In response to state budget cuts, FAMU is eliminating 50 percent of the staff positions at its Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center (PHEREC) in Panama City.
Currently, 20 men and women work at the center. A number of the affected positions are already unfilled.
"They maintain the laboratories, purchase supplies; they do a lot of things,” said Professor John Smith, who directs the center. “Without that, it's very difficult for us to carry out our research."
The news sparked angry reactions from some of the affected employees.
“I thought it was not very nice,” said Jamie Coughlin, a senior lab technician. “They gave us no indication, in fact they gave us every indication that we weren't going to lose anybody over here, or if we did maybe it would be one person. Then surprise you're all laid off.”
PHEREC studies mosquitoes and develops new insecticides or trapping methods to control the insects.
Some workers worry that the layoffs are a first step toward closing the center.
“It's basically a nail in the coffin for this facility,” said Chemical Technician Cate Brock. “I don't see that it can continue.”
Smith said he’s contacted FAMU’s administration and asked them to reconsider the cuts.
FAMU’s College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture had no comment for the press.
Currently, 20 men and women work at the center. A number of the affected positions are already unfilled.
"They maintain the laboratories, purchase supplies; they do a lot of things,” said Professor John Smith, who directs the center. “Without that, it's very difficult for us to carry out our research."
The news sparked angry reactions from some of the affected employees.
“I thought it was not very nice,” said Jamie Coughlin, a senior lab technician. “They gave us no indication, in fact they gave us every indication that we weren't going to lose anybody over here, or if we did maybe it would be one person. Then surprise you're all laid off.”
PHEREC studies mosquitoes and develops new insecticides or trapping methods to control the insects.
Some workers worry that the layoffs are a first step toward closing the center.
“It's basically a nail in the coffin for this facility,” said Chemical Technician Cate Brock. “I don't see that it can continue.”
Smith said he’s contacted FAMU’s administration and asked them to reconsider the cuts.
FAMU’s College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture had no comment for the press.
You might also be interested in: Prof leads charge to develop WHO center at FAMU
Well, they don't teach any classes and aren't bringing in enough research money to cover their cost, so they were exposed financially. These are tough times.
ReplyDeleteFrom the May 09 Rattler Nation link about Dr. Barber's research at the Ento Center:
ReplyDeleteThe ultimate goal is to make FAMU an official collaborating center of the WHO, a mark of distinction received by currently only five centers in the world. The WHO fully funds all its research projects. This would be a huge financial benefit for FAMU and open up tremendous learning opportunities for students.
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I wonder what happened with this WHO research funding? I guess the costs of running the center outweighed the benefits. So unfortunate.
Hey, if she gets the WHO funding maybe she can hire her colleagues back or get new ones and maybe infuse students in their research.
ReplyDeleteI truly think that it would have been better to cut the high salaries of the Top Heavy administration over in Lee Hall, and the Athletic Department.
ReplyDeleteI truly think that it would have been better to cut the high salaries of the Top Heavy administration over in Lee Hall, and the Athletic Department.
ReplyDelete7/15/2009 8:20 AM
I AGREE! THESE DIRTY MF'S COULD HAVE SAVED THE LATEST ROUND OF JOB CUTS HAD THEY TAKEN A 2% PAY CUT, BUT THEY ARE ALL SO MONEY HUNGER. YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW, ASK CASTELL!
http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/interactives/retirement-loophole/
ReplyDelete"http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/interactives/retirement-loophole/
ReplyDelete7/16/2009 9:03 AM"
and exactly what does this have to do with a post about the FAMU entomology center?
I'm more interested in the fact that all along FAMU has been 'committed' to not cutting any positions. These people were given no indication that their jobs might be in jeopardy. I agree with previous posts saying that paycuts - i.e. furloughs - could have saved these positions.
hmmmmmmmmm....maybe the entomology center was targeted for downsizing because nobody there is a brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, etc. of any of the administrators on campus. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteAgain you're caught here speculating about negative ish! Let's make inquiries and suggestions. Use our collective resources to better FAMU, our communities and Florida. Friggin' tabloid junkies.
ReplyDeleteIt speaks loads about FAMU when a post about updating Bragg Stadium gets 29 posts and a post about employees being fired because of the economy only gets 9 posts - shows me where FAMUs priorities are.
ReplyDelete