By Naomi Haynes
TALLAHASSEE—Marva Johnson’s most significant challenge continues to be her inability to convince Florida A&M University stakeholders that she was the right choice for president. For months, prominent influencers and alumni have refused invitations to meet with the former lobbyist because of her strong ties to President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. Likewise, alumni have been silent and distant.
Johnson’s failure to ensure that FAMU had a governing role before and after Florida State University’s acquisition of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital only fueled that brand. A ministerial alliance led by Reverand RB Holmes and City Commissioner Diane Williams-Cox paused the city purchase, urging the inclusion of FAMU. The FAMU Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting to include FAMU, also emphasizing the university’s extensive healthcare profile. Apparently, that connection was lost on Marva Johnson who gave a nod to the original plan that excluded FAMU. BOT Vice Chairman Mike White said FAMU’s seat on the governing board would serve to “improve opportunity and improve local healthcare.” FAMU now has a seat on the governing authority following the interventions.
Unfortunately for the new president, missing this opportunity is what critics expected, and it’s having a rippling effect. During the October FAMU Foundation Board meeting, members learned that they would not meet the fundraising goal. Donors warned months ago that Johnson would deter contributions. The Foundation supplements many student budget shortfalls, which caused the board to resist paying the balance of Johnson’s million-dollar salary.
Most recently, reports that Florida Lottery Secretary John Davis will become the athletic director. It exploded on social media as angry stakeholders say it represents another Black political appointee of Governor Ron DeSantis, whose lack of credentials is disqualifying.
The president misinformed faculty and staff by promising them a 4% raise when, in fact, it is a one-time bonus. The opposition to the Johnson presidency goes beyond what is described as “chilly receptions” to her speeches and blank stares. For the first time in university history, an entire section of alumni and students staged a walkout when she began speaking at the Homecoming Convocation.
At Johnson’s first Board of Trustees meeting, student leader Devin Nobles delivered a scathing rebuke of the new president and the BOT, outlining the scheme he says brought them to power. “I find it concerning that we have individuals nominating themselves to lead this institution without qualifications or a clear demonstration of their commitment to our core values. All over Florida, MAGA loyalists have been installed at universities or are being installed. The same is happening here at FAMU. We are aware. This body refuses to seek justice for its students, so we shall seek justice for ourselves.”
Interestingly, the mainstream media did not report Nobles’ comments. Instead, they focused on the final phase of the BOT leadership shift with the election of Deveron Gibbons and Mike White as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Meanwhile, students continue to produce social media infomercials critical of the president’s $ 75,000-a-month salary, featuring graphics that show FAMU’s inability to pay it over time and their claims that she lacks credentials and vision.
