Scott veto may seal fate of FAMU mosquito lab

A late effort to save FAMU’s John A. Mulrennan, Sr. Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center (PHEREC) in Panama City has fallen victim to Gov. Rick Scott’s veto pen. The center will now close unless the Florida Legislature calls a special session and overrides the governor’s decision.

State Rep. Marti Coley and other members of the Northwest Florida legislative delegation netted $500,000 for the lab despite FAMU’s decision to close it as part of its budget reduction plan. Scott line item vetoed the money on May 26, 2011.

FAMU cut 50 percent of staff positions at the lab back in summer 2009. The university later announced at the June 1, 2010 Board of Trustees meeting that it intended to close the center entirely. The remaining salary lines in the lab were transferred onto the temporary stimulus dollars that will expire on June 30, 2011.

The closure announcement from FAMU angered the lab’s employees. PHEREC Director John P. Smith and 17 of his 20 co-workers signed resolutions asking Florida State University-Panama City to assume ownership of the lab. FSU-PC and the University of Florida both expressed interest in running the center.

But once the $500,000 PHEREC bill got moving through the legislature, FAMU wisely stated that it intended to retain control of the center if it was funded again.

According to the “Save P.H.E.R.E.C.” page on Facebook, the “FSU administration will not pursue receiving PHEREC if FAMU does not approve. FSU-PC is the preferred affiliation, but if this cannot be, FAMU would be a better alternative than UF because it retains the facilities in Panama City.”

The $500,000 appropriation is only one-third of PHEREC’s original appropriation but still enough to keep the lab alive. Now that the governor has slashed the money, the only hope for saving the center is a legislative override Scott’s veto. Senate President Mike Haridopolos has expressed interest in scheduling a special session but House Speaker Dean Cannon has not.

Brogan might be Fla. GOP’s answer to Tea Party

Frank Brogan is looking more and more like the man who could help the Florida GOP establishment take back the Governor’s Mansion after disappointing elections in 2006 and 2010. That would mean big trouble for incumbent Rick Scott in 2014.

Back when Brogan became Jeb Bush’s runningmate in 1998, many pundits speculated that he would be next in line for the top job. But Brogan bid Tallahassee farewell shortly after Jeb’s reelection in 2002 in order to take the comfy $290,000-salary presidency of Florida Atlantic University. His pay later climbed up to $357,000.

Brogan sat peacefully on the sidelines while his fellow establishment Republicans botched two gubernatorial elections. Charlie Crist pulled an Arnold Schwarzenegger-style victory over establishment candidate Tom Gallagher in 2006. That was followed by another bad beating in 2010 when Tea Partier Rick Scott defeated Bill McCollum.

Scott is now getting bad coverage from Florida’s newspapers for his support of drastic budget cuts. The St. Petersburg Times editorial board has dubbed him “the job-killing governor.”

The governor’s rock-bottom poll numbers are good news for the Obama reelection campaign. A Quinnipiac University poll released last week showed that Scott’s approval rating is at a low 29 percent. U.S. President Barack Obama’s approval rating in Florida has jumped up 16 points to 51 percent.

“The data on the perceived fairness of the governor's budget is crucial. When voters by almost 2-1 say his approach is unfair to them, that's a giant flashing political warning sign for Scott,” said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “When voters don't think they are being treated fairly, they tend to react negatively.”

Happy Memorial Day!

UCF trustees approve dental school

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Board of Trustees has approved the creation of a new College of Dental Medicine.

The board voted unanimously to move ahead with plans to build the college at the university’s Health Sciences Campus at the “medical city” in Lake Nona. UCF is not seeking state funding for the project.

According to a press release, the college is expected to create at least 110 permanent local jobs as well as an initial economic impact of $73 million from construction.

The project still needs the state Board of Governors’ (BOG) approval to move forward. UCF is striving to open the school in 2014 with a charter class of 60 students. There are currently only two fully accredited schools with students in Florida.

UCF’s proposal comes after FAMU President James H. Ammons has spent more than a year educating state leaders about the need for the need for another public dental school. The FAMU Board of Trustees approved the university’s Strategic Plan on October 15, 2009, which included a College of Dental Medicine as a top goal.

FAMU has already submitted its dental school proposal to the Florida Board of Governors (BOG). The BOG has not taken any action on FAMU’s request. A bill authorizing a dental school on FAMU’s campus died during the 2010 legislative session.

FAMU is in finalizing a detailed implementation plan for its dental program that will go before the university Board of Trustees next month. It should reach the Board of Governors by August.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, FAMU consultant Howard Bailit said that UCF’s pitch for a College of Dental Medicine “reinforces that there is a need for a dental school,” which helps FAMU’s case.

