100 takes home $20,000 from Honda

Following its show-stopping performance at U.S. President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration last Tuesday, FAMU’s Marching 100 headed to Atlanta for Honda’s seventh annual Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. As the event came to a close, the band headed back for Tallahassee with $20,000.

Honda doubled the amount of money that it awarded to the ten bands invited to participate this year. Edward Waters College, Fayetteville State University, Jackson State University, Kentucky State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Texas Southern University, Tuskegee University and Virginia State University rounded out the list of HBCUs that made the cut. Among them, the Marching 100 was the only one that had been invited to play in the Inaugural Parade.

Additionally, FAMU Band President Ralph Jean Paul, a music education student from Miami, was picked as one of the two winners of the Fox Music Experience. His prize: a summer job working on the Twentieth Century Fox studio lot in Los Angeles, where he’ll learn film and television music production first hand.

Jean Paul said that his decision to attend FAMU was the best choice he’s ever made.

More than 50,000 HBCU friends, fans, students and alumni traveled from all around the country to take part in the 2009 Honda Battle of the Bands.

OT: Steele tapped to lead GOP

Yesterday, the Republican National Committee elected its first black chairman.

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele defeated four opponents that included incumbent Chairman Mike Duncan, who was handpicked by former U.S. President George W. Bush to lead party.

Steele has the task of rebuilding the GOP in the wake of major electoral defeats that cost it control of Congress and the White House. He’s made inclusiveness a cornerstone that agenda.

"We've been mis-defined as a party that doesn't care about minorities and average Americans,” Steele said. "Nothing can be further from the truth."

With Steele’s selection, the GOP seemingly heeded a warning that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush gave the party shortly after then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama became the first black president-elect, saying: “We can’t ignore large segments of our population and expect to win. We can’t be the old white-guy party. It’s just not going to work. The demographics go against us in that regard.”

During the recent Republican National Convention, Steele received a standing ovation for his chant “drill baby drill,” calling for increased offshore oil exploration throughout America.

“Soldiers for change” honored

Today, the two courageous women who ignited the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott will be honored with a historical marker and memorial boulevard.

52 years ago, FAMU students Wilhelmina Jakes and Carrie Patterson were arrested for violating the segregated seating policy on a local bus.

When the news reached campus, Student Government Association President Brodes Hartley rallied students into a boycott against the public transit company. Soon, the broader black community organized the Inter-Civic Council to lead protest, with Bethel Missionary Baptist Pastor C.K. Steele serving as president.

At 10 a.m., FAMU will unveil a historical state marker in honor of Jakes and Patterson in front of the H. Manning Efferson Student Union. Afterward, the community is invited to march down to West Jennings Street for the renaming ceremony.

Since Jakes and Patterson lived on Jennings Street as students, it will be renamed Jakes & Patterson Street in their memory.

“The recognition for these trailblazing civil rights activists is appropriate and long overdue,” said FAMU President James Ammons. “The marker and the street will stand as a permanent testament to the sacrifice, diligence and contributions of these two women. They will also acknowledge the hundreds of other FAMU students, Rev. C.K. Steele, members of the Inter-Civic Council and other members of the local, state, and national community who were unwavering in their valiant stance against social injustices.”

After graduating from FAMU, both Jakes and Patterson went on to enjoy productive careers as Florida schoolteachers.

During FAMU’s 2006 Spring Commencement activities, Jakes and Patterson (posthumously) received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and its first Freedom Award.

Sources: Thompson frontrunner for commerce secretary

When FAMU alumnus and Symantec CEO John W. Thompson announced his retirement late last year, reporters speculated that he was preparing for a future on Capitol Hill. Today, the buzz is even louder. Some political insiders say he’s U.S. President Barack Obama’s top choice for secretary of commerce.

Thompson already has a groundswell of support from the FAMU family, led by President James Ammons.

"We're tracking just about every move that he makes while he's in Washington,” he said. ”It is really exciting to have the potential of a Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America being a FAMUan,"

Thompson has led Symantec since 1999. He earned his bachelor’s of business administration from FAMU in 1971. Since graduating, he has continued to support his alma mater by serving as a member of the FAMU Foundation and bringing his company into FAMU's Industry Cluster.

During the recent presidential race, Thompson was a spirited Obama supporter and hosted fundraising events for the candidate at his California home.

Expressions of support for Thompson can be sent to President Obama here.

FAMU alum retires as head of Symantec

Boyd opts against U.S. Senate run

After briefly testing the waters for U.S. Senate bid, Congressman Allen Boyd has decided to keep his current job.

"As you know, these decisions usually resolve around a very complex set of factors,” he told reporters. “I've tried to weigh all of those, and my wife and I and my son have talked about it extensively together, and that's the decision that I made."

Boyd, whose district includes FAMU, believes that he accomplish more by remaining in the House of Representatives where he has high seniority. He plans to run for reelection in 2010.

Congressman Kendrick Meek, a FAMU alumnus, recently announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by incumbent Mel Martinez next year. State Sen. Dan Gelber is also seeking the Democratic nomination.

On the GOP side, former Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum have confirmed that they will not launch senate runs. Congressman Connie Mack, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, and former House Speaker Allan Bense are still potential contenders.

BOG meets at FAMU

The Florida Board of Governors will convene on FAMU’s campus today and tommorow. The agenda includes a discussion on State University System budget cuts, updates on the chancellor search, and approval of the 2009-2012 Public Education Capital Outlay priority list.

According to the PECO list approved last year, the bulk of FAMU’s construction money request for the next three years centers on the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. FAMU has asked for $33,460,440 to help complete the Phase II pharmacy facility and $12,060,000 to remodel the Dyson Pharmacy Building.

Additionally, FAMU is seeking $15,000,000 for general infrastructure maintenance and $1,751,500 to finish renovating University Commons. There's also $12,060,000 on tab for a third phase of the joint College of Engineering.

On Thursday, FAMU President James Ammons and Professor Moses Kairo, director of the university’s Center of Biological Control, will present on “Bio-security challenges posed by invasive species.”

Ammons will also share findings on behalf of the statewide Task Group on Financial Aid. The panel, which Chancellor Mark Rosenberg asked Ammons to head, was charged with recommending changes to the state’s student aid and tuition policies.

Additionally, the BOG is expected to adopt a new rule requiring universities to adopt regulations that will increase textbook affordability for low-income students.

A meeting will air live here on FAMCast. The two-day schedule and meeting materials are available here.

