Vice-President of University Advancement, Dr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud, resigned Wednesday following a controversial $237 million donation to the university. Friday-Stroud also served as Executive Director of the FAMU Foundation.
President Robinson Announces Friday-Stroud’s Resignation
Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson made the announcement during its Board of Trustees meeting today. Robinson started his announcement by saying he takes “full responsibility for the matter and the ensuing fall-out.”
In a virtual meeting, Robinson said, “In a gesture of good faith and accountability, Dr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud, our Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the foundation has decided to step down from her advancement roles to focus on her duties at the School of Business and Industry. I’ve accepted her resignation and I am thankful for her excellent work in boosting our fundraising to new heights. Her decision shows her dedication to transparency as we move forward.”
President Robinson Admits His Missteps
In regard to the proposed donation Robinson took some responsibility in overall process. Robinson said, “I must admit, a misstep was made in the manner we handled the proposed gift from Mr. Gerami.” Robinson said he believes the guidance of current Board will lead the foundation to go through a more transparent process.
Robinson also admitted the announcement was premature. “I saw, in this unprecedented gift, the potential to serve our students and our athletic program in ways unimaginable at that time.”
Robinson continued, “I wanted it to be real and ignored the warning signs along the way. There was no personal gain but the impact on our students and our university would have been extraordinary.”
“For the record, I must note that I did not inform Chair Harper of the gift, nor did I inform Chair LaBoo of the Foundation Board of Directors,” Robinson said. The university president also offered his apologies to Chair Harper who Robinson said was asked to pose for pictures with Gerami at the commencement ceremony. Robinson cleared the air saying, “It was reported, in error that she knew of the plans. She did not.”
Next Steps
In the meantime, Dr. Donald Palm will serve as interim Vice President of Advancement while the school searches for a new Vice President of Advancement.
