Latest news with #FAMU
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida A&M University's CFO blasted by state board over systemic audit failures
This story was originally published on To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily newsletter. Rebecca Brown, the CFO of Florida A&M University, was on the receiving end of harsh remarks from the state's Board of Governors last week after audit findings revealed multiple delayed reconciliations, poor internal controls and the continuation of financial issues the state university system has failed to address for over a decade. During a meeting on June 18, members of the Florida Board of Governors' audit and compliance committee expressed their concerns about the university's finance function and its practices. Multiple board members also questioned Brown's performance. 'From my perspective, the CFO failed pretty miserably in this job,' said Board of Governors member Aubrey Edge, who chairs the audit committee. 'She's been there two years and five months, which is long enough to know that you're not reconciling your statements.' Brown's dual role as CFO and senior vice president for finance and administration came into question regarding the school's poor financial practices. She's held the roles since January 2023. Interim President Timothy Beard said the university is reviewing structural changes to address Brown's dual role. An operational audit of FAMU from July 2022 through Dec. 2023 found delayed bank reconciliations, missing performance evaluations and slow vendor payments that violated both university rules and state law. The audit also found discrepancies in how FAMU's finance team reported restricted and unrestricted investment income and made note that the college's internal accounting controls required improvement. Though FAMU has implemented a corrective action plan, the board referred to the financial issues at FAMU as 'serious' and 'systemic,' signaling the problems are deeper than one-off errors. Edge, who also serves as president and CEO of First Coast Energy, an ownership group of over 160 Daily's and Shell-branded convenience stores throughout Florida, said the issues are more than just Brown's poor performance. 'This is serious. It's systemic, and that's a word I don't think they were tossing around lightly, and this time around it's pretty systemic in the accounting side,' Edge said. He noted the Board of Governors began tracking more than 30 corrective actions at FAMU back in 2013 to address internal control deficiencies and said many of the problems highlighted in the latest audits are similar to those identified back then. CFO turnover, a challenge in businesses across both public and private sectors, is likely a factor in Edge's labeling of the university's financial challenges as systemic. The finance team's track record indeed has its blemishes, like a failure to do due diligence on a $238 million fraudulent donation last year, but the university has also had seven CFOs since 2018, with an average tenure of 11 months per person. Reports indicate several critical finance roles still remain unfilled, like a comptroller and a CPA position. At last week's meeting, FAMU leaders cast blame for the lack of financial controls on turnover. 'We've had instability in leadership, and the turnover has changed the staffing in those functions as well,' FAMU Vice President for Audit Credentials Joseph Maleszewski said. Board member Eric Silagy criticized the university's oversight culture, candidly comparing the situation to what would likely occur if similar finance practices were to be done in the private sector. 'For a chief financial officer to have this systemic breakdown and this loss of risk controls, they would be shown the door so fast it would make their head spin,' Silagy said. 'They sure wouldn't be getting an increase in their base salary, and they sure wouldn't be getting a bonus.' Kristin Harper, FAMU Board of Trustees chair, said a monthly scorecard has been implemented to monitor progress and ensure reconciliations and other corrections remain on track. Brown still serves in her dual role as of now, though her autonomy in managing the finance function is likely to be limited in the upcoming months. The audit concerns come at a time when the perceived value of higher education is under increasing pressure nationwide. Dozens of colleges have announced closures or mergers in recent years amid declining enrollment and rising operational costs. At the same time, public confidence in universities has eroded due to ballooning student loan debt and questions over return on investment. For public institutions, as well as those that are Historically Black Colleges and Universities like FAMU, ongoing financial mismanagement and governance failures risk further undermining trust. Other HBCUs have had financial problems of their own due to poor leadership, and the consequences of poor financial controls have been playing out in some of the country's largest public university systems. Recommended Reading Oklahoma State University names a new CFO after audit finds $41M in misallocations
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
FAMU's plan to pay Marva Johnson depends on state budget