Lillian W. Hagins, Grande Dame of FAMU Athletics dies

One week ago today, FAMU lost a longtime athletic administrator ---Lillian W. Hagins --- who died from complications associated with cancer. Hagins, had provided over 40 years of dedicated service to FAMU Athletics and the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, most notably as an assistant to athletic directors.

During her tenure, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes with Athletic Directors Jake Gaither, Hansel Tookes and many others. While Gaither had several "right hand men", next to his wife Sadie, Hagins was his "leading lady" in managing the day-to-day affairs of the Athletic Department and Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

She played a critical role in crafting both the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame and the Florida Classic and was part of the athletic team that saw the construction of the Robert "Pete" Griffin Track and major renovations to Bragg Memorial Stadium.

Legislature might call special session to address Scott vetoes

Yesterday, Gov. Rick Scott line item vetoed a record $615M from Florida’s budget. The sum included $2,014,769 for building maintenance on FAMU’s campus and $500,000 for FAMU’s Public Health Entomology Research and Education Lab in Panama City.

Scott’s actions could lead the Florida Legislature to call a special session to override the vetoes.

The governor cut a total of $220M in college and university building dollars. He defended his actions by stating that the bond-financing required for such projects would add to Florida’s $23.1B debt.

Scott did notably retain $35M for a new campus for the University of South Florida-Polytechnic in Lakeland.

"The polytechnic concept ensures that even graduates in degree programs outside of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics areas will have training and education in those areas and develop skills applicable to the 21st century economy," Scott said.

Johnson competing for Ebony Magazine title

Kindall "Sunshine" Johnson, Miss Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, is representing Florida’s only public historically black college in Ebony Magazine’s annual HBCU Campus Queen competition.

The top ten contestants will be featured in the September 2011 issue of the magazine. Online voting is underway and will end at 11:59 PM (CT) on May 29, 2011.

Johnson is a native of Tampa, Fla. who is majoring in public relations. Her career goal is to become a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service officer in North Africa.

During her reign, Johnson launched the “Miss FAMU has a Suit for You” initiative, which aimed to help FAMU’s low-income male students acquire business attire. Over six months, she collected over one thousand articles of clothing donated by alumni, elected officials and professors. The items were dry cleaned by Randolph’s Alterations of Tallahassee and distributed to over 140 FAMU male students.

“I was amazed to receive the amount of news coverage and support from the community, and alumni of HBCUs throughout the country,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s page on the Ebony website can be found here.

Scott vetoes all FAMU's PECO funds

Today, Gov. Rick Scott used his line item veto power to slash $615M from Florida’s budget, a new record in state history. The money included $2,014,769 for electrical and technology upgrades on FAMU’s campus. FAMU officials have warned that without the funds, critical building code and safety improvements will be stalled.

$500,000 for FAMU’s Public Health Entomology Research and Education Lab in Panama City also got the axe.

In a press release, Scott said that the money he vetoed was made up of “special-interest earmarks.”

“Special interests probably aren’t happy with the tough choices I made,” Scott said. “But I am confident everyone can agree that funding for our children and students is more important than pleasing Tallahassee’s special interests.”

The $2,014,769 in campus infrastructure upgrade money was the one and only appropriation FAMU received from Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funds. PECO dollars come from utility taxes and are the largest source of building money for state universities.

Scott also vetoed millions of campus infrastructure upgrade dollars designated for UF, USF, FAU, UCF, and UNF.

Five Rattlers to compete in NCAA Track Regionals

Five members of the FAMU Rattlers and Lady Rattlers outdoor track teams are in final preparations for their competition in the NCAA East Regional Track Championships, May 26-28, at the Robert C. Haugh Track and Field Complex. This is the 90th annual championship event for the men's division and 30th annual event for the women.

Head coaches Wayne Angel and Darlene Moore are accompanying their star athletes as they try to impact a national field.

For the Lady Rattlers, three team mebers are vying for the national spotlight. Nakia Linson, Jasmine Pleasant and Latoya Wright are slated to compete at the regional championship.

For the Rattlers, Leon Hunt and Demarius Carroll (pictured), will be making the charge.

OT: Farewell to Oprah

That's all, folks! After 25 years and more than 5,000 episodes, Oprah Winfrey is signing off and will air her final show today.

Details surrounding the finale have remained a secret, but the buzz is that it will be very intimate and few dry eyes are expected from viewers, staffers and Lady O herself.

