TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson took the stage at the Capital Tiger Bay Club Friday afternoon in her first address to the general public, according to the club.
Johnson was introduced to the podium by Talethia Edwards, a candidate for the city commission.
Edwards acknowledged the many progressives in Tallahassee who were highly opposed to Johnson, who said she’s too close to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Edwards said Johnson knew what she signed up for and showed up anyway.
Johnson was confirmed amid what she even admits was an “intense” selection process. But just this year, she says FAMU received 30,000 applications, and maintained its rank in the top 100 public universities.
“This is the hardest job I’ve had, but it’s also the most rewarding,” Johnson said.
Last year, the Florida Board of Governors tore into FAMU, citing a list of financial issues. Although more recently, the BOG did forgive some of the debt and indicated that things are on a better path.
“The challenges that we’re facing weren’t challenges that were created in seven months, and it is going to take some time for us to get to true operational excellence. But I do think we have really good progress and that the focus on the future is certainly optimistic,” Johnson said.
See a play-by-play of the event by WCTV reporter Matt Hoffmann.
NEW: FAMU President Marva Johnson is hosting her “first general address to the public” today, according to the Capital Tiger Bay Club.
Follow along for updates. pic.twitter.com/fbxjRuOHQa
— Matt Hoffmann (@ByMattHoffmann) April 3, 2026
Johnson recounted her previous career experience in her speech, saying it wasn’t in academia.
“I came with clarity and with purpose, not just what it represents to students but for the state,” Johnson said.
Johnson continued that FAMU is often underestimated. “Sometimes, Floridians don’t understand what FAMU really is,” she said. She added that FAMU is among the top 100 public universities and is Carnegie certified.
According to Johnson, FAMU is estimated to have a $631 million financial impact each year, and she said they’ve invested $10 million in Bragg Stadium, which created more than 30 jobs.
More Tallahassee news:
Johnson said they’re continuing to address an issue regarding nepotism as they have a nepotism policy in place but she noted that the policy does not prohibit people from being related.
“But I will say our current focus is on having a world-class workforce,” Johnson said. “And that we’re holding our employees accountable.”
According to Johnson, FAMU has the top Black pharmacy school in the country. A proposed academic medical center in Tallahassee is on the horizon but is primarily between FSU and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
FAMU is still seeking a seat on the board despite a lease deadline passing earlier this week.
“I’m fairly confident that FAMU will have at least one seat on the FSU-TMH board. What I’m also extremely confident in is President McCullough as a partner,” Johnson said.
In fact, Johnson says she wants to strengthen all the partnerships between Tallahassee’s two universities.
“And so I’m actually not just looking forward to that one seat. I’m looking forward to his commitment and his board’s commitment, even his board of trustees chair, Peter Collins commitment to work with us to see ways for us to grow our impact within that hospital as well,” Johnson said.
Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the full story. This article will also be updated this evening with all the details.
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