FAMU requesting $8.3M to complete Pharmacy Phase II

FAMU is asking the Florida Legislature for $8,395,000 to complete the Phase II building of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The university received $23,000,000 toward the cost of Pharmacy Phase II during the 2010 legislative session. If FAMU receives the full amount it is requesting this year, it will satisfy the remaining construction costs for the facility.

According to the FAMU Capital Improvement Plan:

“Phase II space needs include the following as part of the facility program: 1) laboratories for medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, anatomy, drug information, pharmaceutics, microbiology, applied skills, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics, and pathophysiology; 2) research laboratories, approximately 35 in number; 3) science faculty offices-45; 4) research faculty offices-20; 5) graduate support offices/spaces; 6) specialized research laboratories for NMR, mass spectrometer, ultra-centrifuge, confocal; 7) graduate program classrooms; 8) hazardous chemical storages areas; 9) laboratory animal facility and other campus supports spaces.”

FAMU journalists are Best of the South again

Once again, journalism students at FAMU have been named “Best of the South” by the Southeast Journalism Conference.

Each year, the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) sends its students to compete with peers from eight states—Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Tennessee. This year’s winners were announced Feb. 19 at the 25th annual conference in Troy, Ala. The competition included 331 entries from 33 schools.

Marcus Scott, a senior public relations major, won first place in the on-site public relations competition. Scott represented FAMU by himself in a category that allowed teams of three.

“This win just proves that the education I am getting here at FAMU is top notch,” Scott said. “I was not intimidated. I approached it like a normal assignment that one of my professors would assign on any regular day. I feel validated and secure that I will make it in the PR industry after graduation.”

Journey Magazine won five awards including second place for Best College Magazine and fourth place for Best College Website (journeymagonline.com).

“Each year, our students continue to amaze me,” said Laura Downey, journalism professor and Journey Magazine advisor. “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to see the Journey staff interact with students from other universities.”

Ammons recruiting Florida's best and brightest

FAMU President James H. Ammons will kick off his Fourth Annual President’s Tour beginning Saturday, March 5 through Tuesday, March 8 in an effort to recruit some of the best and brightest students in the state of Florida.

Ammons will meet with students, parents, business executives and alumni in Ocala, St. Petersburg, Naples and Miami to award scholarships on the spot to students who meet presidential scholarship requirements.

“This year’s President’s Up Close and Personal Tour will give prospective students the opportunity to receive scholarships from the University,” Ammons said. “Despite these tough economic times, this tour is an opportunity to reassure students and their parents that FAMU can help them discover what they can become.”

High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend all receptions. To qualify for the Life-Gets-Better scholarship, a student must be designated as a National Achievement, Hispanic or Merit Semifinalist majoring in one of the following STEM programs: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, physics, environmental science, or mathematics and a 1800 SAT score or a 27 on the ACT. Other students who have at least a 3.5 GPA and scores of 1900 SAT or 29 ACT are also eligible. Recipients of this scholarship will also receive a stipend each semester for miscellaneous expenses, internship opportunities and a laptop.

FAMU will also offer the Distinguished Scholar Award, a full scholarship, to students who have 1800 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA. Partial scholarships will be offered to incoming freshmen who have at least 1650 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The FAMU Connection, the University’s recruitment/performing group, will provide entertainment. FAMU administrators, Presidential Ambassadors, members of the FAMU Royal Court, representatives from the colleges and schools and alumni will accompany President Ammons.

Franklin to represent USA in Russia

FAMU Student Government Association President Gallop Franklin, II was selected by the Open World Leadership Center, the Congressional agency working to increase U.S.-Eurasian understanding and partnerships, to travel to Russia this spring as guests of the host country.

“I am very excited,” Franklin said. “This is a great international opportunity to share culture experiences and ideologies. I am very humble.”

Franklin, along with State University System Chancellor Frank T. Brogan, traveled to Washington, D.C. for an informal orientation and to begin formal preparation for the trip.

The University of Florida's SGA President Ashton Charles also was selected to participate. Franklin and Charles will be members of the contingent representing about 25 public and private universities nationwide, signifying a great honor to the State University System of Florida. It is uncommon for one state to have more than one representative selected -- and to have both state representatives from its public universities.

“Ashton and Gallop both represent the kind of dedicated and astute students we have today in our System of 11 institutions and more than 300,000 enrolled,” Brogan said. “I know that they will represent us very well as Florida's public universities accept the invitation this first year, and that they will share the knowledge and experiences they gain.”

Brogan was requested to participate in the activities in Washington because the Open World program has Florida in its sights as a State University System from which to have regular participation in future years.

This past November, 15 university student body presidents from across the United States also traveled to Russia to participate in the exchange mission. The travel and all costs are fully funded by the International Relations Department of the Federal Agency on Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation. The student leaders met with their counterparts as well as senior officials in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of power in Russia.

The Open World Center also paid tribute to its 2011 National Grantee of Merit award, which honors the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation of Washington, D.C. The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation has provided hosting for more than 200 emerging Ukrainian leaders for Open World programs since 2006.

