FAMU seeking $9M for electrical, tech upgrades

The top item on FAMU’s 2011-2012 legislative facilities funding request is, once again, money for electrical and technology upgrades. FAMU needs $9M for the ongoing project.

According to the FAMU Capital Improvement Plan:

“The purpose of this project is to improve the electrical utility systems and technology infrastructure throughout campus. The reliability of primary electrical distribution systems needs to be improved on the main campus. These improvements include the upgrade of oil switches, replacement of oil transformers and replacement or addition of air break switches. This will also complete a short circuit analysis/coordination study of primary circuits that serves the campus. Included is the conversion of antiquated 5KV primary circuits to new, more reliable system standard 12.47KV sources.”

FAMU will seek the dollars from the Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds. PECO money comes from utility taxes and is the biggest source of construction funding for the State University System.

FAMU’s top PECO priority for 2010-2011 was $8M for electrical and technology upgrades. FAMU officials warned that without the money, critical building code and safety improvements would be stalled.

The legislature appropriated $7M of the $8M that FAMU needed for 2010-2011. FAMU originally planned to ask for just $8M for campus upgrades in 2011-2012, but tacked on an extra $1M to make up for the money it did not receive last year.

Telfair, Nixon sentenced

Eugene Telfair, 54, and Robert Nixon, 45, were sentenced to federal prison on Thursday, January 27, 2011 for federal crimes arising from their embezzlement of more than $134,000 in federal HUD grant funds, announced United States Attorney Pamela C. Marsh, Northern District of Florida.

At the conclusion of a four-day jury trial held last November in Tallahassee, Telfair, the former president of the FAMU Federal Credit Union, and Nixon, the former Director of Florida A&M University’s Institute on Urban Policy and Commerce were convicted of embezzling money from an organization receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit that offense, and misapplication of monies entrusted to the care of a federally insured credit union.

Evidence presented at trial established that in 2008, Telfair and Nixon embezzled $134,255 in the form of four checks drawn on a FAMU Credit Union account containing HUD grant funds. Between 2002 and 2004, $324,000 in FAMU funds derived from HUD grants were deposited into the credit union account to fund a micro-loan program to assist small businesses in the Tallahassee area.

While some of the monies in the account were used to make micro-loans and to fund related projects of the Institute on Urban Policy, more than half of the $324,000 in grant monies in the account went into the pockets of Telfair and Nixon. Telfair himself legitimately took $32,800 as an administrative fee for running the program between 2002 and 2004.

Between June and December of 2008, however, the two men decided to split much of the unused balance of grant funds in the account, with Nixon writing Telfair approximately $14,000 in checks from the account, and then later both men writing each other a $60,067 check on the account. Defendants attempted to disguise the checks as administrative and consulting fees, and created false personal services contracts and tax documents to make the payments appear legitimate. Between 2002 and 2009, the taxpayer identification number on the grant account was changed three times.

At the time Nixon and Telfair took the money, Nixon was serving as the Director of the Institute on Urban Policy at FAMU. Nixon had taken over that position in 2005, when the previous Institute director, Patricia Walker-McGill, was fired. Walker-McGill was later indicted and convicted of federal grant fraud in 2008, based upon financial transactions she was involved in while Director of the Institute.

At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle sentenced Nixon to 27 months’ imprisonment and Telfair to 30 months in prison. Both men were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $134,255.

Booster Bash celebrates student-athletes

Last Saturday, the FAMU Department of Athletics had quite the busy day in Tallahassee. The morning started with the Rattler football team welcoming recruits to campus for a tour of what could possibly become their alma mater.

Associate AD for Marketing/Development Angela Suggs offered the greeting to the visitors. Interim Sports Information Director Vaughn Wilson also spoke to the student-athletes.

After that meeting, the Rattler nation headed to The Moon entertainment facility for the annual Booster Bash at noon for the boosters' annual membership drive. The FAMU Cheerleaders, Marching "100", Rattler Boosters and FAMU sports teams to their welcome FAMU sports supporters and fans.

Clayton appealed to those in attendance to join the Boosters the financial team behind the team.

Then later that afternoon, the Lady Rattlers and Rattlers basketball teams took on the Howard University Bison in the Al Lawson Center. Both teams were victorious.

Angelou lauds HBCU education at FAMU

With a voice that is so soothing and commands an individuals’ full attention, world-renowned poet and author Maya Angelou spoke to a crowd of nearly 6,000 people with songs, poetry, stories and words of wisdom at FAMU as part of the University’s Lyceum Series.

During her presentation, Angelou pointed out that she wanted to speak at FAMU because the institution is a “light in the sky, a rainbow in the clouds.” Angelou continued by saying there are many institutions that young people can aspire to attend, but in some places in the country young people think they will never make it to a university.

“Each one of us has been capable of being rainbows in the cloud, and some of us because of institutions called HBCUs,” said Angelou.

Although Angelou said some people could be wiser, hipper, prettier, richer or more educated than others, she stressed that no human being can be more human than another human being.

“When you go into your classrooms do not go in being intimidated by anything that human beings do,” Angelou said.

The famed poet also told students just as they have encountered rainbows in their clouds, they have to be rainbows for others.

“When you get, give,” said Angelou. “When you learn, teach.”

Michael Jefferson, a sophomore at FAMU, said Angelou’s message resonated with him on a very personal level.

“She was absolutely remarkable,” said Jefferson. “To see and hear her first hand validated my life to service others. She emphasized that no one in the world can stop you from anything; that you should never limit yourself. The greatest limitation is the one that you see in the mirror every morning. Her stories about her life, tribulations, pain and progress truly inspired me.”