“I am the most surprised of anyone that this has lasted 25 years,” Winfrey tells The New York Times. “When (Phil) Donahue had lasted 25 years and I was in the single digits, I thought, ‘That will never happen to me!' I never imagined that you could do it this long.”

Langley accepted into Harvard's Managment Development Program

FAMU associate professor and chair of the Department of Social Work Merlin R. Langley has been accepted to the Management Development Program (MDP) at Harvard. The program is scheduled for June 5 through June 17.

Langley, who serves as the coordinator of the Human Behavior and Social Environment sequence in the master’s of social work program in community based social service administration at FAMU, has held faculty appointments at Roxbury Community College, Lesley College and Harvard Medical School.

“I am pleased to have been selected for this prestigious management development program,” said Langley. “The opportunity to be involved in the MDP will permit me to assist the FAMU administration in moving forward important initiatives related to the historic mission of the University. I am confident that my participation in the MDP will enable me to enhance my leadership and academic management skills that will benefit both my department and our University.”

Kante wins JUCO national championship

New FAMU signee Salif Kante won both the singles championship and doubles championship in the National Junior College Athletic Association tennis finals on Friday, May 20, 2011. FAMU Tennis Coach Carl Goodman signed Kante early and looks to add him to the 2011-2012 squad.

Crestview Ed Center already attracting job creators

FAMU’s Crestview Education Center has caught the attention of a major job creator in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacy South, Inc. has expressed interest in establishing a plant in Crestview and forming a partnership with the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences satellite campus in that city. The FAMU pharmacy program would pipeline its graduates into jobs at the plant and also assist with research projects.

According to the Crestview Bulletin, the first phase of the plant would initially bring 130 new jobs with a total payroll of $6.8 million. The average salary would be more than $52,000 per year. The second phase of the plant would take the total number of jobs up to about 500.

“Once introduced, this will act as a catalyst to induce other pharmaceutical companies to cluster here,” Crestview Mayor David Cadle told the Bulletin. “That is why the pharmacy college is so important to us. It has drawing powers for these sorts of companies.”

Former state Sen. Durell Peaden (R-Crestview) steered a total of $11M into FAMU’s budget during the 2009 and 2010 legislative sessions in order to cover the start-up costs for the Crestview Education Center. He also secured $1.5M in recurring money in 2010 for FAMU to use for salaries and operational costs at the center. The current Florida budget grants FAMU another $1.5M to continue funding the campus.

The Crestview center will be FAMU Pharmacy’s first degree-granting satellite location. The pharmacy school’s campuses in Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa do not offer full degrees. They are used as clinical training divisions for advanced students.

BOT approves Johnson’s contract

The FAMU Board of Trustees has approved a four-year contract for new Head Basketball Coach Clemon Johnson. Johnson will make $150,000 per year.

Johnson replaces Eugene Harris, who coached the Rattler Men’s Basketball Team for four years. Harris also made $150,000, annually. His employment with the university will end on June 10, 2011.

Johnson, a FAMU alumnus, coached the Alaska Men’s Basketball Team for four years. He played pro ball in the NBA for ten years as a member of the Portland Trailblazers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers and Seattle Supersonics.

Stanley sends off ROTC grads

FAMU alumna Lt. Col. Eurydice S. (Stephens) Stanley recently returned to Tallahassee to present the Army ROTC Rattler Battalion commissioning address. The speech provided the unique opportunity to consider what she would have said to herself 20 years ago when she was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army.

“There were so many lessons learned that I became overwhelmed,” said Stanley.

Stanley shared life lessons that she did not necessarily realize when she left FAMU in a speech titled “All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned at FAMU” based on the poem by Robert Fulghum. She addressed several relevant points, such as the faithfulness of God and the importance of mentors, who Stanley sees as a requirement, not an option.

“I had so many mentors – COL Hendricks, COL Joe, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Clark…there were too many to name, but they all really cared and permanently imprinted their expectations of excellence by example,” said Stanley.

She continues to be driven by the encouragement of her mentors.

Williams speaks out against restrictive election reforms

Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) recently voiced his disappointment with Gov. Rick Scott for signing of the Election Bill (HB 1355) into law. The bill shortens the two-week window for early voting and places new restrictions on third-party registration groups.

“As elected officials, we should not be implementing policies that stimulate voter suppression," Williams said. "There are many people who have protested, marched and died to create an environment that encourages and guarantees the right to vote for all citizens. This bill dissipates several strides that have been made by those who have fought to ensure equal voting rights."

Williams believes that the bill will have a disproportionate impact on specific voting groups.

