TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Following criminal charges and paid leave, Angela Suggs is no longer serving as Florida A&M University’s athletic director.
However, she is being retained as a special advisor to the president, WCTV learned on Friday.
In her first remarks with local reporters, FAMU President Marva Johnson confirmed Suggs’ new position.
WCTV’s Matt Hoffmann asked President Johnson directly: Despite being on a form of probation for allegedly misusing her former company’s credit card, is Angela Suggs back from paid leave? The answer is yes.
In the interview, President Johnson said Suggs has significant institutional knowledge, despite her legal troubles.
“I mentioned earlier how rich and differentiated the culture and the passion of the alumni is here at FAMU, and Athletic Director Suggs is a phenomenal example of the significance of the culture, and she’s actually back now with us. She’s come back as a special advisor to the president. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to borrow on her experience within the institution, to be able to learn from her and to better immerse myself in the culture as I make decisions and prioritize opportunities for the organization,” Johnson said.
“And to have the benefit of her wisdom, not just in the athletics space but across the enterprise. And so to have her agree to be a special advisor to me is an honor. I’m looking forward to working with her and I know that we’re going to make an impact that’s meaningful and really going to help transform our efforts with driving student success,” Johnson said.
More Tallahassee news:
Earlier in 2025, prosecutors alleged Suggs charged the Florida Sports Foundation credit card 23 times without permission, including for meals, personal purchases and at casinos.
Between August 2022 and August 2024, court documents say Suggs spent $23,205.56 on the FSF-issued credit card.
Suggs released the following statement after her arrest:
FAMU Athletics Director Angela Suggs took to Facebook Tuesday to post a statement about the recent fraud and theft allegations against her.(Angela Suggs/Facebook)
Nearly four months after her arrest, the State Attorney’s office agreed to deferred prosecution, according to a court filing. This means Suggs is enrolled in a pretrial intervention program, and if she follows the rules for two years, the State will dismiss her charges.
Some notable rules included in the program entail completing a course for gambling addiction and attending regularly scheduled gambling addiction treatments or support groups.
Also, Suggs may not serve in any position that allows her access to employer funds or line of credit for her personal use or benefit. It is unclear how that provision will impact her rule as special advisor, or if it impacted the decision to move her from athletic director.
Finally, Suggs must pay $649.98 of restitution to her former employer, the Florida Sports Foundation.
Documents alleged Suggs repaid the nonprofit for some charges, though some were made late, which violated her agreement with FSF.
Other charges, including the charges listed as business meals but were personal charges, were allegedly not repaid, according to an affidavit. FDLE says she claimed receipts were lost for many of them.
Also on Friday, the university named John F. Davis as Vice President and Director of Athletics.
In explaining Suggs’ new role, a university spokeswoman wrote the following: “She will advise the president on the complex and evolving landscape of Division I athletics, ensuring that the athletics department’s vision, culture, and priorities are fully aligned with the university’s broader academic mission, branding, and strategic plan.”
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