TDO's "friends of Marva" story sparks intense social media backlash

With Marva Johnson poised to step into her role as FAMU’s 13th president this Friday, August 1, a Tallahassee Democrat profile published online yesterday — intended to bolster her public image — has instead ignited fierce backlash over her 'shady' selection process and sharpened criticism of what detractors label the university’s 'tone-deaf' communications strategy to build acceptance.

The “feel-good” piece designed to humanize Johnson, featured interviews with five of her longtime friends and professional associates. All praised her leadership acumen, citing her corporate experience and political appointments. However, critics quickly noted that none of the individuals interviewed had any discernible connections to FAMU—a detail that fueled outrage across the university’s social media channels.

“Did anyone notice that NOT one person in the @TDOnline ‘only friends’ story on MAGA Marva Johnson had any FAMU ties?” wrote one user on X. “TDO/FAMU, what were y’all thinking?”

FAMU officials amplified the article across its social media platforms Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram, but the posts backfired spectacularly. Within 11 hours, the university’s combined platforms saw over 714 replies and comments—99% of which were negative, according to a cursory review. 

Alumni, faculty, and students lambasted the strategy as dismissive of campus voices, with many accusing the administration of prioritizing external validation over meaningful engagement with the FAMU community.

“We don’t care what her ‘friends’ say. They don’t have the expertise to judge what a university president should be,” read one viral response. “That’s why you’re forcing her on us. She was shoved down our throat.”

Johnson, a former telecom executive and Republican-appointed education official, has faced skepticism since her June nomination due to her lack of academic leadership experience and perceived political alignment. Critics argue her limited corporate background as a 'lobbyist' and frequent GOP political who has doesn't align with FAMU's legacy as a pillar of Black education and empowerment.

The Tallahassee Democrat article’s reliance on individuals with no ties to FAMU further alienated stakeholders. 

“At FAMU, were taught critical thinking—how to dissect intent, perspective, and motive,” wrote an alum in a scathing thread. “Whoever greenlit this piece clearly didn’t learn that here.”

As Johnson prepares to step into her new role this week, the discontent surrounding her selection shows no signs of cooling.