2009: The FAMU Year-in-Review

JanuaryThe change that the nation proclaimed it wanted in 2008 came to fruition on freezing cold January 20, 2009, as Barrack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America.

As the Rev. Joseph Lowery so aptly observed President Obama "has come to this high office at a low moment in our nation and our world."

To help the nation celebrate on that special day, the FAMU Marching 100 high stepped down Pennsylvania Avenue to a medley of tunes --- Celebration, James Brown riffs, and Sign Seal Delivered-- to let the world know that change has indeed come to America!

On the trip home from Washington, the 100rd stopped off in Atlanta to participate in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

Also in January, FAMU grad, U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek launched his historic bid for the U.S. Senate. Meek, the democratic front runner, would become the first African American to be elected to U.S. Senate from the South should he win. FAMU graduates all across America can help Rep. Meek make history by taking action now and visiting his website.

To close out the month, FAMU began to lay the foundation to establish the state's second public Dental School on the highest of seven hills.

February
Twenty eight years after becoming eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame, Robert "Bullet Bob" Hayes' long wait for this well deserved recognition finally ended. Hayes' election made him the first FAMU grad to receive this honor. There's an effort underway to seek this same recognition for Ken Riley.

March
FAMU's "shine" on the national stage got a little brighter/or dimmer depending on how you want to look at it when self proclaimed "student activist" Kyle Washington got his 15 minutes of fame/shame as cast member on BET's top-rated reality series College Hill: South Beach.

Thankfully, the FAMU Strikers were not quite as embarrassing during their run on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew which began airing about the same time.

Then , there was always alumnus Anika Noni Rose who was doing her thing and representing FAMU well on HBO's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mini-series.

FAMU closed the door on a tragic grade changing scandal when Marcus Barrington was found guilty in federal court of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and unauthorized computer access, identity theft, and unauthorized computer access. Barrington was eventually sentenced to seven years in prison.

April
In an attempt to reestablish SBI as flagship program, Dean Lydia McKinley-Floyd was replaced by Dr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud. Floyd who was appointed by former interim president Castell Bryant had been on the job for three years but had failed to make significant strides in moving SBI forward.

Meanwhile, FAMU opened its new $42 million, 135,000 square foot Teaching Gymnasium. The facility is home to the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and the men’s and women’s basketball programs. It seats 9,639.

May
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton sent hundreds of FAMU graduates onto a new enlightened journey by challenging them to be the "how generation" and work to solve the nation's problems. Clinton opened up the FAMU Teaching Gym, now the Lawson Center, by speaking at the spring graduation.

FAMU's budget continued to take a beating as the Florida and National economies worsened. The federal stimulus cushioned the blow, but that money is only temporary.

June

FAMU DRS continued to make news, and not in a good way, as the contracts of 35 teachers expired. Later in the year school was notified by the Fl Dept of Education that it had dropped from a C to a D grade.

Later after failing to reach its lofty enrollment projections, the contracts of nine teachers were the subject of front page news before the University bailed them out.

Alumnus Teddy B. Taylor was nominated by U.S. President Barack Obama to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Republic of Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

July

The FAMU College of Law received full accreditation from the American Bar Association. The College accepted its first students in 2002. Earlier in the year, the College was sighted by US News and World Report as one of the nation's most diverse law schools.

August
After firing both mens and womens track coaches earlier in the year, Bill Hayes' pick to to lead the mens' program was arrested less than a week on the job. He was later cleared.

All the while our A.D. was job hunting in North Carolina.

September
LeRoy Vann, the All-America kick return ace and DB shattered two school records and earned national attention ESPN and USAToday.

October

Long time Sports Information Director's Alvin Hollins tenure at FAMU came to a screeching halt when he received an ultimatum from the university administration to either resign be fired. Hollins resigned, along with Assistant A.D. Bob McBee and A.D. Bill Hayes.

Hayes later accepted the A.D. position at Winston-Salem State.

Despite doing essentially the same drill for seven straight weeks, the "Marching 100" only managed to pull off two near perfect performances all year --Atlanta and Miami. The 400 piece band was plagued by crooked lines, wrong turns, and just plain laziness. The 2009 version of the 100rd was certainly not the band we have all grown accustom too.

November

Having secured approval from the Board of Trustees, FAMU is preparing to take its proposal for a School of Dentistry to the Florida Board of Governors.

Just in time to hit the Florida Classic, FAMU unveiled two new 56 passenger buses outfitted with wireless internet service. The buses were leased by SGA

December

FAMU had its accreditation reaffirmed for another 10-years by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

And, a FAMU alumnus made history as Disney's first Black princess.

FAMU women swat Ala. State Hornets, 61-59

Christian Rateree hit a jumper with six seconds left in the game to give the Florida A&M University Women’s Basketball team a 61-59 win over Alabama State, here Wednesday evening at the Alabama State University Acadome.

FAMU (7-3) had three Lady Rattlers to score in double-figures with Rateree leading all scorers with 20 points. Qiana Donald finished with 15 points, while Danielle Anderson added 12. Donald led FAMU on the boards with nine rebounds, while Anderson led the team in blocked shots with four.

The Lady Rattlers took an early 10-5 lead on a Rateree basket with 14:01 remaining in the first half.

A basket by ASU’s Quortni Fambro cut FAMU’s lead to 14-13 with 9:10 to go. Qiana Donald scored the Lady Rattlers' next six points on a layup and four free throws giving FAMU a 20-15 lead with 7:54 remaining. FAMU closed out the first half with a 16-6 run to take a 36-21 lead at the break.

The Lady Rattlers finished the first half shooting (14-of-31) 45.2 percent, while ASU shot (7-of-34) 20.6 percent.

In the second half, FAMU would extend their lead to much as 17 points on two occasions on a Donald free throw with 17:55 to go and again on an Anderson layup at the 14:31 mark.

