Florida A&M University News

December 13, 2012

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – United States President Barak H. Obama appointed Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Althemese Pemberton Barnes to the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB). The NMLSB is an advisory body that includes the director and deputy directors of IMLS and twenty presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. Informed by its collectively vast experience and knowledge, the NMLSB advises the IMLS director on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Service.

“I feel honored to have an opportunity to serve the larger community,” said Barnes. “This is an opportunity to make a difference on the national and global scale as it relates to preserving America’s story and history. I am hopeful my presence will have an impact statewide. I will be among many experienced and professional colleagues. I look at this opportunity as another milestone in life.”

IMLS Director Susan Hildreth said she is looking forward to working with Barnes.

“Her experience establishing a museum and working with museum service organizations provide her with a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance the work we do at IMLS,” said Hildreth.
Barnes, who was appointed with nine other individuals from around the country to serve on respective boards, is the executive director of the John G. Riley Museum, which she founded in 1996.

“I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have agreed to join this Administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead,” Obama said in a statement.

Barnes earned her bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in guidance and counseling from FAMU.

In 1997, she established The Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, a statewide professional museum association. She served in Florida's Departments of Education and Labor as an Employment Counselor and Program Specialist, retiring in 1995. From 1965 to 1970, she was a music instructor in the Leon County Schools. She has worked as a consultant on several oral history and cultural development projects, and directed the publication of historical books, heritage trail maps, guides and documentaries.

She is a member of the American Association of Museums, the Florida Heritage Foundation, the Florida Association of Museums, the Association of African American Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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The Lyceum Series will present Langston Hughes’ Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet with special guest spoken-word artist Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

January 9, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) Lyceum Series will present Langston Hughes’ Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz featuring the Ron McCurdy Quartet with special guest spoken-word artist Malcolm-Jamal Warner on Friday, January 25. The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium.

Tickets are available now at FAMU’s Ticket Office located in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Ticket prices are $20, $15 and $10, depending on the location of the seats.

The Langston Hughes Project is a multimedia concert performance of Langston Hughes' kaleidoscopic jazz poem suite titled Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz. This is Hughes' homage in verse and music to the struggle for artistic and social freedom at home and abroad at the beginning of the 1960s. It is a twelve-part epic poem which Hughes scored with musical cues drawn from blues and Dixieland, gospel songs, boogie woogie, bebop, progressive jazz, Latin “cha cha,” Afro-Cuban mambo music, German lieder, Jewish liturgy, West Indian calypso, and African drumming – a creative masterwork left unperformed at his death.

Utilizing engaging videography, this concert performance links the words and music of Hughes’ poetry to topical images of Ask Your Mama’s people, places, events and to the visual artists Langston Hughes admired and/or collaborated with most closely over the course of his career including the African-inspired mural designs and cubist geometries of Aaron Douglas, the blues and jazz-inspired collages of Romare Bearden, the macabre grotesques of Meta Warrick Fuller, the rhythmic sculptural figurines, heads, and bas reliefs of Richmond Barthe, and the color-blocked cityscapes and black history series of Palmer Hayden and Jacob Lawrence. Together the words, sounds and images recreate a magical moment in cultural history, which bridges the Harlem Renaissance, the post World War II beat writers’ coffeehouse jazz poetry world and the looming black arts performance explosion of the 1960s.

The performance is brought to life by the extraordinary talents of the Ron McCurdy Quartet. McCurdy is professor of music in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California (USC) and is past president of the International Association for Jazz Education. Prior to his appointment at USC, he served as director of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at USC.

McCurdy is co-author of a vocal jazz improvisation series titled “Approaching the Standards” published by Warner Bros. He is the director of the National Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Combo, and also serves as director of the Walt Disney All-American College Band in Anaheim, Calif.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner is a well-respected actor and director who first rose to national prominence starring on the celebrated and long-running classic television series “The Cosby Show.” He has continued to achieve success as an actor, but also has received accolades as a poet and bass player. Warner along with his jazz-funk bank, Miles Long, has performed in several major jazz festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival and has opened for such high profile acts as Earl Klugh and the late Luther Vandross as well as his recent appearance at the historic Apollo Theater.

On stage, Warner has starred in the off-Broadway play “Three Ways Home,” “Cryin’ Shame,” for which he received the NAACP Theater Award for best supporting actor, “Freefall” at the Victory Garden Theatre in Chicago and in “A Midsummer Nights’ Dream at the La Jolla Playhouse in California. Most recently, Warner received critical acclaim for his west coast debut of his one-man theatrical production of “Love and Other Social Issues.”

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413.

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January 9, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Justice E. C. Perry will serve as the keynote speaker for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation on January 15 at 10:10 a.m. in the Gaither Gymnasium.