Race for Lawson’s seat takes shape

With FAMU alumnus and state Sen. Al Lawson facing term limits in 2010, two Tallahassee politicians have expressed interest in succeeding him.

Loranne Ausley and Curtis Richardson, former members of the Florida House of Representatives, both want the job.

Ausley represented District 9 for eight years. During that time, she championed a wide variety of issues that included better state services for retirees and children.

In 2000, Richardson won election to the District 8 House seat, where he succeeded Lawson. As a representative, he sponsored bills to improve public education, expand healthcare, and generate more financial aid for low-income students. He also joined Lawson in fighting against Florida State University’s efforts to take 100 percent control of the joint College of Engineering it operates with FAMU.

Senate District 6 covers most of the Big Bend. Its constituent counties include Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, and Madison.

With Bushes gone, Fla. GOP warms to tax reform

For most of the past decade, George W. and Jeb Bush vigorously enforced the Republican Party’s “thou shalt not raise taxes” commandment at the federal and state levels. But now that W. has left the White House and Jeb has ruled out a run for statewide office in 2010, the Florida GOP is beginning to change its tune on tax reform.

Following an emergency legislative session that made severe cuts to state services and last Tuesday’s inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Ray Sansom became more vocal about their intention to review tax exemptions during the this year’s regular session.

A hike in the tobacco tax, which has been opposed GOP legislative leaders and Gov. Charlie Crist, is another likely option. A Quinnipiac University poll just revealed that 72 percent of Floridians favor raising the sales tax on cigarettes. Atwater and Sansom are also open to taxing Internet sales.

The state GOP’s sudden about-face comes as welcome news to FAMU alumnus and Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson, who has waged an uphill battle to close tax loopholes that benefit big corporations.

Two weeks ago, Lawson blasted GOP leaders for making budget cuts that forced the Department of Corrections to lay off 66 probation officers.

“The loss of 66 probation officers not only jeopardizes public safety, it puts more strain on law enforcement and our court system already stretched to the breaking point,” Lawson said. “These people are our first line of defense, the ones who monitor offenders released from prison, among them those charged with serious crimes including sexual offenders.”

Lawson has urged the GOP to consider options such as closing the “combined reporting” loophole. The exemption permits multi-state corporations to avoid paying taxes in Florida by setting up real estate rents or trademark fees through chains located in no-tax or very low-tax states. Democrats estimate that this measure could generate up the $400 million annually.

Alan Williams, whose state House district includes FAMU, has also picked up where his predecessor Curtis Richardson left off in supporting similar tax reforms.

Since July, FAMU has slashed around $11.3 million in response to state-mandated reductions and must now absorb the cuts stemming from the four percent legislators took from the State University System’s budget earlier this month. The SUS has lost a total of $352.5 million over the past two years and is bracing for additional cuts in 2009-2010.

Lawson urges governor to reject budget and recall lawmakers

Lawson decries GOP's rejection of "financial lifeline"

Dental school push begins

As a FAMU presidential candidate almost two years ago, James Ammons captured the university family’s imagination by sharing his vision for a School of Dentistry.

The proposal was placed on hold as he and his administrative team worked to clean up the financial mess they inherited from former Interim President Castell Bryant. But now that the current administration has brought unqualified state audits back to the institution and taken FAMU from having the highest number of operational audit findings in the State University System to one of the very lowest, it’s finally getting the much-anticipated dental school push off the ground.

The faculty senate discussed the idea at length during its meeting last week. Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris described it as something that could help FAMU become even “bigger and better.”

FAMU’s proposed dental college would build upon the university’s already formidable health sciences foundation. FAMU currently operates schools of nursing, allied health, and pharmacy.

Research hub
In appointing Professor Donald E. Palm as the point-person for the initiative, Ammons and Hughes-Harris signaled that they envision the new college as a major force in dental and craniofacial research.

By designing the new college with high-demand research areas in mind, FAMU could position itself to fund many dental faculty positions from grant money. That would lighten start-up and operational costs for the school. It would also create many research staff positions for students and Tallahassee citizens.

Improving community healthcare
FAMU’s dental school would also compliment the university’s current mission of assisting underserved groups in urban and rural communities. Dental schools typically offer discounted services to help uninsured patients. FAMU pharmacy’s planned expansion into Northwest Florida also sets the stage for strong outreach and training opportunities in that area of the state.
The University of Florida has the only College of Dentistry in the SUS. Nova Southeastern University also has a College of Dental Medicine.

Howard University and Meharry Medical College are the only two historically black institutions that have dental schools.

Rattlers fall to UMES on the road

The FAMU men and women dropped the first game of a two game MEAC road swing to the northeast yesterday. The Rattlers lost to UMES 54-50, while the Lady Rattlers lost to the Lady Hawks 45-38.

The lost dropped the Rattlers to 6-11 overall, 4-2 MEAC. The Rattlers were held to just five points in the final 9:58 minutes of the game.

Florida A&M shot just 32.1 percent from the field (17 of 53) and was 3 of 21 from behind the arc. Lamar Twitty scored 14 points to lead the Rattlers.

Both the Rattlers and Lady Rattlers travel to Delaware State on Monday.

Harris has FAMU basketball on top of MEAC for first time in a decade

Heading into a two game road trip, second year FAMU basketball coach Eugene Harris has his young Rattler basketball team on top of the MEAC standings for the first time in more than a decade. The Rattlers won a crucial four game home stand besting conference foes Howard, Hampton, Morgan, and Coppin.

Today's two-game road stretch will pit the Rattlers against Maryland Eastern Shore (at 4 pm) and against Delaware State on Monday evening. UMES is 3-14, while Del State is 4-15, 2-2 MEAC.

The Rattlers are no stranger to the road having played nine of their first 11 games away from Gaither Gym, most of those games were guarantee games.

OT: The hat

Aretha Franklin's hat, has caused quite an up roar in the internet world as every one is it popping up everywhere with one on it seems. The hat custom made by Luke Song of Song Millinery (Detroit) is hand-molded and finished off with a Swarovski rhinestone-bordered bow. If sold on the open market that hat would cost upwards of $500 said Song.

Song said he wasn't prepared for the hundreds of calls requesting the hat, which has created a sort of economic boom for his business. The demand has forced the 36-year-old designer to offer customers a satin ribbon version for $179.

The family run millinery has been in Detroit for about 25 years, and Franklin has been a customer for about 20 of those years.

