Peter Schorsch
As the FAMU Board of Trustees begins its on-campus interviews to select the historically Black university’s next President, it’s important to understand who the candidates being interviewed are, and what they would bring to the school.
It’s especially important now, after a high-profile FAMU alumnus raised concerns about one finalist’s political connections. Hollywood producer Will Packer recently posted a video on Instagram expressing concern about the selection of Marva Johnson as one of four finalists for FAMU President. In it, He accused Johnson of being “objectively unqualified” and referred to her as an “activist Republican.”
While everyone is entitled to their opinions, it is important that others who might be influenced by the words of a famous FAMU grad understand all of the information about Johnson and the other finalists.
Interviews began Monday and will continue through Friday. Besides Johnson, others being considered are FAMU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Donald Palm; University of Maryland Eastern Shore Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rondall Allen; and University of Central Florida Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Gerald Hector.
Whoever is ultimately selected will guide the nation’s top-ranked public HBCU (historically Black college and university) during a period of significant political headwinds in the higher education space.
Three finalists come from academic backgrounds, while Johnson brings to the table strong political ties. Here’s everything people should consider before forming opinions on any of the candidates.
Marva Johnson, J.D., Group Vice President, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Unlike the other three candidates, Johnson does not come from a traditional academic background — and for many, that’s exactly what sets her apart.
As a business executive and former Chair of Florida’s State Board of Education, Johnson offers a mix of corporate leadership, state-level policy experience and political savvy. In her current role at Charter Communications, she leads government affairs across multiple states, forging bipartisan relationships that could serve FAMU well as it navigates a challenging political and funding landscape.
Her eight-year tenure on the State Board of Education gave her an intimate understanding of Florida’s education system, including the state’s 28 state colleges. Her proximity to policymakers in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., further positions Johnson to advocate for increased investment in FAMU.
Johnson’s candidacy represents a business-minded approach to university leadership — one that emphasizes outcomes, innovation and external engagement at a time when public HBCUs must fight harder than ever for resources and recognition.
For a university seeking not just to maintain its trajectory, but to leap forward, Johnson brings a bold and potentially transformative perspective.
Donald E. Palm, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Florida A&M University
Palm brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration. His deep familiarity with FAMU’s operations and culture positions him as a candidate capable of ensuring continuity and stability.
Currently serving as FAMU’s Executive Vice President and COO, he has been instrumental in advancing the university’s strategic initiatives, student success programs and research endeavors.
Palm is responsible for executive oversight of multiple divisions, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Research, Strategic Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness. In his role, he provides strategic leadership to ensure academic quality, student success, research productivity and institutional operations efficiency.
Previously, Palm served as Executive Vice President and Provost at Virginia State University with additional duties serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Research.
Rondall E. Allen, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
With more than two decades in higher education leadership, Allen has held numerous roles — including as Dean and Associate Dean at various institutions — focusing on academic quality, student affairs and strategic initiatives.
Allen is recognized for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, having led efforts to integrate these priorities into institutional strategic plans. His experience in academic administration and commitment to inclusive excellence make him a strong contender for the presidency.
Gerald L. Hector, CPA, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, University of Central Florida
Hector is a financial executive with extensive experience in higher education administration. As Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Central Florida, he oversees critical operational areas, including budgeting, information technology and facilities management.
His previous roles at institutions like Cornell University and Morehouse College have honed his expertise in financial stewardship and organizational efficiency. Hector’s proficiency in managing complex administrative systems could provide valuable insights into optimizing FAMU’s operational frameworks.
A critical decision ahead
The selection of FAMU’s next President comes at a pivotal time. The university is seeking to climb the national rankings, expand research funding, and continue its mission to promote social mobility — all while navigating a political environment that has increasingly tested its autonomy and values.
If FAMU is looking for a stable leader to maintain the status quo, Palm, Hector and Allen are all solid choices for the role.
If FAMU’s objective is to raise the bar with resilience and grit, especially as the university faces funding uncertainties and political challenges, a bold and nontraditional leader with political reach like Johnson has may be the right choice.
The Board of Trustees will make the final selection, subject to ratification by the state university system’s Board of Governors.
