News Summary
The FAMU National Alumni Association has endorsed Donald Palm for the presidency of Florida A&M University after he earned 81.75% in a recent survey. This significant support comes amid a contentious presidential search process involving transparency concerns and allegations against other candidates. Curtis Johnson, president of the alumni association, highlighted Palm’s strong ties to the university. The final decision on the new president will be made on May 16 after campus visits from the finalists.
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – The FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) has officially endorsed Donald Palm as a candidate for the presidency of Florida A&M University (FAMU). Palm received an overwhelming 81.75% of the votes in a recent “Presidential Preference Survey” conducted by the alumni association, demonstrating significant support from alumni. The specific number of votes cast in the survey has not been made public.
The endorsement was formally announced by Curtis Johnson, the president of the FAMU NAA, in a letter dated May 10. Johnson, who is concurrently running for re-election as president of the alumni association, serves as a member of the FAMU presidential search committee. He highlighted Palm’s close ties to FAMU, pointing to his experience as the Chief Operating Officer and his previous role as a faculty member, emphasizing his commitment to the university.
As the presidential search progresses, controversy has emerged surrounding some of the candidates, particularly Marva Johnson, who has faced allegations related to political influence and transparency issues in the selection process. Concerns from alumni regarding her candidacy have been raised, suggesting that it may compromise the integrity of the search. Additionally, the process has faced scrutiny due to adherence to nondisclosure agreements by search committee members, leading to a request from the Florida Board of Governors for a list of individuals who signed such agreements.
The results of the presidential preference survey were made public just before the finalists’ campus visits, which began on May 12 and are set to conclude on May 15. The executive search firm Myers McRae has been engaged to assist FAMU with the presidential search, following a comprehensive review of over 60 applications that resulted in the current finalists.
Alongside Donald Palm, the other finalists for the presidency include Rondall Allen from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Gerald Hector from the University of Central Florida, and Marva Johnson from Charter Communications. Palm’s campus visit is scheduled for May 15.
In light of the mounting concerns regarding the selection process, Curtis Johnson acknowledged the alumni’s desire for increased transparency and public discussion prior to naming the finalists. The alumni association’s executive board is set to conduct a special meeting on May 14 to finalize their endorsement of Donald Palm.
Looking ahead, the FAMU Board of Trustees will convene virtually on May 16 to vote on the selection of the next university president. The final decision will require confirmation from the Florida Board of Governors, with stakeholders viewing this as a pivotal moment in the institution’s history.
As FAMU prepares to transition to its 13th presidency, the choice of leader will significantly impact the university’s future direction and the ongoing concerns regarding governance and transparency in the selection process must be addressed. This underscores the need for an effective and accountable leadership transition that aligns with the expectations of students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.
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