The question of how Florida A&M University (FAMU) will pay incoming President Marva Johnson now depends on the state budget. FAMU Foundation Pauses Budget Talks As reported by WCTV, the FAMU Foundation has paused its budget review. The Foundation was working to find money for Johnson's contract. A Monday meeting to discuss the issue was canceled, according to the meeting notice. On Tuesday, WCTV shared a statement from FAMU Foundation Executive Director Anthony Neal. He said the meeting was canceled because of a "legislative provision regarding the President-Elect's salary." New Budget Provision Offers Flexibility The provision is part of Senate Bill 2502, which lawmakers passed last week. It gives FAMU's Board of Trustees the power to use available reserves and old balances to pay the president's salary. The money cannot come from the state's General Revenue Fund or from tuition and fees. WCTV reported that the provision was added to the bill on June 14. This was eight days after the FAMU Board of Trustees approved Johnson's contract. Contract Details and Funding Gap Johnson's contract includes a base salary of $650,000 per year. She is also eligible for extra bonuses and incentives that could total hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The state can pay up to $200,000 toward her annual salary. The FAMU Foundation must cover the rest. The Foundation had previously approved only $388,562 for the president's pay, leaving a shortfall. A Possible Solution for FAMU The new budget provision could solve this issue. If Governor Ron DeSantis signs the bill without vetoing the provision, Florida A&M can use reserves to pay Johnson's full contract. This could prevent the Foundation from cutting other positions or projects. The governor has until June 30 to approve or veto the budget. According to Neal, the Foundation will meet again later to review its budget if needed. A new meeting date has not been announced yet. The post FAMU's plan to pay Marva Johnson depends on state budget appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU
Zion Packer, son of Hollywood producer Will Packer, has graduated from North Carolina A&T State University. This is another proud HBCU moment for the Packer family. The graduation took place on May 10, 2025, at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Zion completed his undergraduate degree with dedication and focus. Will Packer, a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University (FAMU), shared his excitement on Instagram. He wrote, "So proud of you son! Nothing and no one can stop you. Here's to your biggest chapter yet!" The message captured the joy and pride of this important milestone. Zion's success is especially meaningful because his father is one of the most well-known graduates of FAMU. NCAT and FAMU have a friendly rivalry as two former MEAC foes and two of the largest HBCU institutions in the country. Will Packer has built a major career producing blockbuster films like Girls Trip and Think Like a Man. Zion followed his own path at North Carolina A&T. According to his LinkedIn profile, he studied in the College of Engineering, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He lists his interests in the defense, intelligence, and software development industries. His graduation highlights the importance of family, education, and determination. This achievement is also a proud moment for the HBCU community. Both FAMU and North Carolina A&T have helped shape the Packer family's legacy of excellence. Zion's next steps are full of promise. His father's words offer a reminder that the future is wide open. Zion's story is a celebration of what can happen when hard work meets opportunity. It is also a powerful example for other young students on their own journeys. The post Hollywood producer celebrates son's graduation from HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football gets commitment from Florida QB Lawrence Wright IV, son of former Gators star
Florida A&M football is still building quarterback depth. This time, the Rattlers got a commitment from the son of a college football star of yesteryears. P.K. Yonge Blue Wave Lawrence Wright IV (1) looks to throw during the first half between P.K. Yonge and Keystone Heights at P.K. Yonge School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 2, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun] Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun On Friday, June 13, former Florida Gators quarterback Lawrence Wright IV announced that he is transferring to FAMU. Advertisement The redshirt freshman's father, Lawrence Wright III, was an All-American safety for Florida and won the 1996-1997 Jim Thorpe Award while helping the Gators win the national championship in the same season. Florida's Danny Wuerffel, left, and Lawrence Wright share a laugh Jan. 11, 1997, at the Gators' national championship celebration at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fla. Wright IV spent the 2024 season with the Gators as a preferred walk-on. He didn't make any appearances during the 13-game season. In high school, Wright IV played at Gainesville's PK Yonge, where he graduated in 2024. The 6-foot-1, 243-pound Wright IV joins an everchanging FAMU quarterback room that has added RJ Johnson III, RJ Mayes, Tyler Jefferson, and Jett Peddy this offseason. The Rattlers' returning quarterbacks are Traven Green and Bryson Martin. Advertisement FAMU football opens its 12-game regular season schedule on Aug. 30 versus the Howard Bison in the Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium. Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m. Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m. Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m. Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary) All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time. Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lawrence Wright IV, son of Florida Gators star, commits to FAMU football
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
