Ammons challenges FAMU to meet world needs

"Transforming Talent to Meet World Needs" was the message Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons delivered during his state of the university address to administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni and retirees.

“The educational process is crucial to our nation’s success in a global knowledge-based economy,” said Ammons. “A college or a university education is more important to our collective prosperity today than ever before. Innovation through research also is important to our nation’s success in this highly competitive global marketplace.”

Ammons stated that FAMU’s future is guided by an ambitious strategic plan titled “20/20 Vision with Courage.” He stated that by the year 2020 FAMU needs to be known nationally and internationally as a research-intensive university. He further stated the goals for this academic year as follows:

-Increase the retention of first-time in college students
-Offer three new academic degree programs by June 2011
-Develop a comprehensive plan for athletics
-Increase externally funded research
-Boost corporate, foundation and alumni giving

Ammons shared with the audience that this fall FAMU has enrolled 13,089 students, including 2,700 freshmen. Within the student body, he pointed out that among the freshman class there are National Achievement Scholars and National Achievement finalists.

Ammons also shared how he plans for the University to use its strengths to further build the intellectual capital and economy of this state.

“One of our most impactful ways of supporting “New Florida,” an initiative of Chancellor Frank Brogan to innovatively impact Florida’s economy, is through the proposed FAMU College of Dental Medicine,” said Ammons.

According to Ammons there is a strong need for this program because many Floridians have inadequate access to dental services.

“In this state, only 11 percent of low-income people living in rural areas see a dentist annually,” he said.

Ammons concluded his address by charging the FAMU community to step out on faith and work to transform their talents into leadership that addresses the global needs of the world.

FAMU sets new enrollment record: 13,089

President James H. Ammons has broken FAMU’s all-time enrollment record.

FAMU's fall 2010 enrollment stands at 13,089 students. The previous high was 13,070 in Fall 2004.

One reason for the enrollment increase is a big boost in community college transfers. The Ammons administration has made a practice of recruiting at every Florida community college (except the Florida Keys Community College) multiple times per year.

Former President Frederick S. Humphries created a recruitment program in 1985 that increased enrollment every year until he retired in 2001. He left the university with 12,349 students. Enrollment finally surpassed the 13,000-mark under President Fred Gainous, whose recruiting activities were led by Humphries-era veteran William “Bill” McCrary.

The years of enrollment growth came to an end in 2005 when trustees such as Bill Jennings and R.B. Holmes, Jr. let Interim President Castell Bryant destroy the university’s recruitment program and send enrollment into a nosedive. FAMU only had 11,567 students by Fall 2007.

The current student body is still smaller than FAMU’s classroom capacity. In 1997, Humphries and Ammons announced their goal of expanding FAMU’s student body to at least 15,000 by 2003. After the Board of Regents approved the plan, FAMU based its classroom building construction on that anticipated number.

When Ammons took over as president in 2007, he recommitted FAMU to getting its enrollment up to 15,000, the number it was supposed to reach years ago.

The enrollment boost is a big part of Ammons’ strategy to increase the university’s budget and save faculty and staff jobs.

The 100rd drill from Sprite BOTB last night

Last night the Marching 100 participated in a battle of bands in Charlotte, NC. with NC A&T, NCCU, JCSU, Shaw and SCSU. Here's a small portion of their show.

Olaves named swimming coach

Jorge Olaves, is entering his second tour of duty as Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at FAMU. Olaves served in the same capacity from 1997 to 2002, building the team from five athletes his first season to 30 in his final season. His teams won the HBCU Swimming and Diving meet in 2002. Also, his team reached a national ranking of 36th in the 100-meter free relay and the 200-meter medley relay.

In addition, Olaves has coached Leonard Young (1997), who holds the school record for the 400 Intermediate with a time of 4:28.56.

The Los Puertas de Altagracia, Venezuela natives holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Administration, Pilot, Industrial Management (1981), master’s in Vocational-Technical Education, Administration and Technology Education (1983) and holds an Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction (1986) from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Olaves also holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Development (1988) and an Education Specialist in Higher Education Administration (1992) from Florida State University.

Olaves, better known as “Coach O,” was dubbed one of FAMU’s Teachers of the Year in 2007-2008.

Dr. William Patrick Foster 1919-2010

Dr. William Patrick Foster, the founder, and creative genius, of the internationally acclaimed Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” Band passed away earlier this morning after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.

For more than 50 years, Foster transformed halftime into showtime. His unique style of band pageantry dazzled millions the world over with their showmanship and musicianship. Foster's emphasis was always on music first, and his marching bands sounded like moving orchestras.

Dr. Foster truly revolutionized marching band techniques and reshaped the perception of the art form. His doctoral thesis "Band Pageantry" became must read material for scores of marching band directors. Foster published over 18 articles for professional journals, 4 published marching band shows, and ia composer of Marche Brillante, National Honors March, March Continental, and Centennial Celebration.

Under Foster's direction, the FAMU band received the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Trophy in 1985, and was selected as the official representative of the United States at the French Bastille Day Parade in Paris, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Update: Funeral Services for Dr. Foster will be Saturday, September 4, 2010, at 11 a.m in Lee Hall on campus. Public viewing will be on Friday, September 3 from 12- 6 p.m.

Willie Mae Miles succumbs

Willie Mae Danford Miles, the wife of former Florida A&M University (FAMU) dean of students the late Rev. Moses General Miles, passed away on August 23, at the Miracle Hill Nursing Home in Tallahassee. Her funeral service is scheduled for this morning, August 28, at 11 a.m. at the Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church located at 840 Dunn Street, Tallahassee.

