OT: Pop Icon Whitney Houston dead at 48

There's still no word on the cause of Whitney Houston's death this afternoon, but the LA Times has pretty thoroughly described the circumstances surrounding it. Whitney died in Los Angeles, in the Beverly Hilton.  She was 48-years-old, and was in town to attend a tribute to Clive Davis, and intended to join the revelries at Mr. Davis's pre-Grammy party this evening. She was found in her hotel room by a body guard, who called for paramedics at approximately 3:30 p.m. The paramedics performed CPR for 20 minutes, and Whitney was pronounced dead at 4:00 p.m. She is survived by her 19-year-old daughter, Bobbi; her mother, Cissy Houston; her cousin, Dione Warwick; her godmother, Aretha Franklin; several hundred million fans; many others. 

According to published reports, the singer spent her last days surrounded by family, catching up wit old friends and doing a bit of what she was known best for: singing.

Watching Whitney sing "My Own Strength after the jump....

Moscow Festival Ballet's Swan Lake heading to FAMU

FAMU Lyceum Series will present the Moscow Festival Ballet on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium. Sergei Radchenko, founder and artistic director of this world-renowned ballet company, will capture the splendor of classical dance through the poignant tale of love and hope that is Swan Lake.

Swan Lake is a full-length ballet in four acts with music by Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. This very famous ballet and its music first premiered in 1877. The story tells of Odette yearning for freedom as she awaits Prince Siegfried’s declaration of love and her release from a swan’s body. Tricked by the sinister von Rothbart, Siegfried mistakenly courts the look-alike Odile but eventually finds his swan in the end.

FAMU names new director for retention

Brenda C. Spencer is the new director of retention in the Office of Academic Affairs at FAMU. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase the retention, progress and graduation rates of students attending FAMU.

Prior to her current appointment, Spencer played an integral role in the grant proposal and planning process for the FAMU proposed dental school.

“I am excited about returning to my alma mater and having the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students,” said Spencer. “I believe that retention is everyone’s responsibility as it relates to how we interact with students on a daily basis. It is important to show students that we care and equip them with the tools and skills needed to achieve academic and career success.”

We're updating the HBCU Blog often:  SC State Trustees shocked by projected $4 million shortfall

Cheaper than the FAMU Bookstore, over 225 FAMU T-shirts  and speciality items to choose from we are bound to have one just for you online at: Florida A&M Team Store

Ammons establishes research initiative on hazing

FAMU President James H. Ammons has established a $50,000 research initiative that will give FAMU professors an opportunity to study the nature and extent of hazing among campus organizations and groups.

“Hazing is one issue that many colleges and universities face; yet, it presents a serious challenge to uncover and address as a hidden culture, shrouded in secrecy,” said Ammons. “I want our faculty members to be leaders in finding solutions and creating a body of work as FAMU becomes a part of this national discussion on hazing.”

The announcement of the research project comes on the same day the FAMU Board of Trustees announced the appointment of the FAMU Anti-Hazing Committee, an independent committee tasked with providing recommendations on determining the most effective and indelible approach to end hazing on campus. Both the Committee and grants are part of FAMU's overall efforts — both immediate and long-term — to eliminate hazing.

FAMU launches independent Anti-Hazing Committee

Yesterday, the FAMU Board of Trustees announced the appointment of an Anti-Hazing Committee. The independent committee tasked with providing recommendations on determining the most effective and indelible approach to end hazing on campus. It will work in unison with the ongoing efforts of the FAMU community to address the issue of hazing.

The FAMU Anti-Hazing Committee's members were selected based on input from the board, administration, faculty, students and alumni. The members are as follows:

Jennings fails to score knockout blow against Ammons in evaluation process

In what may his last time evaluating a FAMU president, Bill Jennings failed to make much headway in his goal of unseating President James H. Ammons.

Jennings, Richard Dent, Charles Langston, and Karl White were not expected to give Ammons positive evaluations even before Gov. Rick Scott asked for the president’s temporary removal back in December. They all previously tried to get rid of the super-majority clause in Ammons’ contract, which would have made it easier to dismiss the president. Ammons’ refusal to give in to their demands seems to have only increased their determination to build a pathway for his exit.

There was pressure for other trustees to give the president extremely negative feedback in the aftermath of Scott’s failed attempt to get Ammons suspended. But it was too little, too late. The evaluation only covers Ammons’ performance from July 30, 2010 to July 1, 2011. Consultant Edward Penson completed his interviews with trustees before the Nov. 19 homicide of drum major Robert D. Champion gave Scott an excuse to start trying to push FAMU’s trustees around.

Civil rights heroine Due leaves storied legacy

Patricia Stephens Due, 72, long-time civil rights leader whose activities spanned from Tallahassee to Miami, and across the nation, has died after a valiant, two-year fight with cancer that exemplified her life.

“We are deeply sadden by the death of Mrs. Due and have lost one of the nation’s foot soldiers for social justice and civil rights movement,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “It was the work of Mrs. Due that inspired generations of Rattlers to stand up and fight for their beliefs. We will never forget her contributions to this city, state and nation, which spurred a national movement. She was a courageous woman and we are proud to call her a FAMUan.”

Jennings aiding attack on Ammons like he aided attack on Humphries

If you ever want to know where Bill Jennings stands on a FAMU issue, the best place to ask is the Florida Governor’s Office. In his nearly 12 years on the FAMU Board of Trustees Jennings has always done exactly what the incumbent governor wanted him to do without regard for how it might harm his own alma mater.

Back in 2001, Jennings was the top sidekick of Jeb Bush crony Jim Corbin as he attacked former President Frederick S. Humphries. In 2012, Jennings is now working side-by-side with Rick Scott crony Rufus Montgomery to fulfill the governor’s goal of seating a new FAMU president who is more to his liking.

Humphries was appointed president in 1985 during the governorship of Democrat Bob Graham. He became a rising star in the Democratic Party during the two terms of Gov. Lawton Chiles. The Clinton White House loved Humphries. In July 1998, U.S. President Bill Clinton asked Humphries to run for Florida education commissioner (which was still an elected position at that time), but Humphries respectfully declined.

Alumni should not wait to lobby against Langston’s return

Charles Langston’s enthusiastic support for Gov. Rick Scott’s attempts to run President James H. Ammons out of the school has practically guaranteed his reappointment to the university’s Board of Trustees. Scott is likely to reappoint Langston as soon as his term ends on January 6, 2013.

FAMU alumni should not wait to begin lobbying the Florida Senate to vote down Langston’s confirmation next year. Florida Rattlers should begin contacting their district senators while the 2012 legislative session is in progress. The National Alumni Association (NAA) should also take up the issue of Langston’s appointment at its upcoming annual convention during May 17-20 in Charlotte, N.C.

Rob Hardy headlining SoCal NAA Black History Month luncheon

The FAMU National Alumni Association Southern California Chapter presents the 18th Annual Black History Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Omni Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. Using the theme “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: 125 Years of FAMU Legacy” the keynote speaker will be film producer Rob Hardy of Rainforest Films.

“Rob Hardy is a shining example of the caliber of leaders produced by the black college experience,” said Monique Brackett, chapter president. “He has a degree in engineering from Florida A&M, yet was confident enough in himself and the foundation he received in college to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. The level of artistry Rainforest Films produces is a positive reflection of the African American community, and we’re proud to have him share our stories with the world.”