An entire flicker group has been created with photoshopped images of folks with "The Hat". Click here to see it.

FAMU rebuilds commercial music program

FAMU’s Department of Music has celebrity-level recognition in the song industry. Grammy recipients Prince and Kanye West are just two of the chart-topping artists who’ve asked FAMU’s Marching 100 to perform with them on national television.

However, on-campus opportunities to learn about the music business have been severely limited since the 1990s, when the recording equipment from FAMU’s commercial music program was stolen.

That’s changing now. The university recently purchased more than $50,000 of new professional recording hardware and software in order to revitalize the program.

"We are very excited,” said Lindsey B. Sarjeant, director of jazz and commercial music studies. "This will be one of the most successful majors in a long time."

Sarjeant said that he plans to have the program approved by the fall of this year. Interviews are being conducted to fill a faculty position for the technological aspect of the program, he added.

Diron T. Holloway, a professor of applied saxophone and a professional jazz musician, shares Sarjeant’s high hopes. "I think it will attract people to the school and bring notoriety," he said. "It is an excellent addition to the department."

As planning continues, the faculty will decide whether to split jazz studies and commercial music into two degree paths. However, if that does occur, Sarjeant said both will remain "married to each other," because of an emphasis on musicianship. "People must be musicians first and technicians second," he said.

The new degree will add courses to the existing curriculum such as studio recording techniques, midi synthesis, film scoring and a course in hip hop. Present music facilities will undergo minor renovations to accommodate for the new program. The school's music library will be converted into a master lab studio, and other vacant rooms will be used as editing facilities.

Patrick Nunn, a senior jazz studies/commercial music student, said he is happy to see FAMU update the facilities. "I'm glad future students can have somewhere to record without having to go across the tracks," he said.

Besides updated facilities, the new program will afford students internship opportunities at music companies that include LaFace, Arista and Universal Records. Sarjeant confirmed that the program is also “in the process of rekindling” a relationship it previously had with Disney.

OT: Ministers shake-up inauguration

In delivering Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration benediction, Rev. Joseph Lowery, a former lieutenant of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, electrified the event’s global audience with his powerful message on faith and freedom.

Beginning with the words of the National Negro Anthem, written by James Weldon Johnson, he paid homage to the long struggle that set the foundation for Barack Obama’s historic election as the first black U.S. president.

And, angering pundits who prefer to believe that the days of racial injustice against America’s minority groups are long-gone (check here and here), he reminded his listeners that the fight for equality is not over.

“Help us work for that day,” Lowery prayed, “When black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right.”

At Coretta Scott King’s funeral in 2006, Lowery also attracted scorn from many critics when he said, standing only a few feet away from then-U.S. President George W. Bush, that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. When Obama kicked off his presidential campaign just a few months later, he promoted his early opposition to the War in Iraq as important proof that he had the judgment to be America’s commander-in-chief.

The Sunday before Inauguration Day, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, received a warm reception from his alma mater: Howard University. Thousands of excited spectators packed the university’s auditorium and overflow rooms to capacity in order to hear his sermon.

The relationship between Wright and Obama, a former member of his church, strained and broke during the campaign. After newscasts aired out-of-context, inflammatory statements Wright had made from his pulpit and Obama accused him of having “a profoundly distorted view of this country,” the minister went on the offensive.

In trying to explain the cultural differences between the forms of preaching in black and white churches, Wright compared band performances at predominantly white universities versus those at HBCUs such as FAMU and Grambling State (two of the bands that were later invited to perform in the Inaugural Parade along with Howard's).

Obama was not happy with Wright’s response to the media-generated controversy and eventually cut his ties with the minister. Nonetheless, Wright continued to publicly support Obama’s candidacy.

Members of Wright’s Howard University family believe that it all happened for a reason.

“I don’t think that this was an accident, this is the way it was supposed to be” said Vera Sims, a New York resident who attended Wright’s sermon. “There was controversy that arose with Obama and Dr. Wright, and a lot of great things come out of conflict. Without conflict, we wouldn’t have growth.”

100 shows out for 44th President

During yesterday’s Presidential Inauguration Parade, the Marching 100 treated U.S. President Barack Obama and his platform guests to the sounds of Kool & The Gang, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

Video of the full parade is available at CSPAN’s website. The 100’s performance begins at the 14:00 minute mark.

Cell phone problems common in SUS audits

When FAMU’s 2009 operational audit came out last week, Florida media outlets jumped to report that auditors want the university to do a better job monitoring cell phone usage.

However, there was an important piece of context missing. Out of the 11 State University System members, the University of Florida is the only one that did not receive a cell phone management-related citation in its most recent operational audit.

Below is a listing of the Florida auditor general’s findings on mobile phone problems at the state’s public universities (along with the years in which the audits were released):

FAU (2007) Finding No. 10: The University did not adequately monitor cellular telephone (cell phone) usage, and did not report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income for employees who did not make an adequate accounting of the business use of their assigned cell phones. In addition, the University paid certain taxes and fees for which it was exempt.

FGCU (2006) Finding No. 6: The University had not established written policies and procedures regarding cellular telephone assignment and use.

FIU (2008) Finding No. 8: The University did not, of record, adequately monitor cellular telephone (cell phone) usage to determine personal calls made and any needed reimbursements. As such, the University was required to, but did not, report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income of these employees.

FSU (2008) Finding No. 2: The University did not adequately monitor cellular telephone (cell phone) usage, and did not report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income for employees who did not make an adequate accounting of the business use of their assigned cell phones.

New College (2007) Finding No. 7: The College did not adequately monitor cellular telephone (cell phone) usage, and did not report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income for employees who did not make an adequate accounting of the business use of their assigned cell phones. In addition, the College paid certain taxes for which it was exempt.

UCF (2008) Finding No. 7: The University paid taxes on cell phone services for which it was exempt.

UNF (2008) Finding No. 5: The University did not require employees who were issued cell phones to document the differentiation between business related and personal calls. As such, the University was required to, but did not, report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income of these employees.

USF (2008) Finding No. 10: Because University procedures for monitoring cellular telephone (cell phone) usage were not in compliance with the United States Treasury Regulations substantiation requirements, the University was required to, but did not, report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income for employees assigned cell phones. In addition, the University paid certain taxes on cell phone service for which it was exempt.