A Nikel White layup with 3:24 left in the game cut FAMU’s lead to 52-47 capping an 11-3 run.

The Lady Hornets tied the game at 59-59 on a Tandria Milton three pointer with 24 seconds to go.

A Rateree jumper with six second left in the game gave FAMU the 61-59 win.

ASU (3-6) had a quartet of Lady Hornets to score in double figures with both Tanika Jackson and Qourtni Fambro both finishing with 11 points each, while Nikel White pumped in 10. Both Jackson and Jasmine Quinn finished with six rebounds apiece.

FAMU returns to the comforts of the Al Lawson Center as they will host Savannah State on Wednesday, January 6 in a 6 p.m. start.

Wimbish remembered as trailblazer

C. Bette Wimbish used her tenacious spirit to blaze new trails for women and African Americans all across Florida.

Wimbish, who recently died at age 85, was the first black member of St. Petersburg’s City Council and also made history as the first black female lawyer in Pinellas County and the third in the state. She left her biggest mark in public life and civic activism, from leading desegregation efforts with her husband, the late Dr. Ralph Wimbish, to her work as a deputy commerce secretary under then-Gov. Reubin Askew.

Throughout her life, Wimbish engaged in numerous community and cooperative efforts which included: appointment as Vice Mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida (l971-1973); election to a four-year term on the City Council of St. Petersburg; served as Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce and Assistant Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce; member of the Florida Bar Association, Florida Government Bar Association, American Bar Association and National Bar Association; member of the NCNW, NAACP and National Urban League; and was recognized in Who’s Who Among Black Americans, Who’s Who in American Politics and In Florida Women of Distinction and Outstanding Women of Florida.

Wimbish earned a B. S. and J.D. from FAMU, where she was also became a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara W. Griffin; son Ralph Wimbish Jr. and his wife Grace; and two grandchildren.

FAMU grad commissioned as 2nd lieutenant in Army

FAMU alumnus Milton L. Lewis II has graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

During the 14 weeks of training, the officer candidate received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, day and night land navigation, confidence obstacle course, common core tasks, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical fitness tests which include three, four and five-mile runs, and foot marches between 5-10 mile routes.

Candidates are tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer. Students learn to utilize acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon sized elements, and evaluated in various leadership garrison positions while in a stressful and demanding field environment.

The second lieutenant earned his bachelor's degree in graphic design from FAMU's School of Journalims and Graphic Communications in 2003.

Florida Classic returns to #1 spot

The Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman returned to the top of the HBCU football heap this year despite having its lowest attendance in a decade. With Black college football attendance down across the board, with the exception of South Carolina State, the Florida Classic outpaced the pervious attendance champ the Magic City Classic between Alabama A&M and Alabama State by over 4,000 fans.

59, 418 fans made their way through the Florida Classic turnstiles while 55,322 fans attended the Magic City. The Bayou Classic was a close third on the 2009 HBCU attendance chart with 53,618 fans in attendance.

This year's Florida Classic attendance was the third lowest in the games' 12 year run in Orlando. Overall attendance was down by 13,940 from 2003 where attendance peaked at 73,358.

FAMU SID launches YouTube channel

FAMU sports videos are now available on FAMU Athletics at Information Director Vaughn Wilson’s newly launched YouTube channel. Log on to FAMUsports and see the latest in clips from FAMU Athletics.

The first videos are from the HBCU Bowl, which includes a behind the scenes look at the FAMU players during the week. It also has some game footage featuring big hits by Cameron Houston and the 81-yard punt return from LeRoy Vann.

The athletic department encourages fans to bookmark the page and visit it frequently as updates are expected to be done weekly.

Vann named to Sports Network All-America team

FAMU's record-setting kick return specialist LeRoy Vann was named to the 2009 Sports Network Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America team on Wednesday.

It was the second straight year that the 5-9, 185-pound fireball from Tampa, Florida was named to the first team, thanks to a memorable senior season which witnessed him take a school record five punts back for touchdowns; tie a single-season NCAA record for TD punt returns, while setting a new single-season return yardage mark for the school and the MEAC.

Vann also finished his career as just the fifth player in NCAA FCS history to compile at least 1,000 yards on both punt returns and kickoff returns and he holds the career mark for combined kick returns for touchdown, 11 in the past two years (eight punts, three kickoffs).

Merry Christmas Rattlers!
May all of our readers have a happy and safe holiday and a joyous new year filled with peace, prosperity, and hope!

In preparation for our annual year-in-review, we may be doing light posting over the next week. Then, again we might not. Check back frequently. Feel free to share your ideas for the biggest stories of 2009 either via email at: rattler_nation@yahoo.com or in the comment section.

Strikers to perform for Disney on ABC

The FAMU Strikers have been selected to perform in the Walt Disney World Annual Christmas Day Parade which will air on ABC on Christmas day, reaching 16 million viewers worldwide.

The dance troupe will perform with one of Disney’s artist, Steve Rushton.

The Strikers will be featured in the opening performance with the Jonas Brothers, 2008 American Music Award winners and 2009 Grammy nominee for best new artist.

During the Strikers special step performance, host Kelly Ripa will introduce the troop.

“This is overwhelming,” said Brandon Cenningham, a fourth year member of the Strikers and a business administration student from West Palm Beach, Fla. “It’s my first nationally televised performance outside of the Marching “100.”

The 16 members of the Strikers were contacted a month prior to departing for their fully funded three day trip to Orlando where they met with a Disney choreographer who helped them develop their television routine.

“It’s a good opportunity for the university to receive positive exposure,” said Sheprio Hardemon, founder of the Strikers.

The Strikers are no strangers to the spotlight. The troupe was recently featured on MTV America’s Best Dance Crew as well as BET’s 106 and Park and Apollo Theater.

The group has been invited back to perform for Disney in February 2010 during the Steve Harvey Dreamers Academy, which will incorporate a combination of dance and theater performances. They were also invited back in September 2010 for the Disney Step Show.

