News Summary
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation board has postponed discussions on Marva Johnson’s proposed salary, raising concerns about funding and alumni support. Johnson requested a base salary of $750,000, significantly higher than the previous president’s pay. The decision to delay aims to gather more information regarding funding, with alumni expressing dissatisfaction over the chosen candidate and potentially withholding support. A critical meeting for salary approval is scheduled soon, with ongoing debates about fiscal viability and compensation practices.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Foundation board of directors has postponed a budget amendment regarding the presidential salary package for Marva Johnson, leaving her compensation arrangement in uncertainty. The decision, made on Friday, was taken to allow the board to closely examine available funding before moving forward.
Marva Johnson, who sought the position of FAMU president, requested a base salary of $750,000 during her application. Currently, the board has not received Johnson’s proposed contract, and the Finance Committee, which convened in Frisco, Texas, on May 30, 2023, is responsible for reviewing the proposed operating budget amendment for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Freddie Raines, a member of the Foundation board, indicated that the decision to delay was made in light of the need for more information concerning funding requests. The amended operating budget also accounts for the salaries of interim President Timothy Beard and Larry Robinson, who resigned amid a donation scandal last year and is now on a 12-month sabbatical.
Johnson’s salary request stands in stark contrast to Robinson’s final base salary of $451,711. The FAMU Board of Trustees has approved a salary range for Johnson positioned between $450,000 and $750,000, with the state contributing $250,000 toward the total salary of university presidents. This leaves the FAMU Foundation responsible for covering the remainder of her salary along with potential bonuses.
Concerns among some Foundation board members regarding Johnson’s high-end salary request have emerged, reflecting the organization’s financial limitations. The board is currently liable for Robinson’s salary of approximately $500,000 and Beard’s compensation of $400,000, as well as additional expenses related to coaching salaries.
Alumni discontent concerning Johnson’s selection as president has also surfaced, with some indicating they will withhold funding designated for her salary. Instead, these alumni intend to redirect their financial contributions toward student success initiatives. Beard has encouraged alumni to support FAMU students during the upcoming National Alumni Association’s convention, emphasizing the relevance of student priorities over the presidency.
A meeting scheduled for June 18, 2023, will bring together the Florida Board of Governors, who will review Johnson’s employment agreement and salary contract for final approval. Debates regarding the presidential salary proposal have suggested that FAMU might struggle to accommodate the higher compensation ranges recommended by the search committee and recruitment firm.
Critics of Johnson’s selection have pointed out that none of the finalists for the presidential role had prior experience as university presidents, raising questions about the decision-making process. The search firm advised that compensation should align within the 50th to 75th percentiles to attract top talent while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Protests from alumni against Johnson’s selection have highlighted her political connections and perceived lack of higher education experience. Johnson was ultimately chosen for the presidency following an 8-4 vote from the Board of Trustees, though approval from the Board of Governors remains pending. Internal divisions among the Board of Trustees became evident during the selection process, with some members suggesting that there may have been manipulation in candidate selection.
The implications of this ongoing budget amendment process and salary deliberations for Marva Johnson’s presidency at FAMU are significant, affecting not only university leadership but also funding and support from alumni and other stakeholders.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FAMU Board to Discuss President’s Compensation Package
Leon County School District Announces New Principal Appointments
Marva Johnson Selected as New President of FAMU
Marva Johnson Appointed as Florida A&M University President
Florida A&M University Highlights Finalists for President Position
New Agreement Enhances Teacher Benefits in Leon County
Tallahassee Initiatives Empower Local Youth Through Financial Literacy
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: New FAMU President Salary
- Miami Herald: FAMU Presidential News
- Hindustan Times: Marva Johnson Salary Details
- Wikipedia: Florida A&M University
- Inside Higher Ed: FAMU Hires New President
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida A&M University
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.
