There were behind-the-scenes efforts to collect enough votes
for an alternate candidate with no ties to FAMU (which continued up to just a
few minutes before the meeting convened), but Robinson retained the support of
the majority of the board members who vote for him back on July 16. The
trustees working against Robinson's appointment gave up and declined to formally introduce
any other names during the meeting.
Student Body President Marissa West offered the motion to
confirm Robinson's appointment. A number of other trustees, including Faculty
Senate President Narayan Persaud, Vice-Chairman Spurgeon McWilliams, and Karl
White, all complimented Robinson’s leadership abilities.
"I feel very comfortable working day-to-day with him
for the short time I've been working with him," Chairman Solomon L.
Badger.
Robinson stated that he is committed to directing his full
energies to the interim presidency and does not wish to be considered for the
permanent job. His appointment begins immediately, but will still be subject to
another "confirmation" vote by the Florida Board of Governors.