FAMU football's QB depth provides abundance of options to win starting job for 2025 season
A potent offense starts with a good quarterback. Florida A&M football is doing the groundwork to ensure it has viable options for the starting quarterback job for the 2025 season. The Rattlers have landed five quarterbacks this offseason, with RJ Johnson III, Tyler Jefferson, Jett Peddy, and Lawrence Wright IV transferring in. RJ Mayes, out of Marianna, is the Rattlers' lone high school quarterback addition. Advertisement FAMU's quintet of new quarterbacks joins returners, Traven Green and Bryson Martin. That makes it a total of seven quarterbacks for the Rattlers. Whoever starts at quarterback for FAMU this season will follow in the footsteps of two consecutive standout Rattler signal callers, Jeremy Moussa from 2022-2023 and Daniel Richardson from 2024. Both were top quarterbacks in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and HBCU All-American honorable mentions. So, who will take the first snap under center when FAMU football opens its season versus the Howard Bison at Miami's Orange Blossom Classic on Saturday, Aug. 30? Head coach James Colzie III coaches the The Florida A&M Rattlers as they take on Southern University, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Let's look at the options. Traven Green, Returning Florida A&M quarterback Traven Green attempts a pass during the Rattlers' first spring football practice of 2025 on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, March 7, 2025. Classification: Redshirt Freshman Hometown: Rockledge, Florida Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 170 pounds 2024 Stats: Did Not Play RJ Johnson III, Transfer from Toledo Classification: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 210 pounds 2024 Stats: Did Not Play RJ Mayes, Signee from Marianna High School Classification: Freshman Hometown: Marianna, Florida Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 150 pounds 2024 Stats: 106 completions on 170 attempts (62 percent), 1,678 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, five interceptions, 46 carries for 382 rushing yards and five touchdowns Tyler Jefferson, Transfer from Central Michigan The Florida A&M Rattlers football team hold their annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. Classification: Redshirt Sophomore Hometown: High Springs, Florida Height/Weight: 6-foot, 235 pounds 2024 Stats: 27 completions on 58 attempts (47 percent), 286 passing yards, one interception, 43 rushing attempts for 282 yards and one touchdown Bryson Martin, Returning The Florida A&M Rattlers football team hold their annual spring game at Bragg Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 12, 2025. Classification: Redshirt Junior Hometown: Clearwater, Florida Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds 2024 Stats: one completion on one attempt, six passing yards Jett Peddy, Transfer from Long Beach City College Jett Peddy announced his commitment to Florida A&M football on social media on Thursday, May 29, 2025. The right-handed all-conference quarterback is transferring from Long Beach City College, a junior college in California. Classification: Junior Hometown: Torrance, California Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 191 pounds 2024 Stats: 200 completions on 339 attempts (59 percent), 2,706 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions Lawrence Wright IV, Transfer from Florida P.K. Yonge Blue Wave Lawrence Wright IV (1) looks to throw during a game between P.K. Yonge and Keystone Heights at P.K. Yonge School in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, November 2, 2023. [Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun] Chris Watkins/Gainesville Sun Classification: Redshirt Freshman Hometown: Miami, Florida Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 243 pounds 2024 Stats: Did Not Play Florida A&M Football 2025 Schedule Week 1: Saturday, Aug. 30 ― vs. Howard (Orange Blossom Classic at Miami Gardens' Hard Rock Stadium), 4 p.m., ESPNU Week 2: Saturday, Sept. 6 ― at Florida Atlantic, 6 p.m., ESPN Plus Week 3: Saturday, Sept. 13 ― vs. Albany State, 7 p.m. Week 4: BYE/OPEN WEEK Week 5: Saturday, Sept. 27 ― vs. Alabama State (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 6: Saturday, Oct. 4 ― vs. Mississippi Valley State (SWAC/at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Week 7: Saturday, Oct. 11 ― vs. North Carolina Central, 3 p.m. Week 8: Saturday, Oct. 18 ― vs. Alcorn State (SWAC/Homecoming), 4 p.m. Week 9: Saturday, Oct. 25 ― at Southern (SWAC) Week 10: Saturday, Nov. 1 ― vs. Jackson State (SWAC), 7 p.m. Week 11: Saturday, Nov. 8 ― at Arkansas-Pine Bluff (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 12: Saturday, Nov. 15 ― at Alabama A&M (SWAC), 3 p.m. Week 13: Saturday, Nov. 22 ― vs. Bethune-Cookman (SWAC/Florida Classic at Orlando's Camping World Stadium) Saturday, Nov. 29 ― NCAA FCS Playoffs Begin (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 6 ― SWAC Championship Game (If Necessary) Saturday, Dec. 13 ― Celebration Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (If Necessary) Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 ― NCAA FCS National Championship Game at Nashville's FirstBank Stadium (If Necessary) Advertisement All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time. Gerald Thomas, III is a multi-time award-winning journalist for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. Follow his award-winning coverage on and contact him via email at GDThomas@ or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU football QBs: A look at the Rattlers' options for starting job
