Florida A&M University continues to shape its leadership under interim President Timothy Beard, with the latest appointment of Jamal Sowell as the new vice president of government relations. This key role places Sowell as FAMU’s chief lobbyist, responsible for representing the university’s interests at the state and federal levels.

Sowell, a well-experienced public policy expert and former Florida Secretary of Commerce, brings significant experience in state policy and regulatory matters. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Sowell steps in following the resignation of FAMU’s previous governmental relations director, Danielle McBeth, who departed in August as part of a larger leadership overhaul initiated by Beard.

“Jamal Sowell brings a wealth of experience in Florida public policy and regulatory matters that will greatly benefit our FAMU leadership team,” Beard said in a statement. “We are eager to work together to strengthen relationships with policymakers and advance FAMU’s strategic priorities in areas like higher education, economic development, and workforce integration.”

Sowell is the fourth high-profile hire in Beard’s ongoing restructuring, joining new chief marketing and communications officer Alonda Thomas, chief of staff Tola Thompson, and athletics director Angela Suggs. The overhaul is part of Beard’s vision to realign FAMU’s leadership for the future, positioning the university to take on legislative and economic challenges.

As a native of Orlando and a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Sowell brings a broad range of skills and experiences to the role. His academic journey includes degrees from the University of Florida with a B.A. in religion, the University of Massachusetts Amherst M.Ed. in higher education administration, and Indiana University Bloomington (J.D.), with Sowell now pursuing a doctoral degree from Hampton University.

Professionally, Sowell has held leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Before joining FAMU, he served as chief of staff for Port Tampa Bay, CEO of Enterprise Florida, and special assistant to former University of Florida President Bernie Machen. He also gained private-sector experience as division president of Indelible Solutions, a national consulting firm co-founded by FAMU Board of Trustees member Michael White.

Although not a FAMU alumnus, Sowell has deep ties to the university. His parents, James and Lutricia Sowell, both graduated from FAMU in 1968 and in honor of his father, Jamal Sowell established a scholarship for students from rural communities. His wife, Karen Sowell, a 2007 FAMU alumna and award-winning teacher, also shares the family’s strong connection to the institution.

As FAMU’s vice president of government relations, Sowell steps into his new role at a critical time. He will be pivotal in advocating for the university’s interests in key legislative discussions, especially as FAMU navigates challenges in higher education and economic development. Beard is also expected to announce new hires for two other essential positions, general counsel and vice president of university advancement, in the coming weeks.

“I am honored to serve FAMU and return to higher education where I began my career,” said Sowell. “Interim President Beard has the experience and vision for a time such as this, and I look forward to contributing to FAMU’s future.”

Jamal Sowell will use his leadership and strong ties to the university to help FAMU build on its legacy as a premier public HBCU. He will actively advocate for policies that strengthen the institution’s impact both in Florida and across the nation.