Florida A&M University. Roughly 50 protesters rallied against her candidacy, expressing concerns over political influence and transparency in the search process. Despite the criticisms, Johnson remains optimistic about her vision for enhancing FAMU and has been recognized for her professional background. The Board of Trustees will vote on the next president soon, amid ongoing worries about the impact of the political climate on HBCUs.
Marva Johnson is facing significant community opposition as she is considered a finalist for the presidency of Florida A&M University (FAMU). Following her interview on May 14, around 50 opponents rallied against her candidacy, highlighting concerns voiced by the Rattler community, including prominent alumni like Will Packer.
Johnson acknowledged the criticism she received before her interview, referring to a media post that questioned her suitability for the role. Despite these challenges, she expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees for providing a “protective and transparent” search process, although she recognized the difficulties that accompanied it.
The search for FAMU’s 13th president has been marred by contention and frustration, with rumors and claims of political influence clouding the process. Central to the controversy is speculation regarding FAMU board Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons, who is alleged to have played a role in adding Johnson to the candidacy list at a late stage. Gibbons has refuted the claims, which suggest he acted on behalf of former Governor Rick Scott and current Governor Ron DeSantis, both of whom have ties to Johnson.
Marva Johnson offers a background as the former chair of the Florida Board of Education, holding degrees from prestigious institutions, including Georgetown University, Emory University, and Georgia State University College of Law. She is currently employed as group vice president for Charter Communications, where she oversees state government affairs and promotes broadband access in underserved communities.
During her interview, Johnson articulated her vision for FAMU, aiming to steer the institution towards a “path to preeminence” over the next five years. This vision includes enhancing the university’s brand, curriculum, investment resources, and ultimately improving student success. She also stressed the importance of listening to students and faculty as part of her leadership approach at FAMU.
In addition to her professional role, Johnson’s involvement includes serving as the board chair for the Pace Center for Girls and as a member of the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning Advisory Board. Her assessment of FAMU students was notably positive, rating their engagement as a “five” on a scale of one to five during her interview.
The Board of Trustees plans to convene on May 16 to vote on a candidate for the presidency. This selection will subsequently require final approval from the Florida Board of Governors. Concerns persist among alumni and community members that the integrity of the presidential search process may be undermined by political pressures.
Additionally, there are worries about the potential impact of Florida’s political climate on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including FAMU. Critics, including leaders from the NAACP and other notable alumni, have emphasized the need for increased transparency and community involvement throughout the search process.
As the search continues, FAMU’s historic legacy of serving as a pillar of Black academic excellence remains a significant focus, underscoring the importance of a thorough and community-involved presidential search.
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