Prerak Shah, an Indian American, appointed to Florida A&M University board

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made notable additions to the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees by appointing Indian American lawyer Prerak “Pre” Shah, along with three other accomplished individuals, to enrich the University’s governance.

In addition to Shah, the new appointees bring a wealth of experience that spans various fields such as business, law, healthcare, public service, and higher education. Victor Young, Roderick Harris, and Kenneth Jones will serve alongside Shah, with their terms extending through January 2031.

President Marva B. Johnson expressed her admiration for the new members, citing their backgrounds in law, business, and healthcare as valuable assets that will enhance the existing acumen of the FAMU Board of Trustees. Together, they aim to steer FAMU towards a successful future in the years to come.

Victor Young and Prerak Shah were appointed on December 12, 2025, filling the seats vacated by former Board of Trustee members Kristin Harper and Craig Reed at the conclusion of their terms.

Shah, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Houston, specializes in advising corporations and executives dealing with intricate state, federal, and congressional investigations. His legal expertise also extends to representing clients in high-stakes civil litigation, particularly in areas where law, public policy, and politics intersect. Shah’s portfolio reflects extensive experience in navigating significant legal and regulatory issues in the United States.

During his tenure as Acting United States attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Shah managed over 120 prosecutors and served as the primary federal law enforcement officer for a population exceeding eight million. He led various high-profile prosecutions and investigations involving securities fraud, domestic terrorism, and violent crime.

Previously, Shah held positions as Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and as Senior Counsel to the Attorney General of Texas. He obtained his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Chicago Law School and completed a clerkship at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.