Rattler Nation has learned that Castell Bryant has advised members of the Florida Legislature that she isn't opposed to legislators taking administrative control of the FAMU/FSU College of Engingeering away from FAMU. In fact, at Mrs. Bryant's direction, the FAMU lobbyist Jackie Maxie has informed legislators that FAMU is incapable of administering the Engineering School it has run for the past 25 years.As a bit of background, the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering was created as a part of the State of Florida's consent decree with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, and FSU muscled its way into making the school a joint program. The COE, which was created by the Florida Legislature has FAMU as the administrative agent of the college to satisfy the state's settlement with the USDOE. The budget for the COE, at one time, rotated between FSU and FAMU.
FSU moves a step closer to taking E-School
Engineering School threatened
We need to spread the word on Castell's misdeeds to the St. Pete Times and other state newspapers so they can get the story right!
ReplyDeleteSt. Pete Times writer Jeffrey S. Solochek has a blog called "The Gradebook" and has encouraged FAMU alums to post there. Let's set the story straight!
http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/
HOW CAN AN INTERIM GET AWAY WITH THIS?!? DR. AMMONS...PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN!
ReplyDeleteI can't even think of any more names to call her.
Why, Why, Why???????
Surely, she/they can't make this kind of decision without Board of Trustees Input. The Legislature has to see Ms. Incompetent isn't qualified to make that kind of decision....nevermind that she's on her way out the door (hurry July 1). They consulted with Ammons before...I hope they do now.
ReplyDeleteI guess this is her/their "revenge" for people complaining to the Legistlature. She grows more desperate by the moment.
Trustee Parks...it's time to get to work. Our school needs you yesterday! Let us know how we can help and support you and those few others that truly have FAMU's best interests at heart.
First of all, it's rather ironic that this email is circulating. Pardon my length in addressing this concern, but I need to get everyone fired up to do something about this problem. Please read what I'm about to say carefully and realize that my heart is with FAMU in paying attention to and fixing this problem.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you all know that I spent a full work day this past Friday and half work day on Saturday at the COE discussing the status of FAMU, FSU and the COE. I serve on an advisory board at the COE and of course the main discussion this weekend was FAMU administration's lack of attention to the COE and FSU's desire to move forward. Although I am a FSU COE grad, I have a vested interest in the education of black engineers, hence the reason I serve on the board. If I were to take sides in this situation, I would side with FAMU because I want to help them further their cause in educating blacks. After all, one of the reasons the FAMU/FSU COE was formed was to produce more black engineers. I got a serious revelation this weekend that FAMU must step it up or risk losing their joint interest at the COE. Don't know if any of you know it, but without FAMU, FSU is going ahead and building a new engineering building which construction is slated to begin in 2007. Because of all of the unbalanced administration issues surrounding FAMU (no permanent president, financial controversies, etc.), understandably, FAMU admin has their attention focused elsewhere. I heard from a dept. chair head and from the dean of the COE (Chin) that FAMU has not yet responded to the COE's request to meet since Ms. Bryant has taken the temporary position as university President.
I want to warn you, the alumni of FAMU, that we (including black FSU COE alumni and current students) must step it up and do our part to engage FAMU's administration in the interest of the COE. FAMU must stop and pay attention to what's going on. Yes, the statistics are appalling! From what I'm hearing, FAMU students are transferring to FSU to avoid having to deal with the beauracracies and instability surrounding FAMU. The good news is that FAMU still produces the most black BS, MS and PHD engineers in the nation and many companies seeking diversity rely heavily on the FAMU engineering pool as a one-stop shop to acquire some of the most intelligent black engineers.
To be honest with you, FSU's standpoint on the COE is that they don't need FAMU's joint venture and would prefer to not have them as a part of the COE because of all of the drama that's involved. Although unspoken, these are the vibes that I picked up on during my meeting this weekend where I was the only black female in a room with (not surprisingly) white male dominance.