UWF (2006) Finding No. 6: University policies and procedures for acquiring and using cellular telephones (cell phones) were not consistently followed and, in some instances, did not provide for adequate monitoring of cell phone usage. Also, the University did not report to the Internal Revenue Service the value of cell phone services as income for employees who did not make an adequate accounting of the business use of their assigned cell phones.

Ammons’ first operational audit shows dramatic improvement

OT: Colorado's only Black legislators lead their chambers

While history was being made today in Washington history, of sorts, was made in Colorado where the two leaders of each of the chambers of the Colorado Legislature are both Black men.

Thirty-nine-year-old Terrance Carroll is the newly elected Speaker of the House (which has 65 members) while 45-year-old Peter Groff was elected President of the Senate (which has 35 members). What makes this feat even more extraordinary is that Carroll and Golf are also the only African Americans in each of their respective legislative chambers. This is the first time in U.S. history that the leaders of both chambers of a state legislature have been African American.

"The time has come"

Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States at noon today and has now taken the Oath of Office.

Change is here.

Ammons sets record straight on state audit

Florida’s newspapers and television stations were quick to report the seven findings from FAMU’s most recent operational audit, released last week. However, they did very little to place the audit results into a broader context.

For example, most media outlets failed to mention that auditors flagged multiple problems in their operational reviews of the every state university and the Board of Governors.

FAMU has gone from having the largest number of operational audit findings in the State University System under former Interim President Castell Bryant to one of the very smallest numbers under President James Ammons.

In today’s Tallahassee Democrat, Ammons responded to the media coverage:

We all have heard the adage about how people view the world, as a glass half empty or half full. I am sure that many who saw news reports last Friday got a taste of the half-empty version, and I think FAMU deserves better when you look at its overall accomplishments.

After taking in that morning's news, many who didn't fully understand the process may have wondered if any progress had been made, given that the focal point of the report was on what has not yet been accomplished by the FAMU team.

Turning things around at the university was a massive undertaking requiring support from our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community.

Continue reading here.

On tommorow's RN:

We'll continue our examination into how FAMU's operational audit compares with its SUS peers.

Opinion: Audit rebuffs Bryant-Maxwell version of financial story

Ammons’ first operational audit shows dramatic turn-around

Opinion: Audit rebuffs Bryant-Maxwell version of financial story

Shortly after Castell Bryant resigned from FAMU’s interim presidency in humiliation, St. Petersbugh Times columnist Bill Maxwell tried to help her explain away the damage she inflicted on the university’s finances.

In a 2007 interview entitled “Opening up on FAMU,” he asked: “A state operational audit released this year cited 35 management problems, doubling the number of findings under your predecessor, Fred Gainous. Even under [Frederick S.] Humphries, auditors routinely reported only five or six operational problems. How do you explain the drastic increase?”

Castell responded with spin, claiming that the state audits had become harder during her tenure:

“When the constitutional amendment was passed and each university received a board of trustees, the approach for auditing each of the universities changed. It is my understanding that at the same time some accounting procedures and requirements also changed. Therefore, the audits are different since the changes.”

Following Castell’s lead, Maxwell portrayed the former interim president’s chief financial officer, Grace Ali, as a talented financial manager that new President James Ammons should revere as a source of wisdom.

While interviewing Ammons, Maxwell declared: “The rumor is that you haven't you spoken with Castell Bryant and her chief financial officer about FAMU's problems.”

Ammons, who relieved Ali of her duties on his first day in office, said it wasn’t true.

Recent events have shown that Ammons made a smart choice in keeping a safe distance from Castell’s former vice-president of fiscal affairs. Ali just lost her job as CFO of the Miami-Dade public school system amid allegations of financial mismanagement. District officials said her “creative accounting” directly contributed to $70 million of the system’s $125 million deficit.

Now that Ammons’ first operational audit is out, it’s clearer than ever that Castell’s excuses don’t hold up. Less than two years after inheriting 35 findings from Bryant and Ali, Ammons’ finanical team managed to shrink that number down to seven – one fifth of what it was.

FAMU has gone from having the largest number of operational audit findings in the State University System under Castell to one of the very smallest numbers under Ammons.

Bottom line: When an institution hires accountants who actually know what they're doing, it's not difficult to perform well on state audits. Competent employees will meet the legal and professional standards. Period.

Amazing Grace: Ali resigns from Miami-Dade post

The witch who just won’t go away

Boyd: A decision is coming soon

Now that Florida’s chief financial officer, Alex Sink, has ruled out a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2010, journalists and politicos are eagerly anticipating Congressman Allen Boyd’s (D-Monticello) announcement on whether he will enter the race.

Boyd, whose district includes FAMU, seems to be leaning toward an affirmative answer. In a statement released to media shortly after Sink said “no thanks,” he noted:

I've always said that the decision to run for the U.S. Senate is a personal one for me and does not hinge on what anyone else decides to do. I love serving the people of North Florida in the House of Representatives, but I'm considering a Senate run because of the very serious challenges facing my fellow Floridians. I'm not going to drag this out. I'm very close to a decision and will make my decision public.

So far, Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-Miami), a FAMU alumnus, is only the major contender for the open seat. With Sink out, the Democratic field is expected to attract many candidates. State Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami), plans to start his campaign soon. Congressman Ron Klein (D-Palm Beach) may also join the field.

Meek kicks off U.S. Senate campaign

Two FAMU supporters consider runing for U.S. Senate

OT: Get ready for the "real deal"

By Maya Angelou
In September 2008, I was invited to introduce Michelle Obama at an event in Greensboro, N.C. I had met her fleetingly during the Democratic National Convention in Boston, but I had no real sense of her personality.

I telephoned Oprah Winfrey, aware that she knew the Obamas, and asked, "What is your take on Michelle Obama?"

Oprah answered promptly and with conviction, "She is the real deal."

Continue reading: At Long Last, The Real Deal

Strikers vie for MTV dance crown

The FAMU Strikers dance troupe has a long history of performing on the national stage. Two of its biggest accomplishments include winning competitions on BET's 106 & Park and wowing the Showtime at the Apollo audience.

This spring, the group founded in 1989 has seven members vying for the title of America’s Best Dance Crew on MTV.

Each week, they will compete in a series of dance contests against opponents from across the nation. The last group standing will be crowned champion.

The Strikers All-Stars consist of: Tallie "Ace" Brinson III, Otheus "O" Manuel, Peterson Thelisma, Edwin "Bowling Ball" Bennett, Michael "Money Mike" Washington, Welton Maurice Nance, and Joel Daley.