Meek introduces war bonds legislation

Calling for “shared sacrifice and responsibility” in America’s ongoing war efforts, Congressman Kendrick Meek recently introduced legislation to authorize war bond sales for the first time since World War II.

"At a time of tremendous sacrifice for our military families, we need to promote shared sacrifice and shoulder collective responsibility as a nation as we fight two wars halfway across the globe," Meek said. "War bonds are a cost-effective way to reduce our dependence on foreign creditors and create an outlet for Americans to express their patriotism and support for our service members as well as the security mission for which they are deployed."

The companion legislation to Meek's bill was introduced by Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE). The legislation comes on the heels of estimates that the cost of supporting an American soldier in Afghanistan, including housing, food, equipment, training, and transportation, approaches $1 million per year. Meek touts his bond bill as an alternative to proposals to support America’s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq by raising taxes .

The United States last issued war bonds during World War II. These debt securities financed overseas military operations and provided the American people an outlet on the home front for supporting our servicemen and women. President Franklin D. Roosevelt bought the first Series 'E' U.S. Savings Bond from Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau in May 1941.

U.S. Savings bonds are considered some of the safest investments in the world and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The bonds are available in predetermined denominations and mature over a period of time with accruing interest. After a number of years the owner of the bond can collect the face value of the bond plus interest.

Defense bill has millions for FAMU research

Next year, FAMU professors will continue their cutting-edge research designed to equip America’s soldiers with the very best battlefield technology. The Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations bill includes a $7.2M research grant that FAMU will share with two other institutions.

The Multi-Utility Materials for Army Future Combat Systems initiative is designed to enable FAMU, in partnership with Iowa State University and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, to support the U.S. Army in developing and evaluating weapons and protective armor materials, with emphasis on survivability. The proposed work includes development of new materials and nondestructive techniques to assure that those materials have the desired properties to provide optimal and reliable protection to the soldier.

The House version of the defense bill includes $4.8M for FAMU to provide the military with new ways to detect and trace improvised explosive devices, requested by Congressman Allen Boyd and others. FAMU received a grant for the same amount during last year's session.

OT: Jenkins introduced as BCU football coach

Bethune-Cookman University today Brian Jenkins (pictured with cap on) as its tenth Head Football Coach. Jenkins, will take over immediately, was previously an assistant coach at Rutgers University.

“Brian Jenkins has been a critical part of the success of several major football programs in his journey to become a head coach," said B-CU Athletics Director Lynn Thompson. "He clearly understands that in order to build a championship program you must commit first to building young men. He is a relentless recruiter who is well connected and highly respected. I look forward to watching our tradition rich program grow under his watch."

“It is an honor to be selected at such a prestigious university as Bethune-Cookman University," said Jenkins. "I am excited about it and looking forward to getting started. I am ready to go to work and have the opportunity to work with the student-athletes in the football program”.

Jenkins, a Ft. Lauderdale native, joined the Rutgers University football staff in March of 2009 and was the wide receivers coach.
Prior to Rutgers, Jenkins served as running backs coach and special team’s coordinator at Louisiana-Lafayette for seven seasons (2002-2008).

Jenkins has also coached for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, Bowling Greene State University, Eastern Illinois University and Western Kentucky University.

He played college football as both a wide receiver and running back at the University of Cincinnati where he graduated in 1993 with an associate’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree in social work. After college, Jenkins spent six months running his own social work business.

He replaces Alvin Wyatt who was fired following the Florida Classic.

Lawson blasts Boyd, Lieberman on health care

Florida Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson says the millions of sick, uninsured Americans deserve better leadership on health care reform than his Congressional race opponent Allen Boyd and U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) are providing.

“While I am pleased with President Barack Obama’s progress on health care reform, I am deeply disappointed that conservative Democrats like Joe Lieberman and Allen Boyd have been able to move this historic legislation away from our core goals of providing affordable, quality health care coverage to all Americans,” Lawson said.

Lawson is particularly disappointed with Boyd and Lieberman’s opposition to the proposed government-run public health insurance option. The public option was part of the House bill that Boyd voted against but was not in the bill the Senate is on its way to passing. After it clears the Senate, the health care package will likely go to a House-Senate conference committee for a final compromise.

“From the very beginning, I have been a strong supporter of a robust public option in any health care reform legislation. The public option guarantees coverage to all Americans and most importantly keeps the insurance companies honest,” Lawson declared. “I am deeply saddened that conservative Democrats like Joe Lieberman and Allen Boyd continue to block real Health Care Reform. When elected to Congress, I will stand with the American people and against the special interests.”

While the public option is out, the health care reform bills still have the key reform measures that Obama touted in his Weekly Address.

“Both the House and Senate bills would make it against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition or illness. Both would stop insurers from charging exorbitant premiums on the basis of age, health, or gender. Both would prevent insurance companies from dropping your coverage when you get sick. And both would put a limit on how much you have to pay out of pocket for the treatments you need in a year or lifetime,” Obama said.

According to an AP report: “In place of a government-run insurance option, the estimated 30 million Americans purchasing coverage through new insurance exchanges would have the option of signing up for national plans overseen by the same office that manages health coverage for federal employees and members of Congress. Those plans would be privately owned, but operated on a nonprofit basis, as many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are now.”

Ammons family shares holiday joy with local children

On the twelfth day of December, FAMU President James H. Ammons and his wife, Judy Ammons, shared some holiday cheer by donating bicycles, books and gift cards to more than 300 children in the Tallahassee community. The program benefitted children from Bond Elementary; Fairview Middle; FAMU-Developmental Research School; Oak Ridge Elementary; Griffin Middle; John G. Riley Elementary; Nims Middle; Pineview Elementary Schools and New Beginnings.

Mayor John Marks also participated in the program designed to promote reading.

