FAMU trustees unanimously approve one-year contract extension for Robinson

This afternoon, the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously approved a one-year contract extension for Interim President Larry Robinson.

The Special Committee on Presidential Leadership for the BOT voted 5-0 to recommend the contract extension on September 7. At the full meeting of the BOT today, trustees adopted the recommendation with a 12-0 vote.

“I think this sends the right message on stability for our institution. I think it sends the right message on our confidence in our leadership,” said Chair Kelvin Lawson.

Lawson mentioned the importance of having stable administrative leadership as FAMU continues its reaffirmation of accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS will make a decision  in 2018 on whether to extend FAMU’s accreditation for another ten-year period.

Robinson expressed his appreciation to the trustees after the motion passed.

“I thank all of you for that vote of confidence,” Robinson said.

Back on September 15, 2016, Robinson began a one-year employment agreement. His contract extension will become effective on September 15 of this year.

On August 18, the BOT voted 11-0 to request approval from the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) for a waiver of its requirement to conduct a national search. Lawson, who asked trustees to take that action, has said that such a waiver would provide trustees with an expanded set of options as it moves forward with selecting the 12th permanent president. 

The BOG has not announced a timeline for an official response to the waiver request. Its next meeting is scheduled for November.