Just days after student-led protests and public opposition from high-profile alumni like Hollywood producer Will Packer, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees voted to name Marva Johnson, J.D., as the school’s 13th president-elect.
The decision, announced on May 16, now awaits confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Johnson’s selection came in a narrow 8-4 vote, with the remaining board members throwing their support behind FAMU Executive Vice President and COO Dr. Donald Palm.
The contentious vote followed mounting criticism from students, alumni, and faculty, many of whom took to campus earlier in the week to protest Johnson’s ties to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and her lack of experience in higher education.
“MAGA Marva” Controversy Sparks Campus Outcry
Johnson, who currently serves as Group Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, faced intense scrutiny during the final days of the presidential selection process. Critics dubbed her “MAGA Marva” due to her Republican affiliations, including a prior appointment by Governor DeSantis to the Florida State Board of Education—where she served as chair from 2015 to 2019 and pushed performance-based funding metrics for state colleges.
Opposition reached a fever pitch on May 14, when FAMU students, alumni, and community members rallied at the university amphitheater. Will Packer, speaking from the very venue that bears his name, did not endorse any specific candidate but made his disapproval of Johnson clear.
“There is one candidate that would do irreparable harm,” Packer warned. “That is clearly not the right person.”
Johnson Responds: “I Will Fight and Win for FAMU”
Despite vocal opposition, Johnson remained resolute in her desire to serve FAMU.
“If I am selected, I would fight and win for FAMU,” she told attendees during a candidate forum, acknowledging the criticism while vowing to protect the institution’s legacy.
In an official statement released after her appointment, Johnson said:
“Florida A\&M University has long stood as a beacon of excellence and empowerment. I will approach this role with bold vision—focused on student success, innovation, and national prominence—while building strong bridges with the FAMU community.”
Johnson becomes the second woman in FAMU’s history to hold the top post, following Dr. Elmira Mangum, who served as the 11th president from 2014 to 2016.
Backlash Over Salary and Political Ties
In addition to her political affiliations, Johnson also drew criticism for requesting a $750,000 base salary plus bonuses, significantly higher than two other finalists, who requested compensation in the $500,000 range. Her selection has fueled disappointment from many FAMU supporters who feel their concerns were dismissed by the board.
“The way this is my Alma mater… I will never forgive or donate sh*t to y’all ever again,” one alum tweeted.
“She won’t last, but the selling out of FAMU will never be forgotten,” another user added.
What’s Next
Johnson’s appointment is pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors, which will determine her start date.
If confirmed, Johnson will oversee the nation’s top public HBCU during a time of rising national profile—and growing demands for accountability from students and alumni alike.
