Mother and daughter to graduate together

Susan Dunbar will share a significant milestone with her daughter, Ayonna Dunbar, as they both graduate from Florida A&M University (FAMU).

On Saturday, April 30 nearly 1,400 candidates will join the Dunbars to receive their diploma during the Spring Commencement ceremony in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Atlanta Mayor M. Kasim Reed will serve as the keynote speaker for FAMU’s 9 a.m. Spring Commencement ceremony and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will serve as the 2 p.m. speaker. Doors will open for the public at 8 a.m. for the 9 a.m. ceremony and at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. ceremony.

TV 20 debuts "The Washington Report"

FAMU TV20 has added a new political show to its weekly programming, “The Washington Report.” This show is a 30-minute program that analyzes the politics and policy decisions that lead to new legislation at both the state and federal level. Anchored by John Washington, attorney and director of the FAMU Pre-Law Program, the program airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

“The program offers viewers an understanding of how politics and policy concerns influence legislation,” said Ernest Jones, general manager, FAMU-TV 20. “We believe our viewers will appreciate the informed discussion and analysis this program will provide.”

Janeia Daniels, an attorney and assistant dean of the College of Law at Florida State University, and the Dean of the FAMU College of Law LeRoy Pernell join Washington as highly regarded panelists on the program.

“This is a different kind of program from the personality driven programs we often see,” said James Hawkins, dean of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “We are so fortunate to have such a highly regarded team to share their perspectives about legal matters of the day.”

FAMU lands nation's No.2 JUCO tennis player

FAMU men’s tennis coach Carl Goodman recently announced the signing of the No.2 ranked player in all of junior college athletics. Salif Kante has committed to wearing the orange and green of FAMU next season.

The Rattlers, fresh off a runner-up finish at the MEAC tennis championship, are looking to get the necessary components in place to once again capture the elusive crown. According to Goodman, with three all-conference players returning, Kante could be the missing position to take the Rattlers over the top.

Kante, who is from the Republic of Senegal in West Africa, starred as an upcoming athlete before coming to America and enrolling in Georgia Perimeter College. To his credit he won the national championship of Senegal, by defeating Daouda Ndiaye, formerly a top competitor at Brigham Young-Hawaii.

Kante and his Georgia Perimeter College team qualified in the regional competition and is headed to the National JUCO championship tournament in Plano, Tx. Kante, who is undefeated at the No.1 slot, was named Most Valuable Player of the regional tournament after winning the No. 1 men’s singles and doubles flights.

FAMU makes Princeton Review's Green College list

FAMU was selected as one of The Princeton Review’s “311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition.” The university was the only historically black college or university (HBCU) to make the list, which focused solely on colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

“This accolade is indicative of the work of many,” said FAMU Environmental Health and Safety Department Senior Environmental Specialist Ryan Mitchell. “Our sustainability efforts include input from facility operations, academics and administrative oversight from the Environment and Sustainability Council. However, the real impetus here is in providing our students with a healthy, eco-positive space within which to work, study, live and thrive.”

FAMU to air interview with Brogan

FAMU TV20 will air “An Interview with the Chancellor” on FAMU-TV 20, Tuesday, April 26 at 8 p.m. The 30-minute program features an interview with Frank T. Brogan, Chancellor for the State University System of Florida.

Taped earlier this month, the program offers insight into the chancellor’s views and vision for higher education. Ericka Anderson, FAMU-TV20 producer, asked the chancellor his thoughts about higher education in the state in the midst of pending budget reductions for state agencies including the State University System.

Gray says FAMU coaching job is a dream come true

Former FAMU grider and NFL star Quinn Gray recently opened up about his decision to return to The Hill as the new quarterback coach.

"It's an honor and a pleasure. This is where I consider the place I grew up. It's been a dream of mine to come back to my alma mater," Gray passionately said.

To the satisfaction of Head Coach Joe Taylor, Gray joins defensive coordinator Earl Holmes as former standout players on the Rattler coaching staff. Gray will acquire some of the duties that were allotted to Steven Jerry, as he was responsible for both receivers and quarterbacks. With this addition, the duties will allow each to concentrate solely on critical areas of each football team, with Gray handling quarterbacks and Jerry handling receivers. Jerry will also assume the role of recruiting coordinator on the Rattler staff.

