FAMU’s quest for its 13th permanent president entered a critical phase this week as its presidential search committee began winnowing down over 60 applicants to six potential candidates it plans to interview in the coming weeks.
Amid the high-stakes selection process, higher education leadership expert Charlie Nelms, a former chancellor at North Carolina Central University and the University of Michigan-Flint, speaking hypothetically, outlined some of the essential qualities perspective modern university presidents should likely have, and which the search committee might be looking for. Speaking with in an interview with HBCU Nation Podcast, Nelms, stressed the need for “universal leadership skills” and “compelling storytelling”.
The search for a visionary leader
FAMU’s search, launched after former President Larry Robinson’s tenure ended in 2024, comes at a pivotal moment for FAMU, which seeks to bolster its reputation as a top-ranked national university amid the national upheaval in the higher education sector, new accountability demands, challenges in enrollment, and federal funding issues. The committee, chaired by FAMU Board of Trustees member Deveron Gibbons, aims to select a leader capable of navigating “the complexities of 21st-century higher education.”
Nelms’ blueprint for presidential success
Dr. Nelms, whose career spans decades leading HBCUs and predominantly white institutions, distilled effective presidential leadership into three pillars:
- Critical thinking & communication: “The ability to analyze complex issues and communicate clearly—whether in a boardroom or a town hall—is non-negotiable,” he said, emphasizing that presidents must bridge divides between faculty, students, donors, and policymakers.
- Focused vision over breadth: Using a camera analogy, Nelms noted, “A blurred lens won’t capture your goal. Presidents must zero in on priorities—like student success or research growth—rather than chasing every shiny object.”
- Storytelling as a catalyst for support: “Great presidents articulate an authentic narrative that resonates,” he explained. “When you can inspire a donor with the story of a first-gen student or rally faculty around a bold research initiative, you unlock the resources and morale the institution needs.
Nelms, who has advised universities nationwide, stressed that new university leaders must champion a university’s unique legacy while addressing systemic inequities.
Trust will also be paramount
Jorge Burmicky, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University, who's research examines presidential leadership in higher education, added that the "seven core competencies that are essential for a modern college president, include: trust building, demonstrating resilience, communication savvy, crafting a cabinet and team building, emotional intelligence, leading with courage, and data acumen and resource management.
“Obviously higher education is in the midst of political attacks and scrutiny and presidents are fielding questions from policymakers from all sides,” he said. “They are being challenged to make a case for the continued existence of higher education and the value that they provide. And they’ve had to become much stronger advocates for their institutions as a whole.”
At the same time, Brumicky noted, students expectations for the services colleges provide are rising, as are calls for institutions to “increase access and create opportunity for marginalized students.” Those challenges come as leaders are also navigating “pretty significant labor tensions on campuses.”
“FAMU isn’t just a university—it’s a beacon of Black excellence. Its next president must advocate unapologetically for funding and partnerships while ensuring students graduate ready to lead,” he said, nodding to FAMU’s recent $112 million research funding milestone."
So if I were to say the key trait a new university leader might need to have is the ability to build trust with the campus community, in a way that is consistent and accountable," Burmicky said.
What’s Next?
The six finalists will undergo rigorous interviews and before again being narrowed down to a few finalist to be brought to campus forums in late May. As FAMU weighs its options, Nelms’ and Burmicky's advice looms large: “In an era where higher education is under siege, presidents must be strategists, storytellers, be able to build trust, and be unifiers—all at once.”
Key Dates
· April 14-15: First-round interviews (closed session)
· May 12-16: Campus interviews (open to the public)