“It is important we show the community that we care and how important they are to us, especially during this holiday season,” Ammons said.

One parent, Amanda Love, thought the toy drive, was a wonderful event.

“I think this [toy drive] was very helpful,” said Love, who has a third grader at Pineview and a six grader at Fairview. “The whole program was motivational for the kids. This toy drive is wonderful for those who may be less fortunate than others. FAMU is doing some wonderful things. I hope FAMU keeps up the good work."

One third grader from Bond Elementary was truly excited because he won a bicycle, which was his first.

“I really like the colors because red and black are my favorite colors,” said the third grader. “I hope it stops raining so I can ride it.”

The children were entertained by members of the FAMU Marching “100,” the Boys Choir of Tallahassee, FAMU cheerleaders, Tallahassee Girls Choir of CHOICE and the Mountain Dew Cloggers. Marks also did a reading of the “Spirit of Christmas.” They also received greetings from the FAMU men’s basketball team.

FAMU will also make a donation to Mothers In Crisis, Inc.

FAMU faculty, staff and students collected more than $15,000 in gift cards, books and bicycles.

Vann named HBCU Senior Bowl MVP

FAMU's two-time All American kick return specialist, LeRoy Vann, was named the Most Valuable Player of the first annual HBCU Senior Bowl held in Montgomery, Alabama. In the first quarter, Vann carried a punt return 81-yards to score a touchdown.

FAMU Head Coach Joe Taylor's East team pulled out a narrow 26-21 victory in today's matchup.

Scouts representing all 32 NFL teams attended the game.

Fans can catch HBCU senior bowl on CSTV, WSFA

FAMU fans who can’t attend the 2009 HBCU Senior Bowl scheduled for today at 2:00pm in Montgomery, Alabama have two viewing options. The game will be broadcast nationally by CBS College Sports and webcast by the television station WSFA here.

WFSA did a preliminary report, which includes comments from FAMU Head Coach Joe Taylor, who is leading the East team. His roster will include FAMU players Curtis Pulley, LeRoy Vann, Bryan Parker, Anthony Collins, Steve Brazzle, Robert Okeafor, and Cameron Houston.

Vann repeats as All-American

For the second consecutive year, FAMU kick return ace LeRoy Vann was named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation 2009 Football Championship Subdivision All-America team.

The scintillating senior from Tampa, Florida, who ran back a school record five (5) punts for touchdowns this season, finished his career with NCAA records for punt returns for touchdowns (8) and combined returns for touchdowns (11/ eight punts, three kickoffs). He also wrapped up his career as the fifth player in NCAA history to finish with over 1,000 yards in kickoff returns and 1,000 yards in punt returns.

The 2009 All-America team was selected by the head coaches and sports information directors of the Football Championship Subdivision schools and certified by UHY Advisors, a New Haven-based accounting firm.

Resilient Lady Rattlers stun Alabama, 61-52

The Lady Rattlers came back from 1-14 first quarter deficit to beat the Crimson Tide women, 61-52. With the loss, Alabama drops to 6-5 overall, while the Lady Rattlers up their season standing to 6-3.

Alabama pulled out to a commanding 14-1 lead in the first not allowing Florida A&M to score a basket until the 13:26 mark. But later into the half, the Lady Rattlers took advantage Alabama's shooting problems as they scored 12 unanswered points to close out the first and take a 25-22 lead at halftime.

The two teams traded baskets to open the second before the Tide went on a 5-0 mini run to tie the game at 29-29 at the 16:12 mark. A free throw by Alabama junior LaToya King 50 seconds later put Alabama back in front, and the Tide remained ahead for nearly 10 minutes until Florida A&M connected on a wide-open three-pointer for the 43-42 lead. Alabama senior Tamara Williams put Alabama ahead 44-43, but the lead for the Tide was short-lived as the Lady Rattlers slithered out front with a pair of shots from the charity stripe at 3:55. From that point on, Florida A&M went on a 16-8 run for the duration of the contest, seven of which came from the free throw line.

The homestanding Lady Rattlers were led by sophomore Tameka McKelton with a game-high 20 points, including four three-pointers. Junior Christian Rateree had 11 points, cashing in a pair of triples, while sophomore Qiana Donald turned in a double double with 10 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

For the game, Alabama shot 30.4 percent, while Florida A&M connected on 36.0 percent of its shots. The Lady Rattlers were solid from three-point range, however, hitting 42.1 percent. In addition, Florida A&M was efficient from the free throw line connecting on 17-of-24 attempts.

"You can't go on the road and shoot the way we did tonight," said Alabama head coach Wendell Hudson.

Lady Rattler bowlers win division

The Lady Rattler bowling team finished atop of the MEAC’s southern division with a 19-5 record en route to its first-ever divisional title. From March 19-21, they will compete as part of eight-team field in the 2010 MEAC Bowling Championship.

Delaware State, Maryland Eastern Shore, Hampton and Morgan State qualified from the northern division, while Florid A&M, Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman and South Carolina State will compete from the southern division.

The MEAC defending champion Delaware State Lady Hornets, who are ranked third in the nation, captured the northern divisional title with 29-1 mark in MEAC play and 46-10 overall record. The Lady Hornets posted a 15-0 mark in team games and 14-1 mark in Baker games in MEAC divisional play.

The Lady Rattlers, last year's tournament runners-up, were 10-2 in the MEAC during head-to-head team games and 9-3 in the MEAC in Baker games. They are currently 29-12 overall.

Only the top four teams from each division are eligible to compete in the championship tournament.

“TXT SUM $ PLZ” on N.C. Public Radio

Leoneda Inge, a FAMU alumnus and reporter for North Carolina Public Radio, took her microphone and voice recorder with her as she enjoyed this year’s homecoming festivities. Hear her report on FAMU’s Mobile Giving campaign here.

