FAMU President Marva B. Johnson Announces Permanent Vice President for University Advancement
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., today announced the appointment of Brandi Tatum-Fedrick, Ed.D., to the permanent role of Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the FAMU Foundation. She will align advancement strategy with the vision and priorities established by President Johnson.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Brandi Tatum-Fedrick to serve as an integral member of my leadership team as vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation,” said Johnson. “As we execute a clear vision for Florida A&M University’s future, it is essential that our advancement efforts are tightly aligned with our institutional priorities and our expectations for excellence. Dr. Tatum-Fedrick understands both the responsibility and the opportunity of this moment. She brings disciplined leadership, strategic focus, and a deep commitment to positioning FAMU for transformational philanthropy that expands access, fuels academic excellence, and accelerates student success.”
Prior to this appointment, Tatum-Fedrick served in progressive leadership roles within University Advancement, most recently as assistant vice president for Annual and Affinity Giving and Alumni Affairs. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a strong ability to prepare the institution for expanded access to major and principal-level donors by strengthening donor confidence, modernizing engagement strategies, and aligning fundraising initiatives with presidential and institutional priorities. She led record-setting growth in annual and affinity giving, increased alumni donor participation, and strengthened corporate and foundation partnerships with organizations including Boeing, Mielle, Helios Education Foundation, and Estée Lauder.
Tatum-Fedrick has played a central role in securing major gifts, endowments, and strategic sponsorships that directly support student success and institutional priorities. Her leadership reflects a clear understanding that sustainable access to large-scale philanthropic investment requires trust, transparency, and a compelling institutional vision—principles she has consistently advanced in partnership with campus leadership and the FAMU Foundation Board.
Widely respected for her collaborative leadership style and data-informed approach, Tatum-Fedrick has focused on building advancement infrastructure capable of supporting long-term institutional growth. She has prioritized enhanced donor stewardship, fiscal accountability, and cross-campus alignment—critical elements in positioning Florida A&M University to compete successfully for significant philanthropic investments at the national level.
“I am deeply honored to serve as vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation at this pivotal moment in the University’s journey,” said Tatum-Fedrick. “I am fully aligned with President Johnson’s vision for Florida A&M University and committed to advancing a philanthropic strategy that matches the scale of our aspirations. Together, we will continue strengthening relationships with alumni, donors, and partners who believe in FAMU’s impact and are prepared to invest in its future.”
A proud FAMU alumna, Tatum-Fedrick earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in public administration from Florida A&M University. She holds a Doctor of Education in higher education from Florida State University. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public higher education within the State University System of Florida and to ensuring Florida A&M University is positioned for sustained growth, national competitiveness, and transformational philanthropic support.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