CESTA staffer receives volunteer award

Lue Jolly, an extension specialist at FAMU, recently received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold Category) at a ceremony sponsored by the John Ogonowski & Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Washington, D.C.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award program was established in 2003 by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (The Council) for the purpose of giving recognition and honor to Americans who have served communities with dedication and commitment. The award recognizes individuals, families, and groups who have achieved a certain volunteer standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.

Jolly was recognized for outstanding volunteer service rendered while participating with the FAMU South Africa Farmer-to-Farmer (FTF) Program at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), March 5-25, 2010. During her volunteer assignment, Jolly provided technical assistance in food safety management at the UFH’s AgriPark Project in the Eastern Cape Province, in the small town of Alice, South Africa. On this first assignment, Jolly provided training in best practices for food safety, food hygiene, nutrition and new recipe development for the Khanyisa Vegetable Processing Cooperative.

When asked what made Jolly a good volunteer for the Fort Hare assignment, program director Harriett Paul said, “Ms. Jolly was ideal because of her strong background in the technical areas needed, which included: food safety, nutrition, and new product development. We are also continuously looking for new methods to promote the involvement of women and underrepresented minorities. Through example, we will demonstrate to our South African beneficiaries both that women can excel as leaders in the agricultural sector and that education is a critical element in this growth process.”

Jolly’s response to winning the gold award was, “I was quite surprised with this announcement as this was my first volunteer experience. I am looking forward to participating again to provide advanced training for the people that I worked with in South Africa.”

Kevin Powell to keynote the Black History Convocation

Activist, author of 10 books and public speaker Kevin Powell will deliver the keynote address at the annual FAMU Black History Convocation, Thursday, February 17, 2011, at Jake Gaither Gymnasium from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. All classes will be suspended.

Powell is widely considered one of America’s most important voices in these early years of the 21st century. A product of extreme poverty, welfare, fatherlessness and a single mother-led household, he is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey and was educated at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. Kevin is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, New York, where he was also a Democratic candidate for Congress.

Powell has published 10 books, including his new title, Open Letters to America. This book is a collection of essays that examines American leadership, politics and various social issues in the era of President Barack Obama. Next up for Powell is his long-awaited memoir of childhood and youth, “the boy with a mother and no father.”

Powell has written numerous essays, articles, and reviews through the years for publications such as Esquire, Newsweek, The Washington Post, Essence, Rolling Stone, The Amsterdam News, huffingtonpost.com, and Vibe, where he was a founding staff member and served as a senior writer, interviewing and profiling, among many others, General Colin Powell and the late Tupac Shakur. Additionally Kevin has been a writing fellow for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as well as a Phelps Stokes Fund Senior Fellow.

A gifted and sought after public speaker, Powell has lectured on multiculturalism, building corporate responsibility, American history, the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights, American politics and civic engagement, sexism from a male perspective, leadership, social activism, the state of hip-hop, redefining American manhood, and being black and a male in America at hundreds of colleges and universities, community centers, prisons, religious institutions, conferences, and festivals as well as in corporate settings.

A fixture on the pop culture landscape the past several years, Powell was a cast member on the first season of MTV’s “The Real World;” has hosted and produced programming for HBO and BET; written a screenplay; hosted and wrote an award-winning MTV documentary about post-riot Los Angeles; and was the guest curator of the Brooklyn Museum of Art’s “Hip-Hop Nation: Roots, Rhymes, and Rage”—which originated at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, and of which Powell was the exhibition consultant—the first major exhibit in America on the history of hip-hop.

Powell has played a key role in the black male development arena, having produced, the past few years, among other things, a 10-city State of Black Men Tour, numerous black male think tank sessions, and Black and Male in America, a three-day national conference. Kevin has taught, mentored and counseled in schools, camps, prisons and on the streets of urban America. Powell was a central figure in the Gulf Coast disaster relief efforts, facilitating the delivery of goods and services to the affected regions, and being a cofounder of “Katrina on the Ground,” an initiative that sent more than 700 college students to work in the devastated region. Most recently, Powell has been very active in Haiti relief efforts, helping to ship thousands of pounds of supplies to that Caribbean nation.

Of his life work, Powell said, “My life-calling is to be a servant for the people, period. Money, fame, status, personal achievements, and all that means very little to me when pain and suffering are still real on this planet. I am interested in the powerless becoming powerful.”

NAA to convene in The City Beautiful

The FAMU National Alumni Association (NAA) Annual Convention is scheduled for May 18-22, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. The theme for this event is “Back to the Basics: Energizing that ‘ole Rattler Spirit.”

"The conference is a time to plan for the upcoming year," said FAMU's National Alumni President Thomas L. Mitchell Sr. "It’s important to get alumni to rally beyond this conference so that we may get more support for the university. The focus is membership. We need our alumni to stand up and give our university the support it needs."

The FAMU-NAA National Convention Committee, under the leadership of first Vice President Greg Clark, Florida Region Vice President Seabon Dixon and Orlando Chapter President Charles Lewis have worked diligently to orchestrate a high quality, informative and enjoyable set of workshops and activities that will remind the FAMU community of their responsibility to the future of the university.

“The excitement is truly building for the 2011 Convention in Orlando,” said Director for Alumni Affairs Carmen Cummings-Martin. “Orlando has so much to offer and is a convenient and economical travel hub for many of our alums in the sunshine state and other points around the country who may be journeying there for the big meeting. National Alumni President Mitchell, first Vice President Clark and Florida Region Vice President Dixon have taken the lead to develop what is sure to be an interesting atmosphere of dialogue aimed at building a stronger FAMU. Tributes to our legendary Dr. William P. Foster are planned as well as panel discussions featuring key university administrators who will shed light on the vision for sustaining this great institution in an ever-changing economic climate.”