The contingent of student body presidents traveling to Russia this fall will stay in Moscow and experience a week of high-level meetings with decision-makers and leaders.

The U.S. Congress established Open World in 1999 to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and Russia. In 2003, Congress made all post-Soviet states eligible for the program. Open World promotes partnerships and continued communications between delegates and their American hosts and professional counterparts.

Former Meek staffer managing Wilson's office

Freshman Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Miami) has hired FAMU alumna Tasha Cole as her new chief of staff. Wilson recently won the vacant House seat formerly held by FAMU alumnus Kendrick B. Meek and his mother, FAMU alumna Carrie Meek.

“I’ve been in DC for eight years,” she said. “There’s a hectic pace and you are in the middle of everything that is going on in the country. It can be very humbling when you can be a part of decisions on healthcare and tax reform.”

An Alabama native, Cole was the senior advisor to former Congressman Kendrick B. Meek, working for him throughout his entire eight years in the House. In 2008, Cole worked as the director for political affairs for the Democratic National Convention Committee in Denver. Prior to moving to DC, she worked in Florida organizing programs designed to advance progressive issues and elect moderate and progressive candidates to office. As an active and proven fundraiser, she has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for various causes and candidates for office.

Cole began her political career as constituency outreach director for the Florida Democratic Party working on numerous statewide and local campaigns including the Gore/Lieberman Florida Campaign and Recount Effort in 2000 and as the early vote director for the Kerry/Edwards Campaign in Florida. She has also worked as the state director for the Service Employees International Union in Florida and served as a senior advisor for the Coalition to Reduce Class Size, a statewide ballot initiative to reduce class size that was approved by more than 2.5 million Florida voters on Election Day.

Cole graduated with honors from FAMU in 1993 with a degree in broadcast journalism and worked for several years as a documentary producer and television reporter for a statewide public affairs program and as a media relations consultant for non-profit organizations and associations.

Cole is the recipient of numerous honors, including an Emmy in public affairs for a PBS documentary on domestic violence centers, the Women In Communications Rising Star Award and the grand prize in the Florida Bar Media Awards Contest. She serves on the Board of Directors for Running Start, a non-profit committed to engaging young women in politics and is active with several community organizations including the DC Chapter of the FAMU Alumni Association.

Love elected student body president

Conyers, Georgia native Breyon Love will become the tenth student to sit on the FAMU Board of Trustees.

On Tuesday, Love won the Student Government Association presidential race. The junior accounting student currently serves as the vice-president in the administration of current SGA President Gallop Franklin, II.

Love previously served as a student senator and chaired the Organization & Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Beta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Junior Class President Troy Harris, a business administration student from Atlanta, will serve as Love’s vice-president. Harris also served in the Student Senate and led the Internal Development Select Committee.

OT: Whites without a college degree most pessimistic about economy/government

No surprise here but, a new study conducted by The Washington Post, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University found that whites without a college degree are most pessimistic about the economy and the work the government is doing. Here’s a snippet:

The deep recession has had a profound effect on virtually every segment of the country’s population. But if there is an epicenter of financial stress and frustration, it is among whites without college degrees. By many measures, this politically sensitive group has emerged from the recession with a particularly dark view of the economy and the financial future. Whites without college degrees also are the most apt to blame Washington for the problems, and are exceedingly harsh in their judgment of the Obama administration and its economic policies.

A mere 10 percent of whites without college degrees say they are satisfied with the nation’s current economic situation. Most – 56 percent – say the country’s best days are in the past, and more, 61 percent, say it will be a long time before the economy begins to recover. Fully 43 percent of non-college whites say “hard work and determination are no guarantees of success,” and nearly half doubt that they have enough education and skills to compete in the job market.

The take away from this poll? Stay in school!

Chen retires; Collier named interim engineering dean

Ching-Jen Chen has formally announced his retirement as dean of the Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering after 19 years of service.

Then professor and chair of the mechanical engineering department at University of Iowa, Chen came to the College in 1992 to become the third dean of the joint university college since its creation in 1982. Chen noted in his April 2007 preface to the College's 25th anniversary book documenting the history of the College, "The college was an experiment that had never been tried before: a collaboration between a research-1 university and a historically black college that was focused mainly on undergraduate education. Many felt that such a marriage was doomed to failure, but the perseverance of a group of dedicated individuals who had faith in its mission has prevailed."

Last week, in a last formal act as dean of engineering, Chen called on his faculty and staff to join him in welcoming John Collier as interim dean.

Collier has been with the College of Engineering since 2006, serving as Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Before coming to the College, he served as Professor and Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Collier also was a faculty member at Louisiana State University and Ohio University during his distinguished career.

It is anticipated that Collier will serve as interim dean for a period of 10 to 16 months before a new dean of engineering has been selected. Work has already begun on identifying search committee members and hiring a consulting firm to assist with the search.

Under the joint governance system for the College of Engineering, Florida State University controls the hiring process for the deanship. FAMU controls the budget and finances.

