Florida Board of Governors Gives FAMU Option to Forego National Presidential Search

The Florida State University System Board of Governors (BOG) voted to confirm the reappointment of Larry Robinson, Ph.D. as the interim president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and also opened the door for the University’s Board of Trustees to appoint him as permanent president.
During its regular meeting, the State University System’s governing body unanimously approved a waiver of its presidential search process in response to a request from FAMU’s BOT Chairman Kelvin Lawson and the board of trustees. The waiver was requested in August after FAMU trustees voted 11-0 in favor of the move.
Lawson said, “I look forward to a healthy discussion with FAMU’s trustees when we meet November 29-30 in Tallahassee. We will take the next step at our meeting and make a firm decision to either appoint Dr. Robinson as permanent president or conduct a national search.”
Lawson added, “We are appreciative of the support of the Board of Governors. Their vote speaks to the quality leadership team that we’ve assembled.”
Robinson has served as FAMU’s interim president since September 15, 2016 and also served in the capacity from July 2012 to April 2014 and in 2007.
FAMU’s National Alumni Association President Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark and FAMU Foundation Vice Chair Hosetta Coleman appeared before the BOG to elaborate on their respective boards’ decisions to support Robinson for permanent president.
Coleman said, “Dr. Robinson has demonstrated through his leadership the ability to put action behind his vision to strengthen FAMU’s intellectual capacity by focusing on student success, enriching academic programs and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, which is in line with the Board of Governors’ Performance Metrics.”
Clark said “The energy at Florida A&M University is high. We have a highly functioning Board of Trustees, an engaged Foundation Board and a committed National Alumni Association, which are all energized by Dr. Robinson’s leadership style.”
Governor Alan Levine was among board members who commended Robinson’s leadership and track record.
Levine said, “I think he’s brought a lot of vision to the campus.”
Tallahassee attorney and governor Tim Cerio is a new appointee to the board.
“I think he’s (Robinson) done amazing things in a short amount of time. I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Robinson and what he’s going to do in the future.”
The BOG also reappointed FAMU Trustee and Board Vice Chair Kimberly Moore to FAMU’s BOT. She has served on the board since 2013.