Vann honored by County Commission

FAMU return specialist LeRoy Vann was honored last week by the Leon County Commission. Commissioner Bill Proctor presented a resolution to Vann in honor of his FAMU and NCAA record-setting career. Vann holds numerous school, career and NCAA records accumulated in 2008 and 2009.

Vann will be a participant in the inaugural Black College Senior Bowl game in Montgomery, Ala. on Dec. 19.

FAMU profs knew Rose was a star-in-the-making

When Anika Noni Rose was a student in FAMU’s Essential Theatre program, her professors knew she was destined for Hollywood greatness.

Valencia Matthews, director of theatre and assistant dean of the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences, taught Rose during her tenure at FAMU. According to Matthews, she was a talented and driven student who was clear about her goals and committed to pursuing them.

“We are very proud of her,” said Matthews. “Anika is doing what she loves and she is doing it well and enjoying it. That is just what we love to see all our students do. We are very pleased and excited about her success.”

Luther D. Wells, chairman of the Visual Arts, Humanities and Theatre Department and associate director of theatre, also taught Rose. He had no doubts that she would one day be successful.

“She was a very serious student and Anika had that kind of spirit that was committed to the craft,” he said. “She always wanted something bigger and better. When Anika graduated from FAMU, I had no doubt that she would be very successful.”

Rose stars as the voice-talent for Walt Disney’s first black princess, Princess Tiana, in an animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.” It is a musical and animated comedy set in New Orleans, La. Rose also recently performed “Almost There,” Princess Tiana’s theme song, on “Good Morning America.” She is featured on the January 2010 cover of Essence magazine.

Rattlers nip Ga. State for first win

Rasheem Jenkins hit two free throws in the final 20 seconds to lift Florida A&M to a 60-58 non-conference men’s basketball victory over Georgia State at the Lawson Center Sunday afternoon.

The win was the first of the season for FAMU (1-10), while the visiting Panthers (5-5) had a two-game winning streak halted.

Junior Larry Jackson led all scorers with 16 points for FAMU, while senior Brandon Bryant added 13 points. Sophomore Yannick Crowder led FAMU wth nine rebounds, followed by Jackson and junior Christopher Walker with eight boards each.

FAMU shot 38.6 percent (17 of 44) from the floor to 34.4 (22 of 64) for Georgia State, with both teams shooting poorly from three-point range, as the Rattlers hit 25 percent (3 of 12) to GSU’s 18.8 percent (3 of 16).

CIS receives more than $2M in research grants

Minority Innovation Challenges Institute

FAMU recently released more details on a story Rattler Nation broke in November.

The Department of Computer Information Sciences (CIS) recently received a three-year $1 million grant from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish the Minority Innovation Challenges Institute (MICI). The purpose of MICI is to get more minority students around the country to become interested in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields by using the NASA Centennial Challenges as a motivating factor.

According to Clement Allen, CIS associate professor and the principal investigator for the grant, the NASA Centennial Challenges are a set of fascinating, monetary contests used by NASA to spur innovations in space technologies. They offer contests where individuals and groups compete for money and fame. For example, there is a contest to design and build a better astronaut glove and a contest to build a robot that can excavate dirt on the moon.

FAMU is the first institution to establish a MICI with funding from NASA, and will work with other minority-serving institutions in the nation to mentor students.

Computation for STEM Education

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) for Integrating Computation into STEM Education, awarded CIS a three-year $600,000 grant for the project, “Computation for STEM Education (C-STEM).”

The goals of this project are to increase the number of STEM students who graduate with discipline-specific computational skills, and to stimulate increased use of computation in the teaching of STEM disciplines at FAMU.

Tri-Regional Information Technology Program

FAMU also received an award from the National Science Foundation for $280,000 to continue to host the Tri-Regional Information Technology Program (Tri-IT).

Tri-IT is an alliance of three colleges – Florida State College at Jacksonville, FAMU and Seminole Community College. The goal is to engage female high school students interested in technology and encourage them to consider college degrees and careers in the field of information technology (IT). It is an “after-school” type program that teaches students about the latest and greatest technology.

“This program, along with the African American Women in Computer Science (AAWCS) scholarship program and the STARS Alliance, has established FAMU as a leader in addressing the shortage of minority women in IT,” said Jason Black, co-principal investigator.

Evolution to Studio-Based Active Learning

Another $300,000 award from the National Science Foundation will explore the use of studio-based and active learning techniques in formative CIS courses. The project is titled “Evolution to Studio-Based Active Learning.” The project goal is to transform incrementally the instructional paradigm used in formative programming courses. Traditional lecture-based instruction, where the teacher is primarily a transmitter of knowledge, will be augmented by active-learning activities, where the teacher coaches student problem solving and exploration.

Expected project outcomes include higher retention in the CIS major, increased mastery of foundational skills, improved technical communication skills and enhanced critical thinking.

White House aims to boost HBCU funding

HBCU supporters across the nation are eagerly awaiting the outcome from the White House’s promise to seek increased funding for their institutions.

In an early version of his budget proposal, U.S. President Barack Obama denied a request to renew the HBCU grants in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). The funds are designed to help HBCUs with their “academic resources, management capabilities, and physical plants.” It appropriates a total of $85M per year toward this purpose.

However, after hearing pleas from prominent HBCU advocates such as nationally syndicated talk show host Tom Joyner, Obama changed his position.

“I realize you're dealing with a budget that's in the trillions of dollars, but let me tell you, as a long time supporter and cheerleader for black colleges, literally every single dollar helps to keep their doors open at these institutions,” Joyner said in an open letter to president.

U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan said that the White House is now looking to extend the $85M HBCU grant for another ten years and bump up base funding to HBCUs.

“On the institutional side to help the HBCUs directly, the base funding [of $233 million], we are trying to take the amount of $233 million to $283 million, an increase of $50 million, and then Congressman [George] Miller, who has provided great leadership in the House, his proposal [is] to add another $85 million to HBCUs annually for the next 10 years. That could take the support of HBCUs to $135 million a year, which would be a historic increase and the most money ever,” Duncan told the Tom Joyner Show in September.