Check out The Strikers' official competition webpage here. Full episodes are also available at the site.

Lawson urges governor to reject budget and recall lawmakers

Less than 48-hours after telling GOP lawmakers that their budget cuts would result in a loss of critically needed state employees, Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) called on Gov. Charlie Crist to veto the budget and recall the legislature to Tallahassee to "get the job done right."

In his statement, the Democratic Leader and FAMU alumnus responded to an announcement that the Department of Corrections just laid off 66 probation officers in response to the $2.8 billion in cuts levied by the Republican-controlled legislature.

“The loss of 66 probation officers not only jeopardizes public safety, it puts more strain on law enforcement and our court system already stretched to the breaking point,” Lawson said. “These people are our first line of defense, the ones who monitor offenders released from prison, among them those charged with serious crimes including sexual offenders.”

Additionally, Lawson also asked the governor to strike $10 million approved for his so-called “economic stimulus” program, which the Democratic Leader believes is “a risky gamble” that is “funded by axing existing jobs for iffy future ones.”

In calling for action, Lawson used some his strongest language yet against the GOP budget plan.

“This state has grown weary of drinking the Republican kool aid. We called on the governor to lead the state forward by examining alternative options. Without raising a penny in new taxes on working families, closing [special interest tax] loopholes would have netted critical revenue to avert the loss of state services and protections including front line law enforcement officers,” he said.

Lawson decries GOP’s rejection of “financial lifeline”

Lawson to GOP: Stop taxing the little guy!

J-School will host Obama inauguration, documentary viewing

As election returns came in for historic 2008 presidential race, FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication broadcasted up-to-the-minute reports for a national audience. This month, the J-School will continue its efforts to use current events as a learning opportunitiy for its students.

On Tuesday, January 20, the J-School will host a live viewing of the dramatic inauguration of the United States’ 44th President in Lee Hall Auditorium. It will also feature innovative student-produced documentaries about President-elect Barack Obama.

“This is history in the making,” said Dorothy Bland, FAMU journalism division director who also teaches more than 160 students in the journalism colloquium class. “Since President-elect Obama’s swearing-in ceremony will take place mid-day, we decided it would be good to make it a part of our lesson plan. We understand there’s high interest with FAMU students among the busloads of Tallahassee folk going to the Inauguration. We’re also excited that FAMU’s Marching 100 band is performing in the inaugural parade, which is scheduled to start about 2:30 p.m.”

“The inaugural events offer excellent learning opportunities for the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication as well as other disciplines,” said James Hawkins, dean of FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “We have six journalism students who are covering various inaugural events on multiple media platforms in Washington, D.C., but everyone can’t make it to the nation’s capital so we decided it would be good to open Lee Hall Auditorium in Florida’s capital.”

Doors will remain open until 5 p.m. for individuals who want to share in this historic experience.

Four five-minute mini-documentaries, which were produced by FAMU broadcast journalism students, about Obama’s impact also will be shown starting at 11 a.m.

“The mini-docs showcase the variety of emotions of local citizens and students as Barack Obama won the presidency,” said FAMU Professor Kenneth Jones, who coordinates the broadcast sequence. “This semester we’ll continue to follow the Obama administration through various multimedia projects throughout his presidency including a new doc about President Obama and his impact on America.”

The next student documentary night will be on April 24 in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication Lecture Hall.

Jones also encourages the community to tune in to FAMU-TV 20 at 5 p.m. on January 20, to see the 20 at Five Newscast, which will include inauguration coverage and feature a new lineup of anchors for the semester. The new TV 20 anchors are broadcast students Xion Lester, Donnitra “Shiree” Gilbert, and Erica Anderson.

Broadcast students Brent Hatchett and Alicia Mitchell, who are part of the FAMU news team covering the inauguration in Washington, D.C., will appear on WTXL-TV 27 on Thursday, January 22.

Ammons’ first operational audit shows dramatic turn-around

In July 2007, incoming President James Ammons inherited 35 state operational audit findings from his predecessor, Interim President Castell Bryant.

Less than two years later, he and his financial management team have another reason to be proud: they've shrunken that number down to seven, one fifth of what it was.

The first operational audit for Ammons’ administration, released on Tuesday by the Florida auditor general’s office, recommended that FAMU speed up its collection procedures for returned checks, ensure that vendors get paid in a timely manner, do a better job monitoring cell phone usage, and improve security over its PeopleSoft Financials System.

Altogether, the findings were relatively minor compared to what auditors discovered during Bryant’s watch. In her operational audit, state auditors found that $39 million had been spent without following all the required rules.

Every two years, multiple findings turn up in the operational audits of public universities all across Florida. The University of Florida’s most recent operational audit cited 21 issues. There were 22 at FAU, 15 at FIU, 13 at UCF, 13 at USF, 12 at UWF, 10 at New College, 8 at FGCU, 7 at UNF, and 3 at FSU.

The Florida Board of Governors has also had its share of operational audit findings. In October, auditors reported that the BOG did not fulfill all the required statutory obligations before it disbursed two grants totaling $23.25 million to UF.

This latest news shows that FAMU has returned to the steady performance it boasted during the tenure of past President Frederick S. Humphries. During that period, there was an average of only 5 to 7 findings on each operational audit.

Read the full audit here.

You might have missed: Audit uncovers problems with BOG operations

FAMU prof reflects on meaning of Obama’s victory

Jeremy Levitt, a premier public intellectual on FAMU’s faculty, is preparing to take his wife and daughters to the nation’s capital next week for U.S. President-elect Barack Obama’s historic inauguration. In yesterday’s Orlando Sentinel, he reflected on his vote for the man who will become America’s first black commander-in-chief.

From Levitt’s op-ed:

I was an Obama supporter long before he was a national and international icon. However, I have not been a blind supporter.

As an independent, I disagree with certain aspects of several of his policy positions, including those on abortion, immigration, gun control and the preemptive use of force, and I seriously question his appointing so many Clintonians to his administration, which contradicts his campaign paradigm of change.

I voted for Obama because I was keenly aware that his victory would be the single greatest civil-rights achievement in American history, one spawned by a multiracial, multigenerational and multiclass American electorate.

Continue reading here.

DOE, NCCU reach settlement

FAMU and North Carolina Central University can finally move on from a controversy that engulfed the two schools in controversy for close to six months.

NCCU will return $1,138,228 of the more than $3 million financial aid dollars it distributed to students at an unauthorized satellite campus in Lithonia, Ga. It will be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education in installments over a five-year period.

