Larry Robinson, the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU), has resigned following an investigation into a problematic financial donation.
According to Politico, Larry Robinson’s resignation comes after a $237 million donation was revealed to be infeasible due to the donor's insufficient funds.
Robinson, who has led FAMU for nearly seven years, announced his decision amid increasing scrutiny. This scrutiny arose after a misunderstanding involving a significant financial pledge, which was celebrated but later deemed financially unattainable given the donor’s actual net worth.
Doubts about the donation surfaced when procedural checks suggested discrepancies in the pledged amount. This led to an official investigation by the state Board of Governors, which criticized the oversight of such financial engagements at the university level.
The ceremonial check, exhibited during a commencement ceremony with donor Gregory Gerami in early May, became the symbol of this prominent mishap. By June, the Board of Governors Audit and Compliance Committee had delved deeply into the repercussions of this incident.
Aubrey Edge, a member of the Board of Governors, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "I just want to make sure that the board of trustees recognizes that they have a job to do, and we’re going to expect that job to be done very, very well. Because this should never have happened," Edge stated.
Following his resignation, Robinson plans to take a sabbatical for one year. He has expressed his intention to return to FAMU as a distinguished professor at the School of the Environment, where he aims to continue contributing to the academic community.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud, FAMU’s vice president for university advancement and the executive director of the school’s fundraising foundation, has also stepped down in the wake of this debacle. This highlights the widespread impact of the donation issue on the university’s leadership.
Alan Levine, another member of the Board of Governors, reflected on Robinson's tenure, acknowledging his positive influence on the university. "Larry Robinson has been an incredible leader" for FAMU, said Levine. "He became president at a consequential time for the university and was the right guy at the right time."
The resignation coincides with broader changes within Florida's higher education system under Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has been instrumental in reshaping policies and administrative structures at various educational institutions, including appointments at the New College of Florida.
These changes aim to address multiple issues within the system, although they have also introduced additional challenges and controversies, particularly concerning governance and educational priorities.
Robinson's resignation hints at his potential return to academia, indicating his ongoing dedication to education and environmental studies. The investigation into the donation issue aims to conclude by the end of July, seeking improved governance and oversight. These events underscore the importance of rigorous financial checks and transparent governance in university administration.
Larry Robinson, the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU), has resigned following an investigation into a problematic financial donation. The $237 million donation was found to be infeasible due to the donor's insufficient funds, leading to increased scrutiny and an official investigation. Robinson, who has led FAMU for nearly seven years, plans to return to academia after a year-long sabbatical, while Shawnta Friday-Stroud, the vice president for university advancement, has also stepped down.
