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FAMU President Signs One-Year Contract Extension

FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson.
Nick Evans
/
WFSU News

Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson signed a one-year contract extension Thursday, ensuring he will continue heading the school through 2021. Robinson’s original contract expires at the end of this year. FAMU board member David Lawrence Jr. says Robinson has turned the school around.

“Boy, it was a muddle five years ago. We were a long way from anywhere," said Lawrence Jr. "I think Dr. Robinson and his team have done marvelous work and I’m proud to work for him and the rest of FAMU.”

Robinson was named interim president after the board fired Elmira Mangum. He then took over the permanent job in 2017. Since then, the four-year graduation rate has increased by 10 points. Robinson has also overseen the construction of a new residence hall and a new classroom/administration building. In January, FAMU's board will decide whether to give Robinson a raise. He declined one in August amid the pandemic. The state university system governing board will decide whether to approve the contract extension.

Blaise Gainey is a State Government Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.