Back on January 10, 2017, Barbara Cohen-Pippin came out of retirement to serve as FAMU’s new director of governmental relations.Her resume includes more than 30 years of political experience, including serving as the special assistant to the president for governmental relations at Broward Community College from 2000-2011. She was also policy advisor to former Governor Lawton Chiles and executive assistant to former University of Florida President Marshall Criser Jr.
The FAMUan recently discussed her vision for the FAMU’s legislative affairs in article entitled “Cohen-Pippin is the face of FAMU at the Capitol.” From the news story:
Even when one retires, the job to enhance higher education is never done. But when one has the support of an entire university, it makes the job worthwhile.
Barbara Cohen-Pippin has fit comfortably into her role as Director of Governmental Relations since December 2016, succeeding longtime FAMU lobbyist Tola Thompson. With the 2018 Florida legislative session being in full swing, it’s only natural to ask who is batting for Florida A&M and what might they be fighting for at the Capitol?
Cohen-Pippin brings 30 plus years of experience in higher education and a great deal of her expertise comes from time spent in the Florida Legislature…
In her role, she serves as an advocate, liaison and resource to the university. She represents the university at the Capitol, informing the Legislature what FAMU needs and why those needs are vital to the institution.
Cohen-Pippin said alumni demonstrate great power when getting things across on behalf of Florida A&M and seasoned Rattlers put real meaning in all politics that are local.
“They have relationships with their legislator. Some of our trustee members can pick up the phone and call,” she said, “We had a bill last week and wanted to get it in the agenda. I asked if (someone) could call and ask their legislator. (They) called and helped to get the bill.”
The passion and love for the institution aids in making the case to the Legislature, Cohen-Pippin said. When the university works together it is no longer solely her job to promote, because at that point, everyone is an advocate.
Read the full article here.