Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees is proud to announce Marva Johnson, J.D., as the 13^th President. A distinguished leader in both the telecommunications industry and public education policy, Johnson’s appointment will move to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

During the interview process, Johnson, expressed her commitment to FAMU’s legacy as a top-tier HBCU and its rise in research, academic achievement, and social impact.

“Florida A&M University has long stood as a beacon of excellence and empowerment. To be considered for the opportunity to lead this storied institution is the honor of a lifetime,” said Johnson. “I will approach this role with bold vision—focused on student success, innovation, and national prominence —while building strong bridges with the FAMU community and honoring the legacy that makes this university so special. FAMU’s culture and impact are unmatched, and I am committed to upholding and amplifying that legacy as we move forward together.”

Johnson currently serves as Group Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications where she oversees state government affairs, regulatory, local franchising, state legislative matters, strategic partnerships, and strategies for government and community initiatives across nine southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Her work focuses on expanding broadband access, particularly in underserved communities.

Appointed to the Florida State Board of Education in 2014, she was elected chair in 2015 and served in that capacity for four years. During her tenure, she championed policies aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students. She played a vital role in implementing performance-based funding measures to encourage state colleges to improve student success metrics, including graduation rates. Johnson also worked to enhance accountability across the state’s colleges, always with a focus on closing achievement gaps and ensuring that all students had access to high-quality, low-cost education options.

Johnson’s start date will be determined upon confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Alonda Thomas
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Florida A&M University
Email: alonda.thomas@famu.edu

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