An array of events have been planned to ensure that guests have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and take pleasure in the many offerings of “The City Beautiful.”

Hip Hop Institute explores music industry

FAMU Professor Kawachi Clemons has founded an institute that brings icons of the hip-hop movement to class so students can learn first hand from industry professionals.

The Institute for Hip Hop and Music Industry Studies is housed in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC). Its goal is to present hip hop in a cultural context where students are encouraged to become critically charged to actively participate in a dialogue that addresses the political, social and economic issues impacting their generation.

“The idea came out of an initial desire to develop programming that would appeal to the interests of students,” said Clemons. “My background in music education, arts management and curriculum development gave me the necessary tools to bring this idea to fruition. The collection and dissemination of artistic and linguistic representations of a culture is vital to its preservation.”

As part of the institute’s curriculum, a senior level special topics seminar on hip hop is being offered. The course examines the cultural phenomenon of hip-hop through its development, history, communication style, dance form, music and artistic process.

Throughout the semester, Clemons seeks to encourage students to debate and explore the dynamics of race, gender, youth and class. The course will employ various sources for critical analysis and information including: videos, commercials, movies, songs and other multimedia sources.

Keeping in line with existing institutes such as: Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies, The Thelonious Monk Institute at Loyola University and The Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College Chicago, FAMU’s Office of Academic Affairs has developed an institute to further the pursuit of academic research in hip-hop arts and culture.

Hip-hop icon Christopher “Play” Martin, of Kid ‘n Play fame (pictured), currently serves as a professional-in-residence with the Institute for Hip Hop and Music Industry Studies that Clemons directs. Martin, a native of Queens, New York, is no stranger to hip hop. Martin has recorded three successful albums and starred in four hip-hop based comedy films: House Party, House Party 2, Class Act and House Party 3. Now, Martin is the founder of Hp4 Digital Works and Solutions, a multimedia company that provides pre- and post-production for film and digital productions.

Students enrolled in the hip-hop course are delighted as well to have Martin teach the class.

Pagie Moore, a broadcast journalism student, echoed Hollis’ thoughts.

“I am extremely excited to have him teach me,” said Moore. “I am a big fan of hip hop. He [Martin] shares his experiences with us, which is wonderful because he experienced first hand the hip-hop industry.

Moore said that some of her peers cannot wait to enroll in the class next semester.

MLK III urges FAMU to keep his father's dream alive

Martin Luther King III, the son of the late civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., honored his father’s legacy as the keynote speaker for the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation at FAMU.

President James H. Ammons welcomed King highlighting his advocacy, humanity and accomplishments.

“We are honored to have with us Martin Luther King III, president and chief executive officer of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolence Social Change, a human rights advocate and community activist,” said Ammons. “His work has propelled him to the forefront as one of the nation’s most ardent advocates for the poor, oppressed and disillusioned.”

Touching on issues related to poverty, race and healthcare, King said America has not made enough changes in terms of race, although it has made significant progress.

“When we look at poverty we made almost no progress,” said King. “Forty-five million people living in poverty. Last year, one million people lost their houses because of foreclosure. Another 1.5 million were filed; almost three million foreclosures were filed last year. This year another 1.2 million are projected to lose their houses. We need to have a moratorium on foreclosures. People do not need to lose their houses in America, a nation that is wealthy.”

King argued that everyone in America deserves healthcare, pointing out that there is something wrong when there are individuals voting against the healthcare reform bill when they have the best healthcare.

“We are an interesting nation; we are a nation that consistently function inconsistently,” said King. “We preach peace but we practice war. You can’t preach peace but continue to practice war.”

King continued stating that his father operated off the power of love. Informing that “we must love our family, our community and have the love of God.”

“My dad loved people, it did not matter who you were,” said King. “But he certainly loved those who were suffering no matter what ethnicity they were and we need that kind of love today in the world.”

King ended by telling students no matter how difficult it may be they must continue their path of education, and to love one another.

“Today’s convocation was a great event,” said Inita Knox, a sophomore student from Palm Beach, Fla. “It was an honor to have Martin Luther King III to come and speak to the student body, as well as the community, giving us words of encouragement, so we can continue to serve our community and serve each other.”

Following King’s speech, Ammons awarded Reamonn Soto, a senior physics student from Tallahassee, Fla., the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Award for getting more than 3,500 students registered to vote in the Tallahassee and Leon County areas. Rev. Dr. Henry M. Steele, the son of the late civil rights activist C.K. Steele, received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award for his role as a human right advocate and community activist. Athena Griffith, a senior business administration student from Jacksonville, Fla. and the president of the Program Action Activities Council (PAAC), accepted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Organization Leadership Award on behalf of PAAC. The organization delivered 375 toys to the Boys and Girls Clubs in New Orleans for Christmas.

“I’m humbled by the gesture as well as honored,” Steele said. “When I first learned of the event (Martin Luther King Convocation), I was awestruck for the fact that Martin Luther King III was the speaker. I was taken back to a time when his parents would come and visit my family in Tallahassee. I would just sit at the dinner table listening to their words. This is truly a meaningful award after 51 years when we were involved in the lunch counter sit-in. It feels good to be recognized for it.”

Four New Anchors Named for News 20 at Five

Four new anchors have been selected for the FAMU TV-20 live newscast. The newscast will air at 5 p.m. every Monday through Thursday beginning Tuesday, Jan. 18. The anchors are: Jessica Green (weather), Kyle Marcil (sports), Chantale Glover and Nicole Brooks (co-anchors on the main news desk). Students enrolled in the Advanced TV News class offered in the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) will also produce “Week in Review” shows airing Fridays at 7 p.m.