FAMU, EPA partnering on two initiatives

FAMU recently entered into two agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address sustainability initiatives.

The first agreement commits EPA and FAMU to cooperate in addressing environmental issues ranging from energy policy and sustainability to food security, health disparities, environmental justice and children’s health. FAMU is the fourteenth university to join the agency’s Collegiate Sustainability Initiative and, as part of the agreement, EPA will work with FAMU to help green the university’s campus and make students aware of internships and career opportunities in the environmental field.

The second agreement designates the university as the first Center of Excellence for Watershed Management in Florida.

FAMU President James H. Ammons signed the two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) during a ceremony Friday afternoon in Lee Hall Auditorium.

“EPA is committed to expanding the conversation on environmentalism by engaging Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” said EPA Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming. “This collaborative partnership with FAMU will allow us to advance our mutual goals of greening the university’s campus, promoting sustainability initiatives throughout Florida and educating the next, more diverse generation of environmental leaders.”

Under the first MOU, EPA committed to provide technical assistance to support several existing centers at FAMU including the Center for Environmental Equity and Justice, the Center for Environmental Technology Transfer and the Center for Water Quality. EPA and FAMU plan to undertake joint research projects, and EPA has committed technical support to assist with FAMU’s ongoing research on the environment, health disparities, pollution control, radiation protection and micrometeorology. Lastly, EPA will collaborate with FAMU’s Career Center to make students aware of internship opportunities and with the Office of the Provost to develop faculty exchange opportunities.

EPA and the FDEP signed the second MOU with FAMU designating the university as a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management. This is first Center of Excellence to be designated in Florida, the second HBCU, and the eighth in the Southeast. To become a recognized Center of Excellence, the institution must demonstrate technical expertise in identifying and addressing watershed needs; involvement of students, staff and faculty in watershed research; capability to involve the full suite of disciplines needed for all aspects of watershed management; financial ability to become self-sustaining; ability to deliver and account for results; willingness to partner with other institutions; and support from the highest levels of the organization.

Lyceum presents opera singer Kathleen Battle

The FAMU Lyceum Series is proud to present Opera singer Kathleen Battle, Friday, March 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 20 at 4 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium.

Battle’s voice has been described as one of the “most beautiful in the world” and her music has coveted fans and awards from around the world.

The range of Battle’s repertoire spans three centuries from the Baroque era to contemporary works. She has enjoyed some of her greatest successes in the opera house in repertoire ranging from Handel (Cleopatra in the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere staging of Giulio Cesare) to Richard Strauss.

Battle drew considerable attention with the world premiere of Honey and Rue, a song cycle with music by Oscar and Grammy-winner composer André Previn and lyrics by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize- winning author Toni Morrison, commissioned for Battle by Carnegie Hall on the event of their 100th anniversary.

She has performed the work with leading orchestras and in recitals throughout the world. The Los Angeles Times called her performance of this work “spellbinding,” while the Cincinnati Herald remarked, “her voice was like the ebb and flow of the seas as an almost sacred silence enclosed the auditorium.” The recording of this cycle also includes Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and arias from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

Battle has established herself as a distinguished recording artist through a wide range of releases encompassing complete opera, concert, choral and solo albums on all major labels. Battle has made immeasurable contributions as an ambassador for classical music, performing for presidents and dignitaries, and attracting diverse new audiences through television broadcasts of her operas and concerts, as well as through appearances on popular network talk shows.

Her performance on the PBS broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s 1991 season opening gala won her an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Classical Program on Television.

Praised for the keen intelligence, which informs her musical sensitivity, Battle earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati.

In honor of her outstanding artistic achievements, Battle was inducted into the “NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame,” and in 2002 into the “Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.” She is the first recipient of the “Ray Charles Award” bestowed upon her by Wilberforce University.

Southern to face FAMU in Atlanta Classic

Earlier this week, 100 Black Men of Atlanta announced the new match-up for the 2011 Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, which will return to Atlanta for the 23rd year Sept. 24, 2011. For the first time in Classic history, the Florida A&M University Rattlers will take on the Southern University Jaguars.

The Bank of America will extend its title sponsorship of the football contest.

As one of the largest recurring sporting events in Georgia, bringing more than 100,000 visitors to the city of Atlanta, the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic brings together Historically Black Colleges & Universities alumni, students and fans to celebrate community, education and tradition. Proceeds from the game support the 100 Black Men of Atlanta's Project Success, the organization's post-secondary preparation and tuition assistance program.

"We are always exploring new ways to ensure the Atlanta Football Classic evolves from year-to-year," said John Grant, CEO, 100 Black Men of Atlanta. "The new line-up with FAMU and Southern University will provide a fresh rivalry with schools known for excellence on and off the field."

As the 100 Black Men of Atlanta's largest fundraiser, the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic provides significant support to Project Success and the participating universities. Since 2004 the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic has raised millions for Project Success and the participating universities.