Miles taught at the Lucy Moten Elementary School, which is now known as the FAMU Developmental Research School.

Mrs. Miles was a strong supporter of her husband, who was a founding member of the FAMU Foundation, Inc. and later became its president in 1985.

In 1956, Rev. Miles, a prominent pastor, was responsible for posting bail for Wilhelmina Jakes Street and Carrie Patterson to be released from jail after their refusal to move to the back of a Tallahassee city bus, which initiated the Tallahassee Bus Boycott.

Miles served alongside her husband as first lady of Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church beginning in 1948 when her husband became pastor. She was the proud founder of the Matron’s Auxiliary at Philadelphia Primitive Baptist Church.

She was one of the first initiates of the Gamma Eta Sigma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which later became the Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter. She served as chapter president from 1965-1967 and was a devoted adviser to the Beta Alpha chapter at FAMU for many years.

Miles received her bachelor’s degree from Morris Brown College and her master’s degree from Ohio State University. Miles was a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association and member of the Leon County Alumni chapter.

Miles was the mother of Keith Alexander Miles, the general manager of FAMU’s WANM-FM 90.5, and Andrea Cheryl, who preceded her in death.

Packer’s “Takers” opens today

Takers, a new action film produced by FAMU alumnus Will Packer, hits theaters today.

Takers revolves around a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I. Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent on solving the case.

In a interview Packer said he’s aiming for another #1 box office hit, similar to Obsessed and Stomp the Yard (which he just finished filming a sequel to).

“I've got two No. 1 films under my belt, and I'm already claiming it (Takers) to be the No. 1 movie in the country this weekend,” Packer said.

Check out the official website for Takers here.

FAMU hires new men's track/x-c coach

FAMU has named W. Wayne Angel (pictured on the far left) as its new men’s track and cross country coach.

Angel comes to FAMU from the Midwest, where he had been the Head Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 2003 to 2009.
While at Illinois, he produced 30 Big Ten Champions (14 individual / 4 relays). In 2006, Angel he had 23 top NCAA finishes, 17 All-Americans and 4x400-meter relay team finished as runner up.

In addition, he developed 17 NCAA Championship qualifiers, two regional champions in the 400-intermediate hurdles in 2004. In 2007, one of his athletes is the current collegiate holder the 500-meter dash.

At Illinois, Angel produced an Olympian, who participated in the 2008 Games in Beijing, China, had two individuals to participate in the 2004 Olympic trials in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and coached a Canadian National Champion in the 400-meters.

Angel began his coaching career at Pike High School (1992-98) in 1992 as the Head Girls Track and Field Coach. There, he led his team to a #17 national ranking and a State Championship in 1997, earning the Indiana High School Coach of the Year Award.

During his tenure at Pike High, Angel won four regional championships, three sectional championships and three conference championships, while guiding them to a state runnerup finish in 1998. He also produced three individual state champions and three High School All-Americans.

Angel’s collegiate coaching career began in 1998, when he became the Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach and Assistant Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coach at the University of Tennessee – Martin (1998-99).

After his one-year stint at UT-Martin, Angel was named Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track Coach at Wichita State (1999 -2002) in Wichita, Kansas.

The new FAMU coach is a former Army Airborne Ranger, and a distinguished honor graduate of the Army’s Air Assault School. He is a three-time Gold Medalist at the World Military Games and holds the Armed Forces record in the 400-meter hurdles.

In addition, Angel was an Olympic Trials participant in 1980 in Eugene, Ore., and again in Los Angeles in 1984.

William Foster turns 91

William P. Foster who single handedly built the Florida A&M University Marching 100 band and turned it into one of the nation’s top collegiate marching bands today turned 91 years old. A grateful Rattler Nation wishes you a very happy birthday.

Meek wins primary battle

FAMU alumnus Kendrick Meek made history yesterday evening as the first African American to win the Florida Democratic Party’s nomination for U.S. Senator.

Meek, a four-term Congressman, defeated billionaire real estate investor Jeff Greene in the hotly contested primary race. He will face Republican nominee Marco Rubio and independent candidate Gov. Charlie Crist in the November general election.

The Associated Press reported that Meek led Greene 57 percent to 31, with 95 percent of precincts tallied.

"Floridians sent a clear message - they want a real Democrat representing them in the U.S. Senate," Meek said. "The naysayers said we couldn't beat a billionaire, and tonight with your help, we proved them wrong."

In his concession speech, Greene pledged to fully support Meek’s bid.

Fundraising will be a big priority for Meek as he prepares for the three-way general election race. According to CNN, Meek currently has $2M in his campaign coffers. Crist leads all three candidates with $8M, followed by Rubio with $4M.

Lawson falls to Boyd by narrow margin

According to the Associated Press, FAMU alumnus Alfred “Al” Lawson has lost his bid to unseat Congressman Allen Boyd by a narrow margin. With 98 percent of Panhandle precincts reporting, Boyd had 51.4 percent to Lawson’s 48.6.

"I also want to sincerely congratulate Al Lawson for running a strong campaign," Boyd said in a victory message. "He has a long record of service to the people of North Florida, and he will continue to be an important community leader. Senator Lawson and I took up many fights together in the state legislature, and I look forward to working together as we move forward."

