FAMU's Acting Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO Nicole Murry, has resigned to take a position outside the university after just nine months in the role, according to people with knowledge of the decision.
The resignation, which was communicated to the Trustees earlier today in an email from President Marva Johnson described as “personal and confidential,” comes amid an ongoing national search for a permanent Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO, a role Murry herself was interviewing for.
Murry praise or her performance
Murry, who took over last June, was appointed following the resignation of Rebecca Brown, the former CFO who left after a blistering state audit and sharp criticism from Aubrey Edge, chair of the Board of Governors’ Audit Committee. At the time, Edge did not mince words, stating, “From my perspective, the CFO failed pretty miserably in this job.”
Before stepping into the role, Murry served as the university’s budget officer and was widely praised for bringing a no nonsense confident, laser focus, and steady hand to the position during a period of significant financial scrutiny and transition.
While Murry received public praise as recently as last week during a Board of Governors meeting, sources say she had not secured the confidence of Johnson, who had left her in an extended acting capacity without providing a clear signals about her future in the role.
“There was a sense of limbo,” said one person familiar with the internal dynamics, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters. “She was performing the job, even receiving commendations externally, but behind the scenes there was little indication from the president’s she was her choice long-term.”
Murry's decision to leave suggests that she saw a limited future at the institution despite her performance.
Johnson in over her head
"When you can’t hold on to acting leadership, especially someone who was already in the seat and receiving positive external feedback, it doesn’t inspire confidence,” said a source close to the university’s financial operations. Observers note that this pattern reflects a broader issue with President Johnson leadership ability, she seems to be far more enamored with the trappings that come with the office, rather than doing the difficult, behind-the-scenes work required to address systemic challenges, prioritize operational effectiveness, and lead a complex university."
MAGA Marva is a party girl!
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