News 20 at Five also will offer daily news updates via Twitter at www.twitter.com/news20at5. FAMU-TV 20 is an educational access channel operated by the SJGC. It reaches more than 80,000 households via Comcast.

Jessica Green, a senior broadcast journalism student from Quincy, Fla., said she knew she wanted to become a television personality after Carmen Cummings-Martin, a former anchor for local CBS affiliate WCTV, spoke to her elementary school class.

“I felt so blessed to be chosen as an anchor for the spring 2011 newscast,” said Green. “It was a goal I’ve had since I arrived at FAMU.”

“This year, we are getting back to the basics,” said Leonard Horton, news director for News 20 at Five. “The Advanced TV News class will focus on good, balanced writing and storytelling. Students need to be able to justify their salaries in a job market where layoffs are looming, and the general public is getting a lot of its news content from bloggers.”

Holmes, White to join MEAC Hall of Fame

Earlier this week, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announced that FAMU’s Earl Holmes and Natalie White will be inducted into its Hall of Fame.

“We are thrilled to recognize another class of remarkable inductees who have made a considerable impact to their communities, institutions and our conference,” said Dennis E. Thomas, MEAC Commissioner. “I’d like to applaud the Hall of Fame Class for all of their achievements both athletically and professionally.”

The 2011 Hall of Fame class will be honored in conjunction with the 2011 MEAC Basketball Tournament, held March 7-12 at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem. A brunch will take place on Friday, March 11, beginning at 9 a.m. at the M.C. Benton, Jr. Convention Center.

Earl Holmes, Florida A&M- Holmes played for the Rattlers from 1992 to 1995, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in tackles. Holmes, a three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, holds the school record with 509 total tackles (309 solo). During his senior season, he set school marks for solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171). He captured the NCAA Division I-AA and Black College All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. The 1995 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sheridan Broadcasting Network College Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes was selected in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League (NFL) draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Steelers (1996-2001), Cleveland Browns (2002) and Detroit Lions (2003-05) before retiring. Holmes currently serves as the Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers coach at his alma mater.

Natalie White, Florida A&M- White played point guard for the Lady Rattlers, helping them to two regular season MEAC titles (1994, 1995) and the 1995 MEAC Tournament crown. During her career, FAMU earned its' first-ever NCAA Tournament bid (1995). White holds the NCAA Division I record as the all-time steals' leader (624) and is second all-time in the school record books in assists (497). She led the nation in steals as a freshman (143), junior (172) and senior (191). The 1995 MEAC Player of the Year White still holds the NCAA record for total steals as freshman. The guard earned All-MEAC First Team honors in 1993-1995. She was also a four-time Black College All-America recipient (1992-95).White currently serves as an Account Executive/Dream Ambassadors Coordinator for the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Atlanta Dream.

Hall named 2010 SBN Black College All-American

FAMU Defensive Back Qier Hall was named to the 2010 SBN Sports College All-American Team, announced today by the American Urban Radio Network.

Hall, a 6-2, 175, senior defensive back from Coca, Fla., finished the 2010 season as the Rattlers leading tackler with 59 tackles (39 UA, 20 A), 4.5 tackles for a loss of 46 yards, one sack for a loss of six years, one interception return for 24 yards and one fumble recovery return for 30 yards, along with eight pass break ups, earning him First Team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Honors.

The 2010 SBN Sports Black College All-American Team will be honored at the 37th annual BCAA Awards Luncheon on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Doubletree Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida. The Co-hosts for the event are Doug Banks and DeDe McGuire of The Doug Banks Radio Show. FOX Network Sports Analyst, Actor and former New York Giants Defensive End Michael Strahan is the keynote speaker for the occasion, which also includes an NFL “Skull Session” dinner and BCAA Honorary Committee Dessert Reception. Special invited guests include Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris, Pittsburgh Steelers Co-owner John Stallworth, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Cleveland Browns defensive end Marcus Benard.

Women's flag football team wins national championship

The FAMU women’s flag football team, Simply Marvelous, recently won its second national championships – tallying six national championship wins within four years. Simply Marvelous' most recent title game, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) National Campus Championship Series (NCCS) National Championship, is scheduled to air Saturday, January 29 at 10 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

The team is coached by Marvin Greene, Jr.

Simply Marvelous is also scheduled to play in ESPN’s Weekend Women’s Flag Football Tournament in Orlando, Fla. Friday, March 4 through Sunday, March 6 at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.

Simply Marvelous – with a season record 11-0 – defeated Stephen F. Austin 35-6 in the NCCS Regional Flag Football Championship last month at the University of Southern Mississippi before traveling to Texas A&M University for the NIRSA NCCS National Championship.

Dominating their competitors in the NIRSA NCCS National Championship, Simply Marvelous went 5-0 and defeated Texas State University 26-6 in the final game.

FAMU freshman Erika Collins was named the Most Valuable Player. Collins, along with teammates Kimbryana Lewis and Aisa Evans, was chosen to be a part of the All-Tournament Team.

Just days before being named NIRSA NCCS National Champions, Simply Marvelous were the American Collegiate Intramural Sports (ACIS) winners during the 31st Annual National Flag Football Tournament in New Orleans, La. where they trounced more than 40 teams.

ACIS Flag Football is a series of campus flag football regional and national championship tournaments that provide college student athletes with the opportunity to compete in high quality, nationally promoted intramural and extramural events.

The National Campus Championship Series (NCCS) is a component program of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). The mission of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) is to provide for the education and development of professional and student members and to foster quality recreational programs, facilities and services for diverse populations. NIRSA demonstrates its commitment to excellence by utilizing resources that promote ethical and healthy lifestyle choices.

