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The elevation of two Republican former lawmakers and a lobbyist comes after the state Board of Governors of a longtime academic to lead the University of Florida, amid conservative backlash against his past support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs that board members viewed as unacceptable liberal ideology.

With the appointments approved Wednesday, five of the state’s 12 public universities will be led by former Republican lawmakers or lobbyists, a move that will help bolster DeSantis' legacy in higher education that could long outlast his time in office.

Leading a Florida university generally comes with a multiyear contract for a salary of at least and a plush on-campus residence. The process for picking these leaders happens largely behind closed doors, creating what the state's Republican House speaker has called “a spoil system for a select few.�

DeSantis' former lieutenant governor, was confirmed as the president of Florida International University in Miami. Meanwhile, telecommunications lobbyist was tapped to lead Florida A&M University, the state's . Johnson was previously a DeSantis appointee on the state board of education.

, a former state lawmaker and under DeSantis, was picked to lead the University of West Florida in Pensacola on an interim basis, mirroring the appointment of Nuñez, who was first named interim president before getting the permanent job at FIU.

Johnson's appointment, in particular, has , who begged the board not to confirm her on Wednesday, arguing that she failed to meet the job's minimum requirements and that her requested salary far exceeds her predecessor's. Johnson's appointment has stoked longstanding fears that the HBCU could be merged with Florida State University, the predominantly white institution across the railroad tracks.

“I can't decide if her appointment is politically motivated, gross negligence on the part of the board, or just you guys wanting to get rid of FAMU altogether,� alumnus Angelo Pettis told the Board of governors.

Board members defended Johnson, her credentials as a telecoms executive and her service on various state boards. Johnson addressed the concerns of FAMU students and supporters, saying she's "ready to lead with boldness" and committed to working alongside them.

“I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the legacy of the university is not lost,� Johnson said.

___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.