Gray was a quarterback for the Rattlers from 1998-2001, during the high-flying era of Coach Billy Joe and went on to a career in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He came back during his NFL playing days to complete his degree in Physical Education in 2006. Gray comes to the Rattler staff from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, where he was head coach.

FAMU partners with Shriners Foundation for Annual Diabetes Classic

FAMU has signed an agreement with the Prince Hall Shriners Foundation (PHSF) to host the 3rd Annual Diabetes Classic. The Classic is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, which will feature a weekend of activities including a golf tournament, parade, health screenings and seminars and the football game between FAMU and Delaware State University.

“Florida A&M University is pleased to partner with the Prince Hall Shriners Foundation for the third Annual Diabetes Classic,” said James H. Ammons, president of FAMU. “I am confident that this will be a successful partnership as we support a great cause.”

The Classic is designed to bring awareness to the community about diabetes and raise funds for not only diabetes but for FAMU’s athletics department.

“This is more than a game,” said Derek Horne, director of FAMU Athletics. “There are going to be educational opportunities as well.”

Hayes earns Rangel Fellowship

Calvin Lee Hayes, a FAMU alumnus, has been awarded a 2011 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship following a highly competitive nationwide contest. The Rangel Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, supports extraordinary individuals who want to pursue a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.

“FAMU has given me the tools to help transform democracies, empower communities and improve the human condition both domestic and abroad,” said Hayes. “My love for public service has compelled me to take on a cause much greater than myself in order to ultimately contribute to the greater good of all humanity.”

The Director of the Rangel Program, Patricia Scroggs, said, “We are thrilled to have Calvin as part of the program. Calvin has already shown impressive leadership, academic accomplishments and integrity in his life. I have no doubt that he will excel in graduate school and make important contributions to promoting global peace and prosperity as a U.S. diplomat.”

Alum wins two student emmys

When FAMU alumnus Akil DuPont was a youth, he always had a passion for the arts. It was not until middle school when his teacher first planted the seed of doing films in his head. That seed came into full bloom when DuPont received the National College Television Award from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation for Best Use of Music for his movie “Underground” and the Bricker Humanitarian Award.

“I was elated!,” DuPont said when he was first told of the news of winning the National College Television Award also known as a student Emmy. “I was in the middle of a filmmaker’s seminar at the Texas Black Film Festival in Dallas when I got a text message from our festival coordinator. I blurted out some non-intelligible sound as I read the good news! Once the people in the seminar found out, they stopped and applauded the success. It was a great moment!”

FAMU unveils new e-Rattler store

Yesterday, FAMU announced the launch of its new online store, e-Rattler.com. The new online store, powered and supplied through Cintas, will afford Rattler students, faculty, alumni and supporters the opportunity to purchase specially designed apparel online.

“Today, Florida A&M University is proud to partner with Cintas in launching the e-Rattler.com,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “e-Rattler.com will allow our campus community and alumni from all over the world as well as our friends and supporters to purchase FAMU attire with the click of a mouse on their computers. This is a great opportunity for FAMU and our supporters.”

FAMU receives 17.5 percent from Cintas for all online sales. Proceeds from the online sales will be used to support the university.

FAMU launches engineering, health science collaboration in Kenya

FAMU President James H. Ammons recently met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya Raila Amollo Odinga and signed an agreement that would launch a new partnership in Africa that would benefit FAMU students and faculty.

Odinga was part of a 25-member delegation that helped to pen the agreement that would seek to develop a process for implementing engineering and health sciences training systems at the Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology in Kenya.

Among the group accompanying the Prime Minister were Professor Crispus M. Kiamba, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology; and Elkanah Odembo, the Kenya ambassador to the United States.

FAMU failed to fully utilize Lawson’s clout

For the first time in 29 years, FAMU is not being represented by Alfred “Al” Lawson in the state legislature.

Lawson reached the height of his power between 2001 and 2010 as a member of the Florida Senate. He used that position to steer hundreds of millions of construction dollars into FAMU’s coffers. But unfortunately, his efforts to help FAMU were often frustrated by the actions of bad trustees who made bad decisions for the university.

The Florida housing market was booming during most of Lawson’s tenure in the Senate. That pumped big money into Florida’s Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) Fund, which comes from utility taxes. Lawson fought hard to make sure FAMU got its fair share of PECO dollars.