Congressman hires Miller as chief of staff

Virgil A. Miller, who served as FAMU student body president during the 2004-2005 school year, has been hired as chief of staff for freshman Congressman Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, “Miller came highly touted by both Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., the senior Democrat in the House, for whom Miller worked on the Energy and Commerce Committee.”

As health policy advisor to Dingell, Miller was instrumental in securing passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, which granted Food and Drug Administration authority to regulate tobacco products, as well as the FDA Amendments Act of 2007. He has also been instrumental in drafting legislation aimed at protecting the nation's medical product and food supply, including the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009.

Prior to joining Dingell’s staff, Miller served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Louis Stokes Urban Health Policy Fellow in the office of U.S. Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY).

Miller is a native of West Palm Beach, Fla. He earned his B.S. in biology and a master of public health from FAMU.

SUNO/UNO merger being considered

Last year, the Southern University System hired former Jackson State University President Ronald Mason as its chancellor. Mason, who developed a plan to merge all three of Mississippi’s public HBCUs together, has arrived just in time to help Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal possibly merge Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) with the University of New Orleans (UNO).

Following a meeting with Board of Regents (BOR) Chairman Bob Levy, Jindal announced that he asked the regents to study whether SUNO (a historically black university) and UNO should be merged into a new single university that would then be transferred to the University of Louisiana System.

SUNO and UNO both suffered extensive building damage and enrollment drops as a result of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina and are currently in a vulnerable position.

The analysis of the merger idea would be part of a study that the regents were already authorized to conduct through a 2010 law which directed the BOR to look at the “regional coordination, maximization of resources, and quality of postsecondary offerings in the New Orleans area.” The legislation included a March 1, 2011 deadline for the regents to complete the study.

“Our goal is to provide the best service to students,” Jindal said. “That is why I have asked the Board of Regents to study whether students can be better served by a merger of SUNO and UNO and facilitating a greater partnership with Delgado [Community College]. Both UNO and SUNO, which are just blocks apart, are under-enrolled and have empty classrooms, while Delgado is struggling to meet the needs of the community with its limited space.”

The governor added that his office “will wait until we receive the completed study before formulating or recommending any legislative proposals for the upcoming session.”

Tony Clayton, former Chairman of Southern University at New Orleans and a current member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors is not showing any public outrage over the merger idea. “I understand and fully appreciate the bold initiatives that the governor is taking to address the higher educational needs of the New Orleans area,” Clayton said. “We will take this bold study and fully vet it to make sure the needs of African Americans students are addressed.”

A press release from Jindal’s office suggested that SUNO and UNO’s six-year graduation rates, enrollment numbers, classroom usage rates, and physical plant conditions are all problems.

According to the release:

“Currently, UNO graduates 21 percent of its students in six years, while SUNO graduates five percent of its students during that time. Additionally, UNO’s enrollment has dropped by 32 percent since 2005 – from over 17,000 students to 11,700 today. SUNO’s enrollment has decreased by 14 percent since 2005 – from 3,500 students to 3,100 today. By comparison, Delgado’s enrollment has grown without the physical space needed to expand.”

“While all three schools have buildings that remain out of use due to hurricane damage, UNO’s remaining classrooms are full 44 percent of the time. SUNO has not updated this data since before the 2005 storms, but at that time, the school’s classrooms were in use 46 percent of the time – far less than Delgado’s classrooms, which were used 84 percent of the time.”

The Louisiana Constitution requires the Board of Regents to study the “need for” and “feasibility of” mergers, transfers, and creations before they occur.

FAMU students turn out for MLK remembrance

Dismayed by the postponement of the NAACP's Citywide MLK Celebration yesterday, FAMU students took to facebook and twitter to organize their own remembrance at 6:30 p.m. last night at the Eternal Flame.

The event drew over 300 students and City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, former State Senator Al Lawson, and Tallahassee NAACP President Dale Landry.

At one point yesterday, the FAMU student vigil was a trending topic on twitter.

The event was organized by Vince Evans, who posted the following message to his facebook account yesterday morning: " I urge all Rattlers to take time today to honor the life and legacy of a man named King: Prayer Vigil (tonight) at the Eternal Flame at 6:30pm. Thank you Dr. King." Within minutes, others began to "retweet" and forward Evans' message using social media.

Within two hours Evans' desire to honor Dr. King began coming together.

"Tonight was truly a sight to be seen. I really hope people take into consideration what was said tonight," said Chardinal Bain, a FAMU student.

You can view more pics from the FAMU student's candle light vigil here.

Sampson, Young could reopen by Fall 2011

In a recent interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, FAMU Interim Vice-President for Student Affairs William Hudson, Jr. stated that he is optimistic that Sampson and Young Halls will reopen by the start of 2011-2012 school year.

FAMU closed the two dormitories in 2003 due to various building code violations.

Sampson (1938) and Young (1929) Halls were both built during the Great Depression. A 2003 FAMU housing study cited a number of serious problems in the two buildings that include: nonconforming fire doors, inadequate fire alarm systems, deteriorated piping and plumbing systems, insufficient electrical systems, and inadequate fire sprinkler protection.

On September 19, 2010, Rattler Nation broke the news that FAMU had received a $700,000 federal grant to help renovate Sampson. The university has secured bonds to cover the rest of the costs associated with bringing Sampson and Young up to code.

FAMU currently has only 2,484 on-campus beds for a student body of 13,284. Sampson would add 182 beds and Young would add 94, bringing the campus total up to 2760.

