Larry Robinson has become Florida A&M University’s 12th president. The school’s governing board made the decision Thursday. Robinson has served the school in a temporary leadership capacity three separate times.
The first came after a series of bad audits in 2007. The second in 2012 following the hazing death of a band drum major, and last year—when trustees effectively ousted former President Elmira Mangum. And FAMU Business professor Clyde Ashley sums up the sentiment of most observers: the appointment is overdue:
“It’s about time that we name Larry Robinson as the permanent president of FAMU.”
Thursday trustees made it official. Trustees hugged and shook hands with Robinson shortly after and the new president says he’s grateful for the opportunity.
“I understand the awesomeness of this responsibility and I will not take it lightly. This vote of confidence I received this morning is very, very important.”
Robinson has the support of the school’s alumni association, foundation and the state university system governing board. It paved the way for his appointment earlier in the month by allowing FAMU trustees to bypass a national presidential search, with an endorsement from FAMU alumni association President Gregory Clark.
“Dr. Robinson sees the big picture and understands FAMU and the FAMU way," he said. "He also understands what the board of governors is requiring of FAMU. He is able to work with our board of trustees, students and alumni to meet those requirements.”
Robinson first came to FAMU in 1995 as a visiting professor and joined the faculty officially in 1997. His doctorate is in nuclear chemistry and he served as an Assistant Secretary at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He was nominated by former President Barack Obama.
