FAMU President Larry Robinson Announces He’s Stepping Down Two Months After Donation Scandal

Two months after the shocking donation scandal, FAMU president Larry Robinson has announced he is stepping down.

On Friday, Robinson made the announcement in an email that was sent to the university’s Board of Trustees. In his resignation letter, Robinson expressed his gratitude for leading the school for over six years.  FAMU Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper also sent a memo to the board members, praising Robinson’s tenure in the position.

“I am honored to have served with fellow trustees alongside our president. His love for FAMU, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to our student’s success will leave an indelible mark on this university’s history,” Harper wrote.

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While disappointing to some, the news comes after Robinson caught heat for accepting a massive $237 million donation from Batterson Farms Corp. CEO Gregory Gerami in May. Robinson admitted that the school poorly vetted Gerami before unquestioningly accepting his offer. After uncovering his sketchy background, FAMU halted the alleged entrepreneur’s donation. The school’s vice president, Shawnta Friday-Stroud, resigned days after the scandal made headlines. An investigation into how Gerami tricked the FAMU for so long is ongoing.

In his email, Robinson said he would allow the Board of Trustees to determine his final date as president. Following his last day, Robinson will begin a 12-month leave before returning as a School of the Environment professor.