As Rattler Nation reported in June, FAMU stood to be the biggest loser if the grant wasn’t extended. In 2008, FAMU netted the largest HBCU CCRAA grant: $2,002,165. FAMU is using the money to upgrade Enterprise Resource Technology, library multimedia, and instructional technology.

Lady Rattlers take on undefeated Kentucky

The Lady Rattlers will take on the 8-0 Kentucky women’s basketball team at 1 p.m. EST today in a game that will be televised live on Fox Sports South.

FAMU is 5-2 overall, 1-0 in the Mid-eastern Athletic Conference after wins over Florida (72-71) and Bethune-Cookman (65-62) last week. The Lady Rattlers also won their first three games of the season, highlighted by a season-opening upset at South Florida, 73-68 in overtime. Their two losses came against Missouri and Auburn.

“Florida A&M is a tremendous team, off to a great start with a 5-2 record,” UK Hoops Coach Matthew Mitchell said. “They have gone into Tampa and beat South Florida and gone into Gainesville and beaten Florida. They have certainly been impressive to watch on film.”

Four FAMU players are averaging in double-digit scoring led by senior guard Deidra Jones with 15.3 points per game. The reigning MEAC Player of the Week, Tameka McKelton, follows with 13.3 points per game. FAMU's leading rebounder is Qiana Donald with 10.9 caroms per game.

This is just the second meeting between the squads in school history. UK leads 1-0 after defeating the Lady Rattlers 84-55 on Nov. 21, 2005 in Lexington. UK is 5-0 all-time vs. teams from the MEAC.

UPDATE

The Lady Rattlers fell to Kentucky, 91-39. Sophomore Antonia Bennett led FAMU with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Tameka McKelton added 11 points and six rebounds.

FAMU students honored by Black PR Wire

Matthew Beatty, associate director for Public Affairs for Black PR Wire’s Miami-based company, visited FAMU's School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) to honor a group of FAMU students who had been actively involved in writing for the company’s HBCU Writers’ Project initiative.

FAMU was the No. 1 HBCU to submit the most press releases. FAMU students submitted 29 press releases and 25 were published by a variety of media outlets that included the Rattler Nation blog.

Black PR Wire, an online news service, launched the new initiative called the HBCU Writers’ Project in August of last year. The project was specifically designed to encourage students at HBCUs to write news stories with national appeal, submit the stories to Black PR Wire for critical editorial review, and, if approved, gain visibility for their work through publication on the Black PR Wire web site.

The students honored are students in Gina Kinchlow’s class, who is an assistant professor for the public relations sequence in the Division of Journalism.

“For the past three semesters, students in the public relations sequence have been encouraged to submit examples of their writing to the project,” Kinchlow said. “I’m very pleased with what the students have accomplished.”

One student, Jeanine James, had five articles published, more than any other HBCU student in the project.

“It is wonderful to be recognized,” said James, a senior from St. Croix, Virgin Islands. “This accomplishment is something I can add to my portfolio.”

FAMU bails out 9 jeopardized DRS positions

Yesterday, Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris swooped in to fix another public relations fiasco created by bumbling DRS Superintendent Ronald Holmes.

Holmes recently told nine DRS faculty members that he would not renew their contracts in January. He explained that the layoffs were necessary because his projected enrollment numbers fell short by 56 students.

Harris came to rescue, announcing that FAMU has now found enough money to keep all nine teaching positions.

DRS suffered another employment-related media snafu in June after word spread that Holmes planned to lay off 35 teachers. Holmes had written 35 “visiting” faculty members to tell them that their contracts were about to expire.

After a public outcry, FAMU released a press release stating that Holmes was going to send another letter to the 35 visiting faculty members encouraging them to reapply for their positions. Harris tried to calm down the outrage against Holmes by saying: “We must do what is in the best interest of FAMU-DRS while having compassion for the students we serve."

Harris and chief Communications Officer Sharon Saunders appear to be working overtime to cover for Holmes’ bad budgeting and lack of public relations skills.

McKelton, Donald earn MEAC weekly honors

FAMU’s Tameka McKelton (pictured) was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week, while FAMU's Qiana Donald earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades.

McKelton (Guard, 5-8, So., West Palm Beach, Florida) scored a game-high 27 points including 12-of-16 from the floor, two rebounds, two assists and one steal in a 72-71 non-conference win against Florida. She followed that performance with 13 points, two rebounds and two assists in a conference victory over Bethune-Cookman.

Donald (Guard/Forward, 6-0, So., Jacksonville, Florida) grabbed 29 rebounds along with three blocks and two steals in two victories for the Lady Rattlers. In the win over Florida, Donald recorded 10 rebounds. Against Bethune-Cookman, she finished with a MEAC season-high 19 rebounds.

Ammons team teaches others how to fix an accreditation mess

FAMU administrators were key presenters at the 2009 Atlanta conference this week on surviving a perfect storm and best practices for reaffirming accreditation.

The presentations took place at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), where FAMU accreditation’s was reaffirmed for another ten years.

On Sunday, December 6, FAMU President James H. Ammons; Chief of Staff Rosalind Fuse-Hall; Vice President for Administrative and Financial Services Teresa Hardee; and Vice President for Enterprise Information Technology Robert Seniors were asked to present on “Surviving a Perfect Storm.”

The session reviewed the steps taken by FAMU’s leadership team after arriving in July 2007. In describing the session, the conference materials noted, “…University Leadership team arrived in the middle of a perfect storm: dramatic board turnover, declining enrollment, huge fiscal challenges, and an impending SACSCOC visit, as well as an unexpected twister. Learn strategies employed to survive each challenge and lead the university to calm waters.”

