FAMU president narrowly avoids getting fired

Elmira Mangum is Florida A&M University's first female president.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University President Elmira Mangum almost got fired.

FAMU trustees held an emergency meeting on Thursday. Board members took two votes on whether to terminate Mangum's contract after a stormy 18-months on the job.

Trustees voted 7-5 against a motion to fire Mangum immediately with cause. Trustees then deadlocked 6-6 on whether to fire Mangum without cause. The latter would have required a large payout.

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The meeting was prompted by allegations that she approved repairs at her university-owned home and garage without trustee approval. She also approved a hiring bonus for a top university employee that wasn't allowed under state law.

Before the vote, Mangum accused the board of conducting a "witch hunt." She denied wrongdoing.

Mangum was hired in early 2014 in an effort to restore the university's reputation. 


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