The FAMU PECO projects Lawson guided through the legislature between 2001 and 2010 include: the College of Law Building in Orlando, School of Journalism and Graphic Communication Building, New Developmental Research School, Multi-Purpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium, University Commons Renovation, Gore Education Complex Remodeling, Jones Hall Remodeling, Tucker Hall Remodeling, Pharmacy Phase II, and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Building Phase III.

Lawson was prevented from getting even more PECO money for FAMU because the university’s Board of Trustees brought in presidents in 2002 and 2005 who did not spend all the PECO funds FAMU was given.

Budget news is grim, but expected

The State University System of Florida is taking big cuts as the legislature rips $4 billion from the 2011-2012 budget. The money includes the huge hole left behind by millions of federal stimulus dollars that expire on June 30, 2011.

The news is bad for FAMU, but expected.

Out & Proud!

Members of FAMU's growing Gay & Lesbian Community came together Friday to show their pride along side fraternities, sororities and the student body at the ever popular "Set Friday". The participants wore "Pride" t-shirts, displayed the rainbow flag, and set up an informational table covered with rainbow flags and a banner which read "educate. liberate. celebrate."

"Set Friday" continued on as usual without a hitch as music played, greeks stepped, and students styled and profiled.

(photo credit: It's a FAMUly Affair. RN: makes no representation as to the sexual orientation of anyone captured in any photo.)

Hollywood comes to the FAMU "Set"

Hollywood made a brief detour to the FAMU "Set" this week as Marion H. "Pooch" Hall, Jr. and Meagan Good stopped by to to promote their new movie "Jumping the Broom".

Hall is perhaps best known for his role as professional football player Derwin Davis on the BET comedy-drama series The Game. Good has appeared in several commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos.

"Jumping the Broom" is a new movie by T.D. Jakes which opens in theaters Mother's Day weekend. The film stars Angela Bassett, Paul Patton, Laz Alonzo, Lorretta Devine, and Mike Epps.

FAMU’s first-try Feb. bar passage rate takes slight dip

The FAMU College of Law's first-try bar passage rate took a slight dip between February 2010 and February 2011. The school’s first-try test takers posted a 53.8% passage rate on the most recent exam, down from 55.0% one year ago.

FAMU's February first-try passage rates are often lower than its July first-try passage rates. FAMU’s first-try rate was 62.5% in July 2010, 67.9% in July 2008, and 60.0% in July 2007.

Many FAMU law students take the bar exam two to three times before passing. The law school’s overall passage rate is close to 80 percent. A 75 percent overall bar passage rate meets the requirements of the American Bar Association.

Reed, Jackson to keynote commencement

Atlanta Mayor M. Kasim Reed will serve as the keynote speaker for FAMU’s 9 a.m. Spring Commencement ceremony and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will serve as the 2 p.m. speaker.

The ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, April 30 in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Reed was elected in December 2009 as Atlanta’s 59th mayor. He is a former partner with the international law firm Holland & Knight LLP in Atlanta. After serving two terms as the state representative for House District 52, he was elected to the Georgia State Senate in November 2002.

During his term in the Georgia State Senate, he was a member of the Senate Judiciary, Higher Education, Transportation, Ethics, and the State and Local Government Committees. He served as the campaign manager for Atlanta’s former Mayor Shirley Franklin in her successful effort to become the first female mayor of the City of Atlanta, and then served as co-chairman of Shirley Franklin’s Transition Team. He earned both his B.A. and J.D. degrees from Howard University.

Wright tapped to lead SCSU’s Clyburn Center

Charles Wright, a professor emeritus of civil engineering at FAMU, has been named the new executive director for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center (JECUTC) at South Carolina State University.

As the executive director of the JECUTC, Wright will oversee the day-to-day operations of the transportation center and work to further position the center as an integral partner for the state and nation in the development of various aspects of the transportation industry.

“South Carolina and the nation are teeming with opportunities for SC State to assist and lead in the advancement of transportation technologies and to address critical needs of transportation in South Carolina and the nation,” said President George E. Cooper. “Dr. Wright is an exceptional and experienced professional, adept at leading the transportation center in excellence in scholarship, innovation and discovery.”

Boeing's Chief Technology Officer to visit FAMU

John Tracy, chief technology officer for the Boeing Company and senior vice president of engineering operations and technology, will present a seminar at FAMU in Lee Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to noon. A question and answer session will immediately follow the seminar.

