Florida A&M University Welcomes Alumna Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to the Board of Trustees
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) welcomes alumna Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to the Board of Trustees, effective July 11 and ending January 6, 2026. Selected by Governor Ron DeSantis, the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
“It is a pleasure to welcome alumna Jocelyn Dopson-Rodriguez to the FAMU Board of Trustees,” said FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D. “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. We look forward to having her expertise on the Board.”
Dopson-Rodriguez is an attorney with Sammis Law Firm in Tampa. She earned her Bachelor of Science in legal studies from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando. As a proud alumna, she is honored to give back to the institution that shaped her legal career and personal mission. She has remained closely connected to FAMU through consistent mentorship of current law students, participation in alumni panels, and service to initiatives designed to uplift and support the next generation of Rattler attorneys.
Trustee Dopson-Rodriguez replaces Trustee Kelvin Lawson who has faithfully served on the board since March 2011. During his BOT tenure, he has served as board chair, chair of the Budget, Finance and Facilities Committee and chair of the Athletics Oversight Committee.
“We are deeply grateful to Trustee Kelvin Lawson for his 14 years of dedicated service to his alma mater on the FAMU Board of Trustees. His steady leadership helped elevate the University’s accountability and performance, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to FAMU’s mission of student success,” said Beard.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Alonda Thomas
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Florida A&M University
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
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