By Earl Davis

Florida Memorial University is too important to Miami Gardens, to South Florida and to generations of Black students who view the institution as a gateway to opportunity. That is precisely why the ongoing turbulence surrounding the university — financial strain, leadership turnover, unsafe conditions and board infighting — should concern everyone who cares about its future.

Over the last decade, FMU has experienced repeated presidential changes, including interim appointments, creating a pattern of instability that undermines confidence. Leadership changes alone are not unusual in higher education. But when turnover becomes routine, and the institution faces repeated governance challenges, it signals deeper systemic problems. In recent years, FMU has been placed on probation by its regional accreditor over concerns tied to fiscal oversight and administrative effectiveness, indicating that board governance and financial controls have not met expectations.

Now comes another decision that demands transparency: the awarding of a reported 10-year contract to President William “Bill” McCormick. Long-term presidential contracts are typically earned through demonstrated, sustained results — measurable enrollment growth, improved retention and graduation rates, strengthened fundraising performance, clean audits and restored institutional confidence. In the case of FMU, whose leadership selection has unfolded amid public board conflict and litigation over governance authority, it is reasonable to ask what metrics justified a decade-long commitment and whether independent compensation experts were consulted. The board should make those benchmarks public so students, faculty, alumni and donors can evaluate progress in real time.

In addition to governance and financial concerns, serious student safety and housing issues have surfaced. In January 2026, a female student was sexually assaulted on or near campus; Miami Gardens Police investigated, and a suspect was later arrested and charged with sexual battery and robbery after authorities used DNA evidence and community tips to identify him. Such incidents, and the campus community’s expressed concerns about safety, underscore the need for robust security policies and clear communication from leadership.

Meanwhile, housing conditions have frustrated students. Recent reporting shows complaints of visible mold, dirty bathrooms, broken furniture and maintenance requests that went unfulfilled in dormitories; a Miami-Dade Health Department inspection found the complaints to be valid and corrective actions were initiated. One freshman described vents “black” with mold and said repeated repair requests went unanswered, prompting health department involvement. These are not minor aesthetic issues — mold can pose health risks, especially in humid climates — and they reflect poorly on operational oversight.

Students cannot thrive in uncertainty or unsafe conditions. Faculty cannot plan effectively in a climate of instability. Alumni cannot rally behind a vision that shifts with each leadership change. Donors will not invest in confusion. The responsibility ultimately rests with the Board of Trustees. Fiduciary duty requires more than approving contracts and navigating internal disputes. It requires disciplined oversight, unified governance, financial transparency, campus safety measures, and a commitment to basic living conditions for students.

Florida Memorial University has a proud history and a vital mission. It deserves leadership stability grounded in performance, governance defined by responsibility, and a campus environment where students feel secure and supported. Anything less risks repeating a cycle the institution can no longer afford.