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FAMU Board of Trustee's pick Dr. Timothy Beard for interim president

A large building with several glass panels and the word "FAMU" written under an orange and green rattlesnake.
Alejandro Santiago
/
WFSU Public Media
The campus of Florida A&M University

The Florida A&M University board of trustees has finalized the details to hire Timothy Beard as interim president.

Beard got his undergraduate degree from FAMU and previously spent more than a decade working for the school. Most recently he has served as president of Pasco-Hernando State College. Beard’s contract specifies that taking the interim role means he will not be eligible to apply for the full-time position.

He said after his contract was approved Tuesday that he’s excited to serve the FAMU community.

“Florida A&M is an institution that we love very much, and we would certainly give it our all in all to do what we can to make a difference. No one person can do this. The President can't do it alone. The Board of Trustees cannot do it alone. We all need each other to make a difference," he said.

Beard’s salary will start at $400,000 annually with an up to 15% performance bonus. His first day as interim president is next Monday. He’s expected to remain in the post for 12 months or when the new permanent president’s contract starts.

Tristan Wood is a senior producer and host with WFSU Public Media. A South Florida native and University of Florida graduate, he focuses on state government in the Sunshine State and local panhandle political happenings.