TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously elected two-time alumnus Deveron Gibbons, J.D., as chair to succeed Kristin Harper, who served in the leadership role for two years.  

“It is an honor to serve as chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees,” Gibbons said during the Thursday, Sept. 18 meeting. “I look forward to working with the entire board to ensure that we serve our students and help them meet and succeed their academic goals.”  

Gibbons earned his master’s degree in business administration and juris doctorate from FAMU. He is a consultant for Amscot Financial, where he retired as a senior vice president. Gibbons is a former Tallahassee lobbyist, longtime community activist and former board member of several local organizations. He currently serves on the boards of Take Stock in Children, the Sanderlin Community Center and St. Petersburg College.

Fellow alumnus Trustee Michael White was unanimously elected as vice chair. He is co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Indelible Management Solutions, Inc., one of the fastest growing management consulting firms in the country. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from FAMU.

“We have an awesome responsibility as board members to serve FAMU and protect its critical role as a public institution in the state of Florida," said White. “I promise to serve with integrity, dignity and to safeguard the brand during my tenure as vice chair.”

In his opening remarks, Chair Gibbons recognized Harper with a bouquet of red roses, a forever gavel, and a plaque acknowledging her dedicated and outstanding service to Florida A&M University and the Board of Trustees from 2019-2023 and serving as chair from 2023-2025. 

Harper noted that as she reflects on her time as chair, she acknowledges that servant leadership is a sacrifice that demands integrity, wisdom, and principle. 

“Titles are temporary. Character is forever. My title as chair is ending, but my service to FAMU never will because FAMU must forever remain a catalyst of access and opportunity for our bold, brilliant students and Rattlers yet unborn,” said Harper.

In her final report, Harper offered thanks to the many staff who support the Board, and she recognized FAMU’s reason for being: the students.

“Every decision, every policy, every meeting comes back to you — your education, your dreams, and your future,” said Harper. “You walk the same paths as generations before you, including many in this room, and you also blaze new trails for those yet to come. Never forget – you are not just FAMU students. You are FAMU’s legacy in motion.”

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