Florida A&M University, a significant public HBCU, is at the center of a debate concerning its prospective new president, Marva Johnson. Her ties to Governor Ron DeSantis have sparked concerns among alumni about potential impacts on the university’s autonomy.
AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:
Controversy surrounds the selection of Marva Johnson as the prospective president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). Alumni express apprehension that Johnson’s connections with Governor Ron DeSantis might lead to the advancement of anti-DEI initiatives. In 2023, DeSantis enacted a law restricting funding for most DEI programs at state colleges. Reporting from member station WFSU, here’s Margie Menzel.
MARGIE MENZEL, BYLINE: Marva Johnson emerged as a finalist for FAMU’s presidency in a last-minute decision by the university’s board of trustees, members of which are appointed by Governor DeSantis. Her appointment awaits the board of governors’ final decision. Johnson engaged with alumni and the broader community during her candidacy. Among her questioners was Clinton Byrd, an alumnus from the class of 1971.
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CLINTON BYRD: Do you feel that in this climate, under these circumstances, that you, in being supportive of Governor DeSantis, could actually protect FAMU?
MENZEL: Johnson argued that her rapport with the governor could be advantageous for the university.
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MARVA JOHNSON: If the general public perception is that Governor DeSantis likes me, then wouldn’t it stand to reason that if there’s – that he wants me to be successful?
UNIDENTIFIED CROWD: No.
JOHNSON: No?
MENZEL: Johnson, a Black Republican, boasts a career as a lobbyist for chartered communications and holds three academic degrees. Her tenure includes two terms on the State Board of Education, one as chair, but lacks college-level teaching experience. FAMU alumna Keneshia Grant voiced concerns about her selection undermining DEI efforts.
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KENESHIA GRANT: This may have started with a Black college in Florida, but best believe it will not end there. So the fight that we take up in this moment is for FAMU, but it’s not just for FAMU. It’s for all of Black America.
MENZEL: Grant made her remarks during a Zoom meeting that gathered 1,000 participants strategizing to block Johnson’s confirmation. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shared his skepticism about her potential success.
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HAKEEM JEFFRIES: It’s my suspicion that she will not last long. At the institution, she will be a failure.
MENZEL: Some argue Johnson’s leadership could bolster FAMU’s financial stability. Trustee Jamal Brown, president of FAMU’s faculty senate, supports her, citing her experience with education accountability systems in Florida.
JAMAL BROWN: As the chair of the State Board of Education, she worked directly on the accountability systems that governed K through 12 and Florida College System institutions. That includes performance-based funding metrics and legislative engagements, the very same systems that shape funding for FAMU.
MENZEL: Alongside selecting Johnson, trustees authorized a potential salary increase for her up to $750,000, a decision critiqued by Kristin Harper, chair of the board of trustees, who did not support Johnson’s candidacy.
KRISTIN HARPER: As a fiduciary, I don’t think it’s financially responsible to select a finalist whose qualifications pale in comparison to others and whose salary requirements we cannot afford.
MENZEL: The confirmation vote by the board of governors is scheduled for mid-June, with some FAMU alumni planning to protest in opposition.
Reporting for NPR News, I’m Margie Menzel in Tallahassee.
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