Larry Robinson during the Board of Trustees meeting Thursday in the Grand Ballroom. Robinson scratched 'interim' off of his title after BOT officially appointed him as the university leader. | Sydne Vigille
A day after being recommended as president by the Board of Trustees (BOT), Larry Robinson was confirmed as Florida A &M University’s (FAMU) permanent leader.
The FAMU BOT voted unanimously, 12-0, to make Robinson the permanent president during their meeting. As a formality, they await a confirmation from the Board of Governors.
Robinson was named the 12th president of FAMU by the BOT, Thursday morning.
The Presidential Leadership Committee, a specialized cohort under FAMU’s BOT, agreed upon Robinson’s recommendation.
According to a statement released by FAMU, BOT chair, Kelvin Lawson, felt confident that Robinson could fulfill the role as president.
“We based our decision on data and followed our process thoroughly,” Lawson said. “We all, collectively, feel good about where we are, and we feel extremely well about our new leader – President Robinson.”
Presenting the IGNITE at SPC project to the Board of Trustees.
Photo credit: Adlernico Brioche
Robinson has served as interim president since September 2016, succeeding former president Elmira Mangum. This was the third time Robinson was named interim. In 2007 and 2012 he served in the same capacity.
The news release also captured Robinson’s initial reaction from BOT’s appointment.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to have this opportunity to help move this University forward. I understand the awesomeness of this responsibility,” Robinson said, accepting the nomination. “I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of your team. I want to emphasize that our No. 1 priority will be student success – fully understanding that a key element of our student success is the great work of our faculty and staff.”