A Historic Beginning

On August 1, 2025, Marva Johnson, J.D., MBA officially became the 13th president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). Her appointment made history as she became just the second woman to hold the top position at the university.

Only weeks into her tenure, Johnson is already shaping her administration. She announced a new leadership team designed to strengthen FAMU’s operations, academic footprint, and community influence. For a campus balancing legacy with the push for future growth, these appointments send a clear message: Johnson plans to move decisively.

Building the Team

Kelvin Lawson

Among her first major moves was naming Kelvin Lawson as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. A FAMU graduate and former trustee, Lawson brings years of business and institutional experience. His background in operations and fundraising makes him a strategic fit for a role that will oversee the university’s day-to-day functions and long-term planning.