July 26, 2026

Phenomenal Is the Answer - with Marva B. Johnson, President, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)

Phenomenal Is the Answer - with Marva B. Johnson, President, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
EdUp Experience
Phenomenal Is the Answer - with Marva B. Johnson, President, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)

Key Takeaways

  • Marva B Johnson FAMU leadership highlights the critical importance of prioritizing faculty pay to retain top-tier talent in higher education.
  • Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University stands out as the number one public HBCU while maintaining its status as one of the most selective public universities in the nation.
  • Achieving higher student success requires fundamental operational changes to ensure every student graduates within a four-year timeframe.
  • President Marva B Johnson discusses innovative strategies and visionary approaches shaping the future of public historically black universities.

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Marva B. Johnson, President, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)

In this episode, President Series #495, powered by ⁠⁠⁠Ellucian⁠⁠⁠, sponsored by EdUp Leadership, & the 2026 AcOps Conference July 29-31 by Coursedog

YOUR host is Dr. Joe Sallustio

  • Why does a president name faculty pay as a top priority when almost none of her peers will say it out loud?
  • How is the number 1 public HBCU also one of the most selective public universities in the nation?
  • What has to change across every operation when you commit to graduating every student in 4 years?

Thank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!

Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the president of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University featured in this episode?

Marva B. Johnson serves as the President of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU).

What makes Marva B Johnson FAMU's leadership approach unique regarding faculty?

President Marva B. Johnson openly prioritizes faculty pay, addressing a crucial financial topic that many higher education leaders hesitate to discuss publicly.

How is FAMU positioned among public HBCUs and universities?

FAMU is recognized as the number one public HBCU while simultaneously ranking as one of the most selective public universities in the United States.

What operational focus does Marva B Johnson emphasize for student success at FAMU?

She emphasizes making the operational changes necessary across the university to commit to graduating every student in four years.