Rattler Nation has learned that Karl Lawrence, the architect of SBI's Wall Street project has left the school on less than amicable terms. The circumstances surrounding Dr. Lawrence's departure aren't exactly clear, but what is known is that things weren't exactly kosher and that there are some hard feelings between him and the Dean.
As you may recall, Lawrence was the catalyst behind SBI's highly touted initiative to have 100 FAMU students interning on Wall Street by 2010. Lawrence jump started the project this year by placing over 40 SBIans on Wall Street this summer.
Lawrence is said to have cultivated great relationships with Wall Street corporations and masterfully worked his contacts.
His success was helping to reestablish SBI's competitive edge which had been missing since the retirement of founding Dean Sybil Mobley.
See: Wall Street braces for SBI take over
That's unfortunate and quite disheartening but I will still be going to Wall Street regardless of the circumstances. I think that he was extremely instrumental in allowing us to realize our full potential as capable and competitive individuals in corporate America; but that certainly doesn't mean that we weren't capable of going before. He just had great connections and the tools that would allow for our department to maximize all of our resources within the SBI pool. On a grand scale we still are the best business program in the State of Florida- and no one Dean, Professor, or administrator will destroy that for us. Hopefully we can find a quick and qualified replacement.
ReplyDeleteTick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
ReplyDeleteWell I think that Dr. Mobley laid such an exceptional and insurmountable framework that it naturally surpasses any dispute or shake-up that might take place in the School of Business and Industry.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am angered and disappointed by the recent events, those as well as other future findings will do very little to compromise the caliber of our students and faculty members.
Furthermore, it will not minimize the plethora of recruiters, corporations, and government organizations that camp out at our offices just scoop up our over-qualified and well-equipped students.
Going forward I think that we should move in a direction that will allow us to further enhance our internships and jobs on Wall street on an even grander scale. We saw what one person was able to do in one summer. Now let's triple that number and be the best in the
nation.
Let's start the Dean search!
ReplyDelete9:31am - Not sure how abreast you are of the happs in SBI. But the feedback I've received from some Spring '08 grads and some current tells me SBI is still in tough shape (as they were when I graduated a few yrs ago). We can continue to pretend that evrything is okay, to make ourselves feel better. But the truth is we areshort-changing the students flowing in & out of the program expecting an experience that is slowly slipping away.
ReplyDeleteWhat if your child was in SBI right now? What would you think & what would you do?
Every school goes through eb and flows. Now, having said that I feel that it is paramount to devlope leadership and transfer knowledge. When Dean Mobely left there should have been someone who was groomed to step in and lead without missing a beat. And, this is what I see as a major problem in ALL of black America. Those blacks at the "top" do not empower and enlighten the blacks knocking at the door. This one man should Not have been the only person in SBI or FAMU for that matter dealing with Wall Street, and if he were he should have been grooming someone to be able to step up ( 35 and under). LEADERSHIP is more than a word it is an action! Before they get rid of the Dean of SBI (which I am not advocating one way or the other)lets not have the sham selction process take 6 months....lets just hire the person "FAMU" already knows that they want and call it a day.
ReplyDeleteIf the "circumstances" of the professor's departure are not entirely clear, how can you say that the dean "ran him off"? Seems kind of a contradictory statement to me.
ReplyDeleteCorrection- The professor left because he did not have the publications he needed to get tenure. She did not run him off. Check his record. What has he done prior to getting these students on Wall Street this year? He has been here for at least seven years. This is the only "real" thing he has done in all that time. Check his record.
ReplyDeleteCan Dean McKinley-Floyd qualify for tenure?
ReplyDeletei believe part of the woman's academic package when she came was a transfer of her tenure. plenty folks do that, though i'm not 100% sure if this is the case with the dean of SBI.
ReplyDeleteI am always surprised and humbled by the support that students, alums, and corporate folks have given me during my tenure at the university. This passion does not appear to be limited to me, but rather, appears to be extended to anyone with the willingness to contribute to the success of the university. This passion coupled with institutional support will ensure the continued success of the University and its Wall Street Initiative.
ReplyDeleteLet me take a moment to bring clarity to a few points mentioned in this blog. First, it was never my intent to get into academia or make a career of it. Like many others, I was unable to resist Dean Mobley’s request for service and over the years found her vision for the school compelling. My commitment to the school and our truly talented students is simply a reflection of my deep respect for Dean Mobley’s vision and accomplishments. Dean McKinley-Floyd and I have philosophical differences, which contributed to me separating from the university. However, the choice to leave was mine and I was not runoff by her as the blog asserts.
Second, comments regarding my lack of progress toward tenure are in poor taste. Numerous current and past professors have been tenured with a less glorious research record than mind. In fact, I have the honor of being published in an ‘A’ journal as a master’s student. I am also the sole author of the Wall Street proposal that now bears the name of Dean Lydia McKinley-Floyd. I have written State of Florida approved curriculum in Real Estate, Appraisal, Mortgage Brokerage, etc. I have never sought tenure, denied tenure, or had conversations with any administrator regarding tenure. Florida A&M University and all other academic institutions are filled with non-tenure seeking and non-tenured individuals, who make tremendous contributions to their respective institutions.
Finally, I have provided Dean McKinley-Floyd with a written document, which I believe is a blueprint for a successful Wall Street Initiative. I have also provided the school with a database of contracts that should aid in successfully placing students on the Street. Finding someone to replace myself, if such a person is necessary, is beyond my responsibility. It is a decision that is reserved for the Dean.
I have had a wonderful time at the University, and wish each and every Rattler nothing but the best.
Karl Lawrence
Thank you for your service Professor Lawrence and best wishes in your future endeavors.
ReplyDeleteMcKinley Floyd doesn't have tenure and can't qualify for tenure.
ReplyDelete