"The addition of Southern University continues the rich, tradition of highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities at the Bank of America Football Classic," said William Pate, president of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"Every year the game brings more than 60,000 fans to downtown Atlanta and generates $26 million in economic impact. The 23rd installment of the Football Classic promises to be another great battle on the gridiron."

"Every year the game brings more than 60,000 fans to downtown Atlanta and generates $26 million in economic impact. The 23rd installment of the Football Classic promises to be another great battle on the gridiron."

The Atlanta Football Classic has been played annually in Atlanta since 1989. It was first hosted at Grant Field, and since 1992, has been hosted at the Georgia Dome. Only four universities have participated in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic: Florida A&M University, Southern University-Baton Rouge, South Carolina State and Tennessee State University. Though FAMU and Southern have both played in the Atlanta Football Classic, the teams have never faced off against each other.

Essential Theatre presents Black Widow

FAMU's Essential Theatre reaches out to the local community for feedback on its workshop-production of Black Widow as part of the Writing for Life play reading series, which provides a platform for new writers. Opening night is scheduled for tonight, Friday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m., with an encore on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Charles Winter Wood Theatre.

Playwright and FAMU alumnus James Webb, Jr. will watch the actors from the Tallahassee community bring his play to life.

The dual storyline takes place in Moss Point, Miss. Characters Big Mama and her son, Pete’na, are spirit characters that are trying to make it to heaven. The second plot involves Lil James and his son, Jame, who is obsessed with ridding a family curse he believes has been placed on the men in his bloodline by his grandmother, Big Mama. The interaction between the spirit characters puts an entertaining spin on theatre.

“This production is going to challenge the way people think, view life, death and choices in the natural and supernatural,” said Marty Lamar, alumnus and actor who will portray Lil James.

This season, the Essential Theatre has taken an unusual route when it comes to community participation. Black Widow’s cast, except for A’naz Sylvers-Cotton, a theatre major and native of Kansas City, Mo., are members of the Tallahassee community and FAMU alumni.

“We have reached out to the community for a couple reasons,” said Luther Wells, director and assistant professor of theatre. “To keep a strong connection with alumni and the maturity of the characters. This is a workshop production and we want to ensure that the message is delivered.”
Following each show will be a discussion with the play writer, director and audience.

“Students will be able to take something away from the production,” said Sylvers-Cotton, who play James, the youngest character. “It focuses on the importance of fostering relationships.”

“The purpose of the post shows discussion is to offer the writer a chance to hear what the public thinks of the work,” said Kimberly Harding, associate professor of theatre. “This production is not the real thing. It's more like a try out. The writer tries it out on an audience and receives feedback on the plot and characters.”

FAMU seeking more TCC transfers

FAMU held an advising day at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) on Monday, Feb. 14 as part of its continuing efforts to recruit more associate of arts transfer students.

“The purpose of FAMU Day at TCC day is to improve the transition of students graduating from TCC and enrolling at FAMU,” said Interim Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson, Jr. “As the university moves forward, it is imperative that we continue to collaborate with other institutions, particularly community colleges to build stronger relationships. Consequently, this move will broaden our recruitment efforts and increase the enrollment of transfer students from Florida Community Colleges.”

Currently, FAMU offers the undergraduate Florida Community College Scholarship for transfer students that have graduated with an A.A. or A.S. degree and is not enrolled as a FAMU student.

“This is an awesome opportunity for students attending TCC take a closer look at what FAMU has to offer them,” said Hudson.

The Ammons administration has made a practice of recruiting at every Florida community college (except the Florida Keys Community College) multiple times per year.

SBI student returns safely from Egypt

After a three-day journey through four countries and five airports, FAMU student Brittani Pope safely arrived in Chicago, Ill. on Thursday, February 3, from Cairo, Egypt where she was studying abroad at the American University.

Pope, 21, a fourth year professional MBA student with a minor in Arabic, was enjoying her international learning experience, along with hundreds of American students, who attend the American University each semester, before the protest against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak had begun.

Pope had been in Egypt since the beginning of fall 2010 semester. She resided in a wealthy neighborhood called Dokki, which is ten minutes from downtown – the epicenter of the rioting – and an hour from her university.

“When it first started, we didn’t know the protesting was going to get so intense,” said Pope. “Suddenly, things began to escalate. People started clashing with the riot police. Stores began to close. A curfew was implemented for 6 p.m. then it was moved to 3 p.m. That is when it got dangerous; people began to break into stores.”

Pope and her roommate decided to stay home. The doorman to her building – to ensure their safety – did not allow the young ladies to leave, nor would he let visitors or unwanted guests inside.

“Random people would stop us if we were going to the store and ask if we were from the area,” said Pope. “They would say ‘maybe you should stay in, today is not a good day to be out’. The Egyptians are extremely helpful people. They would buy food for us to stay inside, and translate for us.”

Things grew extremely violent after President Mubarak cut off Internet and phone connections.

“I had no way to communicate with people to see what was going on or if they were ok,” said Pope.

The American students began to leave the country once the phone connection was reinstated. However, Pope was not ready to abandon her international experience. It wasn’t until she spoke with her brother, who encouraged her to go to Egypt after traveling there several times with the U.S. Army, that she considered returning.