Lawson, the Florida Senate Minority leader, was outspent nearly 20-1 as he challenged a well-funded 14- year incumbent. Despite being barraged with a ton of negative ads against him, Lawson kept his campaign positive.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for the state senate seat Lawson is exiting, the Florida Freedom Newsire reports that former Leon County Schools Superientendent Bill Montford has defeated former state Rep. Curtis Richardson.

Rattler Nation recommends...

Rattler Nation strongly recommends Al Lawson for Congress. He's always been there for FAMU's students, faculty and staff.

We weren't going to get involved, but yesterday at church Rev. R.B. Holmes decided to show his true colors and endorse from the pulpit someone I'm totally against. So with the help of Chuck Hobbs, I decided to come up with my own set of recommendations, using his as a reference point.

Ultimately, the final decision is yours, what matters most is that you exercise your right to vote.

SELECTED FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL RACES

Governor’s Race

Republican Primary: Bill McCollum

Hobbs : "Easily the most controversial race this election season, Bill McCollum clearly is heads and shoulders above Rick Scott as an experienced leader. Scott not only brings zero experience as a politician to the table, but his distortion of McCollum’s record and reticence to fully discuss his own personal issues is troubling. Candidates for high office should have a resume indicative of service, which Scott lacks."

RN: We agree

Democrat Primary: Alex Sink

RN: Is there anyone else running in this race?

Tallahassee Mayoral Race: John Marks

Hobbs and I differ. We like Mayor John Marks and believe he's earned the right to continue serving. Under his leadership, the Gaines Street and Cascades Park projects finally got going, and he has reduced electricity rates. The mayor has proven to be accessible, smart, and caring. Besides, his is one Seminole who can do the Rattler Strike with the best of them.

U.S. Senate

Democratic Primary: Kendrick Meek

RN: This one is a no brainer. Kendrick Meek is young, experienced leader who looks out for working families. This former Rattler football player has been an exceptional Congressman and will be an even better Senator.

Hobbs: The Meek/Jeff Green race has been almost as acerbic as the Republican gubernatorial campaign. Simply stated, Green strikes me as disingenuous (anyone who hangs with Iron Mike Tyson on a regular basis is suspect to me)


US Congressional 2nd Congressional District

Democratic Primary: Al Lawson

Hobbs: Lawson is an honorable man who has capably served North Florida in the state legislature for almost 30 years. Boyd’s unusually harsh attacks on Lawson have been a distasteful distortion of the truth.

RN: We agree with Hobbs, and add that FAMU has never had a stronger supporter.

Republican Primary: David Scholl

Hobbs: A former military officer and solid conservative, Scholl has the intellectual ability and credentials to be an effective leader if elected.

State Senate

Democratic Primary: Curtis Richardson

Hobbs: Curtis’ experience in the Florida legislature is the key in a close race. Montford is a good man and has been an effective education advocate for many years. Richardson, however, has been in the battles and has worked across party lines to protect the best interest of North Florida and that experience is critical during these turbulent economic times.

RN: This was a toss up. But Hobbs swayed us, so we agree.

Leon County Commission at Large: Cliff Thaell

Thaell is seasoned, studied, and focused. He's a proven commodity and you know what you're getting. Nick Maddox reminded me too much of Peter Boulware, with half the smarts. Besides, a black guy who has never voted, even for President Obama can't get my vote.

Circuit Judge Race: Barbara Hobbs

Hobbs: This race is filled with five very capable lawyers. Any one would be a great candidate for the spot, Hobbs (no relation) has spent her career advocating on behalf of the poor, children and those accused of crimes. Her experiences in both civil and criminal law would make her capable of being fair and independent judge. More importantly, her personality is one that would make court feel less rigid, a complaint hat I often hear from citizens disappointed in how very brusque certain jurists are in their demeanor or dealings with the public.

RN: I think Chuck might have liked her last name a whole lot, but I like her bright yellow signs. So, I'll agree with Chuck.

Polls predict Meek blowout in primary election

Today, Florida Democrats will cast their ballots to select a U.S. Senate nominee. Three major national polls show FAMU alumnus Kendrick Meek leading his closest challenger by double-digits.

A Mason-Dixon poll showed Meek, a four-term Congressman, beating billionaire real estate investor Jeff Greene by 42 to 30 percent. Public Policy Polling released numbers showing Meek leading Greene 51 to 27. A Quinnipiac poll published yesterday had Meek above Greene 39 to 29.

Meek’s high numbers come despite the Greene campaign’s recent blitz of television ads and direct mail advertisements criticizing his record.

FAMU law retains #1 diversity ranking

The FAMU College of Law was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for having the most diverse law school in the nation - for the third consecutive year.

FAMU earned the No. 1 spot with a diversity ranking of 0.66.

According to U.S. News & World Report, to identify law schools where students are most likely to encounter classmates from different racial or ethnic groups, U.S. News has created a diversity index based on the total proportion of minority students—not including international students—and the mix of racial and ethnic groups on campus.

The index is calculated using demographic data reflecting each law school's student body during the 2009-2010 academic year, including both full- and part-time students. The groups that form the basis for the calculations are African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, and non-Hispanic whites. The formula produces a diversity index that ranges from 0.0 to 1.0. The closer a school’s number is to 1.0, the more diverse is the student population. Law schools that enroll a large proportion of students from one ethnic group, even if it is a minority group, do not score high in this index.

