Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has named Rica Calhoun the University’s new chief ethics and compliance officer. Her appointment is effective today, March 1.
In her new role at FAMU, Calhoun will be responsible for providing leadership in offering guidance and communicating with the campus community about compliance risks. She will also advise the president and senior administrators on matters of compliance and ethics.
Calhoun’s responsibilities also include exercising the authority and autonomy necessary to impartially review, evaluate and report compliance issues across the University. She will also design, implement or enhance programs that identify and avert compliance issues or unethical behavior.
“Mrs. Calhoun comes to FAMU with a wealth of experiences that will serve us well as we continue our focus on strengthening and enhancing the performance of the University through the implementation of our new ‘FAMU Rising’ Strategic Plan,” said Robinson. “We welcome her expertise and wealth of knowledge in law, ethics, and compliance.”
Calhoun comes to FAMU from Western Illinois University (WIU), where she served in a number of roles over her seven-year tenure. She began her career at WIU in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access as assistant director. She also contributed to the Student Services Division as interim associate vice president before becoming the first internal general counsel for the university.
As general counsel and the ethics and freedom of information officer at WIU, Calhoun represented the university in a wide range of legal matters. She advised the Board of Trustees, president and executive leadership team as well as administrative offices throughout campus to ensure compliance in many areas.
“Every member of the University community plays a role in ensuring compliance, thereby, creating an environment where every stakeholder can thrive,” Calhoun said. “I look forward to joining the team and positively contributing to Florida A&M University’s mission of excellence.”
Calhoun has also served as a member of the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity, the National Association of College and University Attorneys and is an Association of Title IX Administrators certified campus investigator.
Calhoun received her juris doctor from the College of William and Mary Marshall Wythe School of Law. She graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in international affairs. She lives in Tallahassee with her husband and their three children.
