Marva Johnson has been appointed the thirteenth president of Florida A&M University. Located in Tallahassee, the historically Black university enrolls nearly 7,800 undergraduates and more than 1,400 graduate students. Black students represent 87 percent of the undergraduate student population.
Johnson’s background includes experience in the telecommunications industry and public education policy. Currently, she is group vice president of state government affairs for Charter Communications, a broadband connectivity and cable operator associated with Spectrum. In her role, Johnson focuses on expanding broadband access to underserved communications in the southern United States.
In 2014, Johnson was appointed to the Florida State Board of Education. She was elected chair in 2015 and served in that capacity for four years. During her tenure, she oversaw several initiatives aimed at improving education outcomes for all students. Her leadership led to the implementation of performance-based funding measures for state colleges, as well as programs focused on closing achievement gaps.
“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.”
A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Johnson holds an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta and a juris doctorate from Georgia State University.