To be included in the ranking, a law school must be accredited by the American Bar Association. The FAMU College of Law received full accreditation from the ABA in July 2009, and was provisionally accredited from 2004 to 2009. Because student-body ethnic diversity data are not consistently compiled and reported as yet for other types of graduate schools, U.S. News & World Report has prepared a diversity table only for law schools.

FAMU mourns death of Wilhelmina Jakes Street

Local civil rights legend and Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Wilhelmina Jakes Street has passed away at the age 80. Jakes Street is celebrated locally for her role in initiating the Tallahassee Bus Boycott of 1956.

Funeral services were held Saturday, August 21, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Central, 499 Northwest 27th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We are deeply saddened and devastated over the loss of one of our trailblazers and activists for civil rights,” said Carmen Cummings, director of Alumni Affairs. “Her sacrifice, diligence and contributions to FAMU, to this community, and to the State of Florida will never go unforgotten. She will be sorely missed.”

Street was born September 14, 1929, in Hardeeville, S.C. As a result of her father’s untimely death, Jakes Street moved with her mother and siblings to West Palm Beach, Fla., where she was raised. She attended FAMU to major in education. During her time as a student at FAMU, she and her close friend, Carrie Patterson, a 20-year-old English major from Lakeland, Fla., were arrested for refusing to move to the back of a crowded city bus. This courageous act sparked what is known today as “The Tallahassee Bus Boycott.” Many prominent figures such as Rev. C. K. Steele, Dr. C. U. Smith, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and several others were actively involved in supporting these students with a systematic approach to integrating the city’s public transportation system.

After graduating from FAMU in 1956, she went on to fulfill her professional aspiration as a Florida schoolteacher for 33 years. Jakes was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Federated Women’s of Club of Fort Lauderdale; FAMU National Alumni Association; and life-long member of National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She was also a dedicated servant of New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

As a FAMU student, Jakes Street lived on Jennings Street with Carrie Patterson, who is also credited with igniting the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott. On January 30, 2007, Leon County officials renamed Jennings Street in Tallahassee, Fla. to Jakes & Patterson Street in their honor.

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

She was married to the late Neopoleon Street. She had one daughter, Priscilla Lewis (deceased).

Rattler Nation app goes live

The Rattler Nation iPhone app went live on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. It is the first FAMU-related app for smart phones available on any platform. To download it, iPhone/iPad users can simply go to the itunes store and type in "Rattler Nation" and load as they would any other app. You can also download directly from the iPhone/iPad.

The FREE app will be available on Droid and Blackberry platforms in the coming weeks and months.

FAMU law welcomes largest entering class

The FAMU College of Law will begin the 2010-2011 academic year with the largest entering class in its history: 296 students. The first-year law students are comprised of both the day and evening programs. Classes begin Monday, August 16, 2010.

“We are excited to welcome to the FAMU College of Law our newest class of students who emerged as stand-outs from the largest pool of applications we have ever received,” said FAMU College of Law Dean LeRoy Pernell.

Nearly 1,900 applications were received by FAMU Law admissions officials for fall 2010. Increased interest can be attributed to the law school receiving full accreditation by the American Bar Association in July 2009, making this the first admissions cycle completed since the achievement of that milestone.

During the week of orientation, students had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the law school environment. Activities included preview classes, introductions to various law school departments, legal writing diagnostics, and an introduction to the legal profession during a panel discussion featuring area judges and attorneys. Students will also participate in the Oath of Professionalism - a tradition which sets the standard for conduct at the FAMU College of Law. Comparable sessions are held to accommodate the 233 students in the full-time day program and the 63 students in the part-time evening program.

“We are pleased to have a strong incoming class that is not only culturally and geographically diverse, but also represents a wide range of undergraduate colleges and majors,” said Lisa Taylor, assistant dean for admissions.

Tucker Hall to open after extreme makeover

At 54 years old, Tucker Hall will show little signs of age when classes begin this fall.

The 77,536 square foot building who's major tenant is the College of Arts and Sciences has spent the past year undergoing a $17.1 million substantial renovation which saw the complete restoration of the building’s envelope including roof replacement, as well as replacement of the building’s plumbing, mechanical, electrical systems, structural systems upgrades, life safety upgrades, technology upgrades, and remodeling of all offices, classrooms, and support spaces.

The building's main lobby has been expanded by removing the second floor slab to create a two-story atrium and entry into the theatre. A glass roof system was added to allow more natural light. All known ADA issues have been addressed.

The Charles Winterwood Theatre, housed in the building, received new seating, acoustic treatment, A/V & lighting systems, catwalks, rigging, flooring including replacement of the stage floor and trap door system.

Horne introduced as FAMU AD

FAMU President James Ammons, yesterday afternoon, introduced Derek Horne as the University's new athletic director just moments after Trustees ratified a three year contract for Horne which will pay him $200,000 a year. Horne has spent the past 14 years at the University of Mississippi where he served as a senior associate athletic director. He is expected to begin work on Tuesday, September 7th.

Ammons praised Horne for his strong background in athletic management and fundraising. "Derek has a wide-range of experiences at the University of Mississippi and in the SEC, a conference that is a football powerhouse," Ammons said. "He has the potential to help us usher in a new era of Rattler sports."

"I'm humbled and honored to stand before you as the next director of athletics at Florida A&M University," Horne said. "Of all the places in the world this day, I can't think of another place I'd rather be."

My ultimate goal was to be an athletics director -- and to be an athletics director at a Division I institution," Horne said. "I have been very selective in locating an institution to commit to because it is a commitment, not just for me but for my family.