When President Mubarak threatened to shut off the water supply, Pope knew at that moment it was time for her to leave. She contacted the U.S. State Department, which was providing emergency evacuations for U.S. citizens, and traveled to Istanbul, Turkey. From there she flew to Amsterdam, Netherlands then Atlanta, Ga., where she was stuck for 15 hours because of the blizzard, and finally back home in Chicago, Ill.

“Some of my American friends participated and were injured in the riots,” said Pope. “They took a huge risk by going to the frontline.”

Despite the cut-short abroad experience, the long journey back to the U.S. and days without communication with friends and loved ones, Pope is looking into her next study abroad adventure.

Alumna is first African-American female to attend UF MD-PhD program

FAMU alumna Brittney Newby recently became the first African-American female to be admitted into the University of Florida (UF) MD-PhD program.

Newby, an Atlanta, Ga. native, graduated summa cum laude in the spring of 2009 from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She was officially accepted into UF’s prestigious program Jan. 18.

“It is very humbling,” said Newby. “I can’t help but to think of all of the people that have paved the way. Without them, I wouldn’t even have the opportunity to partake in this prestigious program. I have dreamed of being a doctor and changing the dynamics of healthcare for pretty much all of my life. I think being the first African-American female accepted is just a bonus. It gives me a chance to provide a good example for those who come behind me.”

The University of Florida’s MD-PhD program was created in 1967. Each year, the program only admits eight students due to the fact that the student’s full tuition is paid along with paying the students a monthly stipend of $1,900 per month. Dr. Lekan Latinwo, chair of FAMU’s Department of Biology, Dr. James Adams, co-chair, and Letina Banks, pre-health advisor, met with the director of the University of Florida’s MD-PhD program Dr. Stephen Hsu and his assistant, Skip Harris, in hopes of increasing UF’s admission of more minority students into their program.

“When I read Brittney’s personal statement, I told her she would be our first student to enter into the MD-PhD program at the University of Florida due to her extensive research experience,” Banks said. “We started working together to make sure this happened.”

Newby currently works at the Children’s Hospital in Boston as a research assistant. In her lab, she investigates the role of genetics on the progression of skeletal disorders, while also investigating the biological aspects of these disorders through mouse models.

“My day-to-day typically involves running experiments, genotyping samples and looking after the mouse colony,” she said. “While working at the Children’s Hospital-Boston, I have been able to gain extensive insight on what entails the life of a physician scientist.”

Newby, who was a player on the Lady Rattler Softball Team, said the university was instrumental in her development as a student and a person.

“At FAMU, I wasn’t just a student, I was a part of a family,” said Newby. “My teachers were amazing — many of which I can still call if I need any advice. While a student at FAMU, sometimes I would think, ‘Why am I learning this or why is the coursework so difficult?’ But as I look back on my time at FAMU, I am very happy to have had such rigorous coursework because it has truly prepared me for medical school.”

After graduation, Newby hopes to work as a pediatric physician.

“Depending on my specialization and field of research, my research will be impacted by my clinical experiences with patients,” she said. “Hopefully, my research will translate into new approaches for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. Right now, I am most interested in the pathology of disease and the biological mechanisms involved in the progression of disease.”

Astronaut Satcher to keynote honors convocation

FAMU will host its annual Honors Convocation Thursday, March 31, at 10:10 a.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium. NASA astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. will serve as the keynote speaker.

Satcher was selected by NASA in May 2004. In February 2006, he completed Astronaut Candidate Training that included scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in shuttle and international space station systems, physiological training, T-38 flight training and water and wilderness survival training. Satcher completed his first flight on STS-129 in November 2009. During the mission, Satcher performed two spacewalks. The STS-129 mission was completed in 10 days, 19 hours, 16 minutes and 13 seconds, traveling 4.5 million miles in 171 orbits.

Satcher received a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1986, earned a doctor of philosophy in chemical engineering from MIT in 1993, earned a doctorate of medicine degree from Harvard Medical School in 1994; completed internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco in 2000, completed postdoctoral research fellowships at MIT in 1994 and University of California, Berkeley in 1998, and completed a fellowship in musculoskeletal oncology at the University of Florida in 2001.

Satcher has received special honors from Leadership Fellow of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, ABC Fellow of American Orthopedic Association, UNCF/Merck Research Fellow, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Fellow, Bloomberg Leadership Fellow, Johns Hopkins University and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

Track team takes time for campus beautification

The FAMU men's track team took on a community service project this weekend, which was also a campus beautification event. The men's team cleaned out "FAMU Pond" on the South side of campus.

The pond, is actually a stormwater runoff holding pond, that is well-manicured on the former site of the Marching "100" practice field. The area is used for various social events and is a popular site to pass for students on a daily basis.

On a weekend where the team did not compete in a meet, the Rattlers donned work gear, grabbed some rakes, trash pickup devices and shovels and set out to make the place look better.

