Another MAGA takeover of another HBCU this time at FAMU Florida A&M University.

Introducing Marva Johnson as the new President, a groundbreaking choice as she becomes only the second woman in history to lead the HBCU. However, a closer examination of her resume raises concerns about her qualifications, given her lack of experience in higher education.

The final candidates in FAMU’s presidential search were:

University of Maryland Eastern Shore Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rondall Allen ✅

University of Central Florida Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Gerald Hector ✅

Charter Communications’ Group Vice President of State Government Affairs Marva Johnson ❌

FAMU Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Donald Palm ✅

The selection process was overshadowed by an outcry against Johnson, whose ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP establishment have alarmed alumni and the campus community. They derided Johnson's candidacy as "MAGA Marva," while Palm picked up an endorsement from the alumni association and local FAMU boosters.

FAMU board also votes on salary range, steps for contract negotiations 

At the meeting, trustees endorsed a compensation range between $450,000 and $750,000, a figure suggested by the university's presidential search committee during a recent session. This decision follows Johnson's request for a $750,000 salary in her job application, notably omitting her current earnings at Charter Communications.

While the FAMU trustees have endorsed Johnson, her official appointment as the new president still requires an interview and approval from the Florida Board of Governors, the body responsible for overseeing the state's university system.

Ron DeSantis, the right wing governor of Florida, has launched a campaign to transform the state's higher education landscape, which many critics label as a 'hostile takeover' of institutions perceived as liberal. His initiatives include placing conservative individuals on university boards, enacting measures against 'wokeism,' and exploring the merging of educational facilities. DeSantis and his supporters argue that American colleges are overly influenced by liberal ideologies and need a political overhaul.

Key Actions and Appointments

DeSantis's approach centers on appointing new trustees to state university boards, effectively filling these positions with Republican supporters and insiders. For example, he has added six new members to the Board of Trustees at the New College of Florida and has similarly appointed strong conservatives to the University of West Florida's board.

Some controversial figures appointed by DeSantis include:

• Christopher Rufo: A conservative activist and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute  . Rufo has been at the center of the right-wing campaign against critical race theory.

• Jason "Eddie" Speir: The co-founder and superintendent of a Christian school in Bradenton, Florida.

  
  

• Matthew Spalding: A professor and dean at conservative Hillsdale College and a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute.

  
  

• Scott Yenor: A professor of political science at Boise State University, known for his Christian nationalist activism and controversial views on women.

  
  

• Adam Kissel: A former education department official during the Trump administration and Heritage Foundation visiting fellow .

Floridians, you missed a crucial opportunity by not voting for Andrew Gillum in the 2018 gubernatorial election. He lost by a mere 34,000 votes, and if he had been elected, I believe we would be facing a very different situation today. Remember, your voting choices have significant consequences!