Not surprisingly the Florida Board of Governors has rejected Sen. Al Lawson's appeal to disband their task force on FAMU finances. On Tuesday, Sen. Lawson had asked SUS Chancellor Mark Rosenberg (photo) to disband the Board of Governors Task Force, citing that many of those responsible for the financial mismanagement at FAMU have left and the university is on its way to its first clean audit in two years. "Those that said the financial problems could not be fixed have been fired and a competent team has been assembled," Lawson wrote.
Task force should help UF
With things improving at FAMU and the University of Florida flunking its most recent audit with 21 audit findings, down from 25 the previous year. Perhaps, BOG members decided to keep the task force around to assist the University of Florida?
To not appoint a task force for UF which has struggled with its past two audits would be a blatant double standard, almost racist!
Lawson could have the last laugh
While, the BOG neglected to give Sen. Lawson's request serious consideration, the state's senior senator could have the last laugh. The state Senate could choose not to provide further funding to the task force. The state used this method to phase out the original FAMU Law School, they cut off the school's funding.
First of all Senator Lawson is one vote. If you think the joint legislative committee is going to pull funding because Senator Lawson and FAMU did not get there way then I have some ocean front property I would like to sell you in Arizona.....it has a fine few of waves crashin'!
ReplyDeleteRN, is wrong about UF. UF's audit have not been qualified and FAMU's have. With regard to the operational audit, posters on this board have dismissed operational flaws when Humphries was president of FAMU, but now it is making racist statements when UF has operational issues.
What gives RN? FAMU had 13 operational issues and is less than 1/5 the size of UF, who had 21.
The task force is at FAMU because the books were so bad you could not close them out. UF has not had that problem.
It is alright for Humphries to have operational issues but not Machen? UF did not have the qualified audits FAMU did.
Also playing the race card will not help you, but will hurt you.
ReplyDeleteThe BOG should tread lightly, very lightly! They are up to their asses in Aligators (ahem Rattlers) and don't even know it!
ReplyDelete11:05,
ReplyDeleteTrue Lawson is one vote... but he is in a leadership role within the Senate and is well respected by members of both parties.
11:09--and so what does respect have to do with this request? Obviously nothing. Big Al is, as previous posters have said, one man. There will come a time when the task force will be obsolete, but right? today? tomorrow? Ain' happening, bro.
ReplyDeleteRN, tell your readers about the failures of the law school now. If you are going to remind the board about the old law school you might as well tell them what is going on down at the new one, because there are lots of negative things happening.
ReplyDeleteThe legislature also stopped funding FSU's school of journalism. But I do not see FSU constantly saying that it was stolen.
Stop race baiting it will do more harm than good. The younger generation of leaders did not grow up in during jim crow and do not pander to racial insults and accusations.
Remember FAMU is part of the SUS which is controlled by the BOG. If you do not think that they know this board is making racial accusations and will react accordingly, not to your liking, your kidding yourself.
ReplyDeleteFAMU is part of the state and must answer to the BOG and Legislature.
Although I agree about the race card, as a member of the younger generation, let me incline to say that racism is still as prevalent today as it has been. It just operates more stealthily. Having said that, I do not believe that this is one of those issues that warrant the race card being played. I think it is an issue of trust and accountability precipitating from the last two administrations. Dr. Humphries did have operational issues but had the skill to cause FAMU to be the exemplary university. Every organization has operational issues. Students however we attending FAMU in mass numbers; making outstanding marks and affecting the bottom line of the citiy's economy. (Let's not forget the money FAMU's popularity generates for T-town). This can not be said for the Gainous or the Bryant eras. There was gross mismanagement. Thusly, the current administration has the task of restoring the statewide trust in FAMU's ability to run its ship again with strong leadership. The BOG is a relatively new entity and it too must be given the opportunity to do its job. What they do to UF, I could care less. I didn't graduate from there. I am a FAMUAN. And if this is what it takes to be #1 again, let's get to it. Sen. Lawson should monitor the process closely however.
ReplyDeleteThis is so asinine.
ReplyDeleteSkin pigment has no place in this discussion.
Besides, "race" is a concept created by Darwinists (evolutionists) to argue that the "European species" was superior to the "Negro species."
"At some future period, not very distant as measured by centuries, the civilised races of man will almost certainly exterminate, and replace, the savage races throughout the world... The break between men and his nearest allies will then be wider." Charles Darwin
Genetic scientists have recently disproved this folly and have provided indisputable evidence that all humans descend from a common ancient mother (perhaps Eve) and a common (less ancient) father (perhaps Noah).
There is no such thing as race. There is only one race and we are all cousins.
If they respond to the opinions of this board, then that makes them what the accusations say they are. They should be above the opinions of bloggers. If they are making their judgments based upon this board, then they do not deserve to GOVERN and it will come back to bite them in the end (no pun intended). Anyone with an ulterior motive could come on this board and say anything to incite something. We have to consider that not all who opinionate on this board is a FAMUAN. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteWhite folks hate to be called the racisit that they are !