A native of New Bern, NC, Justice Perry was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by former Governor Charlie Crist and took office on March 11, 2009. Before his appointment, he served as a circuit judge of Florida's Eighteenth Judicial Circuit upon his appointment by former Governor Jeb Bush in March 2000. Justice Perry later served as Chief Judge of the Circuit for a two-year term beginning July 2003. Justice Perry was the first African American appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.

As an attorney, Perry was widely recognized for his legal skills and abilities. Prior to his appointment to the trial bench, Justice Perry was senior partner in the law firm of Perry & Hicks, P.A., where he specialized in civil and business law.

Justice Perry has received numerous honors and awards including the Seminole County NAACP Humanitarian Award, the Orange County Chapter NAACP Paul C. Perkins Award, and the 2005 Martin Luther King Drum Major Award for Social Justice. In 2004, Justice Perry was honored by his hometown by receiving the “Key to the City.” In 2005, the United Negro College Fund selected Justice Perry as one of four individuals to be profiled during its national broadcast of An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence. Justice Perry received the prestigious Williams-Johnson Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award for 2006 from the Brevard and Seminole County Bar Associations. He is the recipient of an honorary doctor of law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

Justice Perry has been actively involved in many community activities. A dedicated father, Perry managed his son’s AAU basketball team, the SanLando Greyhounds, and played an active role in all their sports activities. Justice Perry’s commitment to improving children’s lives extends beyond his own family. As founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Sports Association, Perry built a baseball league serving 650 at-risk boys and girls – the largest in the nation. However, the association did more than coach baseball. Volunteers also served as mentors and provided free tutoring. In addition to his work with disadvantaged kids, Justice Perry served as captain of the Heart of Florida United Way Campaign and his firm served as general counsel for the Florida Chapter Branches of the NAACP. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Augustine’s College.

Justice Perry attended Saint Augustine's College graduating in 1966 with a bachelor of arts in business administration and accounting. After serving in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, he went on to Columbia Law School where he earned his juris doctorate degree in 1972.

He and his wife, Adrienne M. Perry, a professor at Stetson University, are the parents of three children.

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January 11, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Department of Athletics announced today that Earl Holmes has been selected as the new head football coach. Holmes, a FAMU graduate and All-American in his playing days with the Rattlers, has served as defensive coordinator the last two years and acting head coach for the final two games of the 2012 season, guiding the program’s day-to-day operations thereafter.

Holmes proposed multi-year contract, which offers him an annual salary of $200,000 over the next four years, must be approved by the FAMU Board of Trustees.

FAMU director of athletics, Derek Horne, is very pleased that the process was done in an expeditious manner, resulting in a thorough vetting of the candidates by a cross-section of constituents.

“We are excited about the new era of FAMU football under the leadership of Earl. He has done an awesome job of transitioning immediately to acting coach and maintaining the program through this crucial recruiting period." Horne said. "We look forward to his dedicated efforts in this next level of leadership.”

FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson said, "I believe we have selected the right coach to lead Rattler football. I am impressed with his plan to develop the whole person, not just the student’s athletic ability. Coach Holmes is a solid choice when you consider his vision for the program, 10-year- career in the NFL as a linebacker and experience gained at FAMU as a defensive coordinator and linebacker coach. I look forward to the launch and achievements of the Earl Holmes era. I look forward to presenting this selection to the Board of Trustees for consideration.”

Holmes is overwhelmed with the reality of leading the Rattlers. “I am truly humbled,” said Holmes. “First, I would like to thank God, because he continues to prove that he is able to make dreams come true. I want to thank Coach Joe Taylor for his mentorship and having the confidence in me to bring me back to FAMU as a part of the coaching staff. I also want to thank everyone from President Robinson, athletic director Horne, the entire athletic staff, the search committee and everyone who has offered encouragement to me in the pursuit of me being in this position today. There is no one you could have selected that will work harder to return FAMU football to the prominence it deserves than I am dedicated to doing.”

Holmes, affectionately known as “The Hitman” in his playing days at FAMU, played from 1992-1995, leaving with several school records including most career tackles. He captured NCAA DI-AA and Sheridan Broadcasting All-American honors in 1994 and 1995. He was named Sheridan Broadcasting Network and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1995.

A three-time first team All-MEAC selection, Holmes was a devastating tackler while at FAMU, completing his career with 509 total tackles, 309 solo takedowns and 200 assisted tackles – all Rattler career records. His 1995 senior season totals shattered all existing school marks for season solo tackles (103) and total tackles (171), highlighted by a spectacular one-man demolition derby performance against Southern University in Atlanta on November 4, when he totaled 30 tackles against the Jaguars.

Following his collegiate career, Holmes was drafted in the fourth round of the 1996 National Football League drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 10 seasons in the NFL as linebacker, six with Pittsburgh (1996- 2001), one season with the Cleveland Browns (2002) and three with the Detroit Lions (2003-2005) before retiring.

