Florida A&M University's interim President Timothy Beard has called for the immediate resignations of his entire senior leadership team this week. This move comes just two weeks before the start of the fall semester and amid ongoing challenges at the university.
In a letter first reported by HBCU GameDay, Beard stated, "Our university (FAMU) is at a critical juncture, where we must align our leadership, vision and strategies to meet the evolving challenges and opportunities ahead."
This decision follows a recent controversial $237 million donation from a Texas-based hemp farm that was deemed fraudulent and quickly unraveled. Former university President Larry Robinson later took responsibility for not properly vetting the donor and the gift's legitimacy, and resigned shortly thereafter.
According to an email obtained by WCTV, Athletics Director Tiffani-Dawn Sykes has already left her position.
"Effective immediately, I am no longer employed at FAMU. Please route any questions or concerns to AVP for Athletics, Michael Smith, until you receive additional direction from Interim President Timothy Beard. Best of luck to each of you!" she wrote.
FAMU's Director of Communications Keith Miles also resigned according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
"We have a great team, and I've had the wonderful privilege of working with them. I'm happy that I had the opportunity to help move FAMU forward," Miles told the outlet on Tuesday.
Beard's letter emphasized that the resignation requests were not a reflection of individual contributions but a necessary step for the university's future success. The senior leadership team includes nearly 20 members, such as Provost Allyson Watson and Chief of Staff Linda Barge-Miles. It's unclear whether other top school officials submitted their resignations by the Tuesday deadline set by Beard.
Beard, who was appointed as interim president by the Board of Trustees on Aug. 5, earned one of his undergraduate degrees at FAMU and most recently served as president of Pasco-Hernando State College for eight years, according to the school.