Re-opening Sampson and Young would likely give a boost to FAMU’s six-year graduation rate. Housing helps students afford more credit hours by cutting down the cost of living. Campus housing rental rates are usually much cheaper than private-owned apartments. Students also save money by using campus meal plans and walking to class instead of driving. That leaves them with more dollars to spend on courses.

CESTA hosts tour for Life Skills students

Jonathan Arias (wearing the orange and green FAMU jacket) recently hosted a FAMU college tour for students from the Like Skills Center in Tallahassee. Arias is a recruiter for FAMU's College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (CESTA).

Approximately 35 students had the opportunity to meet college administrators and visit the FAMU Development Center and Research Farm in Quincy, Florida for the first time. During the tour, the students were introduced to the programs and opportunities available in CESTA.

Life Skills Centers are alternative education charter schools that provide second chances to students whose lives might not work within the confines of traditional public schools. Teachers at the center help each student develop an individual academic and career plan, which serves as his/her academic and life skills guide. Upon graduation, each Life Skills student earns a state-recognized high school diploma.

Student lands E! News reporting opportunity

FAMU pharmacy student George Burns recently served as a special E! News correspondent for the network’s coverage of New Years Eve in Miami, Fla. Burns, a Tallahassee native, appears in the video posted below at the 9 minute mark and interviews Kourtney Kardashian at the 24:25 mark.

Burns was selected for the job after winning the E! Online Ciroc New Year Contest.

Williams recognizes anniversary of Haiti earthquake

On Wednesday, Rep. Alan Williams recognized the one year anniversary of the Haitian Earthquake that took place on January 12, 2010:

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake of Haiti that killed an estimated 250,000 people and left over a million people homeless," Williams stated. "Haiti’s reconstruction efforts have been a slow process, despite international aid. Many Haitians continue to live in tent camps surrounded by violence, crime and the threat of cholera. There is without a doubt much more work to be done as it relates to debris removal, access to healthcare, clean water and stabilizing the region. It is important that there is a continued focus on healthcare needs, economic development, infrastructure rehabilitation and a concentrated effort to stop the rise of violence in the region."

Williams added: "It is particularly vital to ensure that the Haitian people have all the resources they need to recover from the earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with Haiti today. As we remember all the people who were lost to this catastrophe we will continue to stand with the people of Haiti as they unite to execute a long-term recovery strategy in Haiti. We must continue to maintain our commitment to the efforts to help bring about positive change in Haiti."

Environmental Law and Justice Symposium tackles tough issues

Nearly 200 participants convened in Orlando for “New Directions in Environmental Justice,” the inaugural Environmental Law and Justice Symposium hosted jointly by the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law and the FAMU Center for Environmental Equity and Justice, a division of the Environmental Sciences Institute.

The event offered an overview of the latest international, national, regional, state and local developments in environmental justice, and attracted attendees throughout the state of Florida. It included panel discussions on National and International Developments in Environmental Justice, Toxic Dumping and Brownfields, and Impacts to Indigenous Peoples and Wildlife. Each discussion panel featured renowned experts on environmental justice issues representing government, academia, public and private sectors.

“Environmental Justice is a topic of particular interest to the FAMU College of Law as we seek to continually provide assistance to diverse populations, many of whom who are impacted by environmental issues discussed during the symposium,” said College of Law Dean LeRoy Pernell.

One highlight of the symposium included a display of the Lake Apopka Farmworker Memorial Quilts, constructed as a tribute to the lives of now deceased farmworkers who worked the muck farms on Lake Apopka in Central Florida. The symposium was sponsored by the law firm of Akerman Senterfitt LLP, the Environmental and Land Use Law Section of the Florida Bar, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, articles were solicited for the first environmental symposium issue of the FAMU Law Review.

“Law professors and attorneys throughout the nation have committed to submit articles for this special issue, which will ensure a timely and resounding impact on the scholarly literature on environmental law and justice issues in 2011,” FAMU associate law professor Randall Abate said.

First Set Friday of 2011

FAMU students kicked off the new year in timeless Orange & Green fashion by packing The Set on the first Friday of 2011. The festivities featured music from a live DJ and stepping by various FAMU National Panhellenic Council organizations. Photos courtesy of "It's A FAMUly Affair."

New Fla. Dem chair calls on Gillum for help

On Saturday, former state. Sen. Rod Smith was elected to lead the Florida Democratic Party as state chairman during a convention in Orlando. He immediately called on FAMU alumnus Andrew Gillum, one of his opponents from the chairmanship race, to help him take the party in the right direction.

Smith said that finding “the next generation of Democrats and Democratic candidates” will be a major priority of his tenure, adding that he has asked Gillum to assist him in recruiting young men and women to run for office.

During his campaign for the party chairmanship, Gillum said that Florida Democrats should “launch an initiative with local DECs (Democratic executive committees), beginning immediately, to recruit and train local candidates and campaign managers, field organizers, finance directors, communications staff, and volunteer coordinators.”

At the age of 23, Gillum became the youngest person ever elected to the Tallahassee City Commission in February 2003. In August 2004, Commissioner Gillum was re-elected to serve for a full four-year term, and subsequently re-elected without opposition in August of 2008.

Smith stated that his three biggest priorities will be: the reelection of President Barack Obama in 2012, the reelection of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson in 2012, and ensuring that the legislative task of redrawing new congressional and legislative districts yields fair districts that represent the people’s will and the diversity of Florida.

Tigers will not play in 2011 Atlanta Classic

Tennessee State University Athletic Director Teresa Phillips has released a tentative 2011 football schedule without the Atlanta Classic against perennial opponent FAMU.

"The Atlanta Classic is sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and they decided to bring in another opponent to face Florida A&M," Phillips said. “We are in active negotiations to schedule an FBS or prominent FCS team to replace that game this year.” She concluded saying, “We expect to complete our schedule by the end of the month.”

