TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Florida A&M University's Vice President for Advancement is stepping down.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud's resignation came shortly before a special FAMU Board of Trustees meeting began to further address concerns regarding the $237 million gift.
The donation was earlier put on hold for the trustees to further evaluate the amount.
After a special called board of trustees meeting, FAMU President, Dr. Larry Robinson confirmed the donation is paused indefinitely.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Florida A&M University's record donation has turned into an investigation.
I'm Alberto Camargo, your College Town neighborhood reporter.
I'm breaking down what we learned from Wednesday's Board of Trustees meeting and where FAMU goes from here.
The $237 million donation from the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust and CEO Gregory Gerami was announced at graduation on May 4.
Over the next few days, the reliability of the donor and the lack of details thanks to a non-disclosure agreement sparked skepticism.
Now, the donation is under investigation.
The FAMU board approved a motion to hire an external firm to investigate how the donation happened, if the right processes were followed, recommend corrective action and to provide regular updates to the board.
"This should not have happened. And in light of that, we need to get the facts. "
Vice Chair of the board Deveron Gibbons says all this controversy could have been avoided entirely, and it has hurt the trust he has in university leadership.
"Because this is uncomfortable. I'm upset that I have to be doing this right now when all it took was normal due diligence."
FAMU President Dr. Larry Robinson said he takes full responsibility for the announcement and fallout.
Robinson also accepted the board's advice to not make any personnel changes during the investigation.
In this video from the announcement, Chair of the board Dr. Kristin Harper is seen posing with university officials and Gerami.
But she says that was a surprise to her.
"I accept your apology Mr. President, because I should have never been put on the spot for a convenient photo or video op for a gift I knew nothing about."
We also learned that Dr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud has resigned from her positions as Vice President of University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation.
Chief Operating Officer Dr. Donald Palm will serve as interim VP of advancement.
Many trustees said they want the investigation to be wrapped up quickly.
An update is expected at the board's next meeting in Tampa on May 29.
In College Town, Alberto Camargo, ABC27.
WATCH DR. ROBINSON'S COMMENT DURING THE SPECIAL ZOOM MEETING BELOW:
Florida A&M trustees to evaluate $237 million donation put on hold after public scrutiny
The initial announcement of the donation was met with cheers but later with questions as details of the $237 million were limited after a non-disclosure agreement signed between FAMU and the donor.