Holmes is married to the former Tiffany Bell and they have one child, Earl Jr.

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January 16, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Professors James Muchovej and Oghenekome U. Onokpise in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) were issued a patent titled Mycoherbicide for Controlling Congongrass.

Cogongrass is a perennial rhizomatous grass native to east and southeast Asia, India, Micronesia, Australia, and eastern and southern Africa. It is used for thatching the roofs of traditional homes throughout southeast Asia.

The significance of the U.S. Patent #8,278,248 is that mycoherbicide for controlling Cogongrass deals with a specialized fungus, which is able to cause significant disease on Cogongrass thereby stopping its ability to grow and become invasive. Currently, Cogongrass is managed and ineffectively controlled by herbicides at a cost of nearly $20 million a year to the state of Florida. Residues from these herbicides are potentially toxic to the environment with significant impacts to many of the natural ecosystems. This fungal organism, discovered by scientists Muchovej and Onokpise, provides potential for controlling Cogongrass without the use of pesticides and dramatically reducing the cost of managing it. Cogongrass is considered one of the world’s top ten devastating, invasive species and noxious weeds worldwide. It is ranked among the top seven worst invasive plant species in Florida and the Southeastern United States and is extremely damaging to native areas as well as to crop land. This discovery has the possibility of helping to control and manage Cogongrass not only here in the United States, but also worldwide.

K. Ken Redda, professor and acting vice president for Research, said, “I salute the achievements of these two outstanding FAMU CAFS researchers. It speaks volumes about the high quality of research engagement by Drs. Muchovej and Onokpise in the area of agricultural sciences. It exemplifies the best of collaborative effort.”

Robert W. Taylor, professor and dean of CAFS, expressed his excitement regarding the patent.

“This is a good example of biological control which is using one organism to control another without the use of noxious chemicals to further contaminate our environment,” said Taylor, who is also the director of the Land Grant Programs. “The idea to take this approach involving a microbe to control Cogongrass, which is very invasive in forests throughout the Southeast is very creative, indeed, and indicates the quality of faculty we have at FAMU in the CAFS.”

About the inventors:
James Muchovej, a professor of plant pathology, has a doctorate in plant pathology and physiology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, Va. and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He has taught many undergraduate and graduate courses since arriving at FAMU in 1992. Prior to joining FAMU, he was an associate professor of plant pathology at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa in Brazil where he taught undergraduate and graduate plant pathology courses from 1977 until 1991. In 2012, Professor Muchovej received a graduate Blended and Online Teaching certificate from the Florida State University College of Education. He has more than 90 refereed research journal articles and two books on seed treatment and mycology.

Oghenekome U. Onokpise, professor and interim associate dean, obtained his baccalaureate in agriculture at the University of Ife, Nigeria in 1974, his master’s degree in plant breeding and genetics from the University of Guelph, Canada in 1980, and his doctorate in tree breeding and forest genetics at the Iowa State University, Ames, in 1984. In 1985-1986, he did post-doctoral research in plant biotechnology at the Ohio State University. He has more than 30 years of teaching and research experience, 30 years of international program activities, a combined 21 years of experience in cooperative extension and outreach activities and more than 20 years of combined administrative experience as a coordinator, director and associate dean levels in academics, research and international programs. In 2008, Onokpise received the Stephen Spurr Award from the Florida Division of the Society of American Foresters for technical contributions to forestry in Florida.

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January 16, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee is officially accepting applications for the 11th president of FAMU through the firm of Greenwood/Asher & Associates.

According to the criteria posted on its presidential search website, the Board of Trustees will consider candidates both within and outside academia with advanced academic credentials as well as a candidate with an extraordinary business or government profile.

“We are looking for a dynamic individual who has the ability to lead and who will help FAMU carry out its very important mission,” said Karl White, chair of the presidential search committee. “Our goal is to have a president selected before the next academic year begins.”

To apply for the position, the search committee is asking that persons contact Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc., the firm assisting the FAMU Board of Trustees in its search. Individuals wishing to nominate a candidate may contact the search firm via telephone or in writing and provide the nominee’s name, current position, address, and telephone number. A letter addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements is recommended.

Applications and letters of nominations should be submitted to:

Ms. Marion Frenche
Executive Search Consultant
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University – President
42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550
Phone: (850) 650-2277 / Fax: (850) 650-2272
Email: marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com

The review and screening of candidates will continue until an appointment is made. For more information about the search, log onto www.famu.edu/presidentialsearch.

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Simply Marvelous women's flag football team has won 10 national championships.

January 22, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In the last six years, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Simply Marvelous women's flag football team has won 10 national championships, exhibiting that the team is just that — simply marvelous.