Head coach Wayne Angel led the charge by example, actually submersing in efforts to reach as much debris as possible. "We've got to do something to help maintain our own campus," Angel said. "I'm proud of our guys for buying into taking care of our own campus," he added.

The Rattlers are coming off a successful start to the 2010-2011 indoor season with several MEAC Championship qualifiers and a No.15 ranking in the NCAA southern region. They return to action this weekend at the Virginia Tech Invitational in Blacksburg, Va.

FAMU Athletics partnering with NeuLion

FAMU Athletics recently announced a new partnership with the multi-platform technology and digital media services company NeuLion (TSX:NLN) to deliver a more robust digital offering and array of services through a new athletic website, designed, developed and hosted by NeuLion. The new website is expected to launch in late February or early March.

“We are very excited to partner with a company with a rock-solid reputation for athletic website development,” said FAMU director of athletics Derek Horne. “With our moving and developing the FAMU athletic brand forward, we knew there was a need for a world-class partner to provide the best web portal available, and we chose NeuLion,” he added.

FAMU has struggled in the past with its athletic websites and has changed its web address five to six times. With the transition to NeuLion also comes a new web address. When launched, the new web address will be www.FAMUAthletics.com. This will supplant the current athletic site www.FAMURattlerSports.com.

The primary problem with Rattler websites is that its content hasn't always been updated on a regular basis. For example, the current website lacks an updated roster or bio information for Rattler teams and it was mid-season before a current roster was put up for the football team. Such lapses have left Rattler fans to rely on other sources for accurate information on FAMU sports teams.

NeuLion provides the very latest in web and video publishing platforms and works with the NHL, NFL, NBA, UFC and NCAA schools. Some notable colleges who are powered by NeuLion technology include Duke, Ohio State, Oregon, Nebraska and LSU. In the MEAC, NeuLion provides web platforms for NC A&T and Del. State. Tennessee State is also powered by NeuLion.

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FAMU Athletics visits Conley Elementary

Members of the FAMU cheerleaders, track team, softball team, coaches, football team and the Marching "100" rocked Conley School at Southwood on Fri. Jan 28. The Rattlers were there to help foster a bond between FAMU and the excited kids.

Hundreds of kids came dressed as their favorite cartoon, movie and book characters to celebrate the day withthe Rattlers. The world-famous Marching "100" performed two parades, where the students followed the band around campus. The FAMU athletes were embraced by the kids as some of their favorite players were there for them.

Several of the athletes read to the students in their classrooms. The event virtually shut down the school, except for the Pre-K students who enjoyed naptime during the activities.

FAMU cuts ribbon on renovated Jones Hall

Chilly air and an overcast sky did not stop FAMU’s Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and students from cutting the ribbon on the newly renovated Jones Hall.

“It is an honor to be here to officially recognize the reopening of another campus building,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.

Ammons shared with the audience that he remembered when he was a student taking classes in Jones Hall.

“I remember when I took classes in Jones Hall,” Ammons said. “This building has meant so much to FAMU and students who have gone on to be leaders in science, technology and mathematics. I’m proud of this renovation. I will continue to support the programs of Jones Hall because they support the mission of the university. Here we are today with a newly renovated state of the art Jones Hall.”

Jones Hall houses the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The renovation of Jones Hall included a complete interior renovation and modernization of all spaces, which included updated classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, offices, conference rooms, restrooms, a darkroom and a greenhouse.

Jones Hall was constructed in 1953 and renovated in 1974 and 1993.

“Students have come into this building to enhance their science studies,” Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris said. “This facility will provide our students and future students with a strong learning environment. FAMU is dedicated and ready to serve.”

Dianna Martin, a senior biology pre-med student from Boca Raton, Fla., expressed her excitement about the newly renovated Jones Hall.

“I lived in the Jones Hall,” Martin said. “I spend a lot time in Jones Hall studying and conducting research. A lot of times we conduct research with bacteria and viruses. Now we have the latest equipment to ensure that we are getting the best learning experience. Everything is readily accessible. It is so wonderful to have the latest technology. It is great to be able to compete with students from other universities as well as for the University to recruit some of the best and brightest students.”

After graduation, Martin plans to go to medical school to become an infant cardiologist.

“This building is a gateway for all FAMU students,” Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Ralph Turner said. “Jones Hall has been held at high regard and its students can be transformed to scientist, science teachers and dentists. FAMU is a growing institution. This is a good sign for the future of the university.”

Levitt elected to the American Law Institute

Jeremy I. Levitt, FAMU College of Law Associate Dean for International Programs and Distinguished Professor of International Law, has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI). Founded in 1923, the ALI is the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law. Its mission of law reform is vitally important given the challenging problems the U.S. faces today.

“Jeremy Levitt's election to the ALI is a testimony to his notable reputation as an outstanding legal scholar and to the caliber of faculty we boast at the FAMU College of Law,” said Dean LeRoy Pernell, who nominated Levitt. “Membership in this elite Institute is indeed an honor for those elected.” ALI President Roberta Cooper Ramo noted that she is delighted to welcome all of the “distinguished and talented new members to the ALI.”