The unexpected twister was being placed on probation for a year while completing the reaffirmation process.

Another session on Monday titled, “The Impact of Leadership and Teamwork During Reaffirmation” was presented by Shawnta Friday-Stroud, SACS Accreditation Liaison and interim dean of the School of Business and Industry; and Cynthia Hughes Harris, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. They discussed how the daunting task of coordinating, editing and submitting the compliance certification could be accomplished through “committed and passionate leadership and teamwork.”

“This was extraordinary progress, given that FAMU was on probation in March 2008,” the materials noted.

Maurice Edington, FAMU QEP director and associate professor of chemistry; Friday-Stroud; and Dreamal Worthen, associate professor in College of Engineering Science, Technology and Agriculture, presented a workshop on “Strategies for Achieving True Campuswide Engagement and Buy-in During the Development and Implementation of the QEP.” During this session, there was discussion on strategies used during QEP development. The team designed and implemented an aggressive marketing and publicity campaign directed toward key university stakeholders.

Valencia Matthews, assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences; Uche Ohia, director of university assessment; and Gita Pitter, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness, presented on “Faculty as Change Agents in Reengineering an Institution’s General Education Outcomes and Assessment.” The presentations addressed how to change the institutional culture and identify outcomes and instituting a new assessment system for general education.

Lawson SunRail deal will bring new jobs and recovery money

Newspapers across the Sunshine State are crediting Florida Senate Minority Leader Alfred "Al" Lawson with brokering a monumental legislative compromise that will create thousands of new jobs and net billions more in federal economic recovery dollars.

Lawson crafted a deal that secured passage of a historic transportation bill that will pump more money into Tri-Rail, Florida’s lone commuter rail line, and permit the state to purchase 61 miles of railroad tracks from CSX to launch a new “SunRail” commuter line from DeLand to Poinciana.

The bill, which passed the House by an 85-25 vote on Monday, came close to death in the Senate. Democrats objected to language they feared would cost many union railroad workers their jobs and benefits.

As reported by the Palm Beach Post, “Lawson's deal – a private agreement between DOT, Tri-Rail and the union that preserved 184 jobs for CSX workers at Tri-Rail and SunRail – took care of the union and Democrats' concerns without changing any language in the bill. That meant it didn't have to go back to the House, where Republicans were opposed to appeasing the unions.”

Now, the bill heads to Gov. Charlie Crist, who is expected to sign it into law.

The new legislation will help Florida qualify for $2.6B in federal dollars to build a new high-speed railway that will link Orlando, Tampa and Miami. The bill is also expected to create thousands of jobs.

While the new commuter lines will not reach the Panhandle Lawson said the local legislative delegation’s support of the bill will benefit this region because “it offers us the opportunity to go back to our peers and get support for projects we want in the coming session.”

SACS reaffirms FAMU’s accreditation

The Florida A&M University’s accreditation has been reaffirmed for 10 more years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) today. The reaffirmation came with no strings attached --- no further reports required and no recommendations.

“We are proud of the work of our accrediting team and the campus community,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.

FAMU's re-accreditation was pushed back a year while the university addressed issues left over from the previous interim administration. With those issues fully addressed, the FAMU leadership team focused on preparing for the reaffirmation of accreditation from the SACSCOC.

“We had a very competent staff and we are pleased with the outcome,” said Bill Jennings, chair of the FAMU Board of Trustees. “This is yet another great milestone achieved under Dr. Ammons’ administration.”

FAMU has been accredited by the SACSCOC since 1935. FAMU achieved a significant first by becoming the first historically black institution to become a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dem leaders want Lawson in CFO race

With Florida Democrats still lacking a credible candidate for the chief financial officer election, state Sen. Al Lawson is being urged to drop his bid for Congress and switch to that race.

Lawson confirmed that Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman previously asked him to consider the CFO spot. Since then, many lobbyists and state insurance industry leaders have joined the unofficial “Draft Lawson” campaign.

Although a recent poll shows Lawson slightly ahead of his Blue Dog Congressional opponent, Allen Boyd, the race is sure to be expensive and bruising for a party trying to fundraise during a recession.

State Senate President Jeff Atwater is the frontrunner for the GOP’s CFO nomination. He’s already raised more than $1M for the race.

Lawson said, while he's flattered by the statewide interest he's still focused on running for Congress.

Holmes taking DRS backwards

The news that Ronald Holmes had been hired to lead FAMU’s Development Research School in late 2007 led many FAMU supporters to shake their heads and ask: “Are they kidding?”

Individuals all across Rattler Country suspected shenanigans on the part of Holmes’ brother, Trustee R.B. Holmes, Jr. There was no doubt that as one of the seven critical votes that Dr. James Ammons needed to become FAMU’s president, Holmes had the power to twist Ammons’ arm and make personal demands during the selection process.

Such a situation would have left Ammons with the choice of either doing what he needed to do to save FAMU or alienating one of the voters he needed and then watching his alma mater die under the control of individuals loyal to then-interim President Castell Bryant.

Most FAMUans understood that. But, it didn’t remove the unbearable stench from Holmes’ hiring. Holmes had no experience as a chief administrator of any K-12 school. He had served as an assistant principal at Banneker High School in College Park, Ga. for ten years. That résumé didn’t seem to warrant a three-year contract and $110,000 annual salary.

Michael Wallace, then-chair of the DRS advisory council and father of four children enrolled at the school, voiced the thoughts of many FAMUans when he said the signs of favoritism in Holmes’ hiring were “blatant.”

Six months after the FAMU Board of Trustees approved Holmes’ contract, DRS received the good news that it had improved from an “F” to a “C” performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Holmes talked about his big plans to raise the grade even higher: innovative tutorial sessions, Pay-for-Performance incentives, and Student Recruitment Days.

