Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues its search for its 13th president following the retirement of Dr. Larry Robinson in 2024. Interim President Timothy Beard, appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2024, has been leading the university since the commencement of the 2024-2025 academic year.
The FAMU Board of Trustees has initiated a national search to identify a permanent president. Deveron Gibbons, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, chairs the Presidential Search Committee, which includes representatives from various university constituencies. The committee is supported by Myers McRae, an executive search firm with experience in public university leadership searches. The goal is to appoint a new president by summer 2025.
To involve the FAMU community in the selection process, the Presidential Search Committee organized listening sessions on February 17, 2025. These sessions provided faculty, staff, students, and alumni an opportunity to express their expectations for the next president. Deveron Gibbons emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the criteria for the presidential candidate.
Student leaders have underscored the need for a president who understands FAMU’s legacy and can navigate political pressures. Loryn May, Student Government Association president, highlighted concerns about political influence in university governance and advocated for a leader committed to the university’s mission and student interests.
The search timeline includes several key dates:
March 14, 2025: Deadline for best consideration of applications.
March 31, 2025: Initial candidate review by the Presidential Search Committee.
April 14-15, 2025: First round of interviews conducted by the committee.
May 12-16, 2025: Campus visits for finalists.
The committee aims to have the new president in place by summer 2025.
FAMU stakeholders have articulated the qualities they seek in the next president, emphasizing leadership skills, educational background, and fundraising capabilities. The incoming president will also be expected to strengthen FAMU’s national reputation, prioritize student success, and foster strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government. As the search progresses, the FAMU community remains engaged, hopeful that the next president will honor the university’s rich history and lead it toward a promising future.
In the meantime, campus leaders are encouraging students, alumni, and faculty to stay involved by attending upcoming forums and offering feedback throughout the selection process. With such a critical decision ahead, many believe that transparency, collaboration, and a shared vision for FAMU’s future will be essential to securing the right leadership.