Participation in the Institute’s work allows its members the opportunity to influence the development of the law in both existing and emerging areas. There are just over 4,000 members of the ALI which includes lawyers, judges, and law professors of the highest qualification. The ALI incorporators included Chief Justice and former President William Howard Taft, future Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, and former Secretary of State Elihu Root. ALI membership is a distinct professional honor.

Levitt is founder and director of the FAMU College of Law’s Center for International Law and Justice (CILJ), which develops scholarly, educational and practice-oriented activities for students and faculty in complementing FAMU’s international mission. He holds a Ph.D. in politics and international studies from the University of Cambridge-St. Johns College; a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and a B.A. in political science from Arizona State University.

CESTA receives grant for international agricultural education

Under a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of International Agriculture (OIA) at FAMU is leading the US-EU Excellence in Mobility Program, which expands the university’s international education linkages and academic programs.

FAMU is working collaboratively with the BOKU the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, LaSalle-Beauvais in France and the University of Georgia. The program, funded at $180,000 from 2010-2014, builds curricula in the food and agricultural sciences and provides a framework for 48 US-EU student exchanges and 16 U.S.-EU faculty exchanges over the life of the project.

The FAMU OIA began coordinating exchange visits for students and faculty early in January, 2011. Three undergraduate students enrolled in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) were selected last fall to participate in the program. Earlier this month, Akie Smythe, Joshua Green (both majoring in international agriculture and business IAB), and Hannah Lovett, a food science major, departed for a semester of study at LaSalle in France. The students received $5,000 each for stipends to support their participation in the program this semester.

Under the faculty exchange component, the OIA is coordinating the first exchange faculty visit from BOKU. Rainer Haas, associate professor of Agricultural Economics in BOKU’s Institute of Marketing and Innovation, has begun his exchange visit with FAMU until Feb. 8.

The primary focus of the faculty exchange is to strengthen and internationalize curricula in key areas prioritized by the grant (i.e. food and agricultural sciences) with a long-term goal of creating more joint courses, integrated curricula, and expanded faculty collaborations to facilitate student internships and experiential learning. FAMU will also establish a new Certificate Program in International Agriculture as one of the deliverables.

“This program is all about improving student training and international opportunities,” says Harriett Paul, director of the FAMU Office of International Agriculture, and the project’s principal investigator.

The FAMU Agribusiness/IAB programs, under the leadership of Michael Thomas, professor and program leader, serve as the hosting academic units. This is the first faculty exchange with the Food Science program, which is headed by Neil James.

“The project’s theme, Meeting Consumer Needs for Safe High Quality Food Products, offers us a great opportunity to work collaboratively in an international context,” said Makola Abdullah, dean and director, Land-Grant Programs, CESTA. Co-PIs on the project are Oghenekome Onokpise, professor and associate dean, CESTA, and Violeta Colova, professor, Viticulture and Developmental Biology.

New Beginnings receives research grant

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a multi-year grant funded at $183,437 annually until 2014 to support its New Beginnings-Educational Research Center for Child Development (NB-ERCCD). FAMU’s NB-ERCCD provides care for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years of age, and is one of ten campus-based child development centers in the State of Florida.

Reva B. Myers, director of FAMU’s NB-ERCCD and principal investigator for the project is proud that FAMU was one of the three state universities in Florida to receive the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant.

“NB-ERCCD was able to expand program services after receiving the U.S. Department of Education’s CCAMPIS grant award in 2006 and again for 2010 in the amount of $1,464,000 over a eight year period," she said. "The funds have been used and will continue to be used for the specific goal of improving the university’s capacity to serve the low-income student/parent population; thereby increasing the retention and graduation rates of low-income students/parents, and improving the quality of student life for all students/parents matriculating at the university.”

According to Myers, FAMU’s NB-ERCCD provides a full and comprehensive menu of services to the growing low-income student/parent population on FAMU’s campus through its Project STAARS (Students That Access Affordable Resources Succeed). Project STAARS provides an array of services and activities for low-income students/parents. Services and activities include reduced childcare fees for low-income students/parents; contract with the State of Florida for the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program; contract with Leon County's Early Learning Coalition to subsidize the cost of childcare tuition for low-income students/parents; education and outreach services through resources and referrals; and parent power workshops.

The Center provides services for 93 families in the pre-school program and 20 families in the after-school program. The center is staffed by 17 well-trained individuals with operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for pre-school children, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for school age children and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for evening care students during fall and spring semesters.

Alston reappointed to FAMU BOT

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Torey L. Alston of Fort Lauderdale to the Board of Trustees, Florida A&M University.

Alston, 26, is the chief of staff for Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief and is reappointed for a term beginning February 4, 2011, and ending January 6, 2015.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Williams decries "pension tax"

State Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Rick Scott’s recent announcement that he wants state workers, teachers, law enforcement officers, local government employees and others to pay a five-percent tax on their salaries to the Florida Retirement System.

