TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It's official: Dr. Larry Robinson is the new president of Florida A&M University.
The vote was unanimous Thursday morning by the FAMU Board of Trustees, 12-0.
The day prior, the board’s Presidential Leadership Committee recommended Robinson to the position. It's not a role that Robinson is unfamiliar with.
During the meeting, trustees pointed out the capabilities Robinson has shown during his time with the university.
“We based our decision on data and followed our process thoroughly,” Board Chair Kelvin Lawson said. “We all, collectively, feel good about where we are, and we feel extremely well about our new leader – President Robinson.”
He said he was overcome with joy with the opportunity to serve as president.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to have this opportunity to help move this University forward. I understand the awesomeness of this responsibility,” Robinson said, accepting the nomination. “I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of your team. I want to emphasize that our No. 1 priority will be student success – fully understanding that a key element of our student success is the great work of our faculty and staff.”
Now Robinson's appointment has to be confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors.
On campus, students shared their reaction to FAMU naming its 12th president. The students are looking forward to moving on with Robinson and what he'll accomplish.
"I can say I'm excited because it's a new president but at the same time we're kind of familiar with him because he was an interim president for a while," said Kadarius Gardner.
Commissioner Bill Proctor issued this statement about the BOT's decision:
"I commend the FAMU Board of Trustees’ decision to hire Dr. Larry Robinson as the President of Florida A&M University. Dr. Robinson has previewed three times as an Interim Leader and he has favorably impressed the FAMU BOT and other stakeholders of the University. The community supports Dr. Robinson. We support him incorporating and recruiting more area students and student athletes into the fabric of FAMU.
We anticipate greater University engagement with local vendors and professional service providers and area leaders. FAMU is the heartthrob of our community and our identity. Under Dr. Robinson’s leadership, we want FAMU to soar to new heights of greatness.
Our love and our prayers go with Dr. Larry Robinson and FAMU today."
He has served as FAMU’s interim president since September 15, 2016 and also served in the capacity from July 2012 to April 2014 and in 2007.
