New Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Dr. Timothy Beard is waisting no time in making changes at FAMU, and he isn’t starting small. According to documents acquired by HBCU Gameday, Beard has asked for the immediate resignation of members of the FAMU senior leadership team by the end of today.
The Florida A&M University senior leadership team of the university includes the Chief Operating Officer, Provost, General Counsel, Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, Communications Director and several other key cabinet positions.
FAMU is slated to begin the Fall semester next week and play its Week Zero football game in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge in Atlanta next week against Norfolk State.
The letter was a form letter and was accompanied by a suggested response form, seemingly to expedite the response time.
While it is not uncommon for interim presidents to make changes, a sweeping change of senior leadership just days before the start of the Fall semester is curious timing as critical decisions for the successful school year are made during that time based on the factors of enrollment and issues.
Beard was named interim president following the resignation of Dr. Larry Robinson, the 12th president of Florida A&M University (FAMU) in July 2024 after nearly seven years in the role. In his heartfelt letter to the university community, Robinson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead FAMU, highlighting the institution’s growth and achievements during his tenure. Although stepping down as president, Robinson plans to continue his work at FAMU as a Distinguished Professor in the School of the Environment.
STORY UPDATE (12:15PM): FAMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes has sent communications to her circle that she is no longer employed at FAMU. She directs athletics inquiries to associate athletic director Michael Smith.
HBCU Gameday will update this story as more information is available.