"In visiting with Dr. Ammons and seeing the support here, this is a no-brainer. It's a quality institution that has great tradition."
"First and foremost, I need to assess this environment and the resources we have," Horne said.

"My first role will be to assess where we are to identify our resources and maximize them," said Horne. "Sure there are some challenges financially, not just with Florida A&M University but across the country. "

FAMU to host national goat meat conference

Goat meat production is recognized as one of the fastest growing areas of the livestock industry in the United States, as a diverse ethnic population has created a greater demand for it. So it's fitting the marketing of goat meat would get its own conference.

The National Goat Conference, the first sponsored by an educational institution, will be held next month at Florida A&M University from Sept. 12-15 at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center.

The four-day event will tackle critical issues related to the goat industry and focus on the need for proper training and utilizing innovative technology available today to operate a profitable farm of livestock. The theme for the conference is ``Strengthening the Goat Industry.''

The keynote speaker will be David G. Pugh, DVM, veterinarian, and internationally recognized expert. Pugh is the author of a book entitled ``Sheep and Goat Medicine.'' Some 600 participants from across the country are expected to attend.

Focus will be on topics such as nutrition and pasture management, herd health and management, marketing and processing, reproduction and biotechnology, genetics and breeding, food science and safety, and technology transfer. There will also be a session on sheep production and management.

Sponsors for the conference include: the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program; Association of Extension Administrators (AEA); the University of Florida; Risk Management Agency/USDA and Farm Credit. Online registration is currently open at http://www.famu.edu/goats.

FAMU streamlines book buying process

FAMU and Barnes & Noble College Booksellers have partnered to offer a feature that allows students to order their textbooks at the same time they register for classes by linking the school’s course registration website (iRattler) to the bookstore’s website. The innovative service eliminates the need to search for books one course at a time and provides students with the assurance that they are purchasing the right book for the right course.

After a student registers online for classes, he or she can click on the “Order Textbooks” link in the student center-self service. In seconds, the student will see the list of the required and recommended textbooks for their courses. The students can then decide which books they want to purchase and if they want new, used or digital editions. Approximately two weeks before the start of classes, the books will be shipped to the location specified in the order (delivery charges apply) or, if preferred, they will be boxed up and waiting at the bookstore.

FAMU Diamond Dancers

Don't look now... If its football season, it's time for another season of the FAMU Diamond Dancers. Diamond is the dynamic female dance group that performs at all FAMU home football and basketball games.

Like them, or not, Diamond is back (get it diamond back) and ready for the 20101 season. Check out their short promo video for the upcoming season called "It's time out for talking".

Murray named assistant women's BB coach

Florida A&M University head women’s basketball Coach LeDawn Gibson recently announced the hiring of Freddie Murray as assistant women’s basketball coach.

Last season, Murray was an assistant coach at North Carolina A&T State University, where he helped guide the Lady Aggies to the 2010 MEAC regular season title and a WNIT Sweet Sixteen appearance, posting wins over Wake Forest and UNC-Charlotte in the first and second rounds, becoming the first HBCU women's team to win two consecutive games in post season play.

In addition, while Murray coached at A&T, the Lady Aggies won three consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regular season championships (2008, 2009, 2010), winning the MEAC Tournament in 2009, earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament.

The Lady Aggies also broke the school record for most wins in a season twice with 25 in 2007-08 and 26 in 2008-09.

Murray also worked at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., where he served as assistant women’s basketball coach from 2005-2007 and was named interim head coach mid-way the 2006-2007 campaign.

Murray began his coaching career at Jackson State University (Miss.) as a graduate assistant coach and was named assistant coach in 2001. There he help guide the Lady Tigers to the 2003 Southwestern Athletic Conference regular season title and coach SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Amie Williams.

In 1999, Murray formed Hoop Dreams, an AAU program that was influential in assisting many talented young ladies with scholarship offers to many Division I, II and NAIA programs across the country.

Murray, a Jackson, Mississippi native, holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Jackson State University (1990).

FAMUans asked to wear Orange & Green for College Colors Days

FAMU is asking all alumni, current and prospective students, working professionals, and retirees across the nation to participate in the celebration of College Colors Days on Thursday, September 2 and Friday, September 3 by wearing their favorite orange and green attire or Rattler paraphernalia to show their pride.

College Colors Day is an annual dress celebration that coincides with back to school and the kick-off of college football season. The Collegiate Licensing Company organizes College Colors Day to encourage fans, alumni and students to wear their favorite college apparel.

Participating individuals can submit individual or group photographs showcasing their Rattler spirit to famucolorsday@famu.edu.

FAMU will highlight and upload unique and exciting photographs submitted from across the country onto the university’s social media outlets and “Snake Eye,” FAMU’s online photo gallery.

Gator WR to join Rattler football team

University of Florida wide receiver T.J. Lawrence announced yesterday that he would be transferring to FAMU to join the Rattler football and baseball teams.

Coming out of high school, Lawrence enjoyed first-team all-state honors his senior season at Lakeland's Kathleen H.S. and was an Under Armour All-American. He choose FAMU over South Florida, Eastern Kentucky, South Alabama, Washington State and Pearl River Community College. He asked for a release from his U of Florida football scholarship this week because of his of lack of playing time. He'll be a redshirt sophomore and be able to competing for a starting spot on the football field right away because he's dropping down a division from BCS to Football Championship Subdivision (formerly NCAA Division I-AA) level. He'll also get a shot in the return game.