The bottom line is this...when you focus heavily on many other important things, something else always goes lacking. Hence, the potential problem at FAMU. FAMU, like many other HBCUs nationwide nowadays who's experiencing a decline in applicants, thus a decline in enrollment, have so many political and financial battles that they are fighting and they lose focus and lack the ability to pay attention to other important matters at the college. Let me tell you why it is important for FAMU to pay close attention and work out any kinks in the COE with FSU...other HBCUs have tried to establish a joint college of engineering with other non-HBCUs (i.e. Prarieview) and were unsuccessful. FAMU is one of a kind because not only did they establish a joint venture...it has worked and is still functioning!!! If FAMU didn't pay attention to anything else, I would think that the COE would be at the top of their list because of the uniqueness of this one of a kind arrangement. No one else has been successful in establishing such a joint venture.
I'll wrap it up with some stats that I gathered from the meeting:
1. 1989-1997 was a steady rise in FAMU undergraduate engineering enrollment (highest in 1994 with 816 FAMU students enrolled); since 1997 undergrad engineering has dropped at a steady pace down to 442 in 2006.
2. In 2001 FAMU had 69 graduate engineering students enrolled; 2006 there were only 40.
3. Approximately 20% (~300 in 2006) of FSU engineering students are black, whereas there are 442 engineering students from FAMU in 2006. Interesting to point out that the number of black engineering students from FSU are beginning to catch up with the number of black engineering students from FAMU (see theories below)
Theories to consider that may be other contributors to the problem...
1. FAMU was once considered the go-to college for out-of-state students wanting the black college experience. Expensive out of state tuition keeps going up and may be keeping students from enrolling.
2. Economic problems--black families can't afford to pay for kids to go to college; government cutting college aid
3. Black colleges lack resources and modern technology and blacks are being more and more attracted to non-HBCUS where technology is more advanced and resources are more abundant.
If you want to talk and arrange a telecon or meeting of some sort, I'm all for it. This may also need to be taken to the FAMU alumni association. Please spread the word with other interested alumni, administration and current students.
Kind regards,
Cherron D. Lipson
Paving Industry Representative
NACD - Los Angeles District
Mobile: (714) 824-1696
Office: (714) 560-4036
Fax: (714) 835-2737
Email: Lipson_Cherron_D@cat.com
Now she needs to shut the f*ck up and quietly exit stage 666 to the left. She doesn't need to have a say on anything relating to FAMU except telling the movers where to dump her boxes on her way out the door. Leave the engineering school the way it is, or FSU needs to get their own. Hopefully the powers above won't allow this to happen to FAMU. Castell you've done plenty of damage shut your mouth and leave.
ReplyDeletewasn't this the same thing gainous tried? casthell is out of her league and in her own low self-esteen and lack of belief in her people and vision for this university's greatness she wants us to cede into fsu. weak and incompetent casthell-- you are a disgrace and we are ashamed to call you rattler!
ReplyDeleteto poster at 3/29/2007 2:50 AM
ReplyDeleteYou've really informed me and made a valid point considerably. All I can say is that you are so right. I hope folks are listening and takes this very seriously.
2:50 Poster--your commentary is the most informed and intelligent that I have read on this site, and I come here quite often. Thanks so much for the information. Not to disparage posters who come here, because I realize that this is a public outlet for many people who are voiceless in the mainstream, but oftentimes there is so much negative energy here and so many uninformed posters who just want to rant and rave and stir things up without providing an avenue for change. I appreciate you insightful and knowledgeable commentary.
ReplyDeleteJust so ya'll know, the post attributed to Cherron D. Lipson
ReplyDelete3/29/2007 2:50 AM was sent back in October.
We have been asleep at the wheel with our thumbs up our azzes, thinking "oh, they won't take the COE from us".
Well, wake up!
I agree with you 10:49 AM. My only hope is that Cherron send this email to Dr. Ammons and Dr. Alvin Bryant. We need some positive support for FAMU. I applaud the remarks cited in the comments.
ReplyDeleteIs there a plan to do the same thing with the law school?
ReplyDeleteFAMU is in a mess, and it is time for the joint venture to end. FSU will leave one way or the other. Ideally it would be best for FSU to assume control and create a pipeline with FAMU. If that does not happen, then FSU will just leave and create their own school. If they leave how is FAMU going to run the school? They cannot! Any attempt to do so will only put FAMU deeper in to the pit they are already in.
