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After surviving two votes to fire her in recent weeks, FAMU President Elmira Mangum told the Capitol Tiger Bay Club today she is confident of her future at the University. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the board that tried to fire her will itself face major realignment.

After surviving votes to fire her, Capitol Tiger Bay members present FAMU’s President with a helmet.

”And we hope you’ll keep your head in the game” exclaimed Mistress of Ceremonies Anita Favors Thompson.

A Whistle

“for just when you need a time out. Now try it” pushed Favors Thompson

And shoulder pads. Which brought laughter from the crowd.

Then, without mentioning her disagreements with her Board, President Elmira Mangum spent 30 minutes touting a bright future for her University, including a 38 hundred acre agricultural research facility recently transferred from the US Dept of Agriculture.

“We can help to provide solutions to our food safety and security” said FAMU’s President.

Not once did Mangum touch on her near firing and her boards refusal to give her a bonus. That task fell to retired Journalist Lucy Morgan, a Tiger Bay member.

“Do you feel more or less secure in your position as President, and why?” asked Morgan.

“Okay, I feel extremely secure, and the reason why is because I’m focused on the institution and its students” responed Mangum.

So afterwards we asked: Q;” You’re claiming victory and moving on after you beat the board?”

“I didn’t beat anybody. FAMU is moving forward. That’s all” responded Mangum.

And indeed, the President may be able to claim victory in her battle with her trustees. Six new members will be appointed in January.

Governor Rick Scott has four board appointments to the Trustees.. The Board of Governors has two.

FAMU’s President also confirmed that fundraising by the Univeristy has been hampered by the leadership clashes between the President and Board, but she suggested the troubles were just temporary.