Coached by Marvin Green and Derrick Folson, the team goes about their business without much fanfare, but with results that dictate their dedication to perfection. Green said he likes the title of “undisputed champion.” The team participates in the two notable college intramural championships on a yearly basis to remove any doubt that Simply Marvelous is the best in the nation. The grueling championship schedule calls for the team to compete in championship tournaments on back-to-back weekends.

The teamwork is something Henry Ford would admire. Coupled with the strategies implemented by the coaches, the recipe for success has been refined to perfection. In the two recent championship games, they were not scored on, blanking Angelo State 39-0 in the ACIS championship game and 28-0 in the NIRSA championship.

College intramural teams from all across the country fight it out in state championships before being allowed to compete in the national championship. An example of the diversity in schools who competed in the national championship are Old Dominion, University of Nebraska, Northern Iowa, Texas State, University of Central Florida, Howard University, Southern University and Georgia Southern.

Coach Green is also a mentor taking the opportunity to teach the young women about life, relating it to their competitiveness. He is the current director of Student Activities and the golf coach at FAMU. Green first began coaching the team when he was assistant director of FAMU Campus Recreation.

Assistant Coach Folson is also a FAMU police officer. To get the team ready for tournaments, they have been known to play against male teams.

“(Robert) Bob Carroll encouraged me a few years ago to play in some national championship tournaments,” Green said. “We had success on campus and locally, but he felt our squad was good enough to go on to national competition.” That was in 1996.

Carroll is the director of FAMU Campus Recreation and is proud of the team. "What that team accomplished is what is expected of them," Carroll said. “Coach Green has a game plan that is second to none. Anytime you've been to the top, you expect to get there. The fact that they have continued to excel is phenomenal.”

Erika Collins, a junior quarterback/defensive back, was inducted into the ACIS Hall of Fame on Dec. 30 in Pensacola, Fla. She is the team's leader and has set several standards in national championship play. To summarize the strength and growth of this team, Collins was moved to receiver in the ACIS National Championship Game, turning over quarterback duties to freshman Christina Mattis. Mattis performed solidly at quarterback and is poised to represent the future of Simply Marvelous.

Tynequia Roberts, a senior on the team, went out with a bang, earning back-to-back championships.

"I'm extremely proud of what our team has accomplished," Roberts said. “What a great bunch of girls. I learned a lot about leadership and being dedicated to a team. I learned sisterhood, patience and respect.”

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Left to right: LaCrai Mitchell, Valeria Sistrunk, Tanya Glover and Samone Davis

January 22, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) TV-20 spring 2013 anchor team features four women from various regions, an international student and a 4.0 scholar, who bring a wealth of talent to the live student-run newscast. News 20 at Five will air Monday through Thursday beginning Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. on Comcast 20 and on the web at www.FAMUTVNews.com.

FAMU-TV 20 is an educational access channel operated by the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. It reaches more than 80,000 households.

The anchors are broadcast journalism students Tanya Glover and Valeria Sistrunk (co-anchors on the main news desk), Samone Davis (sports) and LaCrai Mitchell (weather).

Glover, a native of San Diego, Calif., aspires to be a reporter/anchor in her home state. She said from the very first moment she walked into the “J-School” she knew it was where she belonged and has embraced every opportunity offered. She was an Old School & R&B radio personality for FAMU’s student radio station 90.5-FM The Flava Station. She has also served as deputy lifestyles editor of The Famuan, camera operator for FAMU TV-20 and a graphic designer for campus organizations and businesses. Glover has interned with The HBCU Digest, the FAMU Office of Communications, WCTV Eyewitness News and WTXL ABC 27. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

“I knew from the moment I learned there was a student-produced newscast that I wanted to be the anchor,” she said. “I was just waiting for the moment to prove to myself and to my professors that I belonged in that chair.”

The other co-anchor, Sistrunk, a fourth-year broadcast journalism student from Fayetteville, Ga., brings a passion for reporting and writing to the news team. She said her internships have prepared her for her role as co-anchor for News 20 at Five. She has interned at both WCTV Eyewitness News and WTXL ABC 27, where she shadowed experienced anchors to hone her skills. Sistrunk aspires to become a news anchor in a major market. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

“Anchoring for News 20 at Five is something I've always wanted to do since I came to FAMU,” she said. “I'm so thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity.”

Davis, a transfer student from Palm Beach Atlantic University, is a native of Freeport, Bahamas. At her previous school, she had the opportunity to host her own radio segment on the Sailfish Radio Network called Flava in Your Air. In addition, she served as an executive producer for a documentary filmed in the Bahamas titled The History of Grand Bahamas. Davis appeared as a supporting actress in a Web series called Girl with the Tattoo, which placed in the top 10 in a YouTube competition for an urban Web series. She has interned at WTXL ABC 27, where she was the anchor for the intern magazine show. Upon graduation, Davis aspires to attend the University of Miami for graduate school in addition to becoming a sports and entertainment anchor. She is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society for journalism.

