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Faculty hears explanation on probation

TALLAHASSEE Fla.

The interim head of Florida A&M University told hundreds of faculty and staff Monday that he was stunned to learn in a telephone call last week that the school was being put on probation, largely for chronic financial mismanagement.

“My first response was shock,” said Larry Robinson, the university’s chief executive officer who is running the school’s day-to-day operations until James Ammons becomes president Monday.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools gave FAMU six months to clean up its troubled financial situation. And while the probationary period could last up to two years, the university is at risk of losing its SACS membership and thereby accreditation.

Robinson told the throng of faculty and staff jammed into the auditorium of the university’s pharmacy college that they must work together to help the school resolve issues that threaten its accreditation.

“I’ve never seen this many of us in one place,” Robinson said. “It tells me you know how serious this matter is and you’re ready to work. This is the time Famuans, the Rattlers, have to come together.”

Chuck Hobbs, a local attorney who received a master’s degree at FAMU, conceded that problems have escalated in recent years, but predicted Ammons would work “indefatigably” to get things back on track.

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