“Critics have long said that this legislation makes it harder for college students and minorities to participate in the electoral process due to restrictions on polling locations as well as well as the shortening of the early vote period,” Williams said. “Any piece of legislation that adversely impacts a targeted group of voters should not be sustained.”

Student prepares for 50th Anniversary Freedom Ride

FAMU student Stephanie Burton knew that spending a few weeks out of her summer on the bus with the original Freedom Riders would be one of the highlights of her college career.

Burton said, “I was thinking, ‘what a way to complement what I’ve learned in the classroom!’”

Burton, a senior journalism student from Montgomery, Ala., was selected for the 2011 Student Freedom Ride, an experiential learning opportunity for college students in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the original May 1961 Freedom Rides. Over a 10-day journey, the Ride will be a moving classroom in which 40 college students from across the country will retrace the route of the original Freedom Rides. Accompanied by filmmaker Stanley Nelson, original Freedom Riders and others, the Ride will engage students in this important era in America’s history, as they learn about the commitment and courage of the individuals who took part in the Freedom Rides.

“I applied for the 2011 Student Freedom Rides because as a Montgomery native, HBCU attendee and African-American woman, I realize the value and importance of civil rights history,” said Burton. “During my application process, I read that we would be required to blog and shoot video. As a journalism student, those assignments particularly stood out and motivated me to apply as well.”


The Student Freedom Riders were chosen from nearly 1,000 applicants and represent a diverse cross-section of America, much like the original Freedom Riders, who were black and white, men and women, and who, in 1961, used public transportation as a means of challenging segregation in the South.

The participants will travel through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and into Louisiana, stopping along the way at historically significant locations. The journey will end in New Orleans, the intended destination of the 1961 Freedom Riders.

Burton said she plans to start a non-profit in Montgomery, Ala. for teens and young mothers.

“I also want to be a community organizer, attacking issues in our society such as homelessness, obesity, poverty and illiteracy,” the strong-minded individual said. “But I think I can learn from the original freedom riders the best way to go about doing that.”

SUNO-UNO merger bills die

The fight to keep public historically black universities alive scored a big victory in Louisiana, today.

Two bills that proposed merging Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) with the University of New Orleans (UNO) died in the state House and Senate, respectively. Gov. Bobby Jindal was a leading supporter of the merger campaign.

The bills were withdrawn by their sponsors after it became clear that neither one would gain the 2/3 vote required to pass.

Sen. Conrad Appel (R-Metairie), who authored the Senate version of the merger bill, said that he may reintroduce the legislation in the future.

"I reserve the right to revisit the topic in a year or so,” Appel told Fox 8 Live in New Orleans. “We'll see."

SUNO’s strong performance during its on-site accreditation review helped the university strike back against claims that it is not meeting basic quality standards.

The on-site committee report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) stated that SUNO is in compliance with all SACS standards with no recommendations for corrective action.

The SACSCOC committee noted that SUNO “has made a remarkable recovery since the Katrina disaster. A major commitment has been made to ensure that the quality of course offerings, the teaching/learning processes and students’ engagement in learning were sustained at a competitive level during the post-Katrina period.”

Gainer earns All-MEAC honors

FAMU Lady Rattlers second baseman Tera Gainer was rewarded for her solid play in the 2011 MEAC Softball Tournament, by being selected to the MEAC All-Tournament team. Gainer gathered three hits and made eight putouts for the Lady Rattlers. She also slugged a home run to help the Lady Rattlers defeat Coppin State in the opening round.

In May, she was awarded All-MEAC first team honors for her stellar season. Gainer batted .365 for the season. She acquired 54 hits, 26 runs, six doubles, five triples and nine home runs. She gathered 34 RBIs, a .655 slugging percentage and a .438 on-base percentage.

Gainer, is a junior from Crestview, Fla. As a player at Chipola Community College, she earned All-Conference and All-State honors.

In high school, Gainer was a three-sport athlete at Crestview High in Crestview, Fla., as she lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball. In her senior season, she was named the team’s best infielder, Most Valuable Player and earned the Leadership Award.

Reid makes All-MEAC baseball squad

FAMU outfielder Jarryd Reid was recently named a member of the MEAC All-Conference first team. Reid, had the second highest batting average on the Rattlers squad of everyday players, sporting a .367 average.

Reid also had 54 hits, scored 37 runs, six doubles, eight triples and four home runs. He carded 34 RBIs and 88 total bases. He amassed a .599 slugging percentage and a .447 on base percentage. A well-rounded player, Reid, known for his strong arm and fleet-footed ability to cover ground in the outfield, had 97 putouts, at a .962 success rate.

Meek to chair Politics365 editorial board

FAMU alumnus Kendrick Meek is entering the world of online journalism.

