Mangum appoints Marcella David to serve as provost

FAMU President Elmira Mangum has appointed Marcella David to serve as the University’s new provost. David will replace Rodner Wright, who has served as interim provost for the last two years. 

Prior to accepting the provost position at FAMU, David served as a professor of law and international studies, and associate dean at the University of Iowa College of Law.

In addition, David served in several top-level leadership positions from 2004 to 2009, including as the University of Iowa’s first special assistant to the president for equal opportunity and diversity, and associate provost for diversity from 2006 to 2009.

In the role of provost, David will lead the University’s academic operations comprised of seven schools and seven colleges, including numerous institutes, academic support programs, and 700 faculty. She will provide leadership for the University’s academic programs and delivery of its academic mission, including the formulation, coordination and implementation of University policies; the delivery of effective teaching, research and service by the faculty; support of shared governance; supervision of administrative, budgetary and accountability functions; assurance of quality teaching; and advisement to students.

David, who is a member of the New York Bar, is recognized as a legal scholar in international law, and human and worker rights. Her publications include a chapter titled “The U.S. Government and Women” in the International Rights of Women and articles published in the Harvard International Law Journal, Michigan Journal of International Law, and Human Rights Quarterly. Additionally, she served as a guest editor for the Iowa Journal of Transnational Law and Contemporary Problems.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1986 and her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Michigan in 1989. From 1991-1992, David was a Ford Foundation Fellow in Public International Law at the Harvard Law School.

“Marcella David is a remarkable addition to the University’s leadership team. Her dedication to academic excellence, high-level collegiate executive experience, and unparalleled track record in international law and human rights make her the perfect fit to help FAMU achieve its vision to become a best-in-class doctoral research institution with an international reach and a commitment to community service,” said Mangum.

Commenting on her appointment, David said, “I look forward to joining the FAMU family. The University’s rich legacy of academic excellence and serving the underserved align perfectly with my professional and personal desires and aspirations. As provost, I will be able to play a vital role in helping Dr. Mangum to achieve her vision of making FAMU ‘A Brand that Matters in the 21st Century and Beyond,’ while at the same time continuing my life-long commitment to fighting for justice and human equality.”

Sally Mason, president of the University of Iowa, expressed her support and confidence in David’s success as FAMU’s new provost.

“While I am sad to lose a good friend and great colleague in Marcella David, I am thrilled and proud that she will take on this significant new role as provost. She is an outstanding scholar, an exceedingly fine person and someone who will be absolutely committed to student and faculty success,” said Mason.

David Skorton, Cornell University president and past president at the University of Iowa, echoed Mason’s sentiments.

“I congratulate Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University on the selection of Marcella David as its next provost. Having worked with her at the University of Iowa, I know Professor David as a dedicated teacher and researcher, and a skilled administrator,” Skorton said. “Her academic, legal and community leadership, and her advancement of diversity and inclusion will be tremendous assets in her new position.”

David is expected to begin her tenure as provost in February 2015.