Florida A&M University's 15-member presidential search committee has been formed, which moves FAMU one step closer to choosing its next leader.

The university's Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper announced the "esteemed group" of appointed members in a written statement to the FAMU community Wednesday ahead of a full board meeting Thursday, where the president search will be discussed.

Among the search committee members are trustees - including Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons, who will chair the committee - Florida Board of Governors Vice Chair Alan Levine, FAMU alumni such as retired ABC News President Kim Godwin, and other university stakeholders.

Although trustees held committee meetings on FAMU's campus Wednesday, the presidential search committee updates were not a part of discussions.

"As the No. 81 institution among the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Top Public Universities, the highest-ranked public historically Black college and university (HBCU) for the sixth consecutive year and third among all private and public HBCUs, I am confident that this role will attract an outstanding pool of candidates," Harper said in the statement.

The need for the advisory body comes as FAMU seeks a new leader after former President Larry Robinson's resignation, which led to interim President Timothy Beard's appointment in August for a one-year term.

"This committee brings a wealth of diverse experiences, perspectives and a shared commitment to the future of this illustrious university," Harper said in her statement.

University search committees are usually made up of 15 members with representatives of alumni, foundation boards, community leaders, the Board of Trustees, the Board of Governors, students and faculty. Responsibilities will include vetting candidates and recommending a list of highly qualified candidates to FAMU's board for consideration.

With the Board of Governors having a tighter oversight on presidential search processes within the State University System following a recently amended regulation, trustees are required to present their final list of applicants to the governing board's chair, Brian Lamb, for review and approval before proceeding.

The trustees will then interview the finalists and select the university's 19th president, which will also be subject to the Board of Governors' approval.

Moreover, under a state law passed in 2022, the identities of applicants for the position are shielded from the public until they become finalists. That's meant to encourage more qualified candidates to apply. Critics have said, however, the law subverts transparency when, for instance, there's only one finalist.

FAMU's search committee is expected to begin meeting in the near future, according to Harper, with assistance from an executive search firm that will be selected by the university's Board of Trustees.

A presidential search webpage will also be launched on FAMU's website to provide the community with updates and information on how other university stakeholders can contribute their input on the search, including listening sessions.

The list of the 15 presidential search committee members includes: