FAMU appoints new VP for University Advancement, executive director of Foundation

Florida A&M University interim President Timothy Beard has appointed W. Anthony Neal to serve as vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the FAMU Foundation. 

Neal began the role Monday and comes after Shawnta Friday-Stroud – the FAMU College of Business’s Sybil Collins Mobley endowed chair and executive director for Strategic Partnerships and Business Development – resigned from the position following her key role in a mishandled donation fiasco. 

“I’m excited to welcome Dr. Tony Neal, an accomplished economist, to the FAMU leadership team,” Beard said in a prepared statement.

"With 25 years of proven success in higher education advancement and nonprofit leadership, his expertise will be instrumental in strengthening FAMU’s fundraising efforts and advancing our vision for the university’s future." 

Before the vice president and executive director position became vacant, Friday-Stroud served in the role and was in the inner circle of university officials who worked behind the scenes to accept what was presented as a $237 million gift from a Texas hemp farmer. An investigation later found the major donation to be “fraudulent” and "improperly handled.” 

Among a lead investigator’s recommendations to FAMU’s Board of Trustees following the investigation was to have the vice president for University Advancement and executive director of FAMU Foundation positions within the university be separate roles moving forward. 

But with Neal’s title consisting of both position titles, the university did not put the recommendation into practice. 

‘Lack of common sense’: FAMU trustees discuss report on ‘fraudulent’ donation

Neal’s responsibilities include developing and executing fundraising strategies – such as strengthening relationships with major donors, spearheading campaigns and working closely with Beard on the university’s mission – to secure financial support. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to join this distinguished institution, Florida A&M University,” Neal said in a FAMU release. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with interim President Timothy Beard and his team as we continue the effort to provide the best educational experience and facilities for our students.” 

Neal – a native of Memphis, Tennessee – received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Denison University in Ohio, a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from Jackson State University in Mississippi. 

He joins FAMU from serving as senior vice president of Advancement at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas, from 2021 to 2024. Before that role, he served as vice president of Institutional Advancement at LeMoyne-Owen College from 2018 to 2021 and led efforts to secure a $40 million endowment, which became the largest individual gift in the college’s history. 

Throughout Neal’s career, which includes other fundraising roles, he has secured over $525 million in gifts and contributions, according to the university. 

Contact Tarah Jean at tjean@tallahassee.com or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.