"I think that excites me more than anything, the fact that I'm going to play this year because I've been waiting like forever," he said. "That's the biggest excitement, the fact that I get to play with players I played with in high school and players I played against in high school."

Lawrence will be reunited with former Kathleen teammate Adrian Smith, who is also a receiver at FAMU.

"I'm actually moving in with him," said Lawrence, who will arrive in Tallahassee on Friday.

FAMU offering Intro to Music Recording course

FAMU will teach the fundamentals of audio production, vocal recording and video blending techniques starting Monday, August 23 through October 8 in new mini-course entitled the Intro to Music Recording.

Sponsored jointly by the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and the Division of Continuing Education, the eight-week course offers two sections, 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The course is open to FAMU students, staff and the general public. The course cost $300 for FAMU students and staff, and $350 for the general public.

Individuals who register for the course will receive studio time as well as a tutorial on the operation of industry standard equipment.

OT: 10 things I want to say to a Black woman

By Joshua Bennett a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, double majoring in English and Africana Studies with minors in Spanish and History. He is a 3-time national poetry slam champion (BNV 2007, CUPSI 2007 and 2009), the youngest poet ever to hit finals stage at the Individual World Poetry Slam, and has recited his original work at events such as the Sundance Film Festival, The NAACP Image Awards, and, most recently, President Obama's evening of poetry and music at the White House. When he is not performing or writing, Joshua enjoys reading contemporary African American fiction (Percival Everett and Colson Whitehead are his favorite authors of the moment), blogging (entirely too much), and falling in love with all the wrong women (he attributes this to his affinity for musicians and hipsters). Joshua plans on pursuing a PhD after graduating from Penn next year, and hopes that he will be able to incorporate his craft into his academic work for years to come. He hails from Yonkers, NY.

FAMU student heads to leadership program in Switzerland

Viniece Jennings, a Ph.D. candidate in the FAMU Environmental Sciences Institute, was selected to participate in the Youth Encounter to Sustainability (YES) course in Switzerland.

The program has operated since 2000 in different parts of the world with the goal to bring together a diverse group of motivated future leaders for learning, discussing and debating urgent questions of a sustainable future.

“I am very honored to participate in this exceptional learning experience,” said Jennings. “I look forward to developing my perspective on sustainability, my research, teaching strategies, and other skills that will enhance my overall development.”

The competitive course is for students from different parts of the world and different fields of study. An international team of distinguished faculty and facilitators help guide the participants through living together in a remote campus. Participants will be offered lectures, workshops, field experiences and the opportunity to work together as a team on solutions and multidisciplinary action plans.

Previous participants have represented American institutions such as Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California-Davis, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Hawaii. Students, who complete the initial course, are eligible for special courses of interest across the world. They are also part of a vibrant network that promotes sustainability, service and social justice worldwide.

“Learning about sustainability from a different worldview would enable me to embrace diverse strategies to achieve a similar goal,” Jennings said. “To participate in this consortium is not only an opportunity but also a mission to greater knowledge. I look forward to sharing the insight with FAMU and the society at large.”

Jennings is also an appointee on President James H. Ammons’ Environmental and Sustainability Council. Her graduate research project investigates the role of urban green spaces as a human health indicator.

J-School students venture out in South Africa

FAMU journalism students recently interviewed South African photojournalism legend Alf Kumalo in Soweto, South Africa. The students were there to cover the 2010 World Cup games. This report was filed by Wandoo Makurdi.

2010 football season begins today

The 2010 Florida A&M University football season is set to begin today, Monday, August 9th, as the players report for training camp.

The first five of camp will be an orientation period for the Rattler Gridders.

On Monday, the players are schedule to meet at 7 p.m. in the Gallimore-Powell Field House.

The Rattlers will then hit the track on Tuesday Aug. 10 for cardio testing at 1 p.m. and then on Wednesday, Aug. 11 the FAMU Gridders continue their cardio testing in the weight room at 1 p.m.

Then the players will use Thursday, Aug. 12 as a day to handle all school related matters.

Orientation will end on Friday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. as the player will meet with local football officials to go over new rule changes in the Gallimore Field House.

The Rattlers will then begin preseason practice as they will hit the field on Monday, Aug. 16 at 3:30 p.m., with an scrimmage set for Saturday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.

FAMU will have two-a-day practices on Tuesday, Aug 17 and Aug 24 and on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 5:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and then return in the afternoon at 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Changes made to RN comment section

You may have noticed, we're migrating to a new comment system.

Disqus Comments will allow for next-gen community management and social networking integrations. Once fully integrated we hope to inspire intelligent, informed, and civil discussion. In the future, Rattler Nation users will be able to create their own Disqus system usernames to post comments or use their existing Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo or Google friends accounts effortlessly.

The new comment section will allow users to rate each other and flag obnoxious posts. We hope you like this new change.

Marks encourages grads to become visionaries

FAMU graduate Keithen Mathis said he is ready to start a new chapter in his life.

Mathis, who earned a master’s in public administration, was one of the more than 500 students who graduated August 6 during FAMU’s summer commencement ceremony.

“I feel like one journey is over,” said Mathis, a Tallahassee native. “FAMU has prepared me in so many ways. I learned that communication and organization are two keys to becoming a success.”

Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, III served as the commencement speaker. He encouraged the graduates to seize the moment and become visionaries.

