Cleve Warren to Take Over as Chair of FAMU Board of Trustees

The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees voted to elect Cleve Warren as its new chairman Friday.

Cleve Warren

Warren recently opposed the firing of Elmira Magnum, who has survived through two of the board's motions to fire her as president of FAMU. Board members trying to oust Magnum allege she failed to produce records showing the Board of Trustees approved over $370,000 in renovations to the president's home.

Warren will replace Rufus Montgomery, who resigned after voting twice unsuccessfully to remove Magnum as president. 

Warren vowed to start a new chapter of unity within the university.

“The time has arrived for all of us, be you board member or staff, student or faculty, alumni or supporter, to face the wind together, to work in concert for the greater purposes of the university,” he said. “On that plain we will put aside our minor differences and be strengthened by the major interest we have in the prosperity and posterity of Florida A&M University.”

Warren's term as a board member ends in January. After January, Warren will await his reappointment from the Florida State University System's board of governors. 

Several other board members' terms also expire in January, which could mean a new lineup for FAMU's board. Some of the apppointments will be up to the board of governors, while other members will be appointed by Gov. Rick Scott himself.