For best consideration, complete applications should be received before March 14, 2025.

Complete information is available on the Search Profile. 

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.

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 & RESPONSIBILITES

Leadership and Administration

• Strategic Leadership: Assumes full responsibility for the organization, administration, and leadership of the University. Provides leadership for the academic programs and student support services.
• Policy and Planning: Makes policy recommendations to the Board of Trustees on all matters affecting the university and recognizes their oversight. Conducts appropriate planning for the University.
• Performance Improvement: Continually assesses productivity, student success, and financial metrics to enhance the University’s performance according to the Florida Board of Governors’ performance funding metrics.

Financial Management and Fundraising

• Financial Oversight: Possesses a thorough understanding of various funding models with a history of sound financial management.
• Fundraising and Grants: Directs and supports fundraising and grant solicitation activities to enhance financial resources available for programs and services.

Community and Partnerships

• Partnership Building: Promotes partnerships with businesses, educational agencies, civic organizations, military bases, and community groups to benefit the University and community.
• Advocacy: Advocates on behalf of the University with state and federal governments for the benefit of the University.
• Community Engagement: Provides leadership for the University’s involvement and support in community activities. Acts as the public relations contact for the University.

Compliance and Policy

• Policy Adherence: Adheres to and ensures compliance with all University and Board policies in accordance with Florida Statutes and the State Board of Governors. Exercises broad discretionary power to carry out BOT policy. Serves as Corporate Secretary for the Board of Trustees, engaging in policy recommendations.
• Legal and Accreditation Compliance: Ensures familiarity with institutional, NCAA, and athletic accreditation processes and legal requirements, administering contracts, and recommending site locations and utilization in compliance with regulations.

Faculty and Staff Development

• Professional Development: Commits to professional development and success for all faculty and staff, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and an institutional climate of professionalism.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other similar related duties as may be delegated by the Board of Trustees, including lending influence in the development of higher education on local, state, and national levels.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Educational Requirements

• Terminal degree or significant professional achievement, recognition, and prestige are required.
• Combined administrative and academic experience at a research university and experience with D1 athletics are preferred.
• Individuals with the requisite leadership experience in education, industry, government, the military, or other sectors and whose experience will further the mission of Florida A&M University will be given full consideration.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Tallahassee is the site of the Florida State Capitol, Supreme Court of Florida, Florida Governor’s Mansion, and nearly 30 state agency headquarters as well as Florida A&M University.

The city is a recognized regional center for scientific research, and home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. In 2015, Tallahassee was awarded the All-America City Award by the National Civic League for the second time.

Close to the Gulf of Mexico, there is a plethora of things to do in Tallahassee. Great adventures and sites include the beaches, the Tallahassee Museum, the Florida History Museum, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Mission St. Luis de Apalachee, St. Marks Lighthouse, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Railroad Square Art District, the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum at FAMU, the Goodwood Museum and Gardens, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Cascades Park, and many more walking and biking trails, outdoor exploration, and activities. Restaurants and shops are plentiful and superb.

Tallahassee is also known for its fabulous festivals and events, such as the Tallahassee Food and Wine Festival, the Greek Food Festival, the Harambee Festival, Springtime Tallahassee, First Friday festivals at Railroad Square, and Downtown Getdowns.