Turnbull had the option of either seeking reappointment or
continuing to serve until her replacement was selected by the BOG. But she
appears to have chosen to go ahead and part ways with the board.
Former FAMU President James H. Ammons originally nominated Turnbull for an open seat on the FAMU board in 2009. He said she had “a long and rich history as an advocate and supporter of education in the State of Florida.” Turnbull previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Leon County Commission, and trustee for Edward Waters College.
Turnbull was one of the “cooler heads” on the FAMU Board of
Trustees. She opposed motions for a reprimand and vote of “no confidence” in
Ammons in 2011. She was also a strong supporter of Interim President Larry
Robinson.
Last year, Turnbull expressed concern that the board
members who initiated a bitter fight with then President-designate Elmira
Mangum over her proposed employment agreement might cause the process to fail.
“If we do not come to a decision on this presidency, Florida
A&M University will have difficulty in recovering from this. We will never
be able to hire a president. There is no one out there who will be willing to
take a look at us,” Turnbull said.