The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees is changing shape with the appointment of a new member and the return of another.
Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Emery Gainey and TaShaunda "Nicole" Washington to the 13-member governing board last Monday.
Washington and Gainey will be replacing Otis Cliatt II and Kenward "Kenny" Stone. The outgoing trustees joined FAMU’s board in 2020 after being selected by Gov. DeSantis. Their terms are set to expire this month.
Gainey is Alachua County’s outgoing sheriff. The Gainesville Republican chairs the Santa Fe College District Board of Trustees.
Washington is being reappointed to the FAMU board after she previously served as chair. Washington is currently appointed to the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees and a board member of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
These appointments must be approved by the Florida Senate.
Both Gainey and Washington start January 7th with the university actively searching for its next school president.