'Let's get to work': FAMU President Marva Johnson vows to listen in inaugural remarks
- Marva Johnson officially began her tenure as Florida A&M University's 13th president on August 1st.
- Johnson addressed the FAMU community in a virtual message, emphasizing her commitment to the university's legacy.
- Former interim president Timothy Beard's last day was August 1st, but he will remain to assist with the transition.
Taking the helm of Florida A&M University, President Marva Johnson began her tenure as FAMU’s 13th leader Aug. 1 by addressing a skeptical Rattler community with a virtual message.
Dressed in FAMU’s spirit colors of orange and green, she says she’s embarking on the new presidential role with “humility, a keen sense of history and a clear eye toward the future.”
“My presidency is not simply a new chapter in leadership. It is a sacred obligation,” Johnson said during her inaugural remarks in an Aug. 1 video, which was filmed at FAMU’s College of Law in Orlando.
“It is about the generations of Rattlers who built this university brick by brick, fight by fight, victory by hard fought victory. To lead FAMU is to step into a legacy and to carry forward the charge of ensuring this institution thrives for the years to come. Today marks the first day of an incredible journey, and I'm deeply moved by the magnitude of this moment.”
Johnson – a lawyer and lobbyist who formerly worked as group vice president for Charter Communications – was confirmed as the university's new president by the Florida Board of Governors June 18 amid widespread opposition within the FAMU community and beyond.
But despite the pushback, she spoke to FAMU stakeholders near and far saying she's taken note of their concerns after her ascension became the latest example of Gov. Ron DeSantis' hard-right influence on the Sunshine State's higher education infrastructure.
“To Rattler nation, students, faculty, alumni and community stakeholders, I want you to know I see you,” Johnson said. “I hear you and feel your passion. I've listened, I've reflected and I will continue to learn from those who care deeply about this university's future.”
In the almost 5-minute video, which appeared tightly scripted, she heaped praise on the institution, its history and its mission. The university disabled comments on YouTube and Instagram, which at one point had as many as 300 responses from users before they vanished. On Facebook, even through the university limited comments, the video was met with a barrage of critical posts.
“I step into this role with an open mind, a full heart and an unwavering commitment to protect and extend FAMU's legacy while positioning the university to thrive in a changing higher education landscape,” she added.
Johnson's official first day coincided with the recent FAMU commencement ceremony of this summer’s graduating class on FAMU’s main campus, and even though she was not in attendance, she took the time to congratulate the students on their milestone achievement during her remarks.
She also gave FAMU’s interim president Timothy Beard a shoutout as she thanked him for “leading with calm, credibility, and care during this transition.” While Beard’s last day was Aug. 1, he will still be around on the university’s main campus to provide support and to go through the process of turning over the president’s house to Johnson, according to a FAMU spokesperson.
Although FAMU's Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper is among individuals who did not support Johnson's presidential candidacy, she continues to carry out her duties as chair and is playing a role in assisting with the transition.
“In the spirit of ensuring that the university continues to progress, I've had several meetings with President Johnson and have shared a robust transition plan, including a 30-60-90-day plan for the university and for her transition into the university,” Harper told the Tallahassee Democrat during a phone call Aug. 2. “It behooves the university for its leadership to continue the momentum that has been built for nearly 138 years, and I fully expect that FAMU will continue to strike boldly for student success.”
Johnson will be on the university’s main campus in the next few days, but the specific date of her arrival is unclear. Toward the end of her virtual remarks, she pledged to preserve FAMU’s rich legacy, telling university stakeholders “let’s get to work.”
"I will be visible. I will be engaged. My door will be open,” Johnson said. “You'll find me on campus, in classrooms, at events and in the heart of this vibrant community, hearing your hopes, your concerns and your vision for what FAMU can be.”
Tarah Jean is the higher education reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat, a member of the Paste BN Network – Florida. She can be reached at tjean@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @tarahjean_.