The students who received the money will not be penalized. NCCU will pay the entire sum through private funds from the university’s foundation.

The satellite campus opened in fall 2004 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. NCCU administrators shut down the program last year after discovering that it had not received approval from the university’s Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina system or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

SACS later validated all the degrees awarded by the New Birth location after verifying that the students received a "comparable education" to those at the main campus in Durham, N.C.

39 students were still enrolled at the time NCCU’s new leadership closed the satellite. Administrators created a teach-out option to help them finish their degrees.

Ammons’ FAMU support remains strong amid NCCU-New Birth flap

SACS validates NCCU-New Birth degrees

Florida media quiet about SACS’ validation of NCCU-New Birth degrees

Lawson decries GOP’s rejection of “financial lifeline”

With hundreds of university professors, thousands of catastrophically ill Floridians, and scores of children's programs on the chopping block, FAMU alumnus Alfred “Al” Lawson (D-Tallahassee) led the state Senate’s Democrats in introducing what he described as a “billion dollar financial lifeline” last Friday.

Senate Republicans were not interested. Instead, they went forth with plugging Florida’s $2.8 billion deficit without heeding the recommendations. The final bill primarily used spending cuts, trust fund sweeps, and fee increases for government services to balance the budget.

"The money we found didn't involve raising taxes a single penny," Lawson said. "It didn't burden Floridians struggling to hold on to their jobs and their homes. And it didn't attempt to raid teachers' pay checks or toe the line of financial extortion on traffic tickets and court costs. All it did was wean some very wealthy special interests from the corporate welfare they've enjoyed for years. It's time they joined the rest of us and paid their fair share."

The Democratic plan, sponsored by Lawson and Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami), attempted to close several tax loopholes tailored exclusively for high-end developers and non-Florida based corporations. It also called for a review of certain exemptions.

One proposal, which tried to eliminate what’s called the “combined reporting” loophole, is based on legislation already adopted by large states such as New York and Texas. It took aim at multi-state corporations such as some fast-food and toy store giants that avoid paying taxes in Florida by setting up real estate rents or trademark fees through chains located in no-tax or very low-tax states. Democrats estimated that this measure could generate up the $400 million annually.

"We need to reexamine our priorities, especially when we face the severe damage we are levying on our social services programs and our kids' education," Gelber said. "It's hard to justify a company using its toy logo to dodge Florida taxes when the very kids they're selling to are about to lose their teachers."

Friday's efforts were not the first time Senate Democrats had attempted to stem the severity of the cuts to state services necessitated by the economic downturn. Similar efforts during the 2008 Legislative Session were also rebuffed by the GOP leadership.

"They can't say they didn't see this coming, and they can't say they need more time to study these solutions," Lawson said. "The longer the state waits for tax fairness, the faster the slide off the edge of the cliff."

Coming up on RN:

We’ll take a closer look at what this latest budget news means for FAMU's long-term financial outlook.

Lawson to GOP: Stop taxing the little guy!

Meek kicks off U.S. Senate campaign

This morning, FAMU alumnus and Congressman Kendrick Meek officially announced his bid to become Florida’s junior U.S. senator in 2010.

Joined by his family outside his home in North Miami-Dade County, Meek laid out his vision for the future of Florida by emphasizing his commitment to alleviating current problems such as the increase of foreclosures throughout Florida, rising unemployment rates, the loss of senior citizens' retirement funds, ending the war in Iraq, and resolving healthcare inequalities.

He began his remarks by paying homage to the Florida institutions that prepared him for his career as a public servant, including Miami’s public schools, the Highway Patrol and FAMU.

"Public service and a commitment to make a better life for the people of Florida has been my mission” Meek said. "But never in my lifetime have the people of Florida been faced with so many big problems. Our state needs bold leadership at every level, and that is why I've made the decision to run as a candidate for the United States Senate. This race is not about me -- it is about Floridians. I am running for Florida, and I am asking Floridians to run with us in this race."

He added that he wants be an ally of President-elect Barack Obama, who carried Florida in last year’s general election.

"Thanks to the leadership of President-Elect Obama, change has come to Washington. But it won't be easy. There will be opposition from many powerful forces who have stopped us before. We cannot let obstructionists stand in the way of helping the people of Florida."

Meek is the first major candidate to officially enter the race to replace U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, who recently announced his retirement. Congressman Allen Boyd, another FAMU supporter, is also interested. Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and state Senator Dan Gelber are said to be possible contenders, as well.

Potential GOP candidates include: Gov. Charlie Crist, Attorney General Bill McCollum, U.S. Congressman Connie Mack, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, and former House Speaker Allan Bense.

The official website for Meek’s campaign is also up-and-running.

Meek-for-Senate buzz grows

Two FAMU supporters consider running for U.S. Senate in 2010

More Floridians feeling pain from soaring tuition

A growing number of Floridians think the State University System’s tuition rates are too expensive, according to the 3rd annual Sunshine State Survey commissioned by Leadership Florida.

Statewide, 24 percent rate tuition as “much too high” and an additional 24 percent say tuition is “a little too high. The 48 percent who feel tuition is “too high” is up from 41 percent in 2007.

“We are seeing another backlash from our slumping economy,” said Brad Coker from Mason-Dixon research who conducted the poll of 1,200 Florida residents. “Money is tight and citizens are aware that universities can raise tuition; when you put the two together, it equals a greater dissatisfaction towards spending.”

Late last year, Gov. Charlie Crist announced a proposal to permit every state university to increase tuition by up to 15 percent beyond the rates set in the annual appropriations bill. The differential will not be covered by Florida’s popular Bright Futures Scholarship.

Proponents of the plan argue that Florida’s tuition should be brought up closer to the national average. Few, however, mention that the national average tuition price increased at more than double the rate of inflation in 2007.

FAMU alumnus and Florida Senate Democratic Leader Alfred “Al” Lawson has spoken out against asking families pay more for higher education in today’s harsh economic climate.

“The way to prosperity is not forged by squeezing the people more than they’ve already been squeezed,” Lawson stated. “The state needs to step up to its obligations and leave the people’s pockets alone.”

At FAMU, the tuition increases are unlikely to bring in any new revenue. As former FAMU political science instructor and current Syracuse Ph.D. student Keneshia Grant recently pointed out: "Whenever tuition rises, most FAMU students tighten their belts and enroll in fewer courses. Frequently, these students leave for entire semesters, to work until they earn enough money to return. Also, it's not uncommon for them to send part of their paychecks home to help their families."

