FAMU Foundation declines to fund Johnson’s salary from its budget; state funds to cover pay

The FAMU Foundation declined, Thursday, to revise its 2025-26 budget to accommodate President-"select" Marva Johnson’s $650,000 annual salary and $150,000 one-year retention bonus, opting instead to force the university use state carry-forward funds to cover her salary.   

The Florida Legislature, this year, added a last minute budget amendment to the state’s 2025-2026 spending plan that give FAMU the ability to side-step a state law that caps the amount of public money state colleges and universities can spend on presidential salaries.  Florida law currently caps the amount of public money spent on college and university presidential salaries at $200,000. Up until now, each institution had to fund the rest out of their private (foundation) funds.

The Foundation, instead, will use its current year resources to cover existing financial obligations, including supplemental payments for Interim President Timothy Beard through his August 4 departure and to continue to pay former President Larry Robinson, who is set to rejoin the faculty after a yearlong sabbatical during which he received his full presidential salary. Robinson’s return coincides with Johnson's transition into office.

Meanwhile, the Foundation nearly doubled its projected gift fee revenue from $355,000 to $750,000, citing stronger donor engagement. Of that increase, $400,000 will bolster FAMU’s athletics department and its famed Marching 100 band, a move applauded by alumni but raising questions about priorities amid leadership pay debates.

Johnson's exorbitant salary and lack of experience again comes under scrutiny 
Critics have scrutinized Johnson’s compensation—notably higher than her predecessor’s—and her lack of executive leadership experience corporate or in higher education.  No one argues that competitive salaries are necessary to attract top talent, but critics suggest Johnson isn't it and that she would have never been considered to lead the USF, FAU, FIU, UWF or UF.   Both FAU, FIU recently filled presidential vacancies in the past five months, while UWF and UF both have openings.

The Foundation’s choice to funnel new revenue toward athletics instead of absorbing Johnson’s exorbitant salary underscores their desire to support student scholarships over 'messy' political appointments.  As Johnson prepares to take office, stakeholders await the long-term impact of these decisions on FAMU’s academic and operational goals.