Interim deans are appointed across campus

On Aug. 23, four days before the start of the new school year, Interim President Larry Robinson announced that Dean of Education Genniver C. Bell was out and Patricia Green-Powell was in.

Green-Powell’s appointment marks the sixth interim dean in place across the university.

In addition to six interim deans , eight new permanent deans, an interim provost and an interim president symbolize a fresh start for not only the new hires, but the entire university.

“The changes in administration provide the university with a great opportunity to infuse a burst of new energy and leadership in our schools and colleges,” said Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer.

Saunders also said that in some cases, vacancies surfaced. In other situations there were planned retirements and mandated changes in leadership.

The changes made to university staff may prove to be one of the most vital steps in rebuilding FAMU’s image.

FAMU has been under much scrutiny since Robert Champion’s death in November 2011. The incident earned the school negative attention nationally and sparked controversy among the student body and the suspension of the Marching “100.”

Many questioned the ability of then-President James H. Ammons, which consequently led to his resignation in July after a vote of “no-confidence” from the Board of Trustees. In the wake of the president stepping down, Provost Robinson formally accepted the position of interim president in August.

Not only does the university have new deans, some of the interim deans have been in place for years.

The longest serving interim is Dr. Ruena W. Norman, interim dean of the School of Nursing. Norman, who has held the position since 2008, expressed her full confidence in the administration’s recent decisions.

“I would not anticipate that they are putting anybody in either an interim position or a new position that they would not be comfortable leading the or the program forward,” said Norman. “I’ve tried to use every bit of skill and ability I have to not act like I’m doing it less than 100 percent. The programs don’t deserve anybody who is just a placeholder.”

The university community and alumni have provided their input on how the recent alterations will affect FAMU.

L. Bradford Johnson, a 2007 FAMU graduate and community relations and external affairs aide to Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, said when leaders understand FAMU, they have a regard for the institution.

“I think it does mark a new level of leadership,” said Johnson. “There is nothing wrong with having a renewed approach.”

While some alumni are optimistic about the new leadership, the faculty union President Elizabeth Davenport said the new deans are the result of a bloated bureaucracy as a result of the 2011 restructuring.

“While most universities are streamlining the administrative operations, FAMU is expanding,” Davenport wrote in the United Faculty of Florida September newsletter. Davenport added the restructuring “creates instability in the administration.”

A major administrative issue is finding a new president. The President Search Committee, whose first meeting took place in August, is making every effort to include everyone in the process of finding a new president.

“I’ve worked with them for several years and there couldn’t have been a better team,” said Michael Abazinge, the interim dean of the School of Environment.       

Saunders said despite the challenges, things are looking up for FAMU.

“These changes in leadership will be positive for the university,” she said. “Each person, in his or her own right, is an accomplished academician and a leader in his or her field.  It will provide new opportunities and possibilities for our students.”

A major administrative issue is finding a new president. The President Search Committee, whose first meeting took place in August, is making every effort to include everyone in the process of finding a new president.

“I’ve worked with them for several years and there couldn’t have been a better team,” said Michael Abazinge, the interim dean of the School of Environment.       

Saunders said despite the challenges, things are looking up for FAMU.

“These changes in leadership will be positive for the university,” she said. “Each person, in his or her own right, is an accomplished academician and a leader in his or her field.  It will provide new opportunities and possibilities for our students.”