The Tigers and Rattlers have played each other for twenty-eight consecutive years with FAMU holding a 26-25-1 edge in the all-time series. TSU beat FAMU 29-18 last year in Atlanta in front of a crowd of 54,202.

Phillips added, "Considering our long-standing rivalry with Florida A&M, we are looking to negotiate future home-and-home games with the Rattlers to renew and sustain our series."

According to the Tennessean newspaper: "Phillips said representatives of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, who sponsor the Atlanta Football Classic, told her TSU was not invited back was because the number of Tigers fans attending the game had dipped."

Phillips also told the newspaper that 100 Black Men of Atlanta is negotiating with Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge to serve as a replacement for TSU.

Newly renovated Jones Hall reopens

FAMU has reopened Jones Hall after giving it a $9.5M renovation.

Jones Hall housed most of FAMU’s physical science laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices from the time of its construction in 1953 until the completion of the Frederick S. Humphries Science Research Building.

The remodeling included the following: restoration of the building’s envelope, major overhaul or replacement of the existing HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, plumbing (including laboratory gases), upgrading of electrical wiring and elevators, fire doors, fire alarm and sprinkler protection systems to meet code, cable TV and internet connections, replacement of existing services and switchgear, and correction of life safety and ADA standards.

FAMU launches textbook rental program

Beginning this month, the FAMU Bookstore will offer students a new, multi-channel textbook rental program designed to deliver maximum savings and convenience.

This innovative textbook rental program will allow students to rent their textbooks for less than 50 percent of the cost of purchasing a new printed textbook. Plus, as an added convenience, students will be able to rent their books either in the store or from the store’s website at www.shopfamurattlers.com.

This decision to offer a textbook rental program was a joint decision made by FAMU and Barnes & Noble College Booksellers.

“We are committed to providing students with the widest range of content options and price points available,” said Brian Stark, vice president for Barnes & Noble College Booksellers. “Whether students are interested in new books, used, digital, unbundled or now rentals, they know they can find what they want at the FAMU bookstore.”

In fall 2010, more than 300 college and university bookstores began offering textbook rental programs through the campus bookstore.

Williams, Kappas commemorate 100th anniversary

Rep. Alan Williams, a FAMU alumnus, recently joined with other members of the Florida House of Representatives to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

"As a proud member, Past Polemarch, (President) Alpha Xi Chapter (Florida A&M University) and Past Junior Vice Polemarch-Southern Region of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., I’m jubilant in celebrating the victories and the struggles of the past 100 years of our fraternity," Williams said. "For over 100 years the brotherhood has pushed us to promote humanity and ensure that we dedicate ourselves to live our creed in the principles of manhood in uplifting our communities and the nation."

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is an African American Greek letter organization, founded on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana on January 5, 1911.

Other Florida House of Representatives that are members of the fraternity include the Rep. Perry Thurston, Rep. Oscar Braynon, and Rep. Dwight Bullard.

Seniors out as EIT VP

Robert Seniors, FAMU vice-president of Enterprise Information Technology (EIT), has been reassigned and replaced with Michael James.

James, the former university registrar, has been working in EIT for several years. He will serve on an interim basis until a permanent vice-president president is found. James was given the title of chief information officer.

A search firm will be hired to find a new head for EIT. Seniors will now assist FAMU’s office of instructional technology.

Seniors’ reassignment comes after iRattler was down for several days at the start of the Spring 2011 semester. The interruption in service prevented many FAMU students from registering for classes during the drop/add period. This was not the first time that iRattler has been unavailable during the start of a semester.

FAMU releases 2011 football schedule

The FAMU Department of Athletics has released its 2011 football schedule. The line up features four home games and a September contest against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. There will also be two Classics.

Last season the Rattlers finished with a record of 8-3 and 7-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play, by winning their last six of seven games and handing, Bethune-Cookman their only regular season lost in the Annual Florida Classic.

FAMU will open its 2011 campaign Sept. 3 with a non-conference home contest against Fort Valley (Ga.) State in Bragg Memorial Stadium.

After the season opener, the Rattlers will hit the road for three weeks, travelling to Armstrong Stadium for their Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener Sept. 10 against Hampton University at Hampton, Virginia.

The Rattlers will then travel to Tampa, Fla., to take on the University of South Florida at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 17. The team will conclude its three-game road swing on Sept. 24 in the annual Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome.

FAMU returns home, resuming MEAC play against Delaware State on Oct. 1 and Howard University on Oct. 8, before making their first-ever trip to Savannah, Ga., on Oct. 15, to take on MEAC provisional member Savannah State at Ted A. Wright Stadium.

The following week, the Rattlers will trek to Orangeburg, S.C. for a critical MEAC matchup against South Carolina State on Oct. 22 at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. The Rattlers then have an open date (Oct. 29) before returning home for a conference match up against North Carolina A&T on Nov. 5.

In November, FAMU will have two road trips, taking on MEAC provisional member North Carolina Central for the first time in 38 years on Nov. 12 at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium in Durham, N.C., before closing out the year in the 32nd Florida Classic against arch rival Bethune-Cookman University on Nov. 19 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Start times for all games will be announced at a later date.

With conference expansion in effect, the new league scheduling format has the Rattlers not facing longtime foes Norfolk (Va.) State or Morgan (Md.) State this season.

New Winery Way greenhouses aiding CESTA research

Two large greenhouses, located on Winery Way, have been erected for use by the research faculty at the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research. These new facilities have been in the planning stage for at least five years. With approximately 7200 sq. feet of production space, the greenhouses will help overcome seasonal challenges which prevent growth and production of a variety of plants and fruits used in scientific studies.

