2026 Presidents Convocation Program

MARVA B. JOHNSON, J.D., MBA PRESIDENT, FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

M

arva Johnson, J.D., MBA, is the thirteenth president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) — which is among the Top 100 public universities in the nation and America’s top-ranked public Historically Black College and University.

A nationally recognized architect of education policy, President Johnson served on the Florida State Board of Education beginning in 2014 and was elected chair in 2015 — guiding one of the nation’s largest and most complex state education systems.

Under her leadership, the Board advanced sweeping reforms in student outcomes, performance-based funding, and institutional accountability. She has been a fierce and consistent voice for closing achievement gaps and ensuring that every student — regardless of zip code or background — has access to a world-class education.

Her influence further extended to Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission in 2018, where she chaired the Education Committee and helped shape the foundational law of the state.

Beyond the halls of government, President Johnson has been a driving force in the private sector. As Group Vice President of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications, she led efforts to bring broadband connectivity to underserved communities across nine southern states — understanding, long before it became a national priority, that digital access is an education access issue. Her work bridged the divide between policy, technology, and community in ways that produced lasting and measurable impact.

At FAMU, President Johnson is charting a bold course — accelerating the University’s trajectory toward Carnegie R1 research classification, deepening federal partnerships, and positioning FAMU as a national hub for agricultural innovation, health equity, and workforce development. FAMU’s research expenditures have grown from $47.1 million in FY2021 to $85.1 million in FY2025 — an 80.7% increase over four years, including a 16.3% year-over-year increase in the most recent fiscal year. Also, FAMU received $109.75 million in legislative funding, which will strengthen the academic enterprise and research infrastructure.

Her service on the boards of the Florida Scholars Academy and the Florida Virtual School reflects a personal covenant with youth development and the power of education to transform lives. President Johnson holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law, an MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University.

A proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she leads with purpose, principle, and the unshakable conviction that FAMU’s greatest chapter is still ahead.

P rogram Presiding: Kennedy Williams University Trustee and President, Student Government Association “Gospel Medley”

PRELUDE

University Band

arr. Lindsey Sarjeant

Rev. Paschal Chester, SVD Pastor, St. Eugene Catholic Mission and Student Center

INVOCATION WELCOME

Caitlin Smith Vice President, Student Government Association

OCCASION

Jordyn Anderson, Miss FAMU 2026-2027 Evan Lesure, Mister FAMU 2026-2027 “Do What Cha Wanna”

SELECTION

arr. Lindsey Sarjeant

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

University Band

Kimberly Cuevas President, FAMU DRS Student Government Association Marva B. Johnson, J.D. University President

SPEAKER

ADVANCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D. Senior Vice President, Division of University, Strategic Partnerships & Innovation and Executive Director, FAMU Foundation, Inc. INTRODUCTION OF ADMINISTRATION/NEW STAFF Reginald Perry, Ph.D. Associate Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs SELECTION

“S.O.S.”

arr. Lindsey Sarjeant

President Johnson

CLOSING REMARKS ALMA MATER

“FAMU Alma Mater”

arr. Lindsey Sarjeant (Please remain seated for the recessional of platform guests.)

University Band Rev. Chester

BENEDICTION POSTLUDE

University Band

“FAMU Spirit”

arr. Lindsey Sarjeant

(Please remain seated for the recessional of platform guests.)

University Band

Alma Mater College of love and charity We gather ‘round thy noble shrine; We lift our voice in praise to thee, And ask a blessing all divine.

(Chorus) FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee

I’ll fight and win what’er the battle be The Orange and the Green thy Sons shall e’er defend And loyal to thy voice of love attend FAM-U! FAM-U! FAM-U! I love thee!

On gridiron, diamond, track and field, Thy sons the vict’ry never yield-, And while they tread a broader life Thy love shall stay them in the strife. (repeat Chorus) God ever keep us true to thee; Thy faith that truth shall make men free.

Shall guide thy loyal sons aright And fend them thru’ the skeptic night.

FAMU FOREVER VISIT: famuforever1887.com TO SECURE FAMU’S LEGACY!