ReplyDeleteThe Law School is the worst in the state. It is plagued by the same issues as the main campus in Tallahassee. A hard look in the mirror is about to happen. FAMU will emerge stronger if egos are checked in at the door.
ReplyDeleteFSU would leave on way or the other.
ReplyDeleteWell leave dammit, but without the E-School.
Then we see how many of your faculty get grants funded without using the FAMU name. Oh it is so true!
The law school is not the worst in the states. It has potential. We just need to stop driving away good people and take care of our students. To the poster who said it is the worst, what one thing can you do today to help make things better?
ReplyDeleteIt is going to happen. How is FAMU going to run it on it's own?
ReplyDeleteThe Law School is the worst, look at the numbers.
FAMU cannot administer it's operation now. Unpopular changes will be made. The E School is the first. FAMU has no choice because it cannot run it on it's own.
That's right! If FSU doesn't like the joint program, then take your ass on down the road.
ReplyDeleteIt is well-knowned throughout academia that the FSU faculty use their association with FAMU to get federally funded grants.
Then they place the one token black on the grant. They have gotten so comfortable with this way of life that they are now calling foreign Asian students minorities and using stock pictures with the turn in their annual reports to these federal agencies. These students are not even US citizens.
A good question to ask Mr. T.K. Wetherell is how many American engineers with PhDs have FSU produced in the last 5-7 years?
America is in a crisis and we continue to not produce enough of US engineers and scientists to address our growing needs in the high tech industry.
Then we wonder how other countries are able to make nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Well they come on Visas and get our free education that we refuse to offer to US citizens then go back home to create these weapons. However some other inventions are good, but one weapon is one weapon too many.
Hopefully Castell will give the law school to UCF too!
ReplyDeleteThank you poster at 3/29/2007 12:11 PM.
ReplyDeleteWhat can we all do to make things better?
FSU is moving down the road with or without the cooperation of the stakeholders that Mr. Bryant speaks of.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteHopefully Castell will give the law school to UCF too!
3/29/2007 12:21 PM
Please kindly hang yourself if that happens. Thank you in advance.
If FSU walks from the engineering school, which I understand it is prepared to do, does FAMU really want to take it on? Is it capable?
ReplyDeleteLet's move FAMU forward on FAMU's terms. In this sense, once of the best things that could happen is to have FSU take over the engineering school. It is not and has nbot been a FAMU program, and we have little investment in it. we should focus on our own flagships programs, such as business, pharmacy and law, and not half-assed programs with second-rate state universities such as FSU.
BTW, I think that Ammons knows about this and is 100% on board with it. At least I and some other FAMU alumni hope he is, as we have other problems that will demand his attention and he is not going to have the time or resources to do anything with engineering.
No one is going to give the law school away. They need to find a dean. The interim dean is a joke and everyone knows it. Once they get a real dean they can make the law school legit.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it illegal for FSU to take over the engineering school if it was created as a part of a consent decree for purposes of Florida complying with federal civil rights laws. Isn't this racist? Where is the Bush department of justice?
ReplyDeleteIt is racist to remain 94 to 96 percent black, which is the case at FAMU. Bringing up racism at FAMU is like the pot calling the kettle black!
ReplyDeleteDo you really believe that? Ask any physical or pulmonary therapist in Tallahassee where did they attend college and 8 out of 10 will tell ya FAMU.
ReplyDeleteDo the same for Architecture and Pharmacy as well.
Stop implying that FAMU is all black. Normally, the only blacks I see in abundance at FSU or either on the gridiron, track or court.
What's up with that?
Go to the www.flbog.org and look at the facts. FAMU's last recorded enrollment is 94 percent black according to our BOG. St. Pete times reports 96 percent.
ReplyDeleteI am not implying anything, just stating the numbers. FAMU is the least ethnically diverse campus in our SUS. That is a FACT! This will not allow FAMU or any institution to move forward in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteDiversity is the future.
Just cause cassie can't run it doesn't mean FAMU can't.
ReplyDeleteFYI, close to 4500 African Americans attend FSU, and this number will continue to rise.