Stephen Leong, Director, Center for Viticulture, explained, “Finally our researchers will be able to continue research projects even during the winter because the greenhouses provide us with the capability for year-round production. Therefore, we can expect to experience greater success in the ongoing studies.”

Unique features of the buildings include electronic climate control with a micro-grow system that regulates humidity and heat. Also, there is a water screen in place to support this. According to Leong, the greenhouses will be used for training and extension purposes. “We want to maximize their use by graduate students, faculty and community as much as possible.

The greenhouses were funded through a USDA 1890 facilities grant totaling $1 million dollars. Osubi Craig, CESTA construction project manager, stated, “I’m glad to see a project that was a long time in the development stage to finally be constructed.” The new facilities will be a great addition to the scenic tour of the FAMU Vineyard that has grown in popularity over the years.

FAMU welcomes Scott-Carroll administration

FAMU rolled out a warm welcome for new Gov. Rick Scott and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll this week with two big events in the Alfred “Al” Lawson Multipurpose Center & Teaching Gymnasium.

On Sunday evening, FAMU and Al Lawson & Associates held a black tie gala in Carroll’s honor. President James H. Ammons, Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris, and Vice President for University Relations Carla Willis all greeted Carroll on behalf of the university. 20 members of the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators were in attendance.

Former Sen. Al Lawson told WCTV-6 that Carroll is “like a little sister” to him.

“Seven years ago, many members were suspect about this young lady,” Lawson said. “She was the first Republican member of the black caucus, and that created many unusual situations for many of my colleagues.”

Scott also made a surprise visit to gala and praised his running-mate as a tireless leader who will play a big role in his administration.

On Tuesday morning, FAMU kicked off the inauguration day activities with a prayer breakfast. Ammons thanked the Scott and Carroll “for keeping God as part of this inaugural process.”

The Marching 100 later high-stepped for the new governor and lieutenant governor during the inaugural parade.

Rattlers receive entrepreneurship grants

Four small businesses founded by Rattlers recently received $10,000 grants to aid their development. The start-up capital was awarded by 100 Urban Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship in America’s cities during its earliest stages.

The four companies that received $10,000 each were: Sunny Days Bakery, Senorium Solutions, Mult-Enterprises, and Elevated Expressions. The awards were made at the end of a competition was held in FAMU’s Grand Ballroom. Judges included 100 Urban Entrepreneur's CEO and Founder Magnus Greaves, FAMU Professor LaTanya White and BET Director of Music Programming Kelly Griffin.

The founder of Elevated Expressions is especially happy for her grant. The company is a writing consultancy run as a one-woman operation by 29-year-old Esther Spencer (pictured), who works as the coordinator of academic support services for FAMU’s Writing Resource Center.

"My experience at my job made me realize that many people struggle with English skills and writing, and need help crafting a strong paper," Spencer said. "I would always help my siblings and friends, but never charged them. But when a student needed help editing her master's thesis and told me she would pay, I obliged her and realized I could make money with my skills."

Elevated Expressions was thus born. The business specializes in editing and proofreading dissertations, Web sites, blogs, student essays and more; it also offers grammar and writing workshops, as well as tutoring services, to individuals and businesses.

It is still a tiny consultancy and the lack of funds to market her services has kept her client roster small. The startup financing provided by 100 Urban Entreprenuers will help Elevated Expressions become both fully operational and profitable. The money will go toward creating a company Web site, as well as buying the technology (and the marketing) to enable Spencer to reach her target clientele.

"The business is still in its early stages of development," Spencer noted — but her plans are vast. Given that she offers a service and not a product per se, her potential market is as broad as the entire English-speaking world. She wants her company to grow into an international consultancy.

CESTA staffer publishes book on groundwater pollution

Carmen Lyttle-N’guessan, coordinator of Veterinary Services at Florida A&M University, recently had a her first book entitled, “An economic evaluation of nitrate in groundwater – A contingent valuation survey in Northwest Florida,” published by Lambert Academic Publishing Company in November 2009.

A novice author, N’guessan (prounounced Um-guessa) wrote the book based on work done for her master thesis while a graduate student at FAMU where she earned the M.Ed., and M.S. degrees in agricultural sciences and agribusiness. N’guessan received her B.S. degree in agribusiness and agricultural economics at Louisiana State University.

The book includes data and results related to environmental concerns regarding potential harm of nitrate pollution of groundwater. Through research the N’guessan examines consumer willingness to pay for nitrate-reduced drinking water to derive an estimate average cost people are willing to pay to reduce harmful effects of nitrate pollution which includes blue baby syndrome among children and cancer in adults.

N’guessan hopes to introduce students and educators to the findings on her book to support further scientific research on the topic. An immediate goal is to get the book in libraries and available for students to use as a reference in their studies.

A native of Jamaica, N’guessan has been employed in the FAMU Cooperative Extension Program since 2004. She is responsible for coordinating budgetary activities, including progress and financial reporting and grant proposal writ- ing.

Her long range career goals include earning a doctoral degree in the area of environmental policy or student assessment or maybe a hybrid of both areas. Her future research initiatives may be to examine how varying demography, goods and services might affect the economic impact valuation of nitrate in groundwater. N’guessan hopes also to use her expertise in agricultural sciences in the classroom to benefit of student learning. Ideas for her next book still focus on subject matter in her current work, i.e. the designing of an effective survey instrument to measure the benefits/ damages of environmental amenities/disamenities to encourage program participation.

Top 10 moments in Rattler Athletics 2010

Happy New Year!

The Rattler Nation team wishes you a happy New Year's Day. Welcome to 2011!