Florida A&M University has named Marva Johnson, J.D., a business executive and former state education official, as its 13th president following a contentious and closely watched search process that drew intense and extreme criticism from members of the FAMU community.

Johnson, a Winter Garden native and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., was selected by a vote of 8 to 4 during a Board of Trustees meeting held on May 16, according to WCTV. Her appointment marks only the second time in FAMU’s history that a woman has been chosen to lead the institution. She follows Elmira Mangum, who served as president from 2014 to 2016.

The decision comes after weeks of heated debate, campus visits, and mounting opposition from students, alumni, and community members who questioned Johnson’s qualifications and ties to Republican political figures. Johnson previously served as a political appointee under Florida Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. She currently serves as Group Vice President at Charter Communications (Tallahassee Democrat).

The search for a new president began after the departure of Larry Robinson, who stepped down in the wake of controversy surrounding a mishandled $237 million donation. Interim President Timothy Beard has served in the role since August 2024.

Johnson was chosen over three other finalists: Donald Palm, FAMU’s current Executive Vice President and COO; Gerald Hector, Senior Vice President at the University of Central Florida; and Rondall Allen, Provost at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Palm, who received four votes from the Board, had publicly expressed confidence that he would be named president (WCTV).

Tensions surrounding Johnson’s candidacy were evident in recent weeks. Over 12,500 people including FAMU students and alumni signed a petition named “FAMU Deserves Better: Students and Alumni Oppose Marva Johnson for FAMU President” created by Elijah Hooks.

At a town hall meeting hosted by Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor, speakers expressed concerns about Johnson’s lack of academic experience and criticized her as a political appointee (WCTV). Nearly a month ago, the Board debated whether to pause the search entirely, but ultimately voted 8 to 5 to continue (Tallahassee Democrat).

In a May 14 public forum on campus, Johnson addressed the criticism directly. “I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU,” she said. “I would love the opportunity to work with you and to grow FAMU” (Tallahassee Democrat).

FAMU took to it’s official social media channels to announce the position:

The Board approved a compensation range of $450,000 to $750,000 for the university’s next president. Johnson has requested a starting salary at the top of that range—significantly higher than what her predecessor and the other candidates sought (WCTV).

Her contract is expected to be negotiated and finalized next month before being sent to the Florida Board of Governors for confirmation.