Former Gov. Bob Graham also brought attention to the possibility that the differential plan could lead to a net loss in money for state universities. According to the St. Petersburg Times, he “fears the Legislature will raise tuition on one hand and then cut its contribution toward state university spending on the other.”

The Bradenton Herald agrees and is asking Floridians to challenge the possible bait-and-switch on tuition this session:

“Under the political cover of budget reductions and ignoring all calls for revenue enhancements, the Republican-dominated Legislature appears content to continue its finely tuned practice of shifting funding responsibilities to county governments, local school boards and everyone else with a wallet.”

“If lawmakers approve another budget reduction for state universities and colleges over the next week, they destroy the argument that a tuition increase will boost the quality of education. The money will merely replace a portion of their cuts.”

Lawson, Graham flag hazards of differential plan

Columnist: Differential plan is a step backwards

Alum brings literary legend’s story to life

As a retired school teacher and principal, FAMU alumnae Alberta Wells Godfrey has dedicated her life to inspiring young people through lessons on history and literature. She’s always taken particular pride in sharing Zora Neal Hurston’s story with her pupils.

Godfrey believes the Harlem Renaissance legend’s life and lengthy accomplishments illustrate why students “should set goals for themselves and do their best at all times.''

At Eatonville, Fla.’s 20th Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, Godfrey will deliver one-person performances chronicling the adventurous career path that took Hurston from Florida to the District of Columbia and New York.

The event takes place from January 20-25. According to the Miami Herald, it will also feature: “a museum exhibition, food from chefs around the world, a health village, literacy initiative, heritage pavilion and performance[s] by Morris Day and the Time.”

Wells, who graduated from FAMU in 1960, is a life member of the National Alumni Association.

RN Poll: Hayes is running athletics in the ground

All it takes is one conversation with FAMU Athletic Director Bill Hayes to learn that he's not out to win any popularity contest. So it should come as no surprise that a recent Rattler Nation poll found that 64% of Rattlers had an unfavorable opinion of him and were dissatisfied with his handling of the FAMU Athletic Department.

Only 23% of poll respondents were satisfied with the direction the Athletic Department has been taking under Hayes' management, while 10% were neutral.

Among, the most recent gripes about Hayes is that he has hired his son-in-law at a hefty salary.

Hayes' management style has been compared to Castell Bryant's.

Brown vies for Miss Black U.S.A.

Kimberly Brown, Miss FAMU 2005-2006, is gearing up for a new challenge.

Recently crowned Miss Black Alabama U.S.A. 2009, Brown will compete for the Miss Black U.S.A. title in Washington, D.C this August. The national crown comes with a $20,000 scholarship award, which she plans to use to pursue a Ph.D. in history.

“I’m so thankful to Florida A&M University for providing me with the academic training and unique experiences that have helped to prepare me for life as a young professional,” Brown said.

A Montgomery native, Brown obtained both her B.S. in public relations and master’s of applied social science in history at FAMU.

Brown’s platform as Miss Black Alabama is “A Map and A Compass: Using History Education as Tools to Guide and Inspire.” Her goal is to promote history education as a vehicle to motivate and move young people in a positive direction.

One of her upcoming public appearances will bring her back to Tallahassee. She will speak to a group of young teen-age girls as a part of a youth program at the local John G. Riley Center and Museum of African American History and Culture.

FAMU Law opens new bookstore & cafe'

Nearly seven years in the making, students at the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law now have an on campus bookstore to purchase their law books, classroom supplies, and licensed FAMU paraphernalia.

The bookstore which opened this semester is operated by Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

“The FAMU Law Bookstore is a wonderful addition to our expanding facility,” said Dean LeRoy Pernell. “Along with the new FAMU Café, students will have the increased convenience to accomplish tasks that had traditionally taken away from their time studying the law.”

The bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and closed on the weekend and holidays.

SBI alum dubbed “Emerging Scholar”

Laquita Blockson’s star is rising in the academic world. The proud FAMU School of Business and Industry alumnae has been named a 2009 “Emerging Scholar” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

Currently an assistant professor of ethics and entrepreneurship at the College of Charleston’s School of Business and Economics, Blockson’s research focuses on “the marriage of business and social responsibility.”

From Diverse Issues:

[Blockson is] making her mark through the academy, thanks to the business professors at Florida A&M University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Fascinated by numbers as a little girl, she loved tax season since the first time she filled out her 1040 as a teenager and wanted to be a certified public accountant. But through her FAMU professors, she saw other possibilities.

“It was great to have so many minority professors. I thought, wow, I can see myself in their shoes,” Blockson says. FAMU professors told her, “Yes, definitely become a professor! But, once you graduate [from FAMU], get some real world experience first. Then come back [to doctoral study],” Blockson recalls.

Continue reading here.

Blockson is also featured on the Great Black Speakers Bureau's website.

Opinion: Leave “ranking game” rhetoric out discussion on FAMU's grad rates

In Monday’s Tallahassee Democrat, former FAMU political science instructor Keneshia Grant (now a Ph.D. student at Syracuse University), reminded readers to compare apples with apples when discussing FAMU’s graduation rate.

As Grant pointed out, FAMU’s six-year degree completion rate is actually better than the national average for colleges with the largest numbers of low-income students.

Low-income students tend to divide much of their time between studying and working, which slows them down.

Blacks carry heaviest work schedules in college

Grant also shared data from a recent American Council of Education study that should sound alarms across Florida and the rest of the country. As she summarized:

“Blacks are more likely than any other racial group to work more than part time while they're in college; 41.3 percent of black undergraduate students work more than 35 hours per week. The [ACE] study also notes, unsurprisingly, that working more than part time has a negative effect on college students' grades and degree completion rates.”

“While blacks are disproportionately represented among those who carry heavy work schedules in college, a survey just released by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities reveals that this trend is spreading to more Americans of all races. With private loans drying up as a result of America's credit crunch, more students at private colleges are taking time off and/or enrolling only part time.”

These cold hard facts should be understood by critics who make the false and stereotypical claim that FAMU’s current graduation rate shows a lack of “seriousness” or “college readiness” on the part of the students. More than anything else, college graduation rates reveal how many students have enough money to enroll full-time and finish their courses quickly.

Grant’s op-ed made another observation that should be included as context whenever the 70 percent black graduation rates at University of Florida or Florida State University are brought up: those institutions are enrolling fewer black freshman. Florida’s journalists need to ask tough questions about what those universities plan to do reverse that slide.

