Johnson's controversial press conference called "crass, classless, and desperate"

FAMU President-elect Marva Johnson’s shocking press conference last week at the Florida Capitol—intended to celebrate the institution’s 2025 legislative wins— faces lingering criticism  with detractors calling it a “crass,” “classless,” and a “desperate” attempt to claim credit for budgetary outcomes finalized weeks before her confirmation.

Johnson, a corporate lobbyist with close ties to Governor Ron DeSantis, set to assume office August 1, asserted that her lobbying during the legislature’s extended session allowed her to “weigh in and advocate for the university’s needs.” However, the timing of her claims raised immediate skepticism. Florida’s $115 billion 2025-26 budget had been largely locked in by late May, with legislators reconvening June 3 only to resolve minor disputes after a prolonged feud between GOP leaders and DeSantis. The final budget passed June 16—two days before Johnson’s Board of Governors confirmation—casting doubt on her role in shaping it.

Her declaration that FAMU secured the “largest legislative budget in recent history” also drew scrutiny. Critics quickly noted that FAMU received nearly $70 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year, $5 million more than this year, a sum Johnson did not acknowledge. “This isn’t a historic win—it’s creative accounting,” said one FAMU insider familiar with the budget process.

The event took a turn for the worse when Board Chair-elect Deveron Gibbons, a staunch Johnson ally, unleashed a divisive Trumpian tirade from the podium which admonished “Rattler Nation” to “come together and work together.”  Gibbons' remarks rang hollow for critics, who condemned the message as hypocritical against the backdrop of his own divisive, tone-deaf behavior during the flawed presidential search that engineered Johnson’s contested rise to power.  This was further compounded by the incoming  administration’s exclusion of Interim President Timothy Beard who shepherded much of FAMU’s legislative agenda during his 11-month tenure, from the  press conference.

“Dr. Beard’s omission was glaring,” many on social media said. “This wasn’t about celebrating FAMU—it was a political stunt to legitimize an incoming president facing skepticism from day one.”

Johnson’s attempts to claim credit for FAMU's 2025 legislative successes backfired miserably, with several on social media suggesting  the event hit like “a thud".  

As Johnson prepares to take office, the opposition to her selection has intensified and questions continue to abound her readiness to lead Florida’s only public HBCU—and her ability to unite a campus still grappling with the abrupt exit of former President Larry Robinson.  This latest episode further alienates Johnson from the FAMU community and undergird the severe crisis in credibility and trust that her new administration faces.  

Many suggests, that as Beard prepares to pass the leadership torch to Johnson that Rattlers must remain vigilant and on guard to not allow the likes of "MAGA Marva" and Gibbons —  the Trump/DeSantis disciples —  to put the flame out!