Makola Abdullah has been appointed to serve as the Dean of the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) effective January 7, 2008. "Dr. Abdullah brings a tremendous amount of talent, expertise and experience to the position of Dean," said university president James H. Ammons. "We are confident that his contributions to the College and to the University will be significant."Prior to his appointment, Abdullah served as an associate professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Associate VP of Sponsored Research.
He holds a B.S. in Engineering from Howard and a Ph.D. in Engineering from Northwestern University.
As the "A"-Agriculture and the "M"-Mechanical in the university's name, CESTA is of vital importance to the university's land grant mission. For Dr. Abdullah to be successful, wholesale changes are needed.
ReplyDeleteUnder the leadership team that has been virtually intact under 5 consecutive terminated deanships, a broom, a mop and some RIDX is what Dr. Abdullah must use to immediately clean up CESSPOOL. He must start at the top.
To get the feel of the College, its students, and its supporters, he should assume hands on responsibilities for all administrative functions of the college. This would include taking over the academic, research and extension operations. With only 350 +/- students, the college is top heavy in administrators. The college is also top heavy in staff that place a drain to the budget with little or no benefits to the college.
To right the ship, he must immediately send all of the Associate Deans to the barn. He must also immediately send "all" non essential staff to the fields. For those familiar with CESTA, he can easily free up up to $800000.00 a year through the re-allocation of existing resources. He must put his resources back in the classroom and he has them available. Those one student programs also need to be evaluated.
The mere fact that Dr. Ammons chose him as Dean over several in house candidates indicates that he has a mandate for change. He can't be squeamish with what he has to do.
The stockyards are full and the packing plant is ready.
Look Abdullah couldn't get the job done over in Sponsored Research with that Keith Jackson guy.
ReplyDeleteHe's just another I, I, I type person.
CESTA this is not a win-win for anyone.
NuRattler stop censoring comments!
ReplyDeleteOriginally published January 9, 2008
FAMU DRS council: We need university to give us support
Poor communication rankles its members
By Angeline J. Taylor
Pent-up frustration was let loose Tuesday as parents, a teacher, staffers and students of Florida A&M University's developmental research school voiced displeasure over its troubled operations.
The main concern expressed by the School Advisory Council is the perceived disconnect between the developmental research school and its parent — the university. However, the ailments get more specific.
Teachers' low salaries, little to no resources to improve the school's academic performance, and little communication from university administrators were listed as problems plaguing the failing school.
But one recent decision proved too much for these stakeholders: the naming of the new leader of the DRS, Ronald Holmes, vice principal of a high school near Atlanta. School Advisory Council Chairman Michael Wallace voiced his concerns about how Holmes was named as superintendent.
"I can't help but think that this is a dark day for all DRS stakeholders," Wallace said by letter to council members and the news media. "Not that I feel that Dr. Holmes cannot lead the DRS. However, I do feel that if a person is qualified, the process will work in their favor. In this case, it seems that Dr. (Ronald) Holmes was hooked up." This sucks!
Holmes was named superintendent last week by FAMU President James Ammons following a search. He is the brother of FAMU trustee the Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr., who recused himself from the vote.
No university administrator attended Tuesday's meeting. Where was Dr. Hughes-Harris
Tuesday, Wallace said he should have emphasized that the remarks were solely his opinions. But it didn't matter. Because his opinions helped unravel the seam of unrest that existed between others on the council. Most said they learned about the Holmes hire from a report in the Tallahassee Democrat .
"It seems we've been left out of the biggest loop," parent Pamela Watkins said. "We just have no idea. I feel this organization is the biggest stakeholder (of the DRS)."
Two members on the council took part in the process to select a new superintendent. Jacqueline Perkins and Thomas Jackson said they were given resumes. They were asked by FAMU administrators to rank applicants. Perkins, whose daughter attends FAMU DRS, said Holmes did not get the highest ranking from the selection committee.
"The only thing we knew about those people is what they told us," said Jackson, a retired FAMU administrator.
He asked to speak with FAMU President James Ammons to discuss problems surrounding the DRS, but the meeting never took place.I can't begin to count the number of people who have tried to meet with the president only to be told he is very busy
"I didn't come in here off of the turnip truck yesterday" Jackson said jokingly. He worked at the university for 40 years. "I want to be of service. I love this university."
FAMU DRS Principal Rose Campbell illustrated the charge that's been given to DRS faculty and staffers.
"Make do with what you have but make an A," she said. "It is embarrassing, to say the least."
She said she has received grants to improve the school, which has an F rating from the state. She used that money to establish a class for students who needed academic help in passing the FCAT. But those dollars are almost gone.
On the other hand, Nims Middle School, the only public school in Leon County to receive an F, has received extra dollars from the state to improve its performance, Campbell said.
"And they continue to get resources," she said.
Students admitted that they have not been immune to the frustrations surrounding the school. Tashi Martin, 16, said she has attended the school since kindergarten. Her siblings also attended the school.
"I get sick and tired of hearing, 'you go to that poor school. You go to that F school,' " She said. "I bleed orange and green. We need to get out of this hole and move on to bigger and better things."
Sponsored Research was sabotaged by Castell. She slashed down the budget and staff there (after ousting Phyllis Ray, who was doing a good job). Keith Jackson warned her that her actions were counterproductive but Castell didn't care (she was pushing the BOG agenda to send FAMU's research progress backwards).
ReplyDeleteYou cannot compare the Research Division's performance under Castell, who was anti-research, with the division's performance under the previous pro-research presidents such as Humphries, Lewis, and Gainous.
Dr. Abdullah is an EXCELLENT appointment and free from the shackles of Cast-Hell he will not only right the ship but have that integral part of our school on a firm foundation!!!
ReplyDeleteCESTA needs change. As an alumni of CESTA, I have seen the program go downhill. I agree that there needs to be some immediate clean up in the department. I hope that this new dean will make a positive impact on the college because the students are at a real disadvatage if things continue like they are.
ReplyDeleteI had Dr. Abdullah as a professor while in the Civil Eng. undergraduate program. It is my understanding that Dr. Abdullah was originally hired by Dr. Humphries some twelve years ago. His first appointment at FAMU was in CESTA, so he is very familiar with the program.
ReplyDeleteWhile working his way through the ranks of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in the Civil Engineering Dept. Dr. Abdullah was very successful in bringing both money and recognition (national and international) to FAMU, through his research.
I am not sure his reason for leaving the Division of Research. But I am sure he will bring the needed change to the CESTA program.
After almost six years unter interim deans, CESTA needs the leadership of a permanent dean who will hopefully pick up the pieces and put the college bak together. Congratulations and best wishes Adbullah.
ReplyDelete