Florida A&M University Seeking New Senior Leadership Amid ‘Critical Juncture’ Following Donation Hoax

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A historical Black college ( HBCU ) in Florida is seeking to clear the top levels of its leadership team in favor of hiring new administrators amid the ongoing fallout stemming from a controversial would-be record donation earlier this year.

Florida A&M University ‘s interim president on Monday sent a letter to the Tallahassee-based HBCU’s senior leadership team requesting their resignations one week before students are expected to return to campus before the fall semester starts.

FAMU Interim President Dr. Timothy Beard asked that the resignations be tendered by Tuesday.

“As you know, our University (FAMU) is at a critical juncture, where we must align our leadership, vision, and strategies to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities ahead. After careful consideration and in consultation with the Board of Trustees, the past University President, and from my observations, I have concluded that a change in our senior leadership team is necessary to move forward more effectively,” Beard wrote in part. “Given the importance of this transition, I am respectfully requesting your resignation from your position effective 8/13/2024. Please see attached the template to utilize relative to submitting your resignation letter no later than the close of business on 8/13/2024. This decision was not made lightly and is rooted in a commitment to ensuring that our University is positioned for future success and growth.”

Beard added: “Please know that this request may not be a reflection of your individual contributions or dedication to our institution. Your hard work and commitment to the University over the years have been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the many ways you have served our community. However, at this time, we believe that new leadership is essential for the University to achieve its long-term goals.”

The letter concluded with Beard thanking the senior leadership team for their “ service and contributions” to FAMU and noted their “lasting impact on our institution.”

HBCU Gameday, which first reported Beard’s letter , wrote that FAMU’s “senior leadership team of the university includes the Chief Operating Officer, Provost, General Counsel, Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, Communications Director and several other key cabinet positions.”

The Tallahassee Democrat reported that FAMU Athletics Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes emailed her colleagues to notify them that she was quitting.

“The purpose of this communication is to let you know that effective immediately, I am no longer employed at FAMU,” Sykes wrote in the email to athletics staff. “Please route any questions or concerns to AVP for Athletics, Michael Smith until you receive additional direction from Interim President Timothy Beard. Best of luck to you each of you!”

The request for resignations comes months after FAMU administrators eagerly accepted a donation of $237 million from Texas hemp farmer Gregory Gerami. The university lauded the donation before it was revealed to be a hoax .

The fallout from the would-be donation included now-former FAMU President Larry Robinson resigning last month , resulting in Beard being named the HBCU’s interim leader.

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