Politics365.com, a publication dedicated to political news concerning “communities of color,” has tapped Meek to chair its editorial board.

“Politic365.com is bringing the power of the Web and modern technology to serve an age-old concern — the need to connect,” Meek said in a story detailing his appointment. “As chair of the Editorial Board, I want to build on this success. I want to make Politic365 an essential part of the daily lives of Americans. I want to build on Politic365’s strengths — its news, its analysis, its informed and civil conversations — on the challenges facing our nation.”

Meek brings a wealth of personal political experience to his new position. He previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives, Florida Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives.

“Serving in the Florida Legislature and in Congress gave me a raw perspective on the true needs of the American people” Meek said. “The most important of these was the need to be heard. I learned to truly listen to and acknowledge what people are saying, and to engage them in a conversation about their ideas and our future. That is my vision for Politic365 – a real discourse and informed discussion on the political landscape of our country.”

Polytech claims over 33% of PECO funds

The University of South Florida Polytechnic is set to take more than one-third of the State University System’s (SUS) Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) appropriation.

The latest conference report on SB 2000, the General Appropriations Act, gives Polytech $46M of the total $137,255,709 in SUS PECO dollars. Polytech is located in Lakeland, part of the district of Senate Budget Chairman J.D. Alexander.

Polytech’s PECO funds are marked for the following construction projects: New Campus Phase I ($35M); School of Pharmacy Building ($10M); Interdisciplinary Center for Excellence ($1M).

FAMU will receive a total of $2,014,769 in PECO funds in 2011-2012 for electrical and technology upgrades. That number is far short of the $9M that FAMU actually needs to continue critical building code and safety improvements next year.

UCF working to open dental school by 2014

FAMU continues to be one of the most imitated schools in the State University System of Florida.

University of Central Florida President John C. Hitt will ask his Board of Trustees to approve a proposal for a College of Dental Medicine during a meeting scheduled for May 26, 2011. He wants to open the new school in 2014.

“The College of Dental Medicine will mean opportunities for our local students to obtain a dental education that they must now leave our area to achieve,” Hitt said. “The college will create opportunities to help more people in need of dental care who cannot afford it. And it will provide Central Florida with new jobs and an economic boost in challenging times.”

UCF’s proposal comes after FAMU President James H. Ammons has spent more than a year educating state leaders about the need for the need for another public dental school. The FAMU Board of Trustees approved the university’s Strategic Plan on October 15, 2009, which included a College of Dental Medicine as a top goal. Ammons said that he wants FAMU’s College of Dental Medicine to address Florida’s shortage of dentists in underserved rural and inner-city areas.

Alum dubbed Florida School Related Employee of the Year

FAMU alumna Rachel Melson, a 21st Century site coordinator at Bond Elementary School in Tallahassee, Fla., was selected as the 2011 Florida School-Related Employee of the Year. Melson was selected from among four other finalists who were considered based on their unique ability to help their respective schools be successful while also providing outstanding service to the teachers and students they work alongside.

“The announcement that I was named the School Related Employee of the Year for the entire state of Florida really sent me on a whirlwind of emotions.” she said. “I was already elated to have been named the district winner, but to receive such an honor out of 67 counties in the state is simply amazing to me. As a passionate educator, I do what I do, not for any recognition, but for the success and growth of my students. The reward is in seeing each of their daily successes and triumphs.”

Leon County Superintendent Jackie Pons expressed how Melson sets a great example for public education.

Softball team volunteers for fitness challenge

What started as a challenge from FAMU Police Chief Calvin Ross, has blossomed into a university-wide event dedicated to physical wellness.

The Fourth Annual Physical Readiness Challenge, was recently held at Bragg Memorial Stadium. FAMU Public Safety personnel, the Army ROTC and several other groups participated in the event aimed at promoting living a healthy lifestyle.

The event also honored the graduating class of FAMU's New Beginnings preschool with a day of fun.

Among the volunteers of the event was the FAMU Lady Rattlers Softball team. Coach Veronica Wiggins, Lori Goodart and Willie Williams were on hand to assist with the event. The softball players manned posts on the stadium run event as well as worked and danced with the kids in attendance.

FAMU PD Investigator John Cotton, one of the organizers of the event, was pleased with the sense of unity the event promoted. "After we did the first internal challenge, we opened it up to competitors, because we feel it is a great way to promote living health," Cotton said.

The police chief not only participated, but took first place in the 50-over division. He was ecstatic about the event, saying "I think this event was a monumental success. To bring health and healthy living to a competitive environment is what we accomplished. Everyone who participated today is a winner," Ross added.

