The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees decided at an emergency meeting Monday that President James Ammons will step down from his position immediately.
Last week, Ammons announced his plan to resign in October after a hazing death and other issues.
The board agreed to pay Ammons his 2010-2011 bonus of $81,250. Due to his contract, the board will also pay him a 2011-2012 bonus of $17,062, according to a press release.
In June, eight Board of Trustees members announced they had no confidence in Ammons as president.
FAMU has been under public scrutiny for months after drum major Robert Champion, 26, was beaten to death in a hazing incident. The university also faced an investigation of fraud in the band’s finances and issues with accreditation, according to Alligator archives.
FAMU Provost Larry Robinson will assume the role.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve at this critical time in the university’s history,” Robinson said in a statement. “There is work to be done and I stand ready to do my absolute best to keep FAMU on its path of success. During this period, I look forward to serving our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.”
The Board of Trustees must confirm Robinson’s appointment at its next scheduled meeting in August.
Contact Samantha Shavell at sshavell@alligator.org.
