Former FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard, Ph.D. struck a conciliatory tone Friday in his first public remarks since explosive critiques of his leadership by a trustee went viral, calling his tenure an “honor of a lifetime” and urging unity around new President Marva Johnson’s administration.
Addressing mixed evaluations from the Board of Trustees—including a scathing description of his tenure byVice Chair Deveron Gibbons’,Beard emphasized stability over strife.
“It was a surprise, to be honest. As you know, no board, no president likes surprises,” Beard told reporters. “But those types of [negative] statements by no way define me. I don’t think they equate with what I’ve done at this institution.”
Alumni rally behind Beard
Alumni like Curtis Taylor, President of the National Rattler "F" Club, condemned the personal nature of Gibbons' criticism, calling it “very negative, like there was a vendetta” and questioning its timing amid FAMU’s leadership transition. “We were shocked to hear this coming from our leadership, especially as Dr. Beard exits and a new president arrives,” Taylor said.
Beard, who stepped into the role during turmoil, defended his focus on steadying the university. He highlighted praise from Board Chair Kristin Harper, who credited him with fostering trust and accountability. “The board chair knows in and out what’s going on with the president more than anybody else,” he said. “That evaluation means a whole lot more.”
‘Leave a runway’ for success
Beard, who came out of retirement to lead FAMU, reiterated his commitment to avoiding distractions. “My job now is to make sure President Johnson is more successful than I was,” he said. “If she is successful, FAMU is successful.”
His call for collaboration resonated with supporters, who praised his refusal to escalate tensions. “Dr. Beard’s grace under fire reflects what FAMU stands for,” said alumna Denise Carter. “He put the institution first—something certain trustees should learn.”