Florida A&M University has cut ties with longtime general counsel Avery McKnight. It’s the latest change in personnel made by school President Elmira Mangum.
This summer, Mangum had attempted to get rid of McKnight, a move that upset the school’s board of trustees. Instead, the board approved a change that resulted in McKnight reporting to both Mangum and the group. Now McKnight’s employment contract hasn’t been renewed and he’s no longer employed by FAMU as of Dec. 1.
McKnight, a FAMU alumnus, has been recognized as one of the state's "legal elites" by Florida Trend Magazine for several years. Between 1992 and 2005 he worked in the Office of the General Council at FAMU, before transitioning to private practice as Senior Associate with Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A.
Mangum has also promoted Jimmy Miller as her new Chief of Staff. He previously served as the university’s Vice President of Communications.
The shakeup in administration comes a month after the president narrowly survived attempts by some FAMU trustees to fire her. Former Chairman Rufus Montgomery resigned the position but remains on the board. Longtime trustee Spurgeon McWilliams stepped down completely.
Other personnel moves include:
- Elise Durham, assistant vice president for Communications, Media Relations, and Marketing, will assume leadership of the communications staff and will report to the Office of the President. This change is effective, today, Dec. 1.
- Marvin E. Green Jr., Director of Student Activities, has been named associate athletic director for Sports Administration. His appointment is effective Dec. 4.
According to FAMU spokeswoman Kanya Stewart, "the changes made are a part of ongoing efforts to move FAMU forward in realizing our vision to become a best-in-class doctoral, research land-grant university with a global presence. As with all personnel matters, no further comments can be provided at this time."
