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.
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.