Tracy’s topic titled “The Leveraging of Academic Research with Corporate Business and Technology Strategy” may help reinforce the important roles FAMU and Boeing share in furthering science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates for which FAMU is a formidable team player.

FAMU wins its 7th Honda Challenge Trophy

This afternoon the FAMU Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team defeated Oakwood University 325-175 to capture its HCASC Championship! The mighty Rattler team was undefeated in the three day academic competition.

Diallo’s anger at Ammons misplaced

FAMU faculty member Mary B. Diallo made national headlines last week by criticizing President James H. Ammons’ decision to phase out the university’s French and Spanish degree programs. Due to budget cuts, the Department of Foreign Languages will no longer offer majors. Students will still be able take French and Spanish classes and earn minors in the subjects.

FAMU’s French and Spanish baccalaureate programs have only produced three graduates in the past seven years. Ammons has responded to the rapid decline in state funding by moving to close low-enrollment majors and shift more of the institution’s limited financial resources into high-enrollment majors.

There is nothing wrong with Diallo speaking up and being an advocate for her department. But she also needs to accept her fair share of the blame for creating the budget crisis that has forced Ammons to make tough restructuring changes across the university.

FAMU Deltas add 55 to their ranks

The FAMU branch of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority added 55 new initiates to their ranks Sunday afternoon at the Pete Griffin Track and Field Complex. There was much pomp and circumstance that greeted the new line dubbed T-55, as a DJ provided the musical backdrop and throngs of well wishers cheered the ladies on.

FAMU smacks down foes at Honda All-Star Challenge

After 15 rounds of play the FAMU Honda Campus All-Star Challenge teams is leading all teams, in all divisions, in total points and have made it to the "Elite Eight". The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is competition between HBCUs in which students use their " brainpower and buzzer-skills" to earn their schools cash prizes, nice trophy, and bragging rights.

FAMU is averaging over 455 points per game, the most of any team, and is being coached by first year coach Charles "Chuck" Hobbs, Jr. FAMU has beat NC A&T, Harris Stowe College, Mississippi Valley State and others.

The competition continues tomorrow morning in Orlando at the Buena Vista Plaza Hotel at Walt Disney World.

Update: FAMU wins first match of the morning, beats Fisk 280-180 to advance to the final four.

Update/Update: FAMU defeats Tuskegee in the semi-finals 280-180, advances to the finals!!!

Halftime USA circa 1968 features Marching 100

Thanks to that big video vault in the sky --YouTube-- we're able to bring you this piece of FAMU and Marching 100 history, the 1968 Paramount Pictures film Halftime U.S.A. The film was produced on the heels of the civil rights movement and Paramount likely took great risk to include a marching band from a historically black college in it.

The 100rd opens the film and is included at about the 7 minute mark.

Nelson to Keynote College of Law hooding ceremony

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who represents Florida while serving on the Senate Commerce, Budget, Finance, Intelligence, and Aging committees, will serve as keynote speaker for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) College of Law's Seventh Annual Hooding Ceremony on May 14, 2011. The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway, near International Drive.

The FAMU College of Law’s Hooding Ceremony is a public event; however, seating is limited, and there is a $6 parking fee at the Hilton Orlando.

Nelson will address the spring 2011 candidates, who will have the juris doctor degree conferred in Tallahassee, Fla. at the University's Commencement Exercises on April 30, 2011. The Hooding Ceremony will recognize more than 170 candidates, including the fall 2010, spring 2011, and summer 2011 classes.

Alum selected as Mississippi Teacher of the Year

When you walk into her classroom, you may see signs all around reading “Greenwood University,” a setting where students can listen in on a campus-style lecture or participate in a dorm study group. This is the learning atmosphere of Florida A&M University (FAMU) Alumna Birdette “Birdy” Hughey, who was recently selected as the 2011 Mississippi Teacher of the Year.

Hughey, a member of the Mississippi Delta Corps of AmeriCorps, is a second-year algebra teacher in Greenwood, Miss.

"It feels really good to win,” said Hughey, a Texas native, “I am very excited and excited for my students. I feel very blessed to win.”