But, Holmes’ “big plans” for academics didn’t get the job done in 2008-2009. DRS dropped from a “C” to “D” in its school grade that year. His “big plans” for student recruitment haven’t gotten the job done during the first half of 2009, either. Enrollment only reached 544 after Holmes projected 600. DRS must now lay off nine teachers.

FAMU DRS doesn’t need someone who just talks about “big plans.” It needs a person with the skills to get results. Holmes is losing the battle to convince FAMUans that he shouldn’t be packing his bags right along with other subpar administrators such as AD Bill Hayes.

FAMU volleyball loses heartbreaker to Gamecocks

FAMU volleyball dropped a 3-2 (22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 20-25, 13-15) heartbreaker to Jacksonville State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, at Tully Gymnasium on the campus of Florida State University.

"Well, it doesn't matter where you play, it's always disappointing (to lose). We would have loved to advance and maybe have the opportunity to play Florida State and pack the gym tomorrow but it wasn't our day today," said Head Coach Tony Trifonov.

FAMU (17-10) had two Lady Rattlers to finish with double-digit kills as senior outside hitter Maria Gomez led the way with 19, while junior outside hitter Jovana Blazeski finished with 16. Jessica Bond finished with a game high 44 assists, while Susan Egoavil finished with a game high 17 digs.

The JSU Gamecocks will play Florida State in the subregional championship game.

Students place second in selling competition

SBI students place second in Indiana University (IU) Global Sales Leadership National Team Selling Competition.

Team members Nicole Crowell, Ashley Alfred, Daniel Murff and Darriel Brown beat teams from Indiana University, Penn State University and the University of Toledo. This was the first time FAMU entered the competition.

Following the competition, each member of the team was offered a full-time, selling position at Altria Sales and Distribution, Inc.

“I was thrilled because I knew my team had done a great job, but when I found out that we won second place it validated our performance,” said Alfred, a fourth-year business administration student with a concentration in marketing from Houston, Texas.

“Finding out we won second place was unbelievable,” said Murff, a graduating senior, business administration student from Indianapolis, Ind. “The chance to represent the university in a setting like that was an honor.”

."A key factor that differentiated FAMU students from the others was their ability to “critically think” and apply their knowledge during a pressure situation," said a professor.

Each team role played as a fictional Caldaco National Account Supermarket Team whose goal was to introduce a new product, “Foco” brand energy drink, to the fictional Get-a-Lot Supermarket chain. The team had to convince a buyer to accept this new product in a morning appointment limited to 15 minutes. If the buyers accepted the proposal, then a follow up afternoon appointment was scheduled with a group of vice presidents where the team made a sales presentation based on uncovered needs from the earlier appointment. The afternoon presentation was limited to 20 minutes. The teams’ presentations were taped for them to review their performance later and judges provided detailed feedback on each team’s performance.

Budget options limited by low student income

The low average family income of FAMU students presents a big challenge for the university as it struggles with painful budget cuts. The university won’t be able to rely on tuition revenue to replace the federal stimulus funds that will run out in 2011.

As Rattler Nation reported in June, FAMU officials have used about $4.7M in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fill in part of the gap left by legislative budget cuts. The money helped FAMU avoid cutting many faculty, staff, and administrative positions.

But after the stimulus dries up in 2011, FAMU is serious trouble. Tuition revenue won't make ends meet.

FAMU’s housing shortage makes college very expensive for the student body. Most students come from families that make $30,000 or less per year. But the legislature and FAMU Board of Trustees simply ignore that fact and continue to approve big tuition and fee hikes that students can’t afford.

The Florida Legislature expects FAMU to raise $4.4M in new revenue from tuition and fee increases this year (for a total of $57.1M). But, President James Ammons says that number is unrealistic.

“They have projected full payment from every student,” he told the Tallahassee Democrat. “But as you know, when you do projections, sometimes they’re different from reality.”

Most of FAMU’s students take smaller course loads as college gets more expensive. That directly slices into overall tuition revenue. That means tuition is not a reliable replacement for the stimulus funds that the university will soon lose.

The situation is very different at the University of Florida, where the average family income is about $105,000. UF will be able to use tuition revenue from its wealthy student body to replace the stimulus funds that will run out in 2011.

“We chose not to rely on stimulus as bridge, unlike some other universities in Florida and elsewhere,” UF President Bernie Machen said in his 2009 State of the University Address. “As a result, we do not face the prospect of falling off a cliff in two years, as they do.”

UF is using stimulus money to make new faculty hires this year. It will then use differential tuition revenue to pay for those salary lines after the stimulus money runs out.

“We will bridge differential funding with stimulus funds to make these hires this year, maintain next year, then support with tuition differential money after that,” Machen said.

J-School seniors unveil documentaries

FAMU senior broadcast journalism students will showcase their documentaries at the Student Documentary Night on December 4 and 5.

This year, the event has expanded into two days. The premier night is scheduled for December 4, at 7 p.m. with a reception immediately following the showing of the documentaries. A matinee is scheduled for December 5, at 2 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Thoughts From An Unread Journal: Films From Life’s Diary.”

Produced by PRodigy Public Relations Firm, FAMU’s student-run PR firm, Student Documentary Night, which first debuted during the fall semester of 2006, is an event that allows senior broadcast students chosen by Professor Kenneth Jones to showcase documentaries that they have worked on throughout the semester.

The films are selected based on the uniqueness of the story, trailers, script, quality of production filming and the production management of the students. This semester, eight students have been chosen and five films: Erica Anderson, “Paycheck Boys;” Charles Gee and Randy Grice, “Un-Mute;” Xion Lester and Kisha Payen, “Lest We Forget;” Karisa Olds and Regina Watson, “The Life of Homeless Children;” and Chantell Black, “From The Plate To The Grave.”

“One of the wonderful, unique and great things about Student Documentary Night is that all of the topics and ideas for the documentaries are chosen by the students,” said Kenneth Jones a broadcast journalism professor.