Marva Johnson, a telecommunications executive, has been appointed as the 13th president of Florida A&M University (FAMU), despite significant backlash from the university’s students and alumni. The Florida Board of Governors confirmed Johnson’s appointment during a recent meeting, highlighting her connection to the controversial policies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Johnson’s candidacy faced strong opposition from FAMU stakeholders, with students and alumni voicing concerns over her qualifications and readiness to lead Florida’s only public historically Black college. During the Board of Governors meeting, multiple speakers expressed their discontent, with Kimberly Godwin, a former ABC News president and FAMU alum, questioning Johnson’s credentials and on-campus performance.
The FAMU community is especially worried about Johnson’s ties to DeSantis, who has implemented policies that many see as anti-diversity and inclusive education, such as bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Florida colleges. These policies were further solidified with the passing of the STOP Woke Act, restricting educational content around race and privilege in classrooms.
Johnson acknowledged the opposition in her address, stating, “My door will always be open, and I am looking forward to full engagement on campus and with our communities.” As the new president, she aims to diversify funding sources for FAMU and enhance digital literacy and adaptability among students, focusing on student success and institutional legacy.
Critics like film producer Will Packer, an alumnus of FAMU, have labeled her appointment part of a broader Republican strategy to undermine HBCUs, claiming the board’s decision disregards the collective voice of the FAMU community. Packer stated, “There is no place for that hateful, divisive rhetoric, not at the college of love and charity.”
In the shadow of Donald Trump’s past funding cuts to HBCUs, including a proposed $64 million cut from Howard University, Johnson’s appointment has raised alarm bells. Trump’s administration has targeted diversity initiatives and mandated significant changes in university implementations regarding race-related policies.
This discontent was echoed by student leaders who expressed sadness and frustration that the board ignored widespread concerns regarding Johnson’s qualifications, despite her administrative experience under the DeSantis administration. As students launched petitions and participated in protests against her appointment, the board proceeded with a five-year contract, beginning with a $650,000 salary.
The FAMU community’s outcry continues, reflecting fears about the university’s future under leadership perceived to be connected to a political agenda that undermines its foundational values of diversity and inclusiveness. Johnson’s role will be to not only engage with students and staff but also to navigate these turbulent waters and assert FAMU’s legacy while championing student interests in the face of political challenges.