ReplyDeleteEveryone on the BOG is not white.
ReplyDelete"Although I agree about the race card, as a member of the younger generation, let me incline to say that racism is still as prevalent today as it has been"
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but lets not forget that there is a lot of racism coming out of FAMU. Look at that racist statement just two post above, that is uncalled for. Furthermore, some students at FAMU believe black students at FSU are not black enough. I don't get it, why even say that, what is the point?
The slave mentality is the modern day ball and chain.
Lets move forward people.
RN didn't say that the BOG was racist, it called their actions almost racist. There is a difference.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there appears to be a double standard going on here. Which none of us can explain.
I question if some of the posters on this board are from FAMU. If so, we must stop the retaliation of racist remarks that come from out of us. There is a way to be angry and not be offensive. Race now is a matter of both COLOR and EXPERIENCES. All African Americans, whether they are from FAMU, UF, FSU should band together that fairness happens across the board. I'm a FAMUAN and I do not consider my degree any lesser than the other aforementioned schools. Let's cease the oppressive language and hold the BG and our own administration accountable to us! Carol Roberts believes that they are looking out for the best interest for the FAMU students. Then you need to intelligently voice your concerns and support of your support for the direction and achievements that have been made thus far. All things (the law school in particular) will be addressed but not if you kill it with your mouth. Use the proper protocol to get your concerns answered. Signed a benefactor of FAMU!
ReplyDelete"However, there appears to be a double standard going on here. Which none of us can explain."
ReplyDeleteThere is no double standard here. FAMU received a qualified audit UF did not.
FAMU, along with every other institution has findings in their operational audit.
The difference FAMU's financial audit was so bad you could not close the BOOKS!
RN is calling the BOG racist. You cannot call actions by the BOG racist and not imply that they are not. Get real!!!!
RN, is wrong about UF. UF's audit have not been qualified and FAMU's have.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with qualified audits did not occur until Castell came in and now it has been fixed by Dr. Ammons.
What gives RN? FAMU had 13 operational issues and is less than 1/5 the size of UF, who had 21.
Castell had 13 issues on her last financial statement audit. The state auditors said that Dr. Ammons has either completely fixed or partially fixed all 13.
The task force is at FAMU because the books were so bad you could not close them out. UF has not had that problem.
You're wrong again. FAMU has closed its books out every year. The qualified audit came because the auditors did not trust Castell's numbers.
First of all Senator Lawson is one vote.
ReplyDeleteSen. Lawson was also only one vote when he went up against Sen. Lynn and Sen. King to keep the E-School's fiscal operations at FAMU. We all know how that ended.
It is alright for Humphries to have operational issues but not Machen?
ReplyDeleteNo, the point is that people like you try and claim that FAMU has the worst operational problems when it is not true.
UF's data system, myUFL, cannot properly report how UF spends its federal money: $580M. That's more than FAMU's entire budget! There's no way you can say that's a less serious problem than what happened at FAMU under Castell.
The task force is at FAMU because the books were so bad you could not close them out. UF has not had that problem.
ReplyDeleteHumphries never had any findings on ANY of his financial statement audits.
Machen has had findings on his past TWO financial statement audits.
"Records were not maintained to adequately support amounts reported as accounts receivable and to maintain accountability of asset and unobligated balances by contract and grant award."
http://www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/summaries/2006-142.htm
"Bank reconciliations for six of the University’s eight main operating accounts included reconciling items dating back to the 2004-05 fiscal year, or before, and transactions in the accounting records that were not matched to transactions recorded by the bank."
"Grantor payment transactions (receipts) affecting Federal and nonfederal contracts and grants receivable balances were not properly recorded, impacting receivable amounts due from grantors."
http://www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/summaries/2007-130.htm
RN didn't say that the BOG was racist, it called their actions almost racist.
ReplyDeleteHowever, a hit dog will bark !!!!
Just like UF is barking after being hit with all the bad press for its grave financial problems.
ReplyDeleteDid UF have a qualified audit?
ReplyDeleteDid FAMU have a qualified audit?
Every university has operational issues. Why point fingers? You lose credibility further, which FAMU already severely lacks.
Every state newspaper is laughing at Sen. Lawson for attempting to disband the Task Force. The papers also pointed out the historical corruption at the university and the need for the task force to stick around. People have also pointed out that Lawson blamed the BOG for FAMU's ills, and now after 5 months of trying to correct years and years of problems, he wants them out. The papers are calling a spade a spade on this one.
Racist comments directed to the BOG and other is not going to do any good. Every paper in the state now calls FAMU's hand when the race card is played.
FAMU has more credibility than any college in the state of Florida. If the truth be known, the BOG and the state government are staffed with UF alumni that not only participate in corrupt coverups, but do nothing about it. FAMU is held to a higher standard than the other rogue colleges in Florida, but I understand. Afterall, we are the best so we should be held to a higher standard.
ReplyDeleteI applaud Sen. Lawson's efforts. The BOG has been exposed for what it's worth.
I said....It is alright for Humphries to have operational issues but not Machen?
ReplyDeleteHe or she said....No, the point is that people like you try and claim that FAMU has the worst operational problems when it is not true.
You are changing the argument. Every university has operational issues, but only one has books so messed up that state auditors had to qualify them,
and that is FAMU.
A qualified financial audit is as worst as it gets!
I disagree with you in the belief that FAMU is being singled out. The university has had a history of ghost employees, financial aid fraud, stolen office and computer equipment, missing athletic receipts, and now grade changes that more than likely involved defrauding the federal government out of money.
FAMU is getting the attention it deserves, and that any other university would get.
5:10, you are joking right?
ReplyDeleteA qualified financial audit is as worst as it gets!
ReplyDeleteFAMU received a qualified audit because Castell's financial information was incomplete.
UF's financial information was complete, but it was not accurate.
"Bank reconciliations for six of the University’s eight main operating accounts included reconciling items dating back to the 2004-05 fiscal year, or before, and transactions in the accounting records that were not matched to transactions recorded by the bank."
Why aren't UF's books being properly reconciled? UF's operating budget is $1.8 billion, the largest in Florida. That proves that UF is the state's leader in financial mismanagement.
I disagree with you in the belief that FAMU is being singled out. The university has had a history of ghost employees, financial aid fraud, stolen office and computer equipment, missing athletic receipts, and now grade changes that more than likely involved defrauding the federal government out of money.
ReplyDeleteUF's history of financial problems are far worst than FAMU's. Plus, UF is mismanaging the largest amount of federal and state taxpayer money in Florida!
UF's problems with federal money are the worst in the entire state of Florida. UF's data system, myUFL, cannot properly report the $580M in federal money that UF received.
"Grantor payment transactions (receipts) affecting Federal and nonfederal contracts and grants receivable balances were not properly recorded, impacting receivable amounts due from grantors."
http://www.myflorida.com/audgen/pages/summaries/2007-130.htm
An unqualified audit means that a university simply turned in the information that the state auditors requested. It does not make the numbers accurate -- and UF is proof of that.
UF's financial books are a complete mess! The problems with UF's accounting for its $1.8B operating budget is far more serious than the problems at FAMU.
Is a qualified audit as worst as it gets?
ReplyDeleteIs a qualified audit as worst as it gets?
ReplyDeleteHaving a university data system that cannot properly report $580M in federal taxpayer money represents the worst problem in Florida. The money that UF cannot properly report is more than FAMU's entire operating budget.
UF sets the statewide standard for financial mismanagement!
So now the state newspapers are credible sources of information? We know historically that the media spins things to create stories that are rooted in hyperbole. Although most of the BOG are from the UF, the question is can they be trusted? I say, let it all play out and let's continue to fix our problems. FAMU's problems are not rooted in the BOG; they are rooted in the corrupt, inept leadership that is has suffered since Humphries' departure. Now let's be real. As the state's flagship university, nationally acclaimed in sports, etc., they are definitely going to diminish the seriousness of ANY problems that are there. For those of you who are talking qualified and unqualified, HALF A BILLION DOLLARS is a lot of money not to be accounted for. Corruption is going on somewhere in their system. The BOG is biased IF (and I stress IF) they do not allow the task force to monitor the accountability and reconciliation of UF's books that has been suspect for more than 4 years, then there is an issue of fairness. It has been exposed so now they have to act. Let's see how it play out. Those of you who are SPECIALISTS in holding FAMU accountable, let's make sure you are not biased as well.
ReplyDeleteActually, UF's operating budget was $2.4 BILLION in 2005-2006.
ReplyDeletehttp://ufspaceresearch.com/uf_facts.php
"FAMU received a qualified audit because Castell's financial information was incomplete."
ReplyDeleteFunny I found some old articles back in 2005 were she is blaming Gainous for the financial mess. Then I found some later were he is blaming Humphries. And now Ammons is blaming Castell.
Tell me what other university in the state where this has happen.
You are arguing two different things. You first blame Castell for your financial audit mishaps and blame others for singling out FAMU by attacking UF's operational issues, which are two separate things.
When UF has a qualified financial audit and a Task Force does not move in then you have an argument. But now you don't, and by continuing the argument and attacking and slinging mud at UF you are not making in friends.
Ammons did not blame anyone. He is fixing the problems. Get it straight.
ReplyDeleteWhen UF has a qualified financial audit and a Task Force does not move in then you have an argument. But now you don't, and by continuing the argument and attacking and slinging mud at UF you are not making in friends.
ReplyDeleteAn unqualified audit does not mean your books are accurate. It simply means you turned in all the information the state auditors requested -- are messed up as those documents may be.
The state audits PROVE that UF's books are a complete mess.
According to the state auditors, at UF: "Bank reconciliations for six of the University’s eight main operating accounts included reconciling items dating back to the 2004-05 fiscal year, or before, and transactions in the accounting records that were not matched to transactions recorded by the bank."
That shows that most of the bank accounts for a $2.4 billion operating budget are not balanced. Bank reconciliations are supposed to be done every month.
UF's poor accounting for its $2.4 billion budget are the worst in the state. No other university is mismanaging that amount of taxpayer money.
Who is Bernie blaming for all the deep-rooted, historical financial problems at UF? Charles Young? John Lombardi?
ReplyDeleteThese financial problems existed while they were presidents, too.
UF has suffered financial dysfunction for years.
Hot Damn NuRattler you sho' swing the ink today! Reminds of DaRattler. A legend blog-o-sphere
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...First of all Senator Lawson is one vote.
ReplyDeleteSen. Lawson was also only one vote when he went up against Sen. Lynn and Sen. King to keep the E-School's fiscal operations at FAMU. We all know how that ended.
12/07/2007 2:22 PM
^^^^^
Now that was definitely a gut punch.
I disagree with you in the belief that FAMU is being singled out. The university has had a history of ghost employees, financial aid fraud, stolen office and computer equipment, missing athletic receipts, and now grade changes that more than likely involved defrauding the federal government out of money.
ReplyDeleteSoooo untrue. The State Attorney's office closed that case because Castell's team could not provide the necessary proof or name the ghost employees. He the case was dismissed against the Cunningham guy.
The only GHOST Employee paid by FAMU was CASTELL VAUGHN BRYANT.
The more you comment the more you prove the point that FAMI is getting unfair treatment. You keep pulling out UNTRUTHFUL OR TAINTED STATEMENTS!
ReplyDelete11:35, I'm not your cousin.
ReplyDelete2L22, do you think that Al Lawson did the E-School thing by himself? Surely you don't believe this. Lawson position gave him more clout and visibility, but I assure you that he was not the only person who championed the E-Schhol's remaining at FAMU. Like MLK, he did not do anything alone. He had foot soldiers and warriors in the background. Lawson? Same thing. While he is a veteran politician, he wasn't a one-man show. We just didn't hear about (or see) the others who were in the shadows of the big guy, but they were there. Struggles are not solo acts.
ReplyDeleteI don't think anyone's claiming that Al Lawson saved FAMU's equal stake in the E-School by himself. However, he was the leader in that effort and fact that he only has one vote in the Senate didn't stop him from guiding Rattler Country to victory on that critical issue.
ReplyDeleteNo ghost employees? You have heard of Shirley Cunningham right? There was no case brought against him, but he was fired by Castell for not teaching. He is in jail now for defrauding his clients. The endowed money he gave FAMU is now being sought by the Federal Government. The situation is not good to say the least.
ReplyDeleteBetter yet read this.....it speaks of ghost employees and a 1.5 million dollar fine FAMU paid the federal government because of misuse of grant money.
The state did not bring charges against those who stole the 2.7 million in office and computer equipment either.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/
mi_m0LSH/is_9_8/ai_n15377852
6:41,
ReplyDeleteTell me what is untrue about my statement?
The janitors did not throw out the athletic receipts?
2.7 million dollars in computer and office equipment is gone?
Settling with the federal gov't by paying 1.5 million dollars for misuse of grant money?
Shirley Cunningham, ghost employee, not showing up to teach?
Financial aid fraud?
Please tell me which one of these statements is not true.
Come on 6:41 and 7:03 prove me wrong?
ReplyDeleteUF's myUFL data system cannot properly report $580M in federal money.
ReplyDelete6 o the 8 bank accounts for UF's $2.4 billion operating budget are not balanced. Bank reconciliations are supposed to be done every month.
Employees at UF are also receiving travel reimbursemnt rates that exceed the legal rate -- and you want to talk about fraud at FAMU.
The problems that occurred under Castell are chump change compared to what's going on at UF.
UF is the biggest financial mess in the state.
Will you answer my question? I am still waiting for an response.
ReplyDelete12:15 said....
ReplyDeleteThe problems that occurred under Castell are chump change compared to what's going on at UF.
So you are telling me there was no problems when Humphries was president?
Look why do you bring Humphries in this when everyone, except (CVB, Corbin, and others who have axes to grind) knows that these derelictions of duty happened under CVB. Get over and go to another blog. Spread your encouraging words on the UF blog. I'm sure they would love your fair and unbiased opinions that you so freely offer here.
ReplyDelete1:16 am said,
ReplyDeleteLook why do you bring Humphries in this when everyone, except (CVB, Corbin, and others who have axes to grind) knows that these derelictions of duty happened under CVB.
OK 1:16 does Melvin Gadson ring a bell? He was the Education Dean under Humphries that stole 60k from the state with the help of a FAMU college budget officer.
Do you remember Pamela Jackson or Jacqueline Higgins? They were convicted of mail fraud, with regard to financial aid, while working at FAMU. This was in 2000 and Humphries was still around.
So your argument that Castell is solely responsible for this mess is absolutely crap. I am by no means exonerating this boards favorite whipping post, but am merely saying Humphries needs to step up and take responsibility for his part.
When is UF going to take responsibility for running a dysfunctional data system that can't properly report half a billion in federal money?
ReplyDeleteWhen is UF going to take responsibility for not reconciling its bank accounts?
When is UF going to take responsibility for paying its employees travel reimbursements the exceed the legal rate?
Face it. UF's financial problems are the worst in the state. You're singling out FAMU because you're anti-FAMU. If you were dedicated to fairness, then you wouldn't excuse UF, a school that is mismanaging hundreds of millions in taxpayer money.
Humphries is the one initiated the investigations against Gadson, Jackson, and Higgins. When he found evidence of wrongdoing, he turned it over to the authorities.
ReplyDeleteHumphries held all those employees accountable. Where is the accountabilty for Machen at UF?
You don't like to discuss the past criminal problems at UF. But there's no escaping them.
ReplyDeleteKenneth E. Hillier's theft at UF was worst than what happened with Gadson, Jackson, and Higgins at FAMU.
UF Foundation's theft loss near $1-million, audit says
St. Petersburg Times (Florida)
December 6, 2003 Saturday 1 North Pinellas Edition
The former chief financial officer for the University of Florida Foundation is now suspected of stealing almost $1-million from the organization, according to an audit presented Friday to the school's board of trustees.
UF inspector general Nur Erenguc said she thinks Kenneth E. Hillier used the money to make credit card payments and buy cameras, computer equipment and other items. He was arrested and fired in September for allegedly stealing $700,000.
UF could recover some of the stolen money, officials said, because after his arrest, prosecutors froze Hillier's bank account containing $400,000 to $500,000.
Hillier, who worked for the foundation for 15 years, faces five counts of grand theft.
He did not return a call to his Jacksonville home Friday seeking comment.
You still have not answered my questions about my untrue statements.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you deny now that under Humphries that there were no problems that still plague the university today?
Call me anti FAMU call me whatever, but one thing you can't say is that I present false information on this board.
Your argument about Castell being solely responsible for FAMU's ills is crap!
Humphries, Ammons as provost, Gainous, and Castell all are responsible for this mess.
1:16 am said,
ReplyDeleteLook why do you bring Humphries in this when everyone, except (CVB, Corbin, and others who have axes to grind) knows that these derelictions of duty happened under CVB.
Is President Humphries partially to blame for the mess that FAMU is in today?
What?! We all know what has happened at FAMU. No one is saying that they did not happen. But what RISE do you get about it? Systemic problems are part of organizations as we are seeing with the recent reports from UF and USF. But no one has trashed their credibility and integrity. This is what everyone on this board want you (2:36; 3:08) to understand. The SACS probation was more about operational (under CVB, whether you like it or not) not financial. They did not have the confidence in the leadership of FAMU to fix the problems. This is understandable. I would have responded the same way. Is Castell solely responsible? Perhaps no. But her arrogance and claims of surpluses, financial misoperations did play the most DAMAGING part in this whole piece. Humphries had problems. I was there when he was president. I waited on late financial aid, some inept leaders, etc. But we were STILL the # 1 University! Bryant was so busy showing that she was in charge that she made herself ultimately responsible because SHE insisted that EVERY buck stopped with her. She only began deflecting when her managerial style did not work. She wanted all of the glory for the surplus but none of the shame for the mismanagement of funds. In truth, that's what some people hate. You can't take that away. Be fair with your criticism
ReplyDeleteThe first answer the question does Humphries have responsibility in the FAMU mess? This board denies that he does.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore that board uses Castell as a whipping post to blame all of FAMU's ills on. The F high school, the failing law school, and SACS. I want to the remind the board the middle school received a D, and the High School was so messed up they could not even grade it when Humphries was president, and Ammons was provost. With regard to the law school it was not Castell that hired Shirley Cunningham, infamous endowed chair ghost employee, and with SACS you solely blame her for the mess that she inherited from Gainous and Humphries. I by no means am saying the Castell's hands are cleans, but am saying everyone needs to quit bashing Castell.
My criticism is spread from Humphries through Castell.
Is she your auntie or something? She's ok. Her job here is complete. Is this about how she will be perceived? At this point, Humphries-Gainous-Bryant don't matter. Let's move on!! Now I'm sure you are going to find something to complain about AFTER all of the issues are cleared and they will be. Then it will be the whole "who needs an HBCU" fight again. The significance of a thing is strengthened by the apparent fight against it. If FAMU is doomed, just be quiet and it will happen....or maybe not...and there are some who don't want to take that risk.
ReplyDelete11:10, as the poster for 9:46, I did not say CVB was solely responsible. READING IS FUNDAMENTAL! I said perhaps NOT. To the contrary, I highlighted that all organizations have systemic problems. But it was her messiah-like attitude and her braggadocio that caused many of missteps that allowed the bow to break under her watch. This is documented by several news media. From the BOT raises for a surplus that was not to not having CLEAR strategies for moving FAMU out of its quagmire, she will bear the brunt of history that states the ball was fumbled under her watch. What solidifies this is the time in which Ammons and his staff (which she had her own appointed staff in MOST CASES) came and rectified the problems addressed by SACS and the BOG. That's verifiable across the state with the Auditor General just releasing his report.
ReplyDeleteSo let's end the "PRESERVE CASTELL BRYANT'S GOOD NAME" campaign. She had her chance. Let's move FAMU forward IF that is what we are all interested in.
With regard to UF, they have not received a qualified audit. When they receive a qualified audit and no Task Force is put in place then I will be right there with you.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, if UF hires Deans that are guilty of rape, guilty of stealing state money, with a university budget officer, employees in collaboration with student that have repeatedly defrauded the university and government, including the latest federal hacking case that involves federal money, 2.7 million in stolen office and computer equipment, has a history of not paying bills on time, and has roughly 1.8 million in missing athletic receipts they blamed on the janitors for throwing out. Then you have an argument.
Huge problems have persisted at FAMU for years, you left the legislature and the BOG no choice after the books were so so bad you received a second qualified audit.
There is a big difference here. If UF receives a qualified audit and a task force does not move in then you have a right to cry foul.
However crying foul now and slinging mud makes FAMU look petulant!
11:27,
ReplyDeleteWhere there systematic problems in the Humphries Ammons administration?
Do you believe that Castell is responsible for the current mess?
I am not trying to preserve Castell's good name, but am trying to establish, Humphries Ammons Gainous Castell all have a hand it this present day mess.
11:42,
ReplyDeleteYou are clearly not reading my post. As research shows, Humphries has never received a qualified audit during his tenure. It is clear that some of these present issues did not happen overnight. This kind of gross mismanagement in administration begins one hiree at a time. When Gainous and Bryant came in, they roguishly came in to dismantle the Humphries legacy, not discover the ills and develop the plans to address internal concerns. Under the leadership of CVB, however, things came to a head. She was hired as the one whose strong leadership/administrative skills from her prior stint in Miami was supposed to turn her alma mater around. She hired her own staff of those who had no institutional knowledge and began to series of disenfranchisement of faculty students, staff, etc. while willingly placating to the needs of FSU and the political pundits of her choice. This again is documented. She is not totally responsible. But when it came time for accountability for the job she was touted for, she began the blame game on the previous administrations. Ammons has not done that. He brought in his team and they are fixing the problems (documented). The campus morale is stellar compared to the past 3-4 years (documented). The Auditor general has said FAMU has fixed its books (documented) and when the SACS committee and BOG review the findings, things will change for the better.
It seems to me, from an objective perspective, that if the university was left in a good state, no one (especially CVB faithful) would be giving the credit to Gainous and Humphries, So the same should be true for the mal-state that the university was left in.
With regard to UF, they have not received a qualified audit. When they receive a qualified audit and no Task Force is put in place then I will be right there with you.
ReplyDeleteAn unqualified audit does not mean your books are accurate. It simply means you turned in all the information the state auditors requested -- as messed up as those documents may be.
The state audits PROVE that UF's books are a complete mess.
According to the state auditors, at UF: "Bank reconciliations for six of the University’s eight main operating accounts included reconciling items dating back to the 2004-05 fiscal year, or before, and transactions in the accounting records that were not matched to transactions recorded by the bank."
That shows that most of the bank accounts for a $2.4 billion operating budget are not balanced. Bank reconciliations are supposed to be done every month.
UF's poor accounting for its $2.4 billion budget is the worst in the state. No other university is mismanaging that amount of taxpayer money.
Furthermore, if UF hires Deans that are guilty of rape, guilty of stealing state money, with a university budget officer, employees in collaboration with student that have repeatedly defrauded the university and government, including the latest federal hacking case that involves federal money, 2.7 million in stolen office and computer equipment, has a history of not paying bills on time, and has roughly 1.8 million in missing athletic receipts they blamed on the janitors for throwing out. Then you have an argument.
ReplyDeleteUF's money problems are bigger than ANYTHING you just listed about FAMU.
Kenneth E. Hillier stole $1M. UF's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences had a deficit of $4.7M in 2005-2006 and almost $3M in 2006-2007. UF took in $8M in "fees" that without providing documentation that the money was expended properly. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Science has failed to collect on $16M. UF gave employees reimbursements for travel that exceeded the legal rate. UF's data system, myUFL, failed to properly report half a billion in federal money.
It is hypocritical to single out FAMU when UF's financial problems are much worst. The criminal activity and financial mismanagement at UF is the worst in the state. FAMU's problems do not reach into the hundreds of millions; UF's does.
It does indeed suggest racism for you to point the finger at the state's only HBCU when the state largest predominantly white university is in much worse shape.
The idea of FAMU is not supposed to work or be needed in the "multi-cultural" society. It is a threat that exposes the cultural biases that have been arranged and the hidden rules of a predominant society. FAMU's success is the antithesis of what this country is trying to prove. The problem is that FAMU is STATE- SUPPORTED. It has long been a leading university in state and has received documented recognition on a national and international level for its achievements. While other were excelling in athletics, FAMU was and is known for its academic excellence. Our problems are being exploited to prove the point that the HBCU no longer works. The Pappas Report is a work of that mindset. Trust, with its author being a grad of UF, no matter how dire it would ever be, that report would never be written about them. The Race Card as some would say would be unnecessary if people would acknowledge that racism and classism still severely exists in our country. I would not readily expect anyone who has never experienced racism to understand why it is brought in matters such as these.
ReplyDeleteUF will never have the same probations and sanctions because its problems will never be viewed as the same by the powers that be. The idea is to stregnthen the mindset that FAMU is incapable and others are of meeting standards and handling their business. So let's phase them out, take their programs and merge them within our system so that we can have access to the best and brightest of the African American persuasion. And to them, it assuages their conscience because after all, now we have provided a program where they can come to our universities. This is the mind of America. FAMU's existence is needed in this state if nothing but to prove the point of reminding that we are not inferior to anyone.
12/08/2007 4:03 PM
ReplyDeleteYou sound like one of the many excellent professors I had at FAMU. Well stated.
11:10, you are correct. people hate CVB so much until they won't acknowledge that she inherited a mess of a university. and while she greatly contributed to the mess in numerous and horrible and horrific ways, she did not solely creatw this stuff. i don't like the woman either, and God knows she Mucked stuff up when she was at the helm, but we must call a spade a spade. Humphries had his hand in a bunch of Muck-ups and Ammons was in the Muck, too. Every president inherits junk, whether good or bad. The new president at NCCU will inherit, I suppose, the good things that Ammons did while he was there. At the same time, we must acknowledge that there are good and bad things that CEOs inherit when they take a job. Even Castell. Humphries and Ammons are not blameless in what occurred. And before you start bashing me, and calling me a hater, I'm no hater. I earned two degrees from there as did other family members. And I'm a paying alumnus and a supporter of the school, but truth is truth is truth.
ReplyDeleteWho cares about CVB or FH? It is time to move on with the business of being FAMU. And for that matter, poster 9:26 and 12:55 is on point. It was not the fact that CVB did not inherit problems. She will be remember for the WAY she went about handling them. Ask on campus and any news media willing to tell you the truth and that is what they will say. You cannot fix a mess by disenfranchising the people who can assist in the reconciliation especially if who you are bringing those in who are inept and unskilled in administrating. Not all of the people who she persecuted were guilty. In the end, it was here arrogance that did her in. Period.
ReplyDelete4:03 said...
ReplyDelete"The Pappas Report is a work of that mindset. Trust, with its author being a grad of UF"
Pappas who is on the BOG and is a UF grad is not Dr. Pappas of Pappas Consulting Group out of CT who was hired by the BOG to look at our system.
Might want to take note of that!
4:03 said...
ReplyDeleteFAMU's success is the antithesis of what this country is trying to prove. The problem is that FAMU is STATE- SUPPORTED. It has long been a leading university in state and has received documented recognition on a national and international level for its achievements.
Is a 40 percent 6 year graduation rate a success? I don't think so, and I do not think that any institution anywhere could be a leader with that abysmal rate of "success".
I would like to see some of the "success" you talk about down at the law school that is failing, the high school that is failing, and the undergraduate students that are failing.
You're right. Different Pappas. Same Point. Can you address the entire post please.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of success stories at FAMU. The Pharmacy School is one great example.
ReplyDeletehttp://rattlerwire.blogspot.com
College of Pharmacy Graduates Achieve 100 Percent on Licensure Examination
Florida A & M University 2007 pharmacy graduates achieved a 100 percent passage rate on the North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) exceeding the state and national rate. This group of first-time candidates took the test between May 1, 2007 and August 31, 2007, as reported by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Seventy-three (73) candidates of the Class of 2007 took the NAPLEX during this time and all passed. In addition, FAMU’s school average score of 119.15 exceeded the state and national averages of 118.77 and 116.00 respectively. The state passing rate was 98.22 percent and the national rate was 97.23 compared to FAMU’s 100 percent.
“We are very proud of the students in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “I applaud Dean Lewis and the faculty for doing an outstanding job in preparing our students. This is another example of how we have distinguished ourselves.”
The NAPLEX is developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and is utilized by the boards of pharmacy as part of their assessment of competence to practice pharmacy. The NABP is the independent, international, and impartial association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.
“Actions speak louder than words,” said Barbara Barnes, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Students in the College of Pharmacy have proved through their actions that FAMU students are the best and brightest in this region, state and nation.”
“We are extremely proud with the performance of our PharmD graduates on the NAPLEX,” said Lewis, dean of College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “The efforts of our faculty and staff in preparing our students not only for this first measure of competence but for life long learning is embodied in their performance.”
Is a 40 percent 6 year graduation rate a success? I don't think so, and I do not think that any institution anywhere could be a leader with that abysmal rate of "success".
ReplyDeleteFAMU's 6-year graduation rate is higher than FAU's. Yet, FAU is called a success and is being set-up to be a major leader among Florida's public universities.
Also, FAMU's 6-year graduation is only 4.9 below USF, which is called one of Florida's big research universities. USF's rate, like FAMU's, is below the state and national averages. However, no one says that USF is a failure because of its graduation rate.
6-year graduation rates (as of 2000) 2005-2006 Data
USA 53.0
SUS 62.3
UF 78.7
FSU 67.2
UCF 56.5
USF 46.3
FIU 45.3
UNF 44.3
FAMU 41.4
FAU 35.3
UWF 37.0
FGCU 32.4
The Race Card falls on deaf ears with the new generation. Play it up all you want because it is the equivalent of crying wolf. It has been done so so much.
ReplyDeleteRemember this, FAMU is no longer a destination for 3 out of 4 black SUS students. Five SUS institutions have a more successful rate of graduating black students, and one is just behind FAMU.
The best black minds are already choosing to go to other institutions, and can you blame them?
4:03, you want me to comment on your conspiracy theory after FAMU received a qualified audit?
FAU, FAMU, UNF, UWF, FIU, USF, and FGCU are all failing their undergrad students. FSU and UF, being the states flagship, should be up in the high 80s.
ReplyDeleteAnything below 50 is absolutely pathetic and frankly an embarrassment.
Remember this, FAMU is no longer a destination for 3 out of 4 black SUS students. Five SUS institutions have a more successful rate of graduating black students, and one is just behind FAMU.
ReplyDelete25% of the black students in the SUS attend FAMU. Without FAMU, the overall number of blacks in the SUS would fall.
FAMU's graduation rate for black students is at the national average.
The best black minds are already choosing to go to other institutions, and can you blame them?
From 1988 to 2002, FAMU never dropped out the top 5 in National Achievement Scholars. The graduation rates for those students were outstanding.
The six-year graduations rates for FAMU's National Achievement Scholars and Semifinalists were as follows:
1997: 68%
1998: 67%
1999: 68%
Those numbers are above the current state and national averages. Ammons has restored the Humphries-era recruitment program and FAMU's National Achievement Scholar enrollment and graduation rates will still be back to where they were before 2002.
Anything below 50 is absolutely pathetic and frankly an embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteNo one brands USF, FAU, or any of the other predominantly white universities a failure because their 6-year graduation rates are below 50%. FAMU should not be branded a failure because of this, either.
Who is calling FAU a success? These guys are getting laughed at! They are more concerned about sexy Phd programs than they are their undergrad students. It is pathetic to see in university with such low standards and expectations.
ReplyDeleteUSF is failing its undergrad students. USF needs to be more selective do weed out questionable students.
The SUS and the BOG needs to reward retention and graduation rates, and not enrollment numbers. It would make all institutions more selective and consequently bringing enrollment numbers down and class sizes.
Students who do not have the qualification need to go to community college. I also believe community colleges should be able to reward 4 year degrees.
I think our SUS system with regard to graduation rates is a complete failure.
4:03, you want me to comment on your conspiracy theory after FAMU received a qualified audit?
ReplyDeleteAn unqualified audit does not mean your books are accurate. It simply means you turned in all the information the state auditors requested -- as messed up as those documents may be.
Even despite having an unqualified audit, UF's money problems go up into the hundreds of millions. That's far worse than any other university in state.
You are clearly an anti-FAMU spammer. Even after your arguments are discredited, you continue to come back here and post the same wrong information.
You single out FAMU for criticism despite the fact that other public universities have money problems that are far worst. Your hypocritical attacks are nothing but a smoke screen to hide your racism.
3:58 said....
ReplyDeleteYour hypocritical attacks are nothing but a smoke screen to hide your racism.
Well the above poster thinks I am racist. Welll Mr. 3:48 I think you are a banana slug! Take that!
3:51.....you are giving me numbers from 1999. It is going to be 2008 in less than a month. FSU and UF recruit far better black students than FAMU, and they graduate at a 70 percent 6 year rate. Those numbers tell me that FSU and UF are getting brighter minds and have better programs to nuture those minds.
FSU and UF non National Achievement Scholars graduate at a higher rate than FAMU's NAS...What are you doing at FAMU exactly?
I am waiting for your spin on this one.
3:51.....you are giving me numbers from 1999. It is going to be 2008 in less than a month.
ReplyDeleteThose are the numbers were before FAMU's recruitment program was dismantled by bad leaders. That period is over now and FAMU is on the rise again.
FSU and UF recruit far better black students than FAMU, and they graduate at a 70 percent 6 year rate. Those numbers tell me that FSU and UF are getting brighter minds and have better programs to nuture those minds.
UF's students are behind FAMU's in the national pharmacy licensure exam passage rate. That proves that FAMU is still getting top students.
FAMU gives a chance to many students who have lower incomes and lower test scores than FSU's. Even with that student profile, FAMU's black graduation rate is at the national average.
Pluse, FAMU is still the number one producer of blacks with baccaulaureate degrees.
FSU and UF non National Achievement Scholars graduate at a higher rate than FAMU's NAS...What are you doing at FAMU exactly?
Congratulations to FSU and UF. FAMU is rebuilding its recruitment program to the strength it had before 2002 and will regain its position as the number one school for National Achievement Scholars.