ReplyDeleteJust lost the E School to FSU. The people controlling the purse strings think otherwise.
ReplyDeleteAmmons is 100% AGAINST any effort to give the E-School to FSU.
ReplyDeleteAmmons is 100% AGAINST any effort to give the E-School to FSU.
ReplyDeleteWe have a permanent president on board and things are about to change for the better. Worry about your own household FSU. Castell can't give shit to FSU. FSU can't take shit from FAMU.
ReplyDeleteThis is an HBCU, hence, historically black colleges and universities. Majority of our students are black, whats the point.
The Law school will not be taken over by UCF either. Who the hell is a UCF anyway?????
Castell is not a true Rattler. She's an enemy of the state. Misery loves company and old age is beginning to set in.
I've been saying this for the entire 13 yrs i've been in Tallahassee...F*ck FSU and anyone who hopes, prays, and wishes FAMU will cease to exist. We ain't going anywhere.
UCF has a much better reputation than FAMU........ that is for sure. There endowment passed by FAMU's this year as well. They have just over taken you!
ReplyDeleteto the 12:05pm blogger i don't care how much walking FSU does away from the joint e*school issue you will never succeed in FSU's (and Wetherall's) ultimate goal and that is to compete with UF (academically and athletically) and join the AAU (Association of American Universities). you will never accomplish either. FSU will always be considered the little "sister" to UF. FSU denegrating of FAMU and threats of closure/merger etc....will not elevate you any closer to UF.
ReplyDeleteas for the e*school issue: let FSU walk...who cares. as an alum of UF and FAMU i have a unique perspective of seeing both of my alma maters as gems. FAMUans: stop comparing and looking for validation from FSU. Divorce ourselves of that thought. We have and have had many workable models in running successful schools and a university. Unfortunately, we have an incompetent administration at FAMU right now and a spineless board that rubber stamps what they do. Ammons comes in with experience of working with teams that knows how to make FAMU successful again. These dark clouds too shall pass. And the theives, from north of the tracks, once again will come to steal and pillage the successful programs from FAMU...history teaches us this. {law; attempt with nursing; they want Pharmacy; hell the civic center}
FAMUans lets lobby to get more professional people on our board who 1) have a love for famu and 2) who possess professional experience in various disciplines that could drive the type of successful programs at FAMU.
Have faith, keep a watchful ear and eye during this climate of hate, and be ever so vigilant on our elected officials who would ultimately make these decisions.
Whether FAMU is the least diverse: who cares. FAMU is in the business of educating all those who apply. Like the 2:26pm blogger said you never say anything about diversity when it comes athletes on the football field or basketball court. Athletics HAS been the biggest recruiting tool for FSU for a number of years. Most of the students don't come there for the academic programs, but for national exposure athletics (and maybe the music school) brings to FSU. Athletics damn sure is the biggest revenue generating for FSU.
GO RATTLERS! c/o 99' MS
GO GATORS! c/o 91' BS
"thieves from the north of the tracks", you got it wrong, it is south of the tracks. famu is "crookin" itself.
ReplyDeleteyou don't care about diversity? interesting and backwards comment.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't FAMU students and alumni simply ask that the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering be separated? Let FSU confer degrees and let FAMU confer degrees. I'm sure that FSU would have no problem separating the two. Does FAMU have a problem with that? Let FAMU run a COE independently - after it gets its financial mess in order.
ReplyDeleteFSU and FAMU need to have their own COE. FSU needs to distance itself from FAMU. FAMU should keep the old COE, and FSU should get a new on the FSU campus, the way it should be.
ReplyDeleteFSU will keep the current COE and build an addition beginning later in the year.
ReplyDeleteFSU is expanding into the new Southwest Campus around the new intramurals, golf course and Innovation Park.
FAMU will ultimately lose the E School. FAMU will lose the Law School to UCF.
6:24--Famu students and alumni can't just ask that the E-school be "separated." What do you mean by such a simple statement? Oh, I get it: "Ask and you shall receive." Yeah, right.
ReplyDelete"That's right! If FSU doesn't like the joint program, then take your ass on down the road."
