Scott’s FAMU cronies resorting to desperate measures to get rid of Robinson

big rattler
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Gov. Rick Scott has given FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson a very cold reception ever since the FAMU Board of Trustees appointed him to lead the university on July 16.

Before the teleconference meeting, numerous trustees were told that there would be severe political consequences if Robinson was put in charge. There were also attempts to pressure Robinson to decline the position. But a majority of the board members decided to vote for Robinson anyway rather than go along with an unofficial shortlist of interim presidential candidates that had been developed outside of FAMU.

The trustees who are in the governor’s pocket are currently scrambling to get enough votes to block Robinson’s “confirmation” vote on Wednesday, August 15.

The renewed behind-the-scenes campaign against Robinson is utilizing the same arguments that were used to attack him last month. It’s being said that Robinson is making key politicians uncomfortable with his efforts to build FAMU’s research programs and that he is too close to U.S. President Barack Obama.

Both of those lame criticisms should be rejected.

Robinson’s support of expanding FAMU’s research programs might very well be a sore spot with Scott. Back in April, the governor tried to stop the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from opening its satellite campus in Crestview by vetoing the $1.5M that he Florida Legislature appropriated from its 2012-2013 operating costs.

But all GOP officials don’t feel the same way that Scott does. State Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, and former State Sen. Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, both worked to help the Crestview Education Center get the money that it needed to open its doors in Fall 2012, as planned.

Baker and other Republican lawmakers in Okaloosa County legislative delegation proved effective in saving the Crestview campus from Scott this year. They will be back to help again during the next legislative session.

Robinson’s connections with the president of the United States did not stop FAMU from getting the bipartisan support it needed to rescue the Crestview campus and they won’t stop FAMU from getting bipartisan help during the upcoming appropriations process.

The fact that FAMU has an interim president who is viewed favorably by Obama will help the university as it goes forward with its future research grant proposals. Last year, Obama’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded FAMU a $15M research grant, the largest single grant the university’s history. There’s little doubt that Robinson, who was a member of the president’s NOAA team during the time, was a credit to FAMU’s reputation as it sought the grant.

Robinson has the experience to necessary to assist FAMU in netting more federal research grants that will help the university make a stronger case for greater financial investment from the Florida Legislature.

Robinson is right choice to lead FAMU throughout the interim period. University trustees should dismiss the lame criticisms that are being used by individuals who think pleasing Scott is more important than looking out for FAMU.

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