Nearly 80 FAMU alumni and supporters gathered at Bethel AME Church for a community meeting organized by Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, with hundreds more tuning in online. The focus of the discussion: opposition to finalist Marva Johnson, whose ties to Florida’s Republican leadership have sparked accusations of political interference in the historically Black university’s search process.
Community outcry over finalist
Eleven speakers at the meeting voiced sharp criticism of Johnson, a former chair of the Florida State Board of Education and appointee under Govs. Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. Critics highlighted her lack of academic experience and alleged alignment with the DeSantis administration’s policies on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and Black history education.
“These Republicans are not the ones of yesteryear. This is a different crowd, and we need leadership that can defend FAMU,” declared attorney Chuck Hobbs, who likened Johnson to a “MAGA Trojan horse” aimed at undermining the university. Hobbs and others questioned how Johnson, who has never held a teaching or administrative role at an educational institution, advanced past 50 candidates with academic backgrounds. “Serving on a board does not an educator make,” Hobbs argued.
Former FAMU National Alumni Association President Tommy Mitchell stressed the need for a president with academic credentials, citing FAMU’s #20 national ranking in upward mobility. “We need a leader who prioritizes FAMU’s mission, not political agendas,” Mitchell said.
BOG investigation drags on
The outcry comes amid scrutiny from the Florida Board of Governors (BOG), which demanded records related to the search, including non-disclosure agreements and video recordings of committee deliberations. The April 21 request blindsided FAMU trustees, escalating tensions during an April 24 board meeting.
Proctor noted, that the BOG investigation has as dragged on for more than 10 days. "How long does it take to review a video tape?" Proctor asked emphatically.
Search Committee Chair Deveron Gibbons defended the process as “transparent,” noting all meetings were recorded and monitored by FAMU’s legal team. “If rules were violated, it would have come out,” Gibbons said.
Controversial deliberations
At least three sources close to the search process confirmed that deliberations grew contentious, with members initially selecting three finalists from the six candidates interviewed. Johnson was added as a fourth finalist after Gibbons advocated for her inclusion. A late-arriving committee member reportedly cast a decisive vote via Zoom, a move one source called “orchestrated,” hinting at external influence.
Johnson’s political connections—including advisory roles under Scott and DeSantis—have fueled fears of a shift in FAMU’s priorities. Gibbons, also FAMU Board of Trustees vice chair, dismissed the allegations as “innuendo.”
What’s next
The four finalists, including Johnson, will tour FAMU’s campus and participate in public forums May 12–15. A final vote by the Board of Trustees is expected shortly after.
As the search enters its final phase, alumni and faculty remain vigilant. “We won’t be fooled,” Hobbs warned. “FAMU’s legacy is too vital to risk.”