Ron Nurnberg, executive director for Teach for America, Mississippi Delta Chapter, expressed his thoughts on Hughey.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said Nurnberg. “She is just so humble and driven. She is very involved in the community. Birdy just understands the children and holds such high expectations. We are elated and proud of what she is doing. I would love to have her cloned 20 more times. FAMU should be just as proud of her.”

Trustees OK contract with Joyner Online

Yesterday, the FAMU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the one-year contract with the Tom Joyner Online Education (TJOE) for its distance-learning program.

The online program will offer master’s degrees in nursing, public health and business. These programs will commence in August 2011 and university officials are expecting 271 students during the first year of the program. The courses will be hosted on www.hbcusonline.com.

“The need for distance education programs is first and foremost because of student demand, said Director for Instructional Technology Franzetta D. Fitz. “Many students are seeking educational opportunities outside of the traditional campus environment in order to qualify for advancement in their careers while continuing to fulfill their daily obligations. An online distance education program allows FAMU to compete with other institutions to provide the same quality of education online that our traditional students receive. In addition, it allows us to increase our global presence as a 21st century, state-of-the-art institution.”

The three graduate programs were selected as the pilot programs because they are in high demand. According to Fitz, the university plans to start with these graduate programs as the university builds its infrastructure to prepare to offer more online degree programs.

FAMU BOT approves modified restructuring plan

The FAMU Board of Trustees has approved a modified version of President James H. Ammons’ restructuring plan.

Ammons presented his restructuring report to the board’s Budget & Finance Committee, yesterday. At this morning’s meeting, Trustee Richard A. Dent, III said that the committee had accepted plan, but opted not to formally recommend it because board members wanted to hear more input from the university community.

The plan pares FAMU’s budget down by ten percent in anticipation of new recurring revenue cuts from the Florida Legislature. It also accounts for the end of more than $7M in temporary federal stimulus dollars.

The net savings from the budget cuts will be applied toward three priority areas: the academic success initiative, technological enhancement, and competitive salaries for faculty and staff.

“We will invest in faculty and staff pay,” Dent said.

Ammons did make a notable change to the plan by scrapping a proposal to house the School of Allied Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and new School of Public Health under a “College of Health Professions.” Instead, each individual school will be an autonomous unit with its own dean.

This arrangement still leaves the door open for a “Center of Health Sciences” similar to the one proposed during a January 7, 2010 restructuring focus group meeting. The center would foster greater collaboration among the schools of Pharmacy, Allied Health, Nursing, Public Health, and planned School of Dental Medicine.

Dent elected BOT vice-chairman

This morning, Richard A. Dent, III was elected to complete the remaining months of the vice-chairmanship term of former Trustee Daryl D. Parks.

Dent is the Senior Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Leader of Victoria’s Secret PINK. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from FAMU and has more than 15 years of corporate finance experience with Fortune 500 companies. He resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Dent currently chairs the Budget & Finance Committee of the FAMU Board of Trustees.

FAMU opens Phases II and III of Tookes Center

FAMU hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Hansel E. Tookes, Sr. Student Recreation Center and Recreational Fields. The ceremony celebrated the opening of Phase Two and Phase Three of the three-phase project. Construction for Phase Two began in spring 2010 and Phase Three began in summer 2010.

The Phase Two additions, which cost approximately $2.7 million, include two indoor multi-functional basketball courts, two racquetball courts, a wellness suite and a 36-foot indoor rock-climbing wall.

Wilson Blue, a senior criminal justice major from Miami, Fla. expressed that he is excited that the recreation center now has a rock-climbing wall.

Packer, Hardy “Bounce” into broadcast TV

FAMU alumni Will Packer and Rob Hardy, the co-founders of Rainforest Films, are helping to create the nation's first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network designed exclusively for African-American audiences.

The new Atlanta-based network will be called Bounce TV. It will target African Americans primarily between the ages of 25-54. Hardy will serve as Chief Content Officer while Packer will be Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. They are also members of the initial ownership team, which includes Ambassador Andrew Young, Martin Luther King, III and Andrew "Bo" Young III.

"My father envisioned the day that African Americans would play major roles in entertainment within ownership, not just serve as entertainers on the stage or in front of the cameras. That's what makes this even more exciting to me as we embark on this new endeavor of an independently owned and operated broadcast television network featuring African Americans," said King III, a member of Bounce TV's Board of Directors.