“It is important to think ahead and have that vision,” said Marks. “Success comes when you do what you love to do and you commit to being the best. That’s the true measure of success. Some of you are anxious to see what the future may hold and for others just being in your caps and gowns equals success.”

University Trustee Marjorie Turnbull told the Class of 2010 that as graduates of the institution, they will always have a place to call home.

“The faculty has challenged you and you have met life-long friends,” she said. “Be confident that you are prepared.”

President James H. Ammons charged the graduates to make their respective marks on the world.

“Make the most of it,” Ammons said. “Go out and change the world. There is no higher calling than to show compassion to your fellow man. Learn to develop a deep-seated love for Florida A&M University.”

FAMU alum is "fixer" for NFL stars

Joe Briggs, who earned his master's of political science from FAMU and formerly served as an executive assistant in the university president's office, is doing big things for the National Football League.

From the POLITICO:

Not so long ago, if a player for the NFL wanted to testify on Capitol Hill, or get involved with a government-sponsored initiative, he'd need a consultant to act as liaison between his brawny self and the many less-buff lawmakers in Congress.

But now, there's Joe Briggs.

Public policy counsel and manager of government relations for the NFL Players Association, Briggs, 33, is a kind of fixer for football stars looking to navigate Washington. For instance, he played a role recently when New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees signed on to co-chair President Barack Obama's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Still, the son of a Baptist preacher and former offensive lineman for Texas Christian University spends the majority of his days on Capitol Hill speaking for, and pushing issues on behalf of, NFL players.

"My job is to get in the trenches do the work and make sure that I'm protecting the players that I serve," Briggs, wearing a dapper bow-tie, told POLITICO. "That's your job when you're an offensive lineman on the field and that's my job now."

"I'm a workhorse not a show horse," he said.

Indeed, the former lineman says he's not a lobbyist in the traditional sense of the word.

"We're not pushing legislation that we believe would help the game of football," he said. "It's more about educating different populations about what the game of football means—not only to this country but also to the people that play the game and the people that benefit from the game."

Read the full story here. Check out Joe Briggs at IMPACT-DC here.

Meek picks up four newspaper endorsements

Kendrick Meek recently received the four newspaper endorsements in his campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination against businessman Jeff Greene.

They include:

St. Petersburg Times

The St. Petersburg Times wrote, "Meek has a clear, reliable record in Congress. Democrats should stick with the politician they know rather than bet blindly on a wealthy investor who bought his way into the race and has no public record." The Times commented on Kendrick's time in the House, writing Kendrick "was a reliable voice for change when Democrats were in the House minority. He has contributed to major legislation, such as adding language to a recent housing bill to help local law enforcement crack down on predatory lending." The Times makes their choice clear, "Based on his clear voting record and his well documented commitment to the state, the Times recommends Meek."

Pensacola News Journal

The Pensacola News Journal wrote, "[Kendrick] is a loyal Democrat with a solid voting record on a variety of progressive issues, from the environment to health care to financial regulation to ethics reform." The News Journal continues, "But Greene has no public track record - other than for making money on sophisticated investments. He also showed prescience in making investments that paid off when the housing and sub-prime mortgage markets crashed. Now his own ethics have been questioned, including a misleading attack ad against Meek, and delays in filing financial disclosures. Meanwhile, Northwest Florida voters' only real chance to see him has come on his television ads ... hardly a sign of his interest in our interests."

Naples Daily News

The Naples Daily News wrote in their recommendation, "Meek has been a reliable vote for Democrats on issues ranging from health care and the environment to cap and trade. He has held leadership positions on the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chaired the Democrats' "30 Something" Working Group, composed of legislators under the age of 40 and formed with the express aim of reaching out to younger voters. During his eight years in the Florida Legislature, he fought against Gov. Jeb Bush's One Florida plan to replace affirmative action and effectively championed the 2002 class-size amendment. Agree or disagree with those stands, in Meek, unlike multimillionaire newcomer Greene, voters know exactly what they're getting - a Democrat who shares their ideas and beliefs, and who has spent the past 15 years in public office, advancing the party's agenda at a state and national level."

Sarasota Herald Tribune

The Sarasota Herald Tribune wrote, "In terms of money, Jeff Greene is the wealthiest Democrat running in his party's primary for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat. But in terms of political experience, Greene's bank account is basically at zero." The Herald Tribune goes on to say, "Meek's record shows a deeper grasp of the issues, a better understanding of Florida's social needs, and a clear ability to work within the system in a constructive way." The Herald Tribune concludes, "Greene has used his millions to blanket Florida with advertising, bash Meek and gain a lead in opinion polls. But Meek is the better candidate for a vital public office. We recommend Kendrick Meek in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate."

FAMU athletics unveils new website

The FAMU Athletics Department expects to launch its much-anticipated new website next week according to a facebook update from Sports Information. It features a variety of multimedia, including fresh photo galleries of FAMU's student-athletes in action. While there are still some kinks, such as a few links-to-nowhere, the new website represents a big improvement over the old one.

Check it out here.

New AD to receive 150% salary increase

FAMU President James H. Ammons has offered Derek Horne, his pick for athletic director, a three-year contract and a salary that is 150 percent more than what he makes at the University of Mississippi.

According to published reports, Horne earned about $80,000 as an associate athletic director at Ole Miss. If his new contract is approved by FAMU Trustees he will receive $200,000 to run the Rattler athletic program.

