Marva Johnson, a finalist for the presidency of FAMU, faced sharp questions during a public forum Tuesday evening before alumni and community members about her qualifications, political affiliations, and vision for the historically Black university, as stakeholders voiced skepticism over her lack of direct higher education leadership experience.
Johnson, a former State Board of Education member and current Charter Communications executive, is among four candidates vying to lead FAMU. Critics, including faculty and alumni, highlighted her corporate background and appointments by GOP leaders like Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Gov. (now US Sen) Rick Scott, raising concerns about alignment with political agendas over FAMU’s mission.
Experience under fire
Zach Ansley directly challenged Johnson’s credentials, noting she is the sole finalist without prior roles as a professor, dean, or university administrator. “Do you understand why we are not in favor of your candidacy?” Ansley asked, citing fears of lowered standards under Florida’s DEI statutes.
Johnson defended her 12 years shaping Florida’s K-12 policies, emphasizing her work closing achievement gaps for marginalized students. “We implemented the first accountability program under my leadership… delivering outcomes that impacted lives,” she said, framing her state board tenure as proof of her commitment to equity.
Political ties
Questions also centered on Johnson’s political endorsements. A student noted her ties to DeSantis and Scott, asking how she’d leverage these relationships to secure resources.
Yet critics remained unconvinced. Gary Albert, a 2004 graduate, cited a petition with over 12,000 signatures opposing her candidacy. “Your qualifications have been questioned multiple times,” he said, contrasting her K-12 focus with other candidates’ higher ed leadership.
‘Not a Trojan Horse’
Johnson rejected claims she was a “Trojan horse” for political interests, asserting her lifelong passion for FAMU. “I grew up in a Rattler-driven household,” she said, referencing childhood memories of the Florida Classic rivalry game. “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU.”
When asked about community resistance, Johnson brushed aside any resistance and pointed that is is the board’s ultimate authority: “The beauty of this process is that the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors get the choice… I offer my candidacy for them to consider.”
What’s next?
FAMU’s Board of Trustees is expected to vote on FAMU's next president as early as Friday. As the university navigates funding challenges and its R1 aspirations, Johnson’s candidacy has ignited debate over the balance between traditional academic credentials and outsider perspectives in higher ed leadership.