FAMU building School of Public Health

Back when FAMU acquired the state legislature’s permission to establish an Institute of Public Health (IPH) in 1995, it was done with the understanding that this would be an incremental step toward the goal of building a full-fledged School of Public Health. FAMU’s administration and faculty now aim to achieve that objective no later than 2014. This change will be part of FAMU's restructuring process.

“Elevating public health from an Institute (a dependent entity with a singularly focused goal and little or no autonomy) to a school (a free-standing unit with complex course offerings, and success in external research and related funding) will allow the School to enter scholarly realms that are currently closed to it,” President James H. Ammons wrote in FAMU’s restructuring plan. “As a School of Public Health, there will be more opportunities for addressing the health needs of our community and nation with the support of both local and federal agencies.”

IPH is already a huge magnet for federal research grants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently awarded it $750,000 over three years for its Environmental Health, and Toxicology Educational Research Program. School status will help the institute draw millions more, which will help fund faculty positions and academic programs.

Presently, Florida only has two public colleges of public health. They are located at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.

Restructuring plan emphasizes health science, STEM education

FAMU President James H. Ammons’ restructuring plan shifts more of the university’s limited financial resources into health science fields and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. This strategic revamping will help FAMU get "more bang for its buck."

Health science and STEM-trained workers are in heavy demand for today’s economy. A recent article by Associated Press reporters Christopher S. Rugaber and Michael Liedtke (“Future Hiring Will Mainly Benefit the Highly Skilled”) stated that these fields will be the biggest sources of job growth in America.

“The [health care] sector is expected to be the leading job generator adding 4 million by 2018, according to Labor Department data,” wrote Rugaber and Liedtke. “An aging population requires more doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home health aides and pharmacists.

FAMU’s restructuring plan creates a new College of Health Professions to “contribute to the University’s mission and produce a significant percentage of the state and the nation’s African American health care professionals.” The college will house a “School of Allied Health Sciences; a School of Nursing; and a School of Public Health.”

“As a result of housing these health programs in a common unit, it is anticipated that the synergy between these disciplines will increase,” Ammons wrote in FAMU’s restructuring report. “Collaboration will be able to occur on multiple levels including shared teaching, which will contribute to the reduction of duplication in course offerings and increased collaboration in research, which will increase sponsored research and scholarship.”

FAMU’s College of Health Professions parallels the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions and the University of Central Florida’s College of Health and Public Affairs.

FAMU can create value through restructuring

Like most colleges and universities throughout the United States, FAMU is taking an inward look at its academic programs/structure, reviewing administrative and business processes as a means to cope with dwindling state resources.

Sadly, state budget cuts and dwindling federal and private resources are not unique to Florida or FAMU. Because of the worldwide economic downturn Florida has been forced to reduce its budget every year since 2007. Many other Florida universities underwent similar self examinations and program, faculty/staff reductions at the onset of state budget reductions.

Around the nation, just this year, Gallaudet , with a student body of roughly 2,500, announced plans to eliminate 17 programs, six undergraduate majors, six undergraduate minors, three master’s degree programs, one educational specialist program, and one doctoral program will be affected. The University of California Berkeley, with a student body of 35,800, announced plans to lay off nearly 150 employees by June. It will also eliminate an equal number of jobs through other means, such as retirements and voluntary departures. This will be Berkeley's third such round of layoffs in as many years.

When it comes to the painful self examination and retooling process that FAMU faces, once again we're "late to the party".

Toward a better FAMU
FAMU's restructuring is much more than a top to bottom review of academic programs, but also a reinvestment in processes that will allow FAMU to function better, smarter, and meets the needs of its students and faculty. Students and alumni, alike, bemoan the fact that FAMU is behind the curve in leveraging technology. One of the aims of this restructuring and reinvestment exercise will be to address that. For once, wouldn't it be nice for students and alums requesting transcripts or paying outstanding fees or needing other routine services from FAMU to go online rather than get in line?

Now, we realize certain paper-pushers whose job functions may be taken over by technology will be the main ones kicking and screaming the loudest. But, trustees must not allow these naysayers who are only concerned with their own self interest to stand in the way of this much needed change in culture and processes to bring FAMU into the 21st Century.

VPSA search down to three

FAMU’s search for a vice-president of student affairs (VPSA) is winding to a close. The university has a short list of three candidates.

