- Video shows students and alumni expressing opposition during the meeting, becoming emotional and walking out.
- FAMU Board of Trustees have nominated Marva Johnson its president-elect during a meeting Friday.
- Despite disappointment, WATCH THE VIDEO to learn why some in the FAMU community hope Johnson will secure funding and address key campus needs.
UPDATED BROADCAST SCRIPT:
The FAMU presidential search comes to an end as trustees select Marva Johnson as the next president of the university.
But many alumni and students were left upset after the decision — some walking out in disagreement and getting emotional.
ABC 27’s Brieanna Smith caught up with some of these alumni and students to get their reaction to the announcement.
"I’m very disappointed, but I’m not surprised,” Jaiden Howard, a Spring 2025 Graduate, said.
"I was hoping that, based on the fact that alumni, faculty, and students, and supporters, had identified someone that they thought were more qualified,” Tommy Mitchell Sr., a former director of Alumni Affairs, said.
"I would think, you know, with all the pushback from the community and the students that they would put somebody here, and we students say we don't want her, that they still would put her in charge just by her having no experience in higher education at all,” Charles Grant, a Graduate Student, said.
Their reaction is a culmination of recent controversy surrounding Johnson’s political background, education experience, and whether her values fit the university's mission.
Notable alumni like Director Will Packer organized protests Wednesday to voice their opposition to Johnson.
Students even starting online petitions.
One organized on Change.org, collecting at least 12,000 signatures.
As trustees move to salary negotiations, students are concerned about harm to enrollment and the university's reputation.
“If you have someone who's leading you that doesn't inspire you, that doesn't make you feel fulfilled, and that you feel is against your mission and your core values, it in turn, I believe, will affect how you perform,” Howard said.
But they hope she's able to secure and ensure that funding goes toward grad students, faculty, programming, and campus infrastructure.
“Her securing more funding for students at FAMU, especially those graduate students, about her securing more funding for our pharmacy school, and also expanding our campus, especially with FSU trying to make their way across the tracks,” Grant said.
Others hope Johnson listens to the FAMU community, and despite initial disappointment, they will show support.
“My opinion is that we have to support our presidents so that when problems arise, we have to provide the kind of support that enables them to remain in office,” Mitchell said.
There has been no word of potential student-led protests against President-elect Marva Johnson. But several student organizations like the Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society have publicly condemned the appointment.
ORIGINAL:
Florida A&M University has announced Marva Johnson as its President-elect following a 10-month search. The decision comes after each of the four finalists met with the public this week.
Marva Johnson was met with a hostile crowd at a Wednesday evening meet-and-greet. FAMU alumni and stakeholders questioned Johnson's qualifications and political influence. Johnson currently leads State Government Affairs for Charter Communications. She says that experience would benefit FAMU in a political climate that is affecting universities at every level.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE MARVA JOHNSON'S MEETING WITH THE PUBLIC:
The other three finalists were Rondall Allen, Gerald Hector, and Dr. Donald Palm.
The board has approved a salary range of $450k-$750k.
The Board of Governors has to approve Johnson's nomination, which will be discussed at their next
meeting on June 18th.
This is a developing story.
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