ReplyDeleteBelieve me, FSU students & supporters ABSOLUTELY want out of the COE it shares with FAMU. There's a different set of standards for FAMU students vs FSU students there (grading, forgiveness policy, etc) that is disgusting. FSU needs to get its students - of ALL colors - out of that poor school.
PS To the poster who spoke so highly of UF (and is so proud of his degree there). The University of Florida has a HORRIBLE record in terms of race. It was once a bastion of segregation, white elitism, and entitlement. It always strikes me as AMAZING when FAMU folks have any love for UF whatsoever. To this day, the UF community - in general- prides itself on being nowhere near Famu...and actually uses FSU's location next to FAMu as a negative. And, by the way, UF is a very good - but not "great" school - and will never be on the level of a University of Michigan.
"half-assed programs with second-rate state universities such as FSU."
ReplyDeleteThere's some truth to that statement. Just like FAMU is a 4th rate school! But hey, this is the State of FLA...not exactly known for academic excellence down here.
Cast-Hell Von Bryant should be kicked in her ass for allowing FAMU to fall into such a sad state of affairs on her watch. This is totally unacceptable. She needs to pack her sh_t and get out of the president's office. She is an outright disgrace. We should take her Rattler card!
ReplyDelete...9:12. UofM has no state competition. UF doesn't need to steal from FAMU, so it is not as much of a threat. Gators care more for Rattlers than Criminoles do. Diversity has LITTLE to do with RACE, FSU dummies. Obviously you don't know many Rattlers because Ethnically- we are amazingly diverse. You wouldn't understnd because to the slaveholder- we were just black. ou don't really want an intelligence war FSU. We really know the deal and you don't want it to get out. Paper-ass school. I respect FIU more. At least they don't care if you know.
ReplyDeleteIt's appalling that FAMU keeps claiming that race is the main issue here. The issue is that FAMU hasn't been able to run itself properly for years. The issue is that while FAMU is "losing" 10% of its budget, the national perception of FAMU is going down the drain, students are transferring out, the quality of education is slipping, your prized Pharm School is on probationary accreditation and the joint CoE is suffering.
ReplyDeleteFAMU ALWAYS PLAYS THE RACE CARD! let me tell you all i have been south of the tracks, you all we racist to me, i needed to find the career center an no one knew where it was. I was at the Edwards rally and standing on the grass next to 4 or five black students and the famu police came up to me stating I was under arrest for the security of the nominee (I got out of that simply because the gentlemen next to me was a law professor). Taking classes in the e-school i have fam students answering cell phones in the middle of classes and carrying on their conversations. the library is always disrupted oh and the Pharmacy students from FAMU study somewhere else! the e-school is no place for you.
ReplyDeleteFAMU always has to play the race card because white people and their descendants have been playing the race card for at least the last 500 years; and, yes, you whites have been getting away with it. So let's stop the old tired bromide about the so-called "race card!" It was European Americans who first decided that race would determine the very foundation and structure of American society. So, please spare me. The race card has been played by whites for centuries; yet, as soon as some other group of people understand what the game is all about; suddenly, the rules change and others are discouraged and scorned for playing the very same card that allowed a handful of Europeans to steal three entire continents from their original inhabitants: North America, South America, and Australia. How dare you even think of chastising FAMU for playing the damn race card! Your folk not only started it, but they even made it legitimate. Get a life.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, white folk took every other damn card in the deck out, except the race card; so, we have no other card to play!
ReplyDeleteI'm confused. Is it okay for anyone white or black to "play the race card?"
ReplyDeleteBlack people say that since they were slaves they are allowed to play it. White folk evidently still play it according to people on this blog but we're racist if we do. But it's not racist for black people.
Are the blacks who support giving financial control of the COE for one year Uncle Toms or responsible adults who want the best for FAMU?
I'd like to see the FAMU FSU COE one of the top in the nation. Personally I think that should be the goal of both schools and if it isn't then split the thing in half. Let FAMU have half and see if it falls apart and suffers from threats to pull its accreditation (like its pharm school) or see if they can be good stewards of public money. Let FSU have half and see if it can use it to reach its immediate goal of membership in the American Assoication of Universities.