The competition was hosted by FAMU Campus Recreation Fitness Coordinator Chip Heimbach. Heimbach explained the rules and was the lead judge at the event.

FAMU unveils Belin Plaque and Recognition Wall

One year after the death of William Patrick Belin, FAMU President James H. Ammons was accompanied by Patrick’s family members and friends for the unveiling of the William Patrick Belin Endowed Plaque at the Eternal Flame and the William Patrick Belin Donor Recognition Wall in the New Pharmacy Building. The ceremony was part of the William Patrick Belin Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which was established by the Belin family to commemorate and preserve Patrick’s legacy.

Soon after receiving the news of Patrick's death, the Belin family set in motion the steps of establishing a scholarship in his honor. Through the continuous communication with the College of Pharmacy, the FAMU Foundation, as well as a visit from Carla Willis, FAMU’s former vice president of University Relations, the scholarship was created.

“I want to thank you,” said Steve Belin, Patrick's father. “Each one of you connected to the FAMU community has contributed tremendously to the process. Not once did you say this can not be done. It was through your support and commitment that we have been successful in creating this scholarship in Patrick’s honor.”

Former Miss FAMU authors children's book

When FAMU alumna and former Miss FAMU Stephanie Evans first began teaching, she said she found several students who lacked enthusiasm about reading. In an effort to give students a new outlet, she authored her first book, “Steven James: I Just Can’t Pay Attention.”

“I have always loved to read,” said Evans, a fourth grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Miramar, Fla. “I especially like reading fiction books. Fictional books allow readers to let their imaginations run wild. I want to be able to give students the same interest that I have by writing books that are relatable.”

In the book, the title character, Steven James, is having the worst day of his life. He gets all of the answers wrong on his homework, misplaces things and struggles in class. James, like many of today’s youth, suffers from Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The book targets children ages 6 to 8 years old.

“My older brother, Stephon, suffered from this disorder,” said Evans, who was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. “I witnessed the many struggles he faced at school and at home. There was no outlet for him. Also, when I began my career as a teacher, I had several students who were facing the same problems as my brother. As a teacher, I come across a plethora of children’s books. I have never seen a book targeted for children such as my brother. I want to serve as an advocate for children like Stephon and the students I teach.”

Blue Cross/Blue Shield becomes new Florida Classic sponsor

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is the new title sponsor for the annual Florida Classic football game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University, as well as title sponsor of Battle of the Bands. In addition, the Florida Classic Consortium has also agreed to an extension with Florida Citrus Sports that will keep the game at Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium for the next five years.

The agreement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is for three years with an option to renew in years four and five. During that term, the game will be known as the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Florida Classic, while the Battle will now be called Florida Blue Battle of the Bands.

"Our support of the 2011 Florida Classic underscores our commitment to serve the Orlando community," said Tony Jenkins, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s Market President for the Central Florida Region (and a member of Florida Citrus Sports’ executive board). "BCBSF is delighted to be the title sponsor for this year’s Florida Classic and honored to stimulate an environment in which education, health and cultural institutions can better meet the needs of the community."

Back in 2008, Walt Disney World’s 10-year sponsorship of the Florida Classic came to an end as the company decided the throw its support behind the Orlando bound SWAC/MEAC Challenge.

Softball team ready for MEAC tourney

If the Florida A&M University Lady Rattlers are to return to the perch atop the MEAC softball rankings, they will have to go through the Coppin State Eagles. The Lady Rattlers, second place in the southern division, open the 2011 MEAC softball championship against CSU, who finished in third place in the MEAC northern division.

The MEAC announced the pairings for the tournament on May 9, in preparation for Thursday’s start of play. Bethune-Cookman University got the top seed in the southern division, while Delaware State University got the top seed in the northern division.

The Lady Rattlers will take momentum into the tournament, after sweeping the South Carolina State University Lady Bulldogs this weekend in the final home series of the year.

Coach Veronica Wiggins is excited about the tournament. “I’m really positive about the MEAC tournament. We’re ready. The regular season has us prepared and they’re ready to give a good effort,” Wiggins said.

She added, “All of us are equal at this point. With this being the best eight in the MEAC, the team that comes to play each game will be the winner.”

The Lady Rattlers finished the 2011 season with a record of 25-24, 8-4 in the MEAC. With six players batting over .300, averaging over .500 slugging percentage, the Lady Rattlers should have plenty of firepower to propel them in the tournament.

Student receives NSF graduate scholarship

When FAMU student Velencia Witherspoon was told she was selected as the recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), she ran up and down the hallways of the FAMU-Florida State University College of Engineering building while doing her “happy dance.”

