TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Florida A&M University's Board of Trustees have suspended their search for a new president.
Board Chairman Solomon Badger III announced the move Friday, saying they needed to first address mounting issues the university is facing.
"I have decided today to temporarily suspend the search for a new FAMU President. This is neither a commentary on the quality of candidates, nor a questioning of the search process. This is just a stark acknowledgment of the fact that FAMU's accreditation is at risk, as it was placed on probation by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges) in December.
Badger says the Board is staying focused on responding to SACS inquiries and preparing for an on-site visit in September.
"It would also be eminently unfair to bring in a new President as FAMU's accreditation hangs in the balance," Solomon said. "I have full faith that Interim President Robinson and his team will succeed in their effort and want to make sure they face no distractions or disruptions."
Larry Robinson was named Interim President after the resignation of previous president, Dr. James Ammons in the midst of continuing fallout from the November 2011 hazing death of Robert Champion.
Investigators say Champion was killed by fellow members of the Marching 100 during a hazing ritual.
Twelve students are facing felony Manslaughter charges.
Champion's death has sparked a number of criminal and academic investigation, led to the resignation of several high profile University leaders including long time Marching 100 drum major Dr. Julian White.