An attempt to place "ranking games" above Florida's economic needs

The Florida media and UF/FSU emphasis on black graduation rates, rather than black college access, appears to be part of a larger strategy to change the legislature’s student funding formula for state universities.

UF and FSU are two of the public universities that have frozen their enrollments. While they claim that declining state appropriations made this action necessary, it’s no secret that those two institutions want to place less focus on cranking out undergraduate degrees. Instead, they want to spend more of their budgets on research and graduate education, which do more to help them win at the “ranking game.”

The universities also seem to be using the enrollment freezes as a way to explain away their declining numbers of black students. With seats limited, they say that competition is tougher. Translation: Fewer black high school seniors will make the cut. The ranking game rewards universities that reject the largest number of applications and take in students with the highest standardized test scores. Low-income black students tend to have lower standardized test scores because they come from poorer school districts.

While admissions caps help universities excel at the ranking game, they hurt Florida's public institutions in the wallet. The state’s enrollment funding formula prioritizes growth, which means that revenue stream has become stagnant for UF, FSU, and the others that froze their enrollments. Now, they want to change the funding rules.

Florida legislators must reject these arguments based on elitist ranking games and continue to make college access their top concern. Magazine rankings won’t provide the college-educated workers that the state’s economy needs. Better financial aid and funding for enrollment growth will.

You might have missed: FAMU picks up slack for declining black freshman enrollment at three Florida research universities

Rattlers release '09 football schedule

FAMU released its 2009 football schedule this afternoon. The Rattlers will play an 11 game schedule this year, highlighted by an October 10th game at the University of Miami.

FAMU signed a two-year deal with Miami to face the Hurricanes in 2009 and 2010. The back-to-back games against Miami are the first since the 1979 and 1980 seasons. FAMU will be paid upwards of $500,000 for each game against Miami.

Gone from the '09 schedule are SWAC foes Alabama State and Southern.

Also, FAMU has yet to designate a homecoming date but are said to be eyeing either Nov. 7 against North Carolina A&T or Oct. 24 against Norfolk State.

2009 FLORIDA A&M FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Sept. 5 DELAWARE STATE HOME
Sept. 12 at Winston-Salem State Winston-Salem, NC
Sept. 19 HOWARD* HOME
Sept. 26 Tennessee State@ Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10 at University of Miami Miami, FL
Oct. 17 at South Carolina State* Orangeburg, SC
Oct. 24 NORFOLK STATE*# HOME
Oct. 31 at Morgan State* Baltimore, MD
Nov. 7 NORTH CAROLINA A&T*# HOME
Nov. 14 at Hampton University* Hampton, VA
Nov. 21 Bethune-Cookman*$ Orlando, FL
-----------------------------------------------------------------
(*)-Conference Games; @-Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic 21 – Georgia Dome
(#)-Possible Homecoming dates; ($)-Florida Classic 30 – Florida Citrus Bowl

FAMU leads America’s public universities in preparing blacks for Ph.D.s

In the world of academia, the Doctor of Philosophy (or Ph.D.), is still considered the gold standard of all degrees. According to the National Science Foundation, FAMU leads all America’s public universities in preparing blacks to earn this coveted title.

NSF’s “Survey of Earned Doctorates” reveals that 27 blacks who received baccalaureates from FAMU earned Ph.D.s in 2006, the largest number from any public college or university in the United States.

Howard University was first overall with 40.

FAMU’s performance stood out within the State University System of Florida. In 2006, Florida State University’s undergraduate program produced 9 blacks who earned Ph.D.s. The University of Miami and University of Florida both had 5.

“FAMU’s ‘Excellence with Caring’ approach is a winning formula,” said President James H. Ammons. “Our faculty and administration are dedicated to the goal of increasing the number of African Americans who earn their Ph.D.s. In addition, our faculty works to equip students with the discipline, knowledge, and research skills they need to become America’s top scholars.”

FAMU’s Graduate Feeder Scholars Program accounts for much of the university’s success. It serves as a pipeline that sends FAMU’s top-performing students on to advanced degree programs at more than 40 research universities. Participating institutions include the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, and Vanderbilt.

“The success of a university’s graduates is one of the best measures of its academic quality,” said Chanta Haywood, dean of FAMU’s School of Graduate Studies and Research. “This data shows that FAMU’s baccalaureates are regarded highly by Ph.D. program admissions committees across the nation. It also proves that FAMU’s students leave here ready to compete and excel anywhere.”

NSF has tracked earned doctorates since 1966 and its online records extend to 2006. Over those 40 years, FAMU graduated 599 black baccalaureate degree recipients who went on to complete Ph.D.s, the largest all-time number from any public higher education institution. Only Howard (1,285) and Hampton (628) managed to edge out FAMU during that time period.

Ammons has eyes on an even bigger goal

FAMU’s press release clearly indicates that the Ammons administration plans to use the momentum from this good news to help reach an even more ambitious objective: making FAMU the number producer of blacks with Ph.D.s. FAMU already leads the nation in producing blacks with baccalaureates.

The first critical step is to implement all the doctoral programs that were authorized for FAMU’s Center of Excellence in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (or COESMET), which was approved by the Board of Regents as part of the State University System’s 1999-2003 Strategic Plan. The program’s purpose: increase black Ph.D. recipients in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

So far, FAMU’s Ph.D. in Physics in the only COESMET program that has been initiated. Its success was highlighted in FAMU’s press release with the following caption:

“Distinguished Professor of Physics Joseph A. Johnson, III, Ph.D. works with students in the 30,000 square foot lab at Innovation Park in Tallahassee. FAMU is one of the national leaders in awarding Ph.D.s to African Americans in physics. FAMU awarded five Ph.D. degrees in physics to African Americans during the 2006-2007 academic year—a significant portion of the total national output.”

Former President Frederick S. Humphries and Ammons had set the foundation for a Ph.D. in Physics even before COESMET received formal authorization. Years earlier, they had begun scraping and saving money from FAMU’s general budget to hire as many physics professors as possible. This enabled the Physics Ph.D. program to begin shortly after 2001.

Coming up on RN:

Next week, we’ll provide additional coverage and analysis on FAMU’s success in getting blacks ready doctorates. We’ll also look at FAMU’s path towards awarding more Ph.D.s.

Ammons envisions FAMU as a national leader in STEM Ph.D.s