This is the most prestigious award a graduate can receive to pursue his or her doctorate in the sciences and engineering. As a recipient, Witherspoon will receive a $30,000 annual stipend, a $10,500 cost-of-education allowance and international research and professional development opportunities.

“I was really excited; it was elating,” said Witherspoon, a Jacksonville native. “I didn’t think life could get any better. I had just got accepted into the University of California-Berkley. It was really competitive. I was up against people from Georgia Tech and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I did my happy dance and then I had to go back to working on my design project but it lasted about 20 minutes.”

Witherspoon, who has a 3.91 grade point average, is a Life-Gets-Better scholar. She is scheduled to graduate on April 30 with a degree in chemical engineering. Her research proposal focused on highly functionalized polymer membranes for fuel cell application.

“I think that FAMU taught me how to speak, how to market myself and what about me makes me so different,” said Witherspoon, who was a freshman senator in FAMU’s Student Government Association. “The university also taught me to manage my time and gave me the willingness to risk it all. I don’t think about the risk of losing—I just try! The mentoring has been great. The older students and FAMU professors take it upon themselves to push you. FAMU has given me a lot of opportunities.”

FAMU alumni leading FLBC

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus (FLBC) recently elected FAMU alumni to three of its top leadership positions.

Rep. Mia Jones, D-Jacksonville (far right), is the newly elected chairwoman of the caucus. Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa (middle), is the new vice-chairwoman. Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) was elected treasurer.

The Florida Legislative Black Caucus consists of 24 African American state senators and representatives. Its current priorities include combating the disproportionate rates of incarceration among black youth and Florida's low high school graduation rates for African Americans.

FAMU finishes 9th and 5th in Outdoor Track

The FAMU Men's Track Team came in 9th place at the 2011 MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships this weekend in Greensboro, NC. The Rattlers scored 33 points in 19 scored events. Last year the men finished 7th overall.

The FAMU Women's team finished 5th overall with 71 points in 19 scored events. Last year the Lady Rattlers finished 10th overall.

Smith elected Senate Minority Leader

Sen. Chris Smith (D-Ft. Lauderdale) was recently designated leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2012-2014 legislative session. He will follow former Senators Alfred "Al" Lawson and Lesley "Les" Miller as a member of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus who went on to become the top Democratic official in the state Senate.

“I am proud of the confidence my caucus has shown in me” said Smith. “Florida faces many problems over the next few years and I look forward to leading the Democratic Caucus as we craft solutions.”

Smith, who was elected to the Senate in 2008, previously headed up the House Democratic Caucus from 2004-2006. He currently serves as Vice Chair on both the Senate’s Banking and Insurance Committee and the Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

Acknowledged for his many awards and distinctions, including his pioneering work to reform Florida’s elections laws following the contentious 2000 presidential recount, Smith is also a passionate advocate for civil rights and economic development.

Smith was born in Ft. Lauderdale and earned his bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated in 1995 from Florida State University’s College of Law and is an attorney by trade.

Married to his wife Desorae, the couple has two sons, Christopher and Christian.

Johnson returns home to FAMU

After four seasons at the helm of the Alaska men's basketball team, head coach Clemon Johnson is stepping down to take a Division I head coaching job at his alma mater, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

Johnson finishes with a 28-74 overall record with the Nanooks.

Alaska fell just short of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference playoffs this season after finishing 8-17 (5-13 GNAC). He also recruited and coached the 2010-11 Ron Lenz National Player of the Year, Parrish West.

"The best part of my job is watching student-athletes go on to distinguished careers and seeing staff members pursue their dreams and move on to exciting professional opportunities,” Alaska Director of Athletics Forrest Karr said. “I couldn't be happier for Clem and his family."

Johnson played for FAMU from 1974-1978, during which time he set rebounding records for a single game (25), a season (412) and a career (1,494). Those records still stand, and he still ranks in the top-twenty in scoring with 1,381 points.

Rattler named Editor-in-Chief of Jet

Florida A&M alumnae Mitzi Miller is the new top editor of JET Magazine. Miller is an author (The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life and The Vow) and former associate editor at Jane and entertainment editor at Honey Magazine.

Miller is expected to engineer a redesign of the African American weekly magazine, which has experienced declining circulation over the past few years. Jet's current circulation of 703,944 is 25% less than its 944,073 average of a decade ago.

Miller's challenge will be to institute change while adhering to the legacy of Jet and that of the late JPC founder (1918-2005) John H. Johnson. Perhaps the magazine's finest moment came in September 1955 when it published photographs of the the mutilated body of 14-year-old Emmett Till that showed the world the brutality of his murder in Mississippi.

