FAMU president draws scrutiny over interim chief of staff appointment

FAMU President Marva J. Johnson has appointed Altony "Tony" Lee, an associate vice chancellor at the Florida Board of Governors, as her interim chief of staff — a decision that has sparked immediate concern among faculty, alumni, and governance observers about conflicts of interest and FAMU's independence.

Dr. Lee began in the role this past Monday.  His appointment is described by Johnson as a temporary assignment, has nonetheless raised concerns among faculty, alumni and observers who question both the optics and implications of the decision. At the Board of Governors (BOG), Lee oversees strategic communications, external relations, and government relations for the State University System of Florida. He also serves as vice chair and chair-elect of the Florida State University National Alumni Association Board of Directors.  

The appointment marks the second time in recent months that President Johnson has selected an FSU graduate for a senior leadership role at FAMU. John F. Davis, a former Florida State University football player, was named vice president and director of athletics earlier this year.

In a statement, the university emphasized Dr. Lee’s “extensive experience in higher education leadership” and his previous role as director of university relations at Florida Gulf Coast University. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Miami.

But the move has been met with skepticism in the FAMU alumni community. Critics argue that placing a high-ranking official from the system’s governing body — one who also holds a leadership position in FSU’s alumni association — into a central administrative role at FAMU risks undermining the university’s distinct mission.

“The chief of staff helps steer institutional strategy, advises the president on sensitive matters, and often liaises with the same Board of Governors that regulates FAMU,” said Evelyn Porter,Ph.D. a professor of higher education policy at Emory University. “To have someone literally on loan from that body — while he remains deeply involved with FSU — creates at minimum the appearance of a conflict. It challenges the notion of independent leadership.”

“At a time when HBCUs are fighting to preserve their distinct missions, these decisions matter,” Porter added.

Several faculty members, who requested anonymity to speak freely, expressed unease about the trend of appointing figures with strong ties to FSU.

“This isn’t just about one hire,” said one longtime professor. “It’s about whether FAMU’s leadership is insulated enough to advocate fiercely for our unique needs, especially when those needs may compete with those of other institutions in the system.  We have seen FAMU’s interest comprised in the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital/FSU Health debate. We have to wonder if the engineering school or other FAMU’s health sciences programs are next. ”

The previous chief of staff, Carmen Cummings Martin, transitioned this week to a newly created role as vice president for community affairs and engagement. No national search was conducted for the interim chief of staff position.

In response to inquiries, a university spokesperson stated that Dr. Lee’s “expertise in public affairs and government relations will be invaluable during this period of transition,” and noted that the arrangement is temporary.

But for some alumni and stakeholders, the explanation rings hollow.

“Might as well just call us FSU South Campus now,” said Marcus Jones, an FAMU alumnus in Atlanta posted on social media. “Bringing in a BOG executive — who’s also an FSU alumni leader — doesn’t just feel out of step. It feels like a concession.”

“Who sits in these roles isn’t just about qualifications,” said an alumnus active in university affairs. “It’s about trust, representation and understanding the culture of the institution.  This isn't a good look. It was ill-advised.”

As state funding decisions, program approvals, and regulatory oversight continue to shape the fortunes of Florida’s public universities, the appointment has heightened attention on who speaks for FAMU, and to whom those voices ultimately answer.