“I studied print journalism for two ½ years there,” she said. “It wasn't until I came to FAMU and examined the J-School that I wanted to switch over into broadcast. Before I was even accepted, I told myself, ‘I will not leave this school until I get my chance to be on that set.

“One year later, I got the position as sports anchor. That is nothing but the work of God,’” said the senior broadcast journalism student.

Mitchell, a Tallahassee native, has excelled in her three semesters at FAMU. As a freshman, she served as one of the producers for the 2012 Paradigm News Magazine Show and played an integral role in the production of the 2011 FAMU Homecoming Television Special that she co-produced the following year. She was also one of the students selected to participate in the 2012 National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course hosted by FAMU, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Mitchell aspires to become a CNN anchor, international correspondent and producer upon graduation.

“I feel extremely blessed, and I thank God for this awesome opportunity to serve as a member of the award-winning FAMU News 20 at Five team,” Mitchell said.

The newscast has been a staple among the FAMU TV-20 offerings. Its popularity has garnered opportunities for students and has contributed to the exposure of the program.

“This live newscast is really opening doors for our students,” said Leonard Horton, news director for News 20 at Five. “In the five years we’ve done live news, this newscast has become a major recruitment tool for the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. We get so many tour groups with students ranging from all ages coming to view our live broadcasts and observe our post meetings.”

Students enrolled in the advanced TV news course will also produce a live webcast airing Fridays at 12:30 p.m. In addition, News 20 at Five will post daily news updates via Twitter at www.twitter.com/news20at5.

About the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication
The FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication was founded in 1982. Its Division of Journalism was the first journalism program at a historically black university to be accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. SJGC offers degrees in journalism, public relations and graphic design.

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January 24, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Robert W. Taylor, dean and director of Land-Grant Programs, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences at Florida A&M University (FAMU), will serve an extended term on the USDA National Agricultural Education, Extension and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board to the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture.

As part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, certain parts of the "Farm Bill" were extended through September 30, 2013, which included the NAREE Advisory Board. This is the only USDA Advisory Board mandated by Congress and the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture must respond in writing to the board regarding member recommendations.

“In a nutshell, we have been charged with the task of making recommendations to help develop what is considered as “The Road Map for Agriculture for the U.S.A during the 21st century,” Taylor said.

Taylor, along with other board members, was notified officially by Executive Director J. Robert Burk of the extension and membership appointments and reappointments for the 2013 fiscal year.

For more information about the USDA NAREEE, visit www.nareeeab.ree.usda.gov.

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January 24, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Kanya Simon Stewart has been named the adviser for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) student newspaper, the Famuan for the spring 2013 semester. Stewart is a 2004 FAMU graduate who majored in journalism and magazine production.

Since 2006, she has been the owner, operator, publicist and content writer for Proclaim Creative & Marketing Group. In 2012, she served as the associate editor, senior reporter and page designer of the Capital Outlook newspaper, and has previously held reporting and editing assignments for several organizations including The New York Times Regional Group.

While a student at FAMU, Stewart served as the managing editor and senior writer for Journey magazine. She also served as a staff editor and writer for the Famuan.

“Kanya offers students and the FAMU community a wealth of knowledge as a multi-media communicator,” Ann Wead Kimbrough, dean of the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, said. “She has proven integrity, leadership, excellent multi-media skills and a strong commitment to ensuring that future journalists and graphic designers receive excellent training in a key student media laboratory.”

In addition, Kimbrough has announced that WANM-FM 90.5 recently debuted a news segment titled, “FAMU Headlines.” The radio show aired on Jan. 21. and is hosted by journalism student Sequoia Powell. She reports on news involving campus activities and alumni. “FAMU Headlines” airs each week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every hour from 7:30 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m.

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Janauary 30, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University Professor Cynthia M. Harris has been selected as a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Science Advisory Board for a three-year term ending September 30, 2015. Harris will serve as a special government employee and will provide independent advice on technical issues underlying the EPA’s policies and decision making.

Harris is also the director of the Institute of Public Health in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“I am very pleased to serve on the U.S Environmental Protection Agency Charter Science Advisory Board,” Harris said. “As a board member, there will be the opportunity and responsibility of providing technical review and assistance in addressing environmental science and health issues related to environmental contaminants and overarching issues such as factors related to climate change. I am honored to serve and appreciate the sustained support of Florida A&M University.”

The Science Advisory Board is organized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which regulates and governs its operation, including public participation and access to documents.

Harris previously served on the EPA Science Advisory Board Exposure and Human Health Subcommittee.

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January 30, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– For Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Travis Williams, growing up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and seeing how the poor were “abused by the criminal justice system” inspired the public defender to want to work to prevent injustices from occurring.

“I see this job as the best way to prevent (these injustices) even though it's only one case at a time in my small section of the world,” said Williams, a senior attorney at the Hall County Public Defender's Office in Gainesville, Ga.

