Marva Johnson confirmed as FAMU president amid DeSantis-linked political firestorm

Marva Johnson, a corporate lobbyist and former Florida Board of Education chair, was confirmed, this afternoon, as FAMU’s 13th president following a divisive selection process that critics say underscores Governor Ron DeSantis’ sweeping conservative overhaul of the state’s higher education system. The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) voted unanimously to approve Johnson’s appointment during a tense meeting at Florida Atlantic University, solidifying her role at the helm of the nation’s top-ranked public historically Black university.

Controversial confirmation met with protests
The vote, widely anticipated after FAMU’s Board of Trustees endorsed Johnson in an 8-4 split last month, drew audible dissent from alumni and students who packed the meeting. As Johnson pledged to “protect and advance FAMU’s legacy,” dozens of attendees stood and turned their backs in silent protest, while others shouted objections. Security officers lined the room, underscoring the charged atmosphere.

FAMU alumni turn their backs in protest
during Johnson's comments.

Johnson, who has no prior experience leading an academic institution, will assume the presidency in August under a five-year contract with a $650,000 annual salary and total first-year compensation nearing $840,000. Her confirmation aligns with DeSantis’ appointments of politically connected leaders at state universities, including conservative allies at New College of Florida, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of West Florida.

Opponents decry “political takeover” of HBCU
FAMU alumna Kim Godwin, former ABC News president and a member of the presidential search committee, lambasted the selection as antithetical to the university’s values. “Marva Johnson is not ready to lead the nation’s number one public HBCU,” Godwin told the BOG. “She did not earn this. She failed to win the support of any stakeholder group—these are facts.”

Chekesha Kidd, a FAMU Foundation board member who circulated a petition against Johnson’s candidacy, accused trustees of negligence. “This was not a merit-based search,” Kidd said. “Why this candidate and why now? This is about political control.”

DeSantis’ higher education agenda under scrutiny
Johnson’s ascension marks the latest victory in DeSantis’ campaign to reshape Florida’s universities, which has included banning diversity initiatives, defunding DEI programs, and installing ideologically aligned trustees. Supporters, including BOG Chair Brian Lamb, praised Johnson’s “vision for excellence,” but opponents argue her lack of academic leadership experience threaten FAMU’s mission as an HBCU.

The confirmation follows months of turmoil, including a lawsuit alleging constitutional violations in the search process and demands from the 5,000-strong advocacy group Keepers of the Flame for binding protections against program cuts. FAMU’s history of systemic underfunding—including a $2 billion disparity compared to UF, per federal reports—has fueled fears that Johnson’s presidency could accelerate assimilationist policies.

Johnson extends an olive branch
Johnson in her remarks gave a nod to many of the concerns raised in the "Keepers of the Flame"  letter when she proclaimed "my mission is clear. It's to protect this sacred institution, to uplift its legacy, and to fight for a future that is as bold as it's founding. This is a new era, not for retreat, but for bold leadership and advancement. This moment is not about dismantling, it is about building." 

"I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the legacy remains strong," Johnson said. "To the Rattler community, students, faculty, alumni, stakeholders, I am listening and I hear you. I hear your dreams, and I hear your concerns and my door will always be open."

"Together we can chart a unified path to elevate student success and faculty excellence. Expand our research capacity towards R1 status," she added.