“I think Derek has a wide-range of experiences at the University of Mississippi and in the SEC, a conference that is a football powerhouse,” Ammons told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Horne’s biggest challenge will be the just over $4M deficit he will inherit. The university has made progress in reducing the red ink in the athletic program by about $1M since last year. He will replace Bill Hayes who earned $175,000 as FAMU A.D.

Holmes should not participate in presidential evaluation

The FAMU Board of Trustees has started its annual process for evaluating President James H. Ammons’ performance. Trustee R.B. Holmes, Jr. is one trustee who should not participate.

Ammons recently accepted the resignation of Ronald Holmes, R.B.’s brother, from his position as superintendent of the FAMU Developmental Research School. Even though the president gave Ronald a comfy faculty appointment in the College of Education, word has spread on campus that R.B. is upset about the way the administration handled his brother’s exit.

R.B. has shown a lack of objectivity when it comes to matters involving his brother. He refused to ask any tough questions about the crisis Ronald created at DRS.

R.B. kept his mouth shut while Ronald let the school grade slide backwards from a “C” to a “D” and failed to boost the enrollment numbers enough to satisfy the demands of the 2009-2010 year’s budget.

The brother an employee who just stepped down from his job should not be in a position to determine what happens to the boss who accepted the resignation.

There are already fears on campus that R.B. might try and use his position as a trustee to pressure Ammons to endorse him for another term on the Board of Trustees. Ammons recently nominated Marjorie Turnbull for an appointment to the board. Gov. Charlie Crist accepted the recommendation and the Florida Senate confirmed it.

Holmes’ term ends on January 6, 2011 shortly after the new governor takes office. On that date he will be eligible for another appointment of up to six years.

Campus sources say that R.B. plans to bash Ammons' handling of FAMU's budgetary cutbacks in the evaluation process and media as a way of twisting the president's arm to eventually cut a deal.

The Ammons administration is feeling especially sensitive to negative media coverage due to pending budget cutbacks. The Board of Governors has instructed all public universities to plan for a five percent cut in 2010-2011 and prepare for an additional 15 percent cut in 2011-2012.

FAMU has already indicated that faculty and staff positions in the School of General Studies and Mulrennan lab in Panama City might have to be eliminated.

The presidential evaluation should be free of the type of under-the-table politics that led to Ronald Holmes’ “reassignment” to the COE. FAMU cannot afford to let its image be marred by more dirty dealing.

“Legacy Bowl” draws mixed reactions from MEAC coaches

The head football coaches at FAMU and South Carolina State, the two top ranked teams in the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference, are both solidly against the idea of giving up the conference’s automatic berth to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs in order to participate in "Legacy Bowl." But, many of their rivals are open to the idea.

The Sports Network recently interviewed FAMU’s Joe Taylor, SCSU’s Buddy Pough, and others to find out where they stood on the issue.

According to published reports, the proposed "Legacy Bowl" would feature the MEAC’s champion versus the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) champion on Dec 17, 2011. It would air on ESPN and the conferences would share a $3M payment.

Taylor thinks that giving up the automatic berth would hurt recruitment. He also believes that the MEAC is becoming a better competitor in the national championship race.

"South Carolina State (which fell at Appalachian State, 20-13, in last year's first round) showed that this conference has probably made the biggest gains in terms of quality play as a conference," Taylor said.

The head coaches of Norfolk State, Morgan State, and Delaware State are all warm to the Legacy Bowl proposal.

"When you talk about going into a bowl game," Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley said, "it gives our young men an opportunity to experience that atmosphere of the bowl games, it gives them an opportunity to compete against another conference, to be able to go and spend three or four days away and be representation of your conference."

A final decision will be made by a majority vote of the presidents and chancellors in the MEAC. Conference Commissioner Dennis Thomas expects the vote to take place no later than this fall.

FAMU football ranks #2 in preseason voting

For the third year in row the defending Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference champion South Carolina State Bulldogs was the consensus pick to win the conference title in 2010. The Florida A&M Rattlers finished second in the preseason poll.

Five Rattler players were named to the Preseason All-Conference First Team.

Philip Sylvester, 5-7 senior running back from Marianna, Fla., was the Rattlers second leading rusher as he finished the season with 455 yards on 112 carries with seven TDs.

Joining Sylvester on the preseason all-conference first team was Isaac West, a 6-2 senior wide receiver from Tallahassee, Fla., who led the Rattler receiving core with 641 receiving yards on 36 catches with two TDs.

The defensive players who earned Preseason First Team All-Conference honors for the Rattlers were Alvis Graham, Qier Hall and Trevor Scott.

Graham, 6-0 red-shirt junior from Orlando, Fla., was FAMU’s leading tackler as he finished the season with 69 tackles (39 solo, 30 asst), 6.5 tackles for a loss of 18 yards and had one sack on the season for a loss of seven yards.

Hall, a 6-2 senior defensive back from Cocoa, Fla., tallied 42 tackles (29 solo, 13 asst) to be the team’s fifth leading tackler with six pass breakups and three interceptions.

Rounding out the cast of FAMU first teamers is Scott, a 6-3 red-shirt junior punter from Jacksonville, Fla., finished last season as the Rattler’s leading scorer with 74 points, by going 38 of 39 in PATs and connecting on 12 field goals in 22 attempts.

FAMU will officially kickoff their 2010 season on Monday, August 9 as they report for two-a-day practices. The Rattlers will open their 2010 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 2 as they will take on University of Miami at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.