Florida A&M University (FAMU) is experiencing what many are calling the “Year of the Rattler Woman,” as women take on prominent leadership roles across various sectors of the university for 2024–2025. President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., now leads FAMU during a period marked by significant contributions from women in positions ranging from the boardroom to student government.
Kristin Harper, who was elected Chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees, has served six years on the Board, including two as chair. Harper played a key role in guiding FAMU through important milestones and challenges. Her tenure included overseeing the development of the Boldly Striking Strategic Plan, contributing to FAMU’s Top 100 national ranking and advancing its pursuit of R1 research status. The university saw increases in fundraising, research spending, student performance metrics, and graduation rates under her leadership.
Reflecting on her time as chair, Harper said: “One of high integrity and moral character; being agile yet unwavering in my values.” She added: “Titles are temporary. Character lasts forever.” For Harper, witnessing students’ achievements is a highlight: “What makes it all worth it is sitting on that stage and seeing the joy of students achieving their dreams. Knowing, in some small way, that the contributions I’ve made—and those of my colleagues—helped make that possible.”
Harper offered advice to incoming leaders:
– Always remember the multiple constituencies that you serve and never neglect the reason FAMU exists.
– When making decisions, weigh the trade-offs; short-term and long-term.
– Be really clear about your why.
“Leadership is complex. There are rarely right or wrong answers—only trade-offs. But as long as we keep students at the center, FAMU will continue to thrive for generations,” she said.
Artisha R. Polk serves as president of the FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA), becoming only its third female leader since 1901. Polk focuses on connecting alumni across generations and modernizing engagement efforts for an organization with over a century-long history. She stated: “Our seasoned alumni have the experience, while our young alumni bring fresh ideas and tools… Together, they can energize our association and help ensure FAMU’s legacy lives on in perpetuity.” Polk aims to elevate NAA’s brand and ensure every member feels included.
Audrey Alexander became Chief of Police at FAMU after three decades with campus safety services and more than two decades serving in both U.S. Army Reserve and Florida National Guard roles—including a tour in Iraq—which influenced her approach to leadership focused on trust-building within campus policing.
“I am deeply invested in the safety and well-being of our campus community,” Alexander said. “My team and I work tirelessly to ensure that FAMU remains a welcoming and inclusive environment, where students can excel without unnecessary and preventable distractions.”
Alexander emphasizes collaborative responsibility for safety at “the Hill” through crisis response planning alongside day-to-day engagement with campus members.
Student Government Association President Zayla Bryant has also broken new ground by leading alongside Vice President Kennedy Williams—the first time two women have held these top SGA positions together at FAMU. Bryant prioritizes accountability over titles:
“I think I can speak for me and Kennedy when I say that we didn’t do this to make history, but we did it to make an impact… I don’t think us being two women on the ticket changes the fact that the role is just as important…”
Bryant describes resilience among Rattler women while encouraging younger students not to fear rejection but see it as redirection toward growth opportunities:
“I think that rejection is just redirection… When it comes to young women… I know what it’s like to walk into a space not knowing who you are or the power that you possess.”
Vice President Kennedy Williams echoes these sentiments by focusing on advocacy:
“I think it’s important that when we’re faced with issues, we address them head-on… It’s important that they understand my position doesn’t make me the only voice they should hear when it comes to student concerns…”
The increased representation of women leaders at Florida A&M University marks an ongoing shift toward greater diversity throughout its administration, alumni relations efforts, public safety initiatives, and student governance structures.
