FAMU took a significant step in its search for a new president by hosting four listening sessions on Monday. The sessions were designed to gather input from faculty, staff/administrators, students, and alumni/community members about the qualities and criteria they believe are essential for the next leader of the institution.
More than 180 people attended the virtual and in-person listening session for alumni and community members, with only seven choosing to participate in person. Deveron Gibbons, Vice Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees and chair of the search committee, emphasized the importance of community input.
"We need your input," Gibbons said. "The search committee will come up with criteria based on your feedback."
Gibbons reiterated that the committee's goal is to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts on the ideal candidate for the presidency. This comes after FAMU's former president, Larry Robinson, resigned last year following a controversial donation that did not materialize as expected. Since then, the university has been focused on rebuilding and moving forward.
"I am confident that the search committee will identify and choose a candidate who will lead FAMU into the future," Gibbons added.
Darius Hawkins, a student at FAMU, expressed his desire for the next president to have strong leadership skills, a solid educational background, and fundraising capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of treating the university as a successful business.
"I wonder about the connections that the president will have and the people that he will surround himself with," Hawkins said. "I hope it’s someone that is positive, forward-thinking, and considers the people within the school."
Leon County School Board member Darryl Jones, a FAMU alumnus, and Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, an adjunct professor on campus, attended the session to advocate for interim president Tim Beard. They highlighted Beard's positive relationship with the local community and suggested that he should be considered for the permanent position.
Alumna Angela Ferguson, who participated virtually, stressed the importance of administrative, research, and fundraising skills in the next president. She also noted the significance of interpersonal skills.
"The next president needs to be a people person too," Ferguson said. "You can look good on paper, but it’s about how you show up in person."
FAMU is currently accepting applications and nominations for the position through the end of the month. Following this, the search committee will conduct a series of interviews and host finalists for on-campus visits.
The committee aims to name a new president by May.