“I am alarmed and deeply disappointed that Gov. Rick Scott is ignoring his pledge to promote Florida’s economy by proposing a five-percent tax on Florida Retirement System participants, including state workers who have not had a pay raise in the past five years.

“I am saddened that Gov. Scott somehow finds it justifiable to impose financial burdens on thousands of workers who implement and enforce the laws, programs and policies of our state.

“If carried out, I fear that the governor’s unnecessary proposal will have severe negative consequences on the morale of our public servants throughout Florida, and could have detrimental impacts on the economies of many communities, including the areas that I represent.

“I fail to see how the governor’s proposal concerning the Florida Retirement System can improve the economy. I predict his plan will stymie consumer spending and hurt our state’s economy.

“For the good of our citizens and Florida’s economy, I encourage the governor to promptly rethink his strategy. Now is not the time to balance a budget on the backs of Florida’s public servants.”

Rattlers sign 2011 football class

Earlier this week, FAMU revealed its 2011 Football Signing Day class. FAMU signed eight offensive linemen, five defensive backs, three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, two defensive linemen, two tight ends, and two running backs.

Head Coach Joe Taylor said he is excited about the talent that FAMU was able to attract. He credited the hard work of his staff and positive national publicity the program had received.

“TV exposure from the Florida Classic and Atlanta Classic really helps in our recruiting efforts, as well as our conference TV package with ESPN,” Head Coach Joe Taylor said.

The new signees are: Patrick Aiken, Tyler Bass, Jeremiah Carroll, Ravone Carter, Michael Christy, DeWayne Harvey, Ellie Hypollite, Dane James, Gene Liford, Rickey mcGhee, Michael Morris, Brendon newton, Darius Powell, Kawika Pieper, Casey Turner, Kevin Ward, Anthony Williams, LaDonte Gibson, Delmas Harrison, and Jumbo Brinson.

FAMU football recruiters visited all 535 high schools in the state of Florida.

Scott rescinds two FAMU trustee appointments

Torey L. Alston and Angela H. Rouson's appointments to the FAMU Board of Trustees were among the 154 appointments that Gov. Rick Scott withdrew yesterday.

In a letter to the Florida Senate, Scott withdrew scores of appointments that former Gov. Charlie Crist made to various Florida boards and commissions. New Florida governors typically rescind most of the unconfirmed appointments made by their predecessors.

Back in January 2007, Crist withdrew 283 unconfirmed appointments of former Gov. Jeb Bush.

Scott also rescinded a handful of the appointments that Crist made to the boards of the University of Central Florida, Brevard Community College, Broward College, Daytona State College, and Gulf Coast Community College.

Crist appointed Alston on April 12, 2010 and Rouson on September 29, 2010. Both will continue to serve until replacements are named.

FAMU reviewing new VPSA applications

FAMU is reviewing new applications for the position of vice-president of student affairs. Last year, about 80 individuals applied for the job.

In October 2010, the university announced that it had selected three finalists for campus interviews. They were: Timothy Beard, vice president of student development and enrollment at Pasco Community College; Henry Kirby, FAMU dean of students and associate vice-president for student affairs; and Cherese Peters, associate vice president of enrollment services at Georgia State University.

A recent alumni newsletter from the university president’s office stated that the search had been reopened with an application deadline of January 31, 2011.

Luther Wells, chair of the Department of Visual Arts, Humanities and Theatre, is serving as the chairman of the search committee.

CORRECTION: On July 7, 2010, Rattler Nation reported that A. Delories Sloan, a FAMU alumna who served as VPSA during part of former President Frederick S. Humphries’ administration, had reapplied for her former job. That information was incorrect. Sloan was mistaken for Delores Dean, director of the FAMU Career Center.

Ablordeppey appointed interim pharmacy dean

Beginning Tuesday, February 1, Seth Ablordeppey will serve as the interim dean of the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences until a permanent dean has been identified. Previously, the position was held by Henry Lewis III, who served as the dean for 15 years.

Ablordeppey has been with the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for more than 17 years. He is an accomplished researcher and currently serves as the director of the Basic Sciences Division within the College.

Last spring, Ablordeppey was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to conduct research at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He worked with local scientists and traditional herbalists to identify and transform plant products with antibacterial and antifungal properties into potential drugs for the treatment of one of the most threatening infections acquired while in the hospital (MRSA aka Superbug) and other opportunistic infections especially those associated with AIDS.

Ablordeppey’s research efforts are extensive. He has secured a patent for the treatment of mental illness. He received a patent for “Haloperidol Analogs,” or new drugs derived from haloperidol for the treatment of mental illness and especially schizophrenia. Unlike its predecessor, the new drugs are designed to treat schizophrenia without producing movement disorders similar to Parkinsonism.

Initial tests suggest the new drugs may not produce weight gain, which can lead to type II diabetes, a characteristic of the most recent treatment option for schizophrenia. Thus, the new agents have the potential to replace the antipsychotic drugs currently on the market without producing the debilitating side effects associated with them.

Ablordeppey received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana; his master’s of science degree from the University of Science and Technology, Ghana and his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Miss.