© 2024 WFSU Public Media
WFSU News · Tallahassee · Panama City · Thomasville
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

FAMU's interim president speaks out following his decision to fire his senior leadership team

TALLAHASSEE, FL— Florida A&M University Interim President Timothy Beard is speaking out following his decision to fire several members of the university’s senior leadership staff. Aug., 14, 2024 (WFSU/Adrian Andrews)
Adrian Andrews
/
WFSU Public Media
TALLAHASSEE, FL— Florida A&M University Interim President Timothy Beard is speaking out following his decision to fire several members of the university’s senior leadership staff. Aug., 14, 2024 (WFSU/Adrian Andrews)

Beard has either fired or accepted resignations from at least four senior officers.

Florida A&M University Interim President Timothy Beard is speaking out following his decision to fire several members of the university’s senior leadership staff.

After meeting with faculty on Wednesday for their annual planning conference, Beard met with reporters to explain his thought process behind the moves.

“As part of the 100-day action plan that I've shared with the senior leadership, it involves an evaluation and assessment of management," Beard said.

TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida A&M University faculty and staff convene for the 2024 Faculty and Staff Planning Conference in the Al Lawson Center. Aug 14, 2024. (WFSU/ Adrian Andrews)
Adrian Andrews
/
WFSU
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida A&M University faculty and staff convene for the 2024 Faculty and Staff Planning Conference in the Al Lawson Center. Aug 14, 2024. (WFSU/ Adrian Andrews)

FAMU's interim president sent out a request for resignations to senior leadership team members Monday to notify them that they had two options—quit or be removed from their position.

“I want to reiterate my sincere gratitude for your service and contributions to our University,” Beard wrote in his letter to team members. “Your leadership during your tenure has left a lasting impact on our institution, and I wish you continued success in your future endeavors.”

Beard has either fired or accepted resignations from at least four senior officers.

As of Wednesday, FAMU is without an athletics director, a communications director, a chief legal officer for its board of trustees, and a government relations director.

Beard confirmed on Wednesday that the vacant positions will likely be filled but hasn’t set a date for when he expects to fill them.

"Its an opportunity for me to really look in terms of the synergy of the team, and what’s going to be the best interest of FAMU going forward," said Beard.

Adrian Andrews is a multimedia journalist with WFSU Public Media. He is a Gadsden County native and a first-generation college graduate from Florida A&M University. Adrian is also a military veteran, ending his career as a Florida Army National Guard Non-Comissioned Officer.

Adrian has experience in print writing, digital content creation, documentary, and film production. He has spent the last four years on the staff of several award-winning publications such as The Famuan, Gadsden County News Corp, and Cumulus Media before joining the WFSU news team.