In addition to her work in print media Miller has also appeared as a culture critic for VH1, BET and the Food Network.

Johnson expected to be named basketball coach

Florida A&M University is expected to name Clemon Johnson men's head basketball coach. Johnson, a 2006 graduate of FAMU, currently serves as head men's basketball coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Johnson, a former Rattler basketball(1974-78) standout, enjoyed success as a player in the NBA playing along side Moses Malone and Julius "Dr. J" Erving with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he earned a NBA championship ring. On the high school level Johnson has rung up a 184-60 mark in eight seasons at two Florida high schools.

His high school success hasn't yet transfered to the collegiate ranks where he has amassed a 28-62 record at, NCAA Division 2, University of Alaska the past four seasons.

Johnson is expected to keep Maurice "Tony" Sheals, as assistant coach as well as bring in his son Clemon Johnson as an assistant.

Budget negotiations slightly ease FAMU’s pain

FAMU’s budget news is still bad. But recent budget negotiations between the Florida House and Senate have slightly lessened the painful picture for next year.

According to published reports, FAMU will receive an extra $5M in 2011-2012 for “targeted student assistance.” An Associated Press story stated that the appropriation was part of a budget deal reached Tuesday.

The latest conference report on SB 2000, the General Appropriations Act, includes the following for FAMU.

General Revenue: $82,960,550.

This is a big bump over the House’s original $78,076,302 and the Senate’s original $79,184,696. It is still much smaller than the $92,688,997 FAMU received for FYE (the fiscal year ending) 2011.

Educational Enhancement: $13,454,359.

This is an improvement over the $11,720,688 FAMU received in FYE 2011. It is well below the $16,240,777 the Senate originally proposed but above the $12,220,688 the House originally proposed.

Keymah receives honorary doctorate

During FAMU's Spring 2011 Commencement Ceremony, alumnae T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh received a Doctor of Humane Letters.

“I am so overwhelmed,” said Keymáh, who graduated in 1984 and was recruited to FAMU as a National Merit Scholar. “I am happy to have started this month [April] and end this month in Tallahassee.”

Earlier this month, FAMU honored Keymáh with the unveiling of the Endowed T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Theatre Scholarship. The unveiling was part of the College of Arts and Sciences' celebration honoring alumni into its Gallery of Distinction.

Keymáh was an original cast member of the comedy series “In Living Color” but 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.”

Reed, Jackson inspire FAMU grads

FAMU’s Spring 2011 graduates received words of inspiration from two nationally-known keynote speakers: Mayor M. Kasim Reed of Atlanta, Ga. and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson.

“Do not miss your time to do extraordinary things,” said Reed. “Don’t let people distract you right now. This is your opportunity to get it together.”

Reed also encouraged the graduates to remember to give back.

“When you see a little girl’s face or little boy’s face that looks like yours, you have to help them get what you have,” said Reed.

Ammons' first freshman class graduates

Obama: Osama bin Laden is dead

Early this morning, U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the nation to announce that the United States has killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda.

“At my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan,” the president said. “A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body.”

Al Qaeda was responsible for the September 11, 2001 attack on America that cost the lives of nearly 3,000 citizens.

Obama emphasized, once again, that America is not at war with the religion of Islam.

“We must also reaffirm that the United States is not – and never will be – at war with Islam,” Obama said. “ I’ve made clear, just as President [George W.] Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity.”

Holcomb drafted by 49ers

Curtis Holcomb was taken in the seventh round of the NFL Draft today by the San Francisco 49ers. With the 250th pick of the draft, the 49ers went with a "blue collar" player, known for his rigorous work ethic.

As a senior, he led the Rattler defense to an impressive season. He finished the season with three interceptions, 41 tackles, with 33 of them being solos and three sacks.

Holcomb is a native of Miami, Fla., where he attended Southridge High School. After two seasons with the Rattlers, Head Coach Joe Taylor appointed him to the leadership committee. Taylor's leadership committee is a group of captains that represent all aspects of the team.

Taylor was extremely happy to get a Rattler's name back on the draft board.
"I look at it as a testament that we're going in the right direction. Like the MEAC championship 10 year drought, that ended this year. I'm very excited for Holcomb. We will use this to continue to build our program. Nobody worked harder than Curtis and this is a reminder that hard work does not go unnoticed," Taylor said.

Defensive backs Coach Jimmie Tyson echoed Taylor's sentiments. "It feels good to know that he put in the hard work and it paid off for him," Tyson said.