Williams’ passion was recently noted in a documentary called Gideon's Army, which will appear on the cable network HBO later this year. A segment of the piece was featured on the New York Times website as part of an op-doc (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/24/opinion/true-believers-in-justice.html). Williams was approached after a few short interviews to be a part of the documentary, to which he admits he reluctantly said yes.

“I was a little nervous at first to have a camera crew invade my personal and professional life but then I reconsidered,” he said. “I wanted to make sure there was an enthusiastic voice for justice portrayed in the film.”

The documentary follows Williams and two other public defenders based in the South. The film focuses on the struggles of working as a public defender, and issues dealing with difficult cases, managing the workload and the act of balancing a personal life. Williams recently returned from the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, where the film premiered.

“I was blown away,” he said of viewing the documentary. “It is weird seeing yourself on the big screen but overall, I was satisfied with the way I was portrayed.”

Williams earned his bachelor’s degree from the FAMU School of Business and Industry in 2005, and his juris doctorate from the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. While at FAMU, Williams was a freshman and sophomore senator and served as an escort for the Royal Court during his sophomore year. During his freshmen year, he was awarded the Freshman Senator of the Year Award. In 2011, the Georgia Association of Circuit Public Defenders recognized the young attorney as the inaugural Assistant Public Defender of the Year. In 2012, he was also honored as one of 14 “Rising Lawyers Under 40” in Georgia by the Daily Report, a newspaper for lawyers in Georgia.

“I will always owe FAMU everything,” said a humbled Williams. “FAMU taught me that if I work hard enough, anything is possible.”

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February 1, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Maulana Karenga, creator of the pan-African cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles), will serve as the keynote speaker for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Black History Month Convocation on February 14 at 10:10 a.m. in the Gaither Gymnasium.

Karenga, a professor and chair of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach, holds two Ph.D.’s, one in political science (United States International University) and another in social ethics (University of Southern California) as well as an honorary doctorate from the University of Durban, South Africa.

Karenga is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books – including Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics; Selections From The Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt; The Book of Coming Forth By Day: The Ethics of the Declarations of Innocence; Odu Ifa: The Ethical Teachings; and Introduction to Black Studies, 4th Edition. Karenga is the author of the authoritative text, Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.

He is also the recipient of numerous awards for scholarship, leadership and service. He is the recipient of the National Council for Black Studies’ Paul Robeson-Zora Neale Hurston Award for Scholarly Work Significantly Contributive to the Understanding, Development and Appreciation of African World Culture; the C.L.R. James Award for Outstanding Publication of Scholarly Works that Advance the Discipline of Africana and Black Studies; the National Leadership Award for Outstanding Scholarly Achievements in Black Studies; and the President’s Award for Scholarship and Service in the Development of Black Studies, African Heritage Studies Association.

Karenga is the subject of the newly released book by Molefi Asante titled Maulana Karenga: An Intellectual Portrait. Karenga is currently writing a book on the social and ethical philosophy of Malcolm X titled The Liberation Ethics of Malcolm X: Critical Consciousness, Moral Grounding and Transformative Struggle.

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February 5, 2013

Today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Larry Robinson met with the Honorable Prof. Adebiyi Gregory Daramola, vice chancellor for the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish and strengthen scholarly academic opportunities.

FAMU and the Federal University of Technology, Akure agreed to exchange faculty and staff for short, medium or long-term periods, which will enhance and guarantee further scientific and scholarly cooperation in teaching and research. In addition, the collaboration also includes the following:

Increase student and faculty global research development in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM);
Increase international student enrollment at FAMU at the master’s and doctoral levels;
Increase FUTA graduate students research capability using state-of-the-art research equipment at FAMU; and
Pursue joint research opportunities to fund students/faculty research, curriculum and institutional capacity development at both universities.

“Florida A&M University is looking forward to building this relationship with the Federal University of Technology, Akure,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson. “This partnership provides our faculty opportunities to expand their research and educational activities and prepares our students to more effectively compete in the global marketplace.”

Accompanying the Honorable Prof. Daramola were Prof. Emmanuel A. Fashakin, deputy vice chancellor and Prof. Benjamin O. Adewuyi, head of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials and Engineering and Lanre Ogunti, senior lecturer in electrical engineering and a FAMU alumnus.

“The FUTA team that has come to FAMU gives effect to a potentially great relationship considering the similarities in the two universities’ missions and mandates, especially in agriculture and engineering,” said the Honorable Professor Daramola. “ I consider this a ‘win-win’ relationship for both institutions and a hand shake across the Atlantic.”

This collaboration is part of FAMU Professor Peter Kalu’s Fulbright research in Nigeria. Kalu was selected as a Fulbright Scholar grantee to Nigeria by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He conducted research in Nigeria from August 2009 to June 2010, on an alternative method of hardening metal – pack cyaniding of mild steel using cassava leaves, an indigenous, raw material.