This is what I'm seeing...
ReplyDelete- FAMU loses 10% of their budget
- State gives FAMU's portion of the CoE budget to FSU, until FAM gets out of this mess, as a precautionary measure
- FAM cries foul, says it's because it's a HBCU and tries to make it into a race issue
- I say it has nothing to do with race, but the fact that FAM is in some serious trouble right now
- Some of you on here still insist on declaring it a race issue and that the "race card" is the only way to defend yourself
- The only way to fix the mess is to quit claiming racism is the culptrit, it's FAM's own fault it's at where it's at, no one else's
I hope FAM does get things straightened up. I also hope FAM and FSU each get their own CoE. I don't think sharing something like that is beneficial to either school (just look at how poorly the school is ranked).
The Confederate White Slave Holders are behind all this mismanagement at FAMU! Robert E. Lee is dark figure pulling all the strings plotting against FAMU!
ReplyDeletePointing fingers everywhere except at FAMU.
This institution continues to lose respect by digging itself deeper and deeper into it's own mess.
Stop stealing my taxpayer money! Stop accepting underqualified students to boost enrollment numbers! Stop spending money off the books!
Stop blaming others and playing the race card accusing others for your misdeeds!
Diversity has everything to do with race. Why does a comment like diversity has nothing to do with race, which is then followed by an insult towards FSU, not suprise me. FAMU refuses to step out of History and fails to recognize that diversity is the only way forward. FAMU is 94 percent black. That is not diverse in the least. Step into the 21st century FAMU or fail!
ReplyDeleteI have no ties to FAMU, and I'm WHITE, but I like the fact that FAM is a HBCU. There's no reason FAM should diversify. Are other HBCU trying to diversify? If not, why should FAM? The reason FAM is in fiancial trouble isn't because it's black. It's because they had a crappy President. They deserve to continue with their rich, black history. If someone has an issue with that, I do feel that is racist.
ReplyDeleteHowever, in regards to the E school, FAM is in no position to argue about the temporary ceding of the budget to FSU. But I feel the school should split. FAM holds FSU back. FSU holds FAM back. Each school needs its OWN CoE.
FAMU is in trouble because of an incompetent President, not because it's a black school. They shouldn't have to diversify. They should get their own E school, as should FSU.
Anon @ 3:13 PM said- They should get their own E school, as should FSU.
ReplyDeleteR.I.F.
It WAS our own E-school before Walter Smith sold out to FSU.
Ponder this: If the programs (Eng., Pharmacy) at FAMU are as bad as "you people" would have everyone believe, then why is it that the OTHER state schools aren't competing for the same programs? And why is it ONLY FSU pushing to have these programs moved across the tracks?
Joel is a black guy trying to write white! You have been caught. How do i know? He is trying way too hard.
ReplyDeleteYou've been had Joel!
FSU holding FAMU up? PLEASE!!!!!
The Pharm School isn't good. Good schools aren't put on probationary accreditation. The E School isn't good, either. It's not ranked nationally in anything. If it's FAM's E School, why are 81% of the students from FSU? Are you against each school getting their own CoE?
ReplyDeleteAnd to the person that's claiming I'm black, what does that have to do with anything? You're calling out someone who is supporting FAM and claiming that they are really a black guy trying to "write white". You FAM people can't get over the race issue. It's disgusting.
No one ever said FSU props up FAM, but it's probably true. It's definitely true that FAM is holding back FSU in the advancement of the E School, which is why each school should have their own.
If you dislike FSU that much, demand for separate schools, because we all know FAM doesn't have the political power, or competence in your administration to cut off FSU from the E School. Heck, FSU is constructing another Engineering building in Innovation Park that is not going to be shared with FAM.
To 3/29 who wrote:
ReplyDeleteThe Law school will not be taken over by UCF either. Who the hell is a UCF anyway?????
You are so IGNORANT. University of Central Florida is the biggest state university in FL right now, who is starting construction on a Medical School and has a renowned Engineering School of their own will be taking over FAMU's law school in Orlando in the next two years. Believe it.
Oh, and stop using curse words, you only talk of your own small vocabulary and existance. You must be a FAM-Grad.