The choice of Marva Johnson as the 13th FAMU president rattled many in the Rattler Nation.
In an 8-4 vote after an emotional meeting, in which some trustees called the vote a “foregone conclusion,” the Board of Trustees tapped the vice president of the internet and cable TV company Charter Communications to take the reins of the No. 1 public HBCU.
While facing a wall of opposition at a meeting with campus stakeholders and alumni two days before the vote, Johnson told the fiery crowd she understood their “angst” came from a place of love for FAMU.
“No, I’m not a Trojan horse. I was not sent here to dismantle FAMU,” said Johnson, who served as a political appointee in the administrations of Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis and was once chair of the State Board of Education. “I would love the opportunity to work with you and to grow FAMU.”
Here’s what others in the FAMU community and beyond are saying about Johnson’s ascension to the highest of seven hills:
‘Well done by team DeSantis and the SUS for driving this home’
“Congratulations to Marva and @FAMU_1887 —what a terrific selection for the university community! And well done by team DeSantis and the SUS for driving this home! Great result for Florida’s higher ed and next generation of leaders.”
– Attorney General James Uthmeier while sharing the university announcement (on X)
‘It’s unfortunate that some are so quick to judge without knowledge’
“I was going stay quiet but I just got sick at some of the idiotic and baseless harsh comments… but over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Marva on causes that matter deeply to our community. She shows up — not just as a professional, but as a Black woman who truly understands and supports Black issues and people.”
“I hope people will one day understand that FAMU would be gaining a leader who knows the weight and power of that responsibility. It’s unfortunate that some are so quick to judge without knowledge — relying on assumptions instead of truth.”
“I hope that now the Rattler and broader HBCU “family” will at least try and work with her and not against her.”
– Jasper L Hendricks III, political commentator and Democratic strategist (on Facebook)
‘The Board of Trustees has spoken… It’s time to celebrate and come together’
“It is important the community rally behind president elect , Marva Johnson. The Board of trustees has spoken. We must respect their decision and I urge the Board of Governors to ratify the trustees decision as soon as possible. As a person who has served on 3 of the HBCU Board of trustees, in the state of Florida, I fully understand the challenges of making the right decision in selecting a university president.
“Marva Johnson will become the 13th president of FAMU. It’s time to celebrate and come together to welcome the president on campus and in this community. I am certain that she will do an exceptional and exemplary job in leading the institution forward.”
— The Rev. Dr. R.B. Holmes, pastor, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
‘She will do an amazing job’
“Help me wish my friend Marva Johnson congratulations on becoming the President of @FAMU_1887! She will do an amazing job!”
— U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Florida (on X)
‘Elections have consequences’
“If I seem relatively calm in spite of the news that Attorney Marva Johnson has been nominated to be the 13th President of Florida A&M University despite her lack of university leadership experience and comparatively weak performance before skeptical crowds during interviews this week, it is because the writing was on the wall the very minute that Gregory Gerami’s fake $237 million gift – and the ensuing public ridicule and media backlash – sacked the presidency of Dr. Larry Robinson.
“That critical event last year opened the gates “On the Set” for a conservative dominated FAMU Board of Trustees (BOT) to select whomever they wish to lead the University into the future, and they have done so this day over the loud protests of 15,000 alumni, supporters, and donors who signed petitions/letters objecting to Johnson’s candidacy.”
“While a well worn cliche, the bitter truth of the matter is that ‘elections have consequences’ and while I join Rattler Nation in being angry, hurt, disappointed, now is the time for us to channel our emotions into an intellectual focus on organizing, strategizing, and supporting political candidates who share our concerns about the state of education in Florida, generally, and related political hot topics that impact the state’s sole public HBCU and its motto, ‘Excellence with Caring,’ which suddenly seems in deep jeopardy.”
— Chuck Hobbs, a prominent Tallahassee blogger who rallied opposition to Johnson’s candidacy (on Facebook)
‘A dynamic leader’
An outstanding choice for FAMU! @marvabjohnson is a dynamic leader whose charisma, strategic vision, and exceptional business acumen will elevate the university’s future. Proud to call her a friend and thrilled to see her named President-Elect. #FAMU #Leadership #HBCUExcellence
– Heather Turnbull, managing partner at the Rubin Turnbull lobbying firm (on X)
‘The least qualified candidate’
“The least qualified candidate getting the job because she’s MAGA is rich.”
– Civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers, based in South Carolina (on X)
‘Dark clouds on the horizon’
“Yes… I am speaking from emotion! Only in America will people vote against their own best interest! … The dark clouds are on the horizons… Dr. Humphries wake up! We need you NOW!”
– Dianne Williams-Cox, Tallahassee City Commissioner and FAMU alum (on Facebook)
‘The real deal’
“Congratulations to @FAMU_1887 for selecting @marvabjohnson as the next President. Marva is the real deal. She’s smart, knows how to lead, and has an amazing passion for the FAMU student body. She will be a force to make sure students have the best place to learn and thrive.”
– Chris Sprowls, former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives (on X)
‘Wholly unqualified to lead’
“The plot to destroy HBCUs was on full display. In states where ideologically conservative boards reign, they are pushing candidates wholly unqualified to lead. The question will be if they will ignore the massive resistance to this candidate and hire her or realize that making her the president is an open declaration of war on FAMU.”
“Me 2 days ago. They just declared war.”
– Walter M. Kimbrough, interim president, Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private historically black college (on Facebook)
‘She will make FAMU and our State proud’
“Congratulations to Marva Johnson for being selected as President-elect of @FAMU_1887! Having served with her for many years on the State Board of Education I know she will make FAMU and our State proud.”
– Tallahassee attorney Ben Gibson, chair of the State Board of Education (on X)
‘Part of the broader Project 2025 agenda’
“HBCU family — pay attention. Republican-led legislatures are quietly placing MAGA-aligned appointees on boards of trustees & even installing presidents at public HBCUs. This is part of the broader Project 2025 agenda to reshape our institutions.”
– South Carolina Rep. Hamilton Grant, D-Columbia (on X)
‘Transparent, quality and efficient search’
“Congratulations to Marva Johnson on her selection to be the next president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Ms. Johnson was selected following a rigorous process conducted by the FAMU Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Trustees. I commend FAMU’s dedication to completing a transparent, quality and efficient search. Upon confirmation from the Board of Governors, I look forward to working with Ms. Johnson as President of FAMU.”
– Ray Rodrigues, chancellor, State University System Board of Governors (via WCTV)
FSU president’s reaction: ‘Welcome to Tallahassee’
“Congratulations to @FAMU_1887 President-elect Marva Johnson and welcome to Tallahassee. We look forward to working with you!”
– FSU President Richard McCullough (on X)
Alumni association president: ‘We will demand a seat at every table’
“What we witnessed today raises profound questions about transparency, shared governance, and whether the voices of the FAMU community are truly being heard. Faculty were not formally polled. Students filled the boardroom. Alumni from across the nation engaged. Yet, the outcome ignored this collective voice. I share your disappointment. And I share your resolve.”
“However, let me be clear, this moment must not break our spirit. Instead, it must ignite it. Now more than ever we must lean in, not move away. Our advocacy cannot stop here. We owe it to our students, to each other, and to the legacy of this institution to remain vigilant, vocal, and visible.”
“In the coming days, we will chart a path forward together. We will continue to hold leadership accountable. We will demand a seat at every table. And above all, we will continue to uplift our students – the heart of FAMU, who are watching and waiting to see how we respond.”
– Curtis Johnson, President of Florida A&M National Alumni Association who also served on the presidential search committee, in a letter to alumni.
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