FAMU Presidential Search Committee Names Four Finalists

Florida A&M University has announced four finalists for its next president: Marva Johnson, Donald Palm, Rondall Allen, and Gerald Hector. The candidates were selected by a presidential search committee from a large pool, with campus interviews and public forums scheduled for May 12-16. The Board of Trustees will make the final selection, which requires ratification by the Florida Board of Governors. The search process has faced scrutiny, with Leon County Commissioner and FAMU instructor Bill Proctor calling for its suspension due to concerns about candidate qualifications and transparency. Despite this criticism, search committee leaders maintain the process was open and aimed to identify the most competent leader for FAMU. The search follows the departure of former President Larry Robinson and interim leadership by Timothy Beard.