Search for president divides FAMU community

Members of the FAMU community are weighing in on the school’s search for a new president. About 60 people attended a town hall meeting at Bethel AME Church to discuss the topic.

Most of the attendees spoke against one finalist in particular — raising concerns about candidate Marva Johnson’s ties to Republicans, like Gov. Ron DeSantis. Or questioning her level of experience in the education world.

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

Zachary Ansley, who described himself as “a passionate alumnus of FAMU,” praised presidential finalist Johnson for her business success. She’s the group vice president of a major internet and cable company.

“… an illustrious entrepreneur and businessperson. Her credentials are extraordinary in the world of business,” he said. “And she does have some educational experience. She was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to be on the State Board of Education.”

But Ansley says he doesn’t think Johnson’s track record as an educator measures up to those of the three other finalists: Rondall Allen of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Gerald Hector of the University of Central Florida; and Donald Palm of FAMU — who most attendees say they plan to support.