Ron DeSantis made one surprising move that has FAMU insiders buzzing about what happens next

Governor Ron DeSantis just pulled off another strategic chess move in Florida’s higher education landscape.

This time, he’s shaking things up at Florida A&M University with a trustee appointment that nobody saw coming.

And Ron DeSantis made one surprising move that has FAMU insiders buzzing about what happens next.

DeSantis replaces longtime FAMU trustee with criminal defense attorney

Governor DeSantis quietly appointed Tampa-based criminal defense attorney Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to Florida A&M University’s Board of Trustees, effective July 11.¹

The appointment replaces Kelvin Lawson, who’s been serving on the board since March 2011 and spent six years as board chair.

Here’s the kicker – the university wasn’t even told about the change until July 21, ten days after it became effective.

Board chair Kristin Harper verified the late notification when speaking with journalists, raising eyebrows about the secretive nature of the transition.

Dopson-Rodriguez received her J.D. from FAMU’s law school in Orlando back in 2016, making her a legitimate alumna pick for the role.

She currently focuses on defending criminal cases and handling civil forfeiture matters at Tampa’s Sammis Law Firm, after previously serving as a public defender.

But there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

The timing of Lawson’s departure comes amid swirling rumors that he’s about to land a major executive position within FAMU’s administration.

Speculation mounts about Lawson’s next move

Multiple sources are whispering that Lawson could be transitioning into the role of FAMU’s executive vice president and chief operating officer as early as August 1.²

The university’s HR department couldn’t confirm or deny the rumors when pressed by reporters.

“HR doesn’t have anything to confirm that rumor,” a FAMU spokesperson told the Tallahassee Democrat in a text message.

But political insiders know that where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire – especially when it involves strategic moves in Florida’s higher education system.

The speculation isn’t new either. Sources say there was talk about Lawson potentially becoming COO even before FAMU’s controversial presidential search that resulted in Marva Johnson’s selection.

That search became a lightning rod for criticism, with many viewing Johnson’s appointment as another example of DeSantis reshaping Florida’s universities to align with his conservative vision.

If Lawson does move into the COO position, it would mean displacing Donald Palm, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Palm was actually one of four finalists in FAMU’s presidential search and had significant support from the university community.

Higher education overhaul

The governor has been systematically placing allies and like-minded individuals in key positions across the state’s university system.

Florida Board of Governors vice chair Alan Levine praised Lawson’s service, calling him “probably one of the best board members FAMU has had.”³

“He came in as chair during a very difficult time, and he was really able to navigate the board in a way that advanced the university and, most importantly, advanced the students,” Levine explained.

Lawson’s tenure included navigating some of FAMU’s most challenging periods, including the fallout from the 2011 hazing death of drum major Robert Champion and various accreditation issues.

He was also instrumental in convincing the Board of Governors to waive its presidential search policy, allowing FAMU trustees to select Larry Robinson as the university’s 12th president.

Now Dopson-Rodriguez will have to prove herself worthy of filling those considerable shoes.

New trustee brings legal expertise to the board

Dopson-Rodriguez isn’t just another political appointee – she brings real-world legal experience that could benefit FAMU.

The Philadelphia native who was raised in Kissimmee has built her career defending the rights of the accused and representing clients in federal civil rights cases.

She’s maintained strong ties to FAMU since graduation, mentoring current law students and participating in alumni panels.

“Since her days as a student ambassador in the FAMU College of Law, Jocelyn has worked tirelessly to defend to protect the rights of the accused and representing public and private entities in various state and federal civil rights cases,” interim President Timothy Beard said in a prepared statement.⁴

Her appointment runs through January 2026 and is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The real question is whether this appointment represents just a routine trustee change or something more strategic.

But one thing’s certain – nobody in Florida’s higher education circles is taking these appointments lightly anymore.

¹ Tarah Jean, “DeSantis appoints new FAMU trustee, replacing Kelvin Lawson as COO ‘rumor’ swirls,” Tallahassee Democrat, July 22, 2025.

² Ibid.

³ Ibid.

⁴ Alonda Thomas, “Florida A&M University Welcomes Alumna Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to the Board of Trustees,” Florida A&M University, July 22, 2025.