Marva Johnson appointed FAMU president amid heated 8-4 board vote

In a contentious decision that capped weeks of fierce community opposition, Marva Johnson was named Florida A&M University’s 13th president this afternoon after an 8-4 vote by the FAMU Board of Trustees. The selection of Johnson, a telecommunications executive and polarizing finalist, over current FAMU Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Donald Palm who was widely supported has sparked immediate backlash from students, alumni, and dissenting trustees who called the process “tone-deaf” to stakeholder concerns.

Divided board, defiant outcome
The vote revealed deep rifts within the Board of Trustees, with Chair Kristin Harper, former Judge Belvin Perry Jr., trustee Craig Reed, and Student Body President Zayla Bryant casting votes in favor of Palm. Trustee Natalie Figgers was absent. 

Johnson, whose candidacy faced criticism over her political ties and lack of higher education experience, secured the majority despite a petition with over 12,000 student signatures opposing her and an alumni poll showing 81.75% rejection.

“This decision disregards the voices of those who bleed orange and green,” said Bryant, the student trustee, after the meeting. “We demanded leadership rooted in FAMU’s mission, not corporate politics.”

Johnson vows to “bridge divides”

During the interview process, Johnson acknowledged the “passionate debates” surrounding her candidacy but pledged to unify the university. “FAMU’s legacy as a pillar of Black excellence is why I’m here,” she said. “I am committed to listening, learning, and ensuring every student has the tools to thrive.”

Critics remain skeptical, citing her appointments by Gov. Ron DeSantis to Florida’s State Board of Education, where she supported policies diverting public funds to private schools. Faculty  leaders also raised concerns about her alignment with anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) laws and her requested $750,000 salary—a figure far above what former President Larry Robinson was paid.

Palm’s supporters mourn “missed opportunity”

Palm, a 30-year FAMU administrator and beloved figure praised for his academic leadership, had emerged as the grassroots favorite. His supporters argued his Ph.D., institutional knowledge, and lower salary expectations made him the pragmatic choice.

“Dr. Palm embodied FAMU’s values. This feels like a betrayal,” said Marcus Thompson, a FAMU alum, who had urged trustees to heed its poll rejecting Johnson.

Compensation and challenges ahead

In an odd twist, the Trustees took the unusual step of delegating the authority to negotiate   Johnson’s final compensation package, toTrustee Nicole Washington taking it away from Chair Harper.  

Johnson's final compensation package is subject to FAMU Foundation Board approval, is expected to fall within the $400,000–$750,000 range trustees endorsed earlier this week—a compromise from her initial $750,000 base salary request. The Foundation must fund amounts exceeding the state’s $250,000 contribution.

Johnson, faces immediate pressure to address improvements in FAMU licensure scores in Law, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physical Therapy , legislative threats to DEI programs, and fractured trust. “She’ll need to prove she’s here for FAMU, not DeSantis/GOP politics,” said senior journalism student Alicia Morales.

As the university grapples with its new chapter, Friday’s vote leaves a stark question unanswered: Can Marva Johnson turn the page on division, or will her presidency deepen it?