{"id":217920,"date":"2026-04-03T20:50:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/217920\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T20:50:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T20:50:07","slug":"in-first-address-to-general-public-famu-president-says-stabilization-efforts-continue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/217920\/","title":{"rendered":"In first address to general public, FAMU president says stabilization efforts continue"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson<\/a> took the stage at the Capital Tiger Bay Club Friday afternoon in her first address to the general public, according to the club.<\/p>\n

Johnson was introduced to the podium by Talethia Edwards, a candidate for the city commission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Edwards acknowledged the many progressives in Tallahassee who were highly opposed<\/a> to Johnson, who said she\u2019s too close to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Edwards said Johnson knew what she signed up for and showed up anyway. <\/p>\n

Johnson was confirmed<\/a> amid what she even admits was an \u201cintense\u201d <\/a>selection process. But just this year, she says FAMU received 30,000 applications, and maintained its rank in the top 100 public universities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the hardest job I\u2019ve had, but it\u2019s also the most rewarding,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

Last year, the Florida Board of Governors tore into FAMU<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe challenges that we\u2019re facing weren\u2019t 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,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

See a play-by-play of the event by WCTV reporter Matt Hoffmann.<\/p>\n

NEW: FAMU President Marva Johnson is hosting her \u201cfirst general address to the public\u201d today, according to the Capital Tiger Bay Club. <\/p>\n

Follow along for updates. pic.twitter.com\/fbxjRuOHQa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Matt Hoffmann (@ByMattHoffmann) April 3, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

Johnson recounted her previous career experience in her speech, saying it wasn\u2019t in academia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI came with clarity and with purpose, not just what it represents to students but for the state,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

Johnson continued that FAMU is often underestimated. \u201cSometimes, Floridians don\u2019t understand what FAMU really is,\u201d she said. She added that FAMU is among the top 100 public universities<\/a> and is Carnegie certified.<\/p>\n

According to Johnson, FAMU is estimated to have a $631 million financial impact each year, and she said they\u2019ve invested $10 million in Bragg Stadium, which created more than 30 jobs.<\/p>\n

More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n

Johnson said they\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I will say our current focus is on having a world-class workforce,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cAnd that we\u2019re holding our employees accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/a> <\/p>\n

FAMU is still seeking a seat<\/a> on the board despite a lease deadline passing earlier this week.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fairly confident that FAMU will have at least one seat on the FSU-TMH board. What I\u2019m also extremely confident in is President McCullough as a partner,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

In fact, Johnson says she wants to strengthen all the partnerships between Tallahassee\u2019s two universities.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd so I\u2019m actually not just looking forward to that one seat. I\u2019m looking forward to his commitment and his board\u2019s 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,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n

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