FAMU trustees approve controversial contract for Marva Johnson which could be as high as $4.6 mil over 5 yrs

The FAMU Board of Trustees, today, approved a five-year employment contract for Marva Johnson, a decision that has sparked significant debate and criticism within the university community. The contract, which was approved during a virtual meeting, outlines a comprehensive compensation package for Johnson, that would pay her a base salary of $650,000 annually, an annual retention bonus of $150,000, automatic 3%  annual pay increase on top of the previous years’ base salary, and a performance bonus of up to $86,000 per year.

In addition to the substantial salary and bonuses, the contract includes several other benefits. The use of the FAMU president's house on campus, a $14,400 yearly allowance, and guaranteed faculty employment at the College of Law following the end of her tenure.

The approval of the contract has not been without controversy. 

$750,000 retention bonus draws scrutiny 

Student Government Association President Zayla Bryant expressed concerns about the terms of the agreement, stating, “the way this contract is written, it's like her presence is more important than her performance,"   noting that the $150,000 yearly retention bonus nearly double her $86,000 performance bonus.  Bryant's comments highlight the tension between the board's decision and the expectations of the student body.

"In total this contract amounts to over $4 million over five year, with more than $450,000 annually coming from the FAMU Foundation.  This means that nearly half, or $1 million, is being diverted from scholarship, faculty support, and student services to subsidize a contract that offers little accountability and no guarantee of succcess," said Gabriel Albert during public comment.

"This arrangement prioritizes politics over performance and entitlement over effort," Ms. Albert added.

Chekesha Kidd, Founder and CEO, Kinumi, Inc, also told the board during public comment, "This Board often speaks of  metrics. This contract ignores them. No enrollment or graduation targets, no fundraising minimums, no financial health triggers. As you stated, FAMU is judged on results, but this deal rewards simply showing up.   $950,000 a year on average is higher than any other public HBCU president in the nation. It also overshoots the search committees recommended salary guidance that set a base salary of 750,000. What's most outrageous, $750,000 in guaranteed retention bonuses with zero performance requirements. So while Florida demands performance based funding from universities, you all are considering approval of a performance free bonus structure. "

Shots fired at the foundation

“We have operated in good faith (with the Foundation) for many years, and I would like to see that continue,” said Trustee T'Shaunda Nicole Washington. “I received a note late last night expressing concern about a 40% reduction in pledges, partly due to events at this institution last year involving a gift. I examined how the Foundation adjusted its budget to accommodate this reduction and was surprised to find that not only did the Foundation not reduce its budget, but it actually increased it by $1 million. This $1 million was shifted from contingency funds into the operating budget for the upcoming year. Instead of funding scholarships or the Marching 100, these funds were allocated to salaries, Foundation support, software maintenance, and renovations to the Foundation building." 

"Upon reviewing the Foundation's budgets over the past several years, I have some questions," Washington continue.  "And, somehow the Foundation has stopped recording actual expenditures on the budgets that we approved.”  

While Washington noted that the Foundation's operating budget had increased by $1 million, she neglected to mention that those funds are intended to hire four additional major gift officers to go after potential new donors. 

Foundation plans to hire 4 new fundraisers

FAMU VP for Advancement W. Tony Neal, outlined the Foundation plan at last week’s Foundation board meeting last week in Frisco, TX.   

Neal, also noted, that FAMU has one of the smallest Foundation staffs in the state university system, and it has resulted in missed opportunities for FAMU and potential donations.

Washington went on to say, "made it clear that Trustees could require the Foundation to reallocate funds from programs such as Athletics, the Band, scholarships, and other entities to pay for the president's contract that the BOT is approving." This statement further fueled concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on other university programs.

Loss of trust

Trustee Crossman spoke at length about the deep loss of trust from the Board with the university and its stakeholders. "This needs to be repaired," he said. "It's only going to get worse." Despite his concerns, Crossman proceeded to vote in the affirmative to approve Johnson's contract.

 

The board's decision has reignited debates about the balance between compensating leadership and ensuring that resources are allocated to support students and academic programs. As Johnson prepares to assume her role, the FAMU community will be watching closely to see how she addresses these concerns and works to build a stronger, more inclusive university.

Johnson's could be paid more than $4.6m
According to a char shared by Board Chair Kristen Harper, Johnson's total compensation over five years could exceed $4.6 million.  The state of Florida would only cover $1 million ($200,000 per year) of that salary over the terms of the contract.  The FAMU Foundation would be responsible for the other $3.6 million plus dollars. 

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