The FAMU Presidential Search Committee held its first meeting this evening, initiating the process to find the university’s 13th President. The search firm leading the effort has proposed an aggressive timeline, which includes several listening sessions in February, an application deadline in March, and campus interviews in April. The goal is to have a new president in place by the start of the new school year.
Daunting agenda ahead
The next FAMU president will face a challenging agenda, including healing rifts between faculty, students, and administrators, improving licensure exams first-time pass rates, raising the university’s standing within the State University System (SUS), and navigating Florida’s increasingly politicized higher education environment.
The next FAMU president will face a challenging agenda, including healing rifts between faculty, students, and administrators, improving licensure exams first-time pass rates, raising the university’s standing within the State University System (SUS), and navigating Florida’s increasingly politicized higher education environment.
Potential impact of state politics
The fallout from the tenure of the previous president, coupled with Tallahassee’s micromanagement of state universities, could deter traditional candidates from applying. This situation might open the door for an academic outsider to step into the role. Florida is among several states where Republican lawmakers are reshaping college campuses, aiming to eliminate what they perceive as left-wing bias in curricula.
The fallout from the tenure of the previous president, coupled with Tallahassee’s micromanagement of state universities, could deter traditional candidates from applying. This situation might open the door for an academic outsider to step into the role. Florida is among several states where Republican lawmakers are reshaping college campuses, aiming to eliminate what they perceive as left-wing bias in curricula.
Closed search process
Under Florida’s new closed search law, the names of applicants for public university presidencies can be kept confidential until the search committee narrows the field to three finalists. After that, the public has 21 days to provide input. Proponents of the law argue that it is designed to attract high-caliber candidates who do not want to risk their current positions by applying publicly.
Under Florida’s new closed search law, the names of applicants for public university presidencies can be kept confidential until the search committee narrows the field to three finalists. After that, the public has 21 days to provide input. Proponents of the law argue that it is designed to attract high-caliber candidates who do not want to risk their current positions by applying publicly.
Next steps and transparency
The search committee will now focus on gathering input from various stakeholders through the scheduled listening sessions. These sessions are crucial for understanding the priorities and concerns of the FAMU community, which will help shape the profile of the ideal candidate.
The search committee will now focus on gathering input from various stakeholders through the scheduled listening sessions. These sessions are crucial for understanding the priorities and concerns of the FAMU community, which will help shape the profile of the ideal candidate.
The search consultants plan to publish a profile about the university in the next few weeks to provide applicants with a clear understanding of FAMU. Recruiting is a key component of this process to ensure the best fit for the open position.
As the search for FAMU’s next president unfolds, the committee will work diligently to ensure transparency and inclusivity, balancing the need to attract top-tier candidates with the university’s commitment to openness and accountability.