According to The FAMUan, the finalists are: William Hudson, Jr., FAMU’s interim VPSA; A.J. Range, assistant vice president, regional, of campus student services at the University of Central Florida; and G. David Moss, assistant VPSA at the University of Notre Dame.

Campus interviews will take place throughout the month of April.

Actress endows theatre scholarship

T'Keyah Crystal Keymah a Florida A&M alumna who found success in Hollywood has donated $150,000 to the University to establish an endowed scholarship.

Ms. Keymáh is most known from her television roles as an original cast member of the Fox sketch comedy series In Living Color, she is perhaps best known for her roles as Erica Lucas on the CBS sitcom Cosby, and as Tanya Baxter on the Disney Channel sitcom That's So Raven.

She was a National Merit Scholar and was recruited to FAMU's School of Business and Industry, before changing finding her love in FAMU's Essential Theatre. The actress says she struggled to make ends meet as a theater major and now she wants to pave the way for other aspiring actors at FAMU.

"It was a sacrifice,” said Keymáh, “If every graduate takes care of one student that would be a phenomenal thing and that's what I would like to ask all of the alumni to do."

This weekend, the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences enshrined Keymáh and several other alums into its “Gallery of Distinction.”

OT: Manning Marable, scholar, activist, historian, dead at 60

Manning Marable, a noted African American scholar, writer, lecturer, and activist who founded the Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia University, died yesterday after a long illness. He was 60.

Marable, a native of Dayton, Ohio, earned his undergraduate degree at Earlham College in 1971, followed by a master's degree in American history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. in American history from the University of Maryland.

Dr. Marable taught at Cornell University, Fisk University, Colgate University, Ohio State University and the University of Colorado before coming to Columbia. Additionally, Dr. Marable for many years has been a columnist widely published in Black newspapers throughout the country.

Dr. Marable, had just-completed a biography of Malcolm X that is set for release April 4. He devoted 10 years to the Malcolm X project. Marable lectured and was involved extensively in public affairs, largely about—but not limited to--African Americans.

“Dr. Marable's contributions to the struggle for freedom of African Americans will never be forgotten,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “Dr. Marable brought one of the keenest intellects of our age to the contemporary conversation on race in America. As an academic he was never afraid to speak his mind, and as an activist his words carried the gravitas of a published author. His life was dedicated to the struggle, and he will be sorely missed.”

He is survived by his wife, Leith Mullings, two stepchildren and three grandchildren.

Arts & Sciences to enshrine distinguished alumni

The College of Arts and Sciences has scheduled a semi-formal, invitation only, event to celebrate alumni newly enshrined into its Gallery of Distinction. The honorees will be enshrined on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. in the University's Grand Ballroom. The event will include a reception, the formal enshrinement of the honorees, and the unveiling of their individual portraits.

Today, the College of Arts and Sciences will be enshrining graduates into two separate Galleries of Distinction: The Thomas DeSaille Tucker Hall and the Henry O. Tanner Art Complex.

From the fine and performing arts, honorees include the likes of famed “Highwayman” painter Willie Reagan, professor emeritus Kenneth Falana, actors Anika Noni Rose, T’keyah Crystal Keymah, and Meshach Taylor as well as noted patron of the arts and educator Shirley Kinsey.

From the discipline of English, inductees include Dr. Chanta M. Haywood and Dr. Frances Stallworth (pictured).

From disciplines within the social and behavioral sciences, honorees include Attorney Daryl D. Parks, FAMU Assistant Chief of Police James Lockley, Jr., along with the following educators and clinicians: Dr. Terra Bowen-Reid, Dr. David H. Jackson, Jr., Dr. Jeanene Robinson-Kyles, Dr. Alexander Nicholas, and corporate executive, Mr. Samuel Hasan, II.

FAMU Athletics Launches New Website

The FAMU Athletics Department Launched a new website last evening, and with it a new "url"---www.famuathletics.com

The new website feature allows you to support FAMU Athletics via the web and a new team store, that was not working at launch.

Pleasantly, the team rosters appeared to be updated with photos and player bios of all student athletes for the few sports teams we randomly checked. This had been missing for the past several years.

The site also features advertising of both FAMU Athletic corporate sponsors and ads powered by specific media an online company.

You can view the site here then take our quick poll to the right and let us know what you think.