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An established institution is seeking a visionary leader to serve as President. This role demands a dynamic individual with a proven leadership record, capable of fostering a high-performance culture and driving strategic initiatives. The President will oversee academic and administrative functions, enhance community partnerships, and engage in fundraising efforts to support the university's mission. The successful candidate will embody integrity, transparency, and a commitment to student success, making a significant impact in the educational landscape of Florida and beyond. This opportunity is perfect for a results-driven leader eager to inspire excellence and innovation.
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The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees is seeking the next President of Florida A&M University. The right candidate should have a proven track record of leadership, be a results-driven leader who can effectively attract and manage high-quality talent to enable a high-performance culture, build consensus among stakeholders, and effectively respond to the evolving educational landscape.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), located in Tallahassee, is the third oldest university in Florida’s State University System and is the state’s only public historically Black university. FAMU is an energetic and dynamic institution, acclaimed for the excellent achievement of its students, alumni, faculty, and its contribution to society in the pursuit of education and research. The university works every day to continue to propel itself to the forefront of innovation and scholarship. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates.
With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, FAMU ranks among the nation’s Top 100 public universities in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” ranking, landing at #81; #3 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities; #1 public HBCU; #20 for Social Mobility; and #152 among National Universities.
FAMU’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of discovery propels it forward as one of the nation’s best public universities. Across disciplines, FAMU’s world-class researchers seek answers to some of humanity’s most challenging problems, addressing issues that impact Florida, the nation, and beyond. With $112.4M (FY24) in research awards, FAMU is on the precipice to achieve Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s highest and most coveted Very High Research Activity status (R1) in the next few years.
FAMU’s 14 colleges and schools offer more than 60 undergraduate and 40 graduate degree programs through its College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Education, College of Law, College of Science and Technology, College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of Architecture & Engineering Technology, School of Business and Industry, School of Graduate Studies and Research, School of Journalism & Graphic Communications, School of Nursing, and School of the Environment.
The university offers more than 100 student organizations and several fraternities and sororities. FAMU is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and fields 14 NCAA Division 1 athletic teams.
In addition to the main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the University of Law in Orlando and the University of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
FAMU Mission
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an 1890 land grant, doctoral/research institution devoted to student success at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels. FAMU enhances the lives of its constituents and empowers communities through innovative teaching, research, scholarship, partnerships, and public service. The University continues its rich legacy and historic mission of educating African Americans.
FAMU Vision
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University will be recognized as a leading national public university that is internationally renowned for its competitive graduates, transformative research, and innovation.
FAMU Values
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is committed to the values of accountability, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. The University also values and endorses the Board of Governors’ Statement of Free Expression and expects open-minded and tolerant civil discourse to take place throughout the campus community.
FAMU Board of Trustees
The FAMU Board of Trustees is the governing body of the University and is charged with policymaking for the University. Trustees serve without compensation and meet at least quarterly. The president serves as the corporate secretary to the Board of Trustees. The president has the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the University.
FAMU Foundation
The FAMU Foundation is a non-profit organization, established with the specific mandate to serve as a custodian of contributions from the private sector, alumni, friends, and industry. The Foundation receives, invests, and administers funds. The president serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The presidency at Florida A&M University (FAMU) provides a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic institution poised for continued growth and achievement. The new president will have an opportunity to expand academic and research programs to meet the growing economic demands of Florida and the nation.
FAMU seeks a bold, innovative, inspirational, and strategic visionary who will be an unwavering champion for students and the programs that have driven the institution’s momentum.
The ideal candidate will be a fiscally minded, results-driven leader who has the proven ability to drive strategic direction with the experience and ability to integrate with the external constituents of the university. They must inspire excellence in others and bring exceptional experience and enthusiasm for leadership within and beyond the walls of the institution.
Moreover, the candidate must possess the presence, communication skills, and eagerness to actively engage in fundraising and to promote the university externally. The successful candidate must exhibit the highest level of integrity, earn and maintain public trust, and show a commitment to transparency, ethical leadership, shared governance, and free expression.
With a focus on continuous improvement and upward trajectory, the President will be a problem-solver, a listener, and an innovator. The President will drive the University’s continued progress as outlined in the 2022–27 Boldly Striking Strategic Plan and the Florida Board of Governors’ Strategic Plan by enhancing the quality of the student educational experience, elevating FAMU’s performance on internal and external metrics, and fostering faculty excellence.
A confident and perceptive administrator who can make difficult decisions and pursue strategic courses of action, the President will work collaboratively with others, internally and externally, finding common ground among diverse viewpoints. The President will value the contributions of faculty and staff while seeking to advance FAMU’s mission and goals to new levels.
The President will understand the significant role the institution plays in the community at large and will have an active presence in the community promoting partnerships, seeking support, and developing relationships that benefit the University, its students, and its employees. He or she will also be visible and active on all campuses.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Administration
Financial Management and Fundraising
Community and Partnerships
Compliance and Policy
Faculty and Staff Development
Additional Responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Educational Requirements
APPLICATION & NOMINATION PROCESS
Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.
Applications
1) All application packets must include the following:
A background and criminal report will be conducted on the finalists selected for campus interviews.
2) Submit application materials online, preferably as PDFs. Additional information is requested with the submission of materials. For best consideration, complete applications should be received before March 14, 2025.
Nominations
Submit nominations with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.
Consultants
Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is conducting this search with Brianna Douglas, Vice President, assisting. Request a conversation at KennyDaugherty@myersmcrae.com.
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) is committed, as evident in our policies, principles, and practices, to an educational environment and equal opportunity workplace wherein each member of the University community is free from any form of harassment and discrimination. Therefore, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, age, disability, sex, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, genetic information, and veteran status, or any other legally protected group status (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), in accordance with state and federal laws. Discriminatory conduct in the form of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, is also prohibited.