About the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is a top ranking university of technology in Nigeria. Established in 1981, the university has grown tremendously, stretching its academic disciplines and research across six different schools and over thirty academic departments.

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February 5, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Antoneia L. Roe, Esq. has been named Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) new director of Judicial Affairs in the Division of Student Affairs. Previously, Attorney Roe served as supervising attorney for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program, Second Circuit, Tallahassee.

“With Attorney Roe’s level of expertise and knowledge of the federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to student disciplinary matters and hazing, I am confident we have the right person,” said William E. Hudson Jr. vice president for Student Affairs.

Roe once served as assistant general counsel for FAMU. In that capacity, one of her primary responsibilities included working with the Division of Student Affairs. She handled student judicial and academic issues including student-related rules and regulations.

“I am very excited to be back at the university and it is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibilities and challenges as the director of judicial affairs,” said Roe. “I look forward to fulfilling my role and educating the university community, improving the existing student disciplinary process and enhancing communication among all the university stakeholders.”

Roe received her juris doctorate from the University of Miami in 2002 and her bachelor of science degree in political science from FAMU in 1998.

She has been offered a salary of $67,000.

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February 7, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– Jennifer Cherrier, associate professor in the School of the Environment at Florida A&M University (FAMU), has been selected as a 2013 Leopold Leadership Fellows. Cherrier is one of 20 environmental researchers from across North America to be awarded. She is first fellow to be selected from FAMU.

“Over the years, I have come to realize two things regarding environmental stewardship,” Cherrier said. “As scientists, we need to produce high-quality and defensible science, and we must be able to convince others of its relevancy - how it fits into the big picture. I am thrilled to have been selected as a 2013 Leopold Leadership Fellow and can't wait to get started taking full advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Based at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, the Leopold Leadership Program provides outstanding academic environmental researchers with skills and approaches for communicating and working with partners in NGOs, business, government and communities to integrate science into decision-making. The program is funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

This year's fellows come from 17 institutions in Canada, Mexico and the United States. They will receive intense leadership and communications training to help them engage effectively with leaders in the public and private sectors who face complex decisions about sustainability and the environment.

“These 20 outstanding researchers bring different perspectives and new knowledge about today's most important question: how to meet basic human needs while preserving Earth's vital systems,” said Pam Sturner, executive director of the Leopold Leadership Program. “Our program will help them gain skills, approaches and tools to translate their knowledge to action for the leap to sustainability.”

The 2013 fellows are conducting innovative research in a wide range of disciplines, including ecology, marine science, economics, behavioral science, entomology, engineering and planning. They join a network of 175 past fellows who are engaged in broad-based efforts to solve society’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

The fellows were chosen for their outstanding qualifications as researchers, demonstrated leadership ability and strong interest in sharing their knowledge beyond traditional academic audiences. Fellows participate in a week-long training session followed by a year of practicing skills that will advance their efforts to lead change. The fellowship also offers peer networking and mentoring through the Leopold Leadership Network of program advisers, trainers and past fellows.

“Academic scientists work hard to understand environmental problems and develop potential solutions, but to actually help solve problems requires two-way communication and partnerships between scientists and decision-makers," said Scientific Director Pamela Matson, dean of Stanford’s School of Earth Sciences and senior fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. “The Leopold Leadership Program trains academics to close the gap between knowledge and action.”

For more information about the Leopold Leadership Program, visit http://leopoldleadership.stanford.edu/.

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February 6, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues its national search for a new Director of Marching and Pep Bands. The position has been reopened and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2013.

The university started the process in June 2012 by posting an advertisement on its website to solicit candidates for the position. Since then, the job description has been posted in the Chronicle of Higher Education and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. The university's goal is to hire a new band director before the end of the spring 2013 semester, said Interim President Larry Robinson. The new Director of Marching and Pep Bands will play a lead role in implementing new policies and procedures that are critical to the future of the Marching “100,” which has been suspended for the 2012-13 academic year.

Interim Provost Rodner Wright will continue to serve as chairman of the search committee, which consists of 13 members and include faculty, staff, students and alumni.

“We want an individual with outstanding experience in band management, the proven ability to educate and inspire students to excel in the classroom and in the traditions of FAMU's renowned performance style, and the capacity to lead and mentor faculty, staff and other colleagues,” said Robinson. “We desire someone with unrelenting commitment to our core values, and unwavering resolve to eliminate hazing from the band and FAMU. The ideal candidate would have the ability to promote the values of respect and dignity among all members of the Marching “100.”

The new director will report to the chairman of the FAMU Department of Music. That is a change from the previous director, who also served as department chairman. Robinson explained that would add an extra layer of supervision. Qualifications should include a terminal degree in music and experience teaching and conducting at the collegiate level. It will be a full-time, tenure-track position and the academic rank will be commensurate with the person's experience and expertise.

The new director will oversee all aspects of the marching and pep bands. Specific duties and responsibilities include overseeing all activities of band student organizations and ensembles; providing creative direction; recruiting students for membership; teaching the marching band courses and other courses as needed; planning and directing the summer high school band camp; fund raising; planning and executing the band's travel to athletics events and other events that have been approved by the University and functioning as the liaison between the Athletics Department, the Division of Student Affairs and the Department of Music.

The director will work closely with the Department of Music Compliance Officer, a newly created position. Together, they will ensure that staff and members of the Marching and Pep Bands are made aware of and comply with the University's policies and procedures regarding anti-hazing, academic requirements, rehearsal hours and travel.

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February 13, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) chapter of the Model United Nations will be represent the university at the 59th session of the National Model United Nations. Nine student delegates and two professors will be traveling to Boston, Mass., on Thursday, Feb. 14. The students will interact and compete with more than 3,000 university students from around the world.

FAMU was the only historically black university invited to attend the conference.

Delegates have drafted comprehensive resolutions about their assigned countries and will debate pressing issues of international interest. The FAMU delegates, who are split into teams of two, will represent the countries of Barbados and Tajikistan.

Christopher Daniels, assistant professor of political science and advisor for FAMU’s Model United Nations, said the conference is a great platform to showcase the talents of FAMU students.

“The outstanding accomplishments of a lot of students at FAMU often go unrecognized,” Daniels said. “This is an opportunity for our students to get exposure and prove that FAMU students are just as good as, if not better than, students from around the country and the world.”

The students attending are Clarece Polke, a senior newspaper journalism student; Jecoby Young, a senior political science student; Antoine Anthony, a junior political science student; Nashandra Howard, a sophomore political science student; Mariah Williams, a senior political science student; Daune Robin, a senior broadcast journalism student; Joseph Widler, a junior political science student; Kierra Woodger, a sophomore criminal justice student and Candice Williams, a sophomore music education student. The two advisors are Victor Eno, assistant professor of political science, and Daniels.

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The "Love and Relationships" Issue will release on Valentine's Day

February 13, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Journey is the student magazine of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. Released quarterly, Journey is diligently worked on year round by dedicated student writers, graphic designers and photographers. In 2012, Journey was named “Best College Magazine” in the Southeast Journalism Conference (SEJC) and ranked third in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 3 contests. It was announced last week that four members of Journey’s staff including Gina Cherelus, Chidozie Acey, Morgan Grain and Kristen Swilley, are finalists in the SEJC “Best of the South” competition.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, FAMU students are highly anticipating Journey’s “Love and Relationships” issue. News editorial student and Editor-in-Chief Morgan Grain said Love and Relationships is her favorite issue of the year because “it’s always a challenging opportunity to reinvent classic love and romance.”

This issue will feature “Super Singles” on FAMU’s campus, fashion ideas for the perfect date and controversial topics about love and relationships.

News editorial student and female head stylist Robyn Mowatt said this issue will offer great insight on student dating in Tallahassee.

“For the fashion spread, we shot at four different date locations that are unique to FAMU students,” said Mowatt. “The looks in the fashion spread offer affordable items of clothing that fit the setting for each date spot.”

This year, the Journey staff will be delivering “Journey grams” on Valentine’s Day to students who pre-order. The “Journey grams” will include a copy of the magazine and a small gift from the Journey staff. Students who wish to pre-order should send an email to journeyassociate@gmail.com with their contact and schedule information. Journey magazines will be available in numerous locations on campus on Valentine’s Day. Primary locations include the FAMU Student Union, SJGC and Coleman Library. The official Journey magazine release party is scheduled for February 14 beginning at 10 p.m. at the Prime Time Sports Lounge.

For more information, follow at journey_mag on twitter. If you would like to become involved with Journey Magazine, send an email to journeyassociate@gmail.com.

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February 15, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law (COL) learned Thursday that it remains accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) after going through a routine accreditation process and must submit additional information to the ABA for consideration.

The ABA, as a result of the March 2012 site visit, has asked Interim President Larry Robinson and COL Dean LeRoy Pernell to submit the information by May 1, 2013. After receipt of that information, the committee will further consider the accreditation of the College of Law.

“I will work diligently with Interim Provost Rodner Wright and his team, including the dean of the COL, to address all of the ABA concerns,” said Robinson. “We will rely heavily on the expertise of the various members of our team in the ABA Accreditation Review process.”

FAMU received a report from the ABA Accreditation Committee. The report was based on a site evaluation conducted during a March 2012 visit by an ABA committee to the COL. The site team released a preliminary report in September 2012.

Since the release of the September preliminary report, the COL has been working to address the concerns cited by hiring additional staff and implementing new programs to prepare students for the bar exam. In addition, