FAMU wraps up first Joe Taylor Football Camp

Yesterday, the FAMU Department of Athletics wrapped up its first-ever Joe Taylor Football Camp. A number of middle school and high school athletes came out to hone their skills from the MEAC co-champion coaching staff of the Rattlers.

The Rattler coaches provided instruction in the fundamentals of football, conditioning, health and safety, and leadership skills — all phases of the game of football.

The training activities also emphasized the values of teamwork, education, and remaining drug-free.

FAMU awards four scholarships in Taylor County

The Florida A&M University Taylor County Alumni Association presented four $1,000 Presidential Special Scholarships to deserving students. FAMU Interim Vice President for Student Affairs William E. Hudson Jr. served as the keynote speaker at the festive event.

The recipients, Erica Scott, Sa-Mia August, Arneshia Stephens and Maya Sutton, will each receive $1,000 per academic year totaling $4,000 for four years.

Stephens was all set to attend a community college in Alabama to play basketball; however, by the evening's end, she informed Hudson that she will complete her application and commit to FAMU.

100 to Host Annual Band Camp and Parade

The FAMU Marching “100” will host its 2011 Band Camp from Saturday, July 9 through Saturday, July 16. The “100” will lend its talent to hundreds of the nation’s best high school band students.

A myriad of students from throughout the United States will arrive for the week-long camp in order to prove their dedication to excellence by emulating the style of the world-renowned Marching “100.” The participants will showcase their new skills and moves to the Tallahassee community at the annual band camp parade scheduled for Thursday, July 14, at 2 p.m.

Each year, the parade features a variety of community schools, organizations and local participants for a unique and enjoyable celebration.

The parade route will begin at Bragg Memorial Stadium traveling north on Wahnish Way; a right onto Gamble Street; then another right on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., before ending on “The Set” at the viewing stand.

The Super Summer-Fest Finale Performance, taking place at Bragg Memorial Stadium, is scheduled for Saturday, July 16, at 10 a.m. The show will feature pre-game and halftime performances by the campers. Current and former members of the Marching “100” will also perform in the highly energized “Bring–It-On” session. The community is invited to attend.

Four Journalism professors earn prestigious summer fellowships

Four professors in the FAMU Division of Journalism have earned prestigious fellowships this summer to expand their skill sets in advertising, mobile media, crisis reporting and social media.

Gina Kinchlow, an assistant public relations professor, recently returned from a two-week Visiting Professor Fellowship sponsored by the Advertising Education Foundation at Deutsch, a multinational advertising agency in New York City.

Kinchlow, who serves as the adviser for PRodigy, the award-winning student-run public relations firm, presented research titled “Five Years With the PRodigy PR Firm: Observations on a Student-Run Company and Valuable Lessons On Its Usefulness in the Academy and Beyond” in June at the Hawaii International Conference on Social Sciences.

Dhyana Ziegler, a journalism professor, was selected to receive the American Press Institute’s Minority Educator Fellowship and she will attend the API seminar titled “Mobile Media: Opportunities On The Move” July 18 through 19. She also will participate in the American Biographical Institute and the International Biographical Centre’s World Forum June 28 through July 3 in San Francisco. She will present a research paper titled “Social Networking and Globalization: Evolution and Revolution” during the World Forum.

Andrew Skerritt, an assistant journalism professor and adviser to the award-winning Famuan student newspaper, earned a 2011 Dart Center Academic Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in New York City. He received additional in-depth training on trauma and crisis reporting.

Leonard Horton, a visiting assistant journalism professor and adviser to News20 at Five, earned a Journalism Educator Fellowship for “Writing in the Age of Twitter” at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., in May.

“I’m going to have students tweet breaking news updates and collaborate using hashtags on similar stories,” said Horton.

According to Horton, a new website, FAMUTVNews.com, will be launched by fall.

“Keeping our students current with industry practices is a high priority,” said James Hawkins, dean of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “Faculty involvement in these activities support that effort.”

Harris Summer Science Camp prepares students for STEM careers

Area middle school students are curing the summer “brain drain” this year with a heavy dose of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fun at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp hosted by Florida A&M University (FAMU). The hands-on program offers students an exciting way to beat the heat as they design space suits while experiencing life on a college campus.

Founded by veteran astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the program targets underserved youth. It is a two-week, all-expenses-paid residential camp that encourages math and science. The ExxonMobil Foundation provides funding and expertise of talented engineers to support the educational experience.

“Summer learning opportunities are crucial to continued academic success,” said Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., veteran astronaut and camp founder. “In partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation, we are able to offer students a tremendous opportunity to hone the math, science, communications and leadership skills needed to realize their full potential. Our goal is to inspire them to reach beyond the classroom and pursue careers in critical technology fields.”

Women of FAMU Athletics help build a family home

While many coaches take every opportunity in the offseason to rest and reload for the next season, several FAMU women's coaches, trainers and athletics staff members used their time to help others. They all participated in a home build for Big Bend Habitat for Humanity.

Meeting at 6:15 a.m. to get a jump on the heat, the ladies were supplied partially through an initiative called "Women Build," which is sponsored by Lowes. Women Build brings together women from all walks of life to address the housing crisis facing millions of women and children worldwide.

Within the athletic department, softball coach Veronica Wiggins led the FAMU effort. "We have a Habitat for Humanity chapter on our campus. In speaking with Phyllis Reeves (FAMU Big Bend Habitat for Humanity campus chapter faculty advisor), who spearheads that effort on campus, she let us know about the Women Build Day. We took the opportunity for all our women in athletics to get together and work hard and give up some sweat for our community," Wiggins said.

Head women's basketball coach LeDawn Gibson, who also participated in the build, was excited about the opportunity as well. Gibson stated, "It feels good giving back to the community and for all of the women in athletics to get together and have fun for the right reason."

Head women's tennis coach Nikki Goldthreate, assistant A.D. for Development Angela Suggs, assistant softball coach Lori Goodart, graduate softball assistant Melissa Oliphant, assistant women's basketball coaches Latasha Shipman and A.J. Johnson, athletic trainers Yadisha Ortizz-Torres and Portia Williams, and the wife of Assoc. A.D. Michael Smith (Loretta Smith), were all present for the day and contributed to the build .

In fact, the ladies worked on one home, while dividing themselves up to do site preparation on another lot nearby. Marty Chumbler, incoming president of Big Bend Habitat for Humanity, was on hand to participate in the home build. Chumbler expressed her gratitude and expressed the importance of having groups like the ladies of FAMU Athletics, come out and provide valuable support to their efforts. "We are here to help the future homeowners build their house. Everyone is helping each other to provide the opportunity for home ownership for members of our community," she said.

Big Bend Habitat for Humanity volunteer/grants coordinator, Juanita Ross, was elated to have FAMU participate in the activity. Chumbler credited her and her efforts for coordinating with groups like the women of FAMU Athletics, to continue the success of assisting families with realizing homeownership.

Matthew Mituma and Charity Gikunda, owners of the home, were also on hand and assisting with the construction of their new home.

FAMU to receive $400K from USF game

FAMU will take home $400,000 from its football game against the University of South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on September 17, 2011.

USF defeated FAMU, 37-3, in 2005, the only meeting between the two programs. The game was the Bulls' home opener that season and produced one of the top crowds in program history up to that point. It marked the first time that tickets in the upper deck at Raymond James Stadium were made available for a USF game, resulting in a crowd of over 43,122 fans. That was the second largest attendance number in USF’s history.

FAMU has also signed a contract to play USF again on September 5, 2015.

UF hits fast lane in black dental student recruitment

Four years after James Ammons first announced his desire to establish a FAMU College of Dental Medicine, the University of Florida has now unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to expand black enrollment at its own dental school.

UF is asking the Florida Board of Governors to support its six-year work plan entitled: “Enhancing the size and diversity of the dentist workforce through expansion of DMD enrollment.” The project would cost $2.8M during its first year and go up to $4.6M by its sixth year.

According to the UF work plan: “Because there is a need for an ethnically and culturally diverse dental workforce, UF proposes to expand its outreach activities to recruit underrepresented and disadvantaged dental students. One mechanism the college will investigate is partnering with Florida A&M University (FAMU) to increase the proportion of under-represented minority students entering dental school.”

Women's basketball signs 10 recruits

FAMU coach LeDawn Gibson released her list of 2011 signees, yesterday. The class of 10 recruits represents a rebuild of the team that went 15-15 last season. In an effort to get a combination of players ready to play immediately and talent that the coaching staff will develop in building the program, the Lady Rattlers welcome four junior college transfers and six high school recruits.

Leading the class of signees is the Illinois Valley Community College standout Shannon Washington. Washington is a two-time junior college All-American and two-time 1st team all-conference player. The 5'11" guard from Sarasota, averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, five steals and five assists per game. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tenn., honored her for her play last season.

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes the country's top players on all levels, from pro to high school. In making the team, Washington's jersey will hang in the ring of honor at the museum in Tennessee, where she is among other greats such as Candace Parker (Univ. of Tennessee), Sue Byrd (Univ. of Connecticut) and Britney Griner (Baylor).

FAMU-HCC “Bridges” program reaches 10-year anniversary

An innovative program run by the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS) reached its tenth anniversary last week.

FAMU has operated a “Bridges to Pharmaceutical Sciences” program with Hillsborough Community College (HCC) since 2001. It aims to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who enter career tracks in the pharmaceutical sciences.

FAMU helps HCC recruit a cohort of 30 students who are interested in pharmacy degrees. The two institutions then provide a variety of services that assist the students with their laboratory research skills, study habits, professionalism, and self-confidence. After the participants graduate from HCC with their associate of arts degrees they transfer into FAMU COPPS.

“Bridges” is funded by grant money FAMU receives from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH has awarded a total of $982,057 to Bridges since 2001. The first principal investigator was former Pharmacy Dean Henry Lewis, III. The current principal investigator is Professor John J. Scrivens (pictured top left).

Former Castell lawyer wants PBCSB chief counsel job

The former general counsel who served Interim President Castell V. Bryant as FAMU coughed up well over a hundred thousand dollars for wrongful termination case settlement costs now wants to be the top lawyer for the Palm Beach County School Board.

Elizabeth McBride will interview for the chief counsel position on Wednesday, June 22. She is currently an associate counsel for the board. McBride held the general counsel position at FAMU from 2004 to 2007.

The McBride résumé that is posted on the Palm Beach County School District’s website says that she “proposed and implemented a compliance and audit unit approved by the President and Board of Trustees, including the adoption of a compliance and audit charter by the Board of Trustees” while she was the general counsel at FAMU.

Pensacola Chapter Awards Six $1,000 Scholarships

Stay focused in school and get as much education as possible.

That is the advice Florida A&M University President James Ammons gave to the six Pensacola students who received $1,000 scholarships from the Pensacola alumni chapter during a scholarship banquet there last night.

"When you come to Florida A&M, one of the first things we'll talk with you about is getting advanced degrees because the competition out there is so tough," Ammons told the students. "It's tougher now than most of us have seen in our lifetime. You have to distinguish yourselves."

About 200 people attended the fourth annual scholarship banquet.

Happy Fathers Day!

Robinson lauds NOAA wetlands restoration project in Florida

FAMU professor Larry Robinson, assistant U.S. Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, recently celebrated a federal project that will restore nearly 70 acres of wetlands that feed into Tampa Bay. The work is being done through a collaborative effort on the part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Ecosphere Restoration Institute, and state and local partners.

“This project restores fish and wildlife habitat lost in the 1950s when the wetlands were filled for development,” Robinson said. “The restoration work has helped support jobs for the community and improve important nursery habitat for fish, which is so vital to local recreational and commercial fisheries.”

NOAA provided $750,000 in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding to Ecosphere Restoration Institute for the project. Hillsborough County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District also contributed funding for the restoration.

This project expands upon a 17-year restoration effort of the adjacent Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve, which is nearing its final stage of completion. The restored wetlands provide important nursery and foraging habitat for numerous fish, wading birds, and frogs.

Through the Recovery Act, NOAA was provided $167 million for marine and coastal habitat restoration. This project is one of four habitat restoration projects in Florida, out of 50 total projects selected by NOAA for this funding.

Hastings, Brown join Dem reps in denouncing Fla.’s TANF drug screening law

FAMU alumni Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) and Corrine Brown (FL-3) recently joined three other Democratic Congressional representatives in criticizing Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to sign HB 353, a bill that requires applicants for benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program to be tested for illegal drugs.

TANF is a block grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of Family Assistance in order to help States provide work opportunities to needy families. Under HB 353, applicants must pay for the drug testing upfront, which typically costs about $35. Individuals who test negative for drugs are reimbursed the cost of the screening while those who test positive for drugs lose their benefits for at least one year.

"The TANF Program helps tens of thousands of Floridians care for their families and access vital job opportunities," Hastings said. "Governor Scott's new drug testing law is not only an affront to families in need and detrimental to our nation's ongoing economic recovery, it is downright unconstitutional. If Governor Scott wants to drug test recipients of TANF benefits, where does he draw the line? Are families receiving Medicaid, State Emergency Relief, or educational grants and loans next?"

"Drug tests for benefits recipients represent an extreme and illegal invasion of personal privacy," Brown said. "Indeed, investigating people when there is probable cause to suspect they are abusing drugs is one thing, but these tests amount to strip searching our state's most vulnerable residents merely because they rely on the government for financial support during these difficult economic times."

Florida Congressional Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-11), Ted Deutch (FL-19), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-17) also spoke out against HB 353.

"Republican Gov. Rick Scott's rigid ideology blinds him to the struggles of Florida families who were hit hard by the worst recession in our lifetimes," Castor said. "Scott and the Republican Legislature add a costly and bureaucratic burden without any demonstration that a problem exists."

"The number of needy families relying on welfare assistance in Florida has skyrocketed by over 50 percent since this devastating recession struck," Deutch said. "If Governor Scott were truly concerned about reducing our state welfare rolls, he would focus on creating jobs and economic opportunity for Florida's families."

"Governor Scott has made a conscious decision to attack working families by subjecting them to needless drug tests instead of focusing on creating jobs," Wilson said. "This is nothing but an attempt to squeeze poor people, who cannot afford to pay for their own testing, off of welfare rolls. Why does he want to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable? This is an absolute shame."

Bland wins black filmmaker showcase

FAMU alumnus James Bland was recently recognized as the winner for Round 1 of the inaugural Shadow and Act Black Filmmaker Showcase. Bland’s short film entry, “Cocoa Love,” garnered 46.7 percent of the 14,220 votes.

“It felt incredible to win Round 1 of the Shadow and Act Digital Filmmaker's Showcase,” he said. “It's one of the most respected entertainment and film blogs amongst the industry and it's really a privilege to have my work featured on the site. I discovered my passion for film while a student at FAMU. My film roots are deeply connected to FAMU and the university helped me to realize my potential.”

Bland earned his degree from FAMU’s School of Business and Industry in 2008. While a student, the multi-talented filmmaker wrote and directed his first feature film, “Dreaming in Color.”

Fla. Dems might recruit Crist to oust Scott

The Florida Republican establishment and Tea Party might soon regret their decision to push Charlie Crist out the GOP.

State and national newspapers are abuzz with word that the Florida Democratic Party is considering recruiting Crist to join its ranks and challenge incumbent Gov. Rick Scott in 2014.

St. Petersburg Times Political Editor Adam C. Smith wrote about the issue in a recent column: “Consider one scenario a number of Democratic strategists see as more than plausible: Crist, still popular outside of conservative Republican circles, endorses Obama and helps his campaign in Florida in 2012. He parlays that goodwill into another gubernatorial campaign and Democrats desperate to rid Florida of Rick Scott welcome a moderate statewide figure who looks like a winner.”

Even though Crist supported GOP presidential nominee John McCain during the 2008 election, he played a big role in helping U.S. President Barack Obama win Florida. Crist used his emergency powers as governor to extend the hours for early voting across the state. Some prominent Republicans believed that Crist’s decision helped more Democrats get to the polls to cast ballots for Obama.

Crist also took heat from the GOP for endorsing Obama’s $787B American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

FAMU, FSU developing wellness center in Havana

Officials from FAMU, alongside Florida State University’s College of Medicine, are working with the Gadsden County School Board and the Gadsden County Health Department to develop a 4,000 square feet state-of-the-art Health and Wellness Service and Training Center at Havana Middle School.

To provide quality health care for students, Havana School Board employees and the citizens of Havana are at the forefront of Shirley Aaron’s, chair of the steering committee, agenda. Aaron is working tediously to congregate FAMU, FSU, Tallahassee Community College, Gadsden County officials and the community to decrease the number of individuals affected by inadequate healthcare in Havana. A large population of the community is living without insurance or receives Medicaid.

“It has been my dream for a long time to have a health and wellness center that serves the people who are underserved, or served in a limited way in Havana,” said Aaron.

According to Aaron, there is one practicing medical provider in Havana, which does not provide medical services for individuals receiving Medicaid.

In December 2010, Yvonne Nelson-Langley, program coordinator for FAMU Community Health Alliance, was brought on board bridging the gap between the committee and the university.

“FAMU President [James H. Ammons] and Provost [Cynthia Hughes Harris] really thought it was important that FAMU be involved in health initiatives that are going on in the community so that we can provide support and technical assistance,” said Langley. “Also, we want to know what is happening as we provide different types of training for students as well as activities and community service.”

Hughes-Harris leading $2.5M STEM Learning Communities initiative

FAMU Provost Cynthia Hughes-Harris is leading a campus initiative that aims to help more students prepare for graduate study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is being funded with a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant of $2.5M.

The program uses STEM Learning Communities to aid student success. Larry Robinson, FAMU’s former provost and acting CEO, served as the original principal investigator when the project began in 2006. Dean of Arts & Sciences Ralph Turner and Professors Bernadette Kelley and Reginald Perry are co-principal investigators.

Kelley and Perry explained how the learning communities work in a paper abstract for a past educational conference.

“A learning community is a strategy for enrolling cohort groups of students in a common set of classes often organized around a theme, and often linked with residence life experiences,” Kelley and Perry wrote. “The learning community at FAMU is organized around a common course cluster of first-year students who have chosen to pursue a STEM degree.”

Learning communities have been shown to improve retention rates, increase student learning and achievement, increase faculty engagement, and lessen the feelings of isolation some students feel on large campuses. About 200 FAMU STEM students participate in the learning communities each year.

FAMU hosting summer academy for gifted high school students

Today, FAMU is welcoming 24 gifted African-American male high school students from around the United States for the 2011 Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. (DYG) National Summer Academy.

The two-week program will feature an innovative accelerated student curriculum focusing on the following topics: advanced African studies and communal values; financial literacy and entrepreneurship; foreign affairs and globalization; leadership and communication; and professional and personal development.

“I applaud and commend these determined and ambitious young men,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “It is imperative that we give them support and the necessary skills to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Distinguished Young Gentlemen of America, Inc. is a national non-profit entity fully committed to addressing a myriad of multi-dimensional issues permeating throughout the world.

The incoming youths, all with grade point averages above a 3.0, will have the opportunity to develop and implement strategies to provide effective leadership on critical issues, learn tangible life skills (oratorical, culinary, mechanical, technical and etiquette) cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit, and broaden their intellectual capacities through reading and analyzing relevant essays, poems and books.

“These young African-American males understand that an education is an essential ingredient to succeed in life,” said William E. Hudson, Jr., interim vice president for the Office of Student Affairs. “This two-week program will provide some of those extra ingredients needed to be the next CEO, doctor, teacher, scientist, lawyer or entrepreneur.”

FAMU inks four hoopsters

FAMU men's basketball recently announced its 2011 signing class. The mixture of athletes concentrated on increasing the size of the Rattlers' front line. Four athletes have signed, with three coming from within the state of Florida and one from Georgia.

First year head coach Clemon Johnson, charged assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Tony Sheals to get some size to bulk up the inside play and toughen the defense. The result is the signing of Eddie D'Haiti, Markee Teal, Nathaniel Drayton and D'Andre Bullard.

D'Haiti, is from Orlando, Fla., and is a junior college transfer from Santa Fe College. He is 6'8" tall and weighs 235 lbs. He should help the Rattlers in the post position. He was an All-Mid Florida Conference player. He attended Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, where he led the team to a 43-13 record while playing there. He was shown interest by West Virginia, Valdosta St. and FAU.

Teal, is from State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Community College). He is from Ocala, Fla., where he attended Westport High School. He was also a first team Suncoast All-Conference selection as a post player. Teal stands 6'7" and weighs 220 lbs. He was shown interest by B-CU and St. Peters College.

Drayton, who goes by the name "Nate," is originally from Savannah, Ga. He is a junior college transfer from Salkehatchie Community College, where he was an All-Conference performer. Drayton plays the post and is 6'7" and 245 lbs. He was shown interest by Towson State, Coastal Carolina, and S.C. State.

Bullard, is a true freshman from Apopka, Fla. He attended Wekiva High School and was an All-County and All-Region player. He has good height for a point guard, standing 6'4" and 175 lbs. He was shown interest by Northeastern and Stetson University.

The Rattlers will open exhibition play on Nov. 4, against Albany State University at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

FAMU Student Vince Evans becomes web journalist

FAMU Student Vince Evans cuts his teeth as a regular contributor on "the Blu Vu", an online political reality show.

Evans is senior political science major from Green Cove Springs, FL, and the Blu Vu is a growing weekly online political talk show with a Democratic bent.

FAMU Athletics airing web series: "The Mystique"

The FAMU Department of Athletics has unveiled "The Mystique," a web-based miniseries of eight short videos about the history of FAMU athletics. It is exclusively available at www.FAMUAthletics.com.

The series began on Monday. A new video will be released each Monday in June and July.

Pulling together interviews, video footages, photos and first-person accounts from some of those involved in these historic times, the videos will bring a unique perspective to the history of the special athletes, coaches and administrators of FAMU's athletics history. The videos range anywhere from three to 10 minutes, depending on the availability of resources.

FAMU Director of Athletics Derek Horne felt it was mandatory that the department rekindles the FAMU spirit by celebrating those who have made us proud.

"I think the Mystique series will give us the opportunity to expose our rich tradition to the younger generation to see why we are so proud of FAMU athletics," he said.

Because of the rich heritage of FAMU athletics, it is virtually impossible to capture all of the history in eight short videos. The initial release of "The Mystique" is designed to provide a snapshot of some of the greatest athletes and moments in FAMU history.

The subjects of the miniseries include: the Frazier/Galimore Express (1956), Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, the 1984 Women's Track All-American, Althea Gibson, The Gulf Coast Offence, NCAA 3-pt. Champion Terrence Woods, FAMU's historic 2004 volleyball team, and "The Bullet" Bob Hayes.

Hunt is calm under pressure

Some athletes are good students, while others perform well on the playing field. It's not often you find a good student, who is an exceptional athlete. The demands on student-athletes requires them to be strict with their time management.

FAMU track star Leon Hunt has mastered them both, graduating from FAMU in May with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration, and this past weekend qualifying for the NCAA National Championship meet in Des Moines, Iowa in June. This follows winning the long jump in both the MEAC Indoor and Outdoor Championships.

The St. Croix,Virgin Islands native is as cool a customer as you'll ever meet. The lanky 6'3" sprinter/jumper has been constantly improving since coming to FAMU, and is the model athlete for his focused demeanor. Hunt explained his focus saying, "I'm happy to be going to the NCAA nationals and happy to represent FAMU. All of my family has been calling me for the last four days. My island, the Virgin Islands, has been contacting me and they are very happy and it feels good," Hunt said.

With his regional tournament leap of 7.64m (25.00-. 75 ft) last week, he was able to qualify for the nationals without taking his last remaining leap. He set his country's record earlier this season for indoor and outdoor in the long jump. He reached a personal best at the Niswonger Invitational Meet at Middle Tennessee State, where he leaped 7.75m (25'4"). His Virgin Islands coach Wallace Williams makes no qualms about how excited he is about Hunt's accomplishments. "He's very focused," Williams said of Hunt. Hunt's marks have qualified him for the Pan-American games this October in Guadalajara, Mexico.

ESI investigating BP oil spill’s affect on microorganisms

The FAMU Environmental Sciences Institute (ESI) recently received a $199,706 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to investigate how the BP oil spill of 2010 is affecting microorganisms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The principal investigator for the grant Henry Neal Williams.

Williams proposed the research project because of the important role that microorganisms play in a wide variety of natural processes that are critical to maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Many environmental scientists fear that the oil deposits in Gulf waters and sediments will disrupt the microbial community and those system functions for which they are responsible.

The project engages both ESI undergraduate and graduate students in studying how the catastrophic oil spill is impacting the Gulf of Mexico’s bacterial community.

FAMU using $5.1M NSF grant to help launch Chemistry PhD

FAMU is pushing ahead with its plans to launch a PhD program in chemistry despite painful state-mandated budget cuts. A multi-million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) is aiding the program’s development process.

Back in 2006, NSF awarded FAMU a $5,165,603 five-year grant to establish a Center for Astrophysical Science and Technology (CREST) at FAMU. CREST focuses on education and research in the field of astrophysics. A central objective of the center is to increase the number of African-Americans who earn PhDs in Astrophysics and Astrochemistry.

The Center supports collaboration between the FAMU physics and chemistry departments and will facilitate the startup of a PhD program in Chemistry. It is also helping FAMU establish a laboratory astrophysics program that has a new undergraduate minor and a PhD-level research concentration area.

The principal investigator for CREST is Charles Weatherford, chairman of the FAMU Department of Physics.

FAMU received support to launch a PhD in Chemistry back when the Florida Board of Regents approved a Center of Excellence in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (or COESMET) at FAMU. The program’s purpose: increase black Ph.D. recipients in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Specifically, the center was to add ten PhD programs in two phases from 2001 to 2010. Phase I consisted of: Physics, 2001; Computer Science, 2002; Chemistry, 2003; Biology, 2004; and Computer Engineering, 2005. Phase II included PhDs in Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Engineering and Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering between 2006 and 2010.

So far, FAMU has only launched the Physics PhD. Former President Frederick S. Humphries and then Provost James H. Ammons had set the foundation for a PhD in Physics even before COESMET received formal authorization. Years earlier, they had begun scraping and saving money from FAMU’s general budget to hire as many physics professors as possible. This enabled the Physics PhD program to begin shortly after 2001.

Pink slips handed to 48 FAMU employees as University restructures

Florida A&M University reduced its workforce by 48 employees, early last week, as part of its efforts to implement the University’s restructuring plan.

During the past three years, FAMU has experienced budget cuts totaling more than $34 million. Another $8 million will be cut from FAMU’s budget in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2011.

The 48 employees were notified and immediately placed on administrative leave with pay. Their last day of employment with the University will be June 30, 2011. There are an additional 109 FAMU employees, who are on stimulus dollars, whose employment with the University will end on June 30, 2011.

As part of the restructuring, the university eliminated another 52 vacant positions last week.

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SBI professor heads to Brazil for research

FAMU School of Business and Industry (SBI) Associate Marketing Professor Roscoe Hightower Jr. will participate in the Faculty Development in International Business Program in Brazil later this month.

The 10-day program will introduce participants to the major emerging economy of Brazil, with a more specific focus on the challenges of long-term sustainability. During the excursion, the 13 faculty members and 10 graduate students from institutions of higher education across the United States will travel to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the country’s two largest urban centers.

“I hope to learn about Brazil... and the Brazilian perspective of doing business, focusing on the economy and the cultural norms,” said Hightower.

Through the program, sponsored by Indiana University's Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER), Hightower will have the opportunity to strengthen his understanding of the country's unique business challenges through a structured itinerary of visits to domestic and multinational companies, tours of cultural and historical sites and presentations by researchers and professionals.

While in Brazil, Hightower plans to gather data for an ongoing research project dealing with a Green Servicescape instrument that has been tentatively accepted for the Fourth International Congress for Facilities Management in Vienna, Austria in November 2011.

“Right now, FAMU is No. 1 in the world in correctly conceptualizing and measuring the servicescape construct,” he said. “It is up to me to get this message out to the community-at-large, and this trip helps to enable me in accomplishing this by providing opportunities to talk to the public about my research.”

Pernell to receive Franklin and Marshall Alumni Citation Award

FAMU College of Law Dean LeRoy Pernell has been selected to receive Franklin & Marshall College’s prestigious Alumni Citation award during Reunion Weekend, June 3-5, 2011, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Part of the Franklin & Marshall Society of Distinguished Alumni, recipients of the Alumni Citation are distinguished in a particular profession, have provided dedicated leadership and service in the community, and have established an exemplary record of accomplishments in a specific field or endeavor. Pernell, who graduated from Franklin & Marshall in 1971, has worked in the legal arena since receiving his J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1974.

Green named Director of Student Activities

Marvin E. Green, Jr. has been named FAMU's new director for Student Activities. Green will officially begin his new position on July 1.

“I am honored and excited that I can serve my alma mater at this capacity,” Green said. “I am excited about the challenges and look forward to helping to produce that millennial student. We have special students at FAMU who are ready to learn to be productive and it is our responsibility to mold and help them to bring out their creativity.”

Green, who currently serves as the FAMU men’s golf coach, said some of his goals include helping with FAMU’s retention and graduation rates.

“I think FAMU is a special place,” he said. “We are always going to bring in the best and brightest minds. We must find a way to keep our students active outside the classroom, which will help make them better students.”

For nearly 20 years, Green has established a notable career at FAMU in intramural/recreational sports and golf. During that time, he has been instrumental in shaping and developing not only the Department of Campus Recreation, but also the highly successful Men’s Golf Program at the university.

“I am very pleased that Mr. Marvin Green was selected as the director of Student Activities,” said Henry Kirby, dean of student affairs. “Mr. Green will bring the necessary experience, professionalism, vision, energy and team spirit to the position as well as take the Office of Student Activities to a higher level of performance and excellence.”

49ers like Holcomb's leadership record

Curtis Holcomb had what possibly no player ever did in San Francisco 49ers history. 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke marveled at the fact that Holcomb was a captain for four years at FAMU. That was part of what convinced the 49ers to look further into the small school cornerback.

Holcomb, first turned heads with his "Pro Day" workout. Those results from the workout sent the NFL scouts back with a mission to research the kid from FAMU. It ultimately led to the 49ers selecting Holcomb in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Baalke, speaking in front of members of the media about his 2011 draft picks, said "...Mel Kiper (Jr.) had to fumble through his papers because the guy was unrated," in reference to Holcomb's being selected in the NFL Draft. Baalke went on to say, " Talk about wired right? I don't know that anybody in our building ever heard of it. A guy that's been a four-time captain at the college level."

FAMU welcomes Johnson home

FAMU welcomed home one of its favorite sons to lead the men's basketball program yesterday at the Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Clemon Johnson was officially presented to alumni, fans and family at a pep rally and press conference in his honor. The world-famous Marching "100" and the MEAC Co-ed Champions Cheerleaders were on hand to add to the excitement.

Johnson was a star basketball player for the Rattlers from 1974-1978. He was an All-SIAC and All-American selection his senior year at FAMU, with several of his records still standing to this day. Johnson went on to a solid career in the NBA, winning a world championship with the Philadelphia 76ers. He later started coaching in the high school ranks, before being hired at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks

FAMU interim Sports Information Director Vaughn Wilson presided over the event. FAMU Director of Athletics, Derek Horne, gave the welcome from the FAMU Athletic Department and FAMU President James H. Ammons welcomed the crowd of about 300 people to the event and introduced new head basketball coach Clemon Johnson.

Horne was excited to have the search completed and a Rattler hired to guide the team.

"It's a great day for not only FAMU, but our athletic department. We have an alum coming back to the hill that we think will do a great job for us," said Horne.

Ammons was emphatic about doing what it takes to regain championship composure for the basketball program. An emphatic Ammons said: " We wanted someone who could come back and ignite that old Rattler spirit. When you think about Rattler sports, you immediately think about some of the great student-athletes who have been a part of this campus. You think of Althea Gibson, Bob Hayes and legendary Coach Jake Gaither. Then, when you think about basketball, you think about Clemon Johnson."

Rattlers celebrate Hagins' homegoing

Rattlers from far and near came to pay their last respects to a lady who helped shape the scope of FAMU Athletics over four decades. Lillian Hagins, a dedicated administrative assistant to a handful of athletic directors over several years, was celebrated at her homegoing service today at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee.

Hundreds of supporters filed into the sanctuary to hear a fitting tribute to Hagins. The Rev. Eddie L. Allen, pastor of St. James CME Church, where Hagins was a member, presided over the event.

Several former FAMU athletes, fans, alumni and administrators came to rejuvenate that "ole Rattler spirit," and send one of the school's most beloved figures away with a fitting tribute.

Included in the lengthy list of attendees were former athletic directors Ken Riley, Roosevelt Wilson and Joseph Ramsey. Longtime FAMU SID Alvin Hollins and former men's basketball coach Ajac Triplett also were in attendance. Several former athletes and athletics staff persons also came for the event.

The Marching "100" was the house band for the affair. They played some of Hagins' favorite tunes, both gospel and FAMU spirit songs.

FAMU Director of Athletics, Derek Horne, gave a resolution in honor of Hagins' achievements. The resolution was presented to her family and a copy will remain in the department of athletics' permanent files.

Hagins, was an integral part of the fabric of FAMU Athletics, serving as travel coordinator, academic advisor and mother figure all rolled into one. She worked with both the FAMU Department of Health Physical Education and Recreation and the Department of Athletics for several years, before dedicating her time solely to athletics under late athletic director Hansel "Tooti" Tookes.

George "Godfather" Thompson was also at the event. He was clearly a crowd favorite as he and Hagins both worked tireless hours for decades making sure that FAMU Athletics worked efficiently. Thompson was both trainer and equipment manager for several of his years.

Hagins receives many resolutions, including one from FAMU President James H. Ammons and the National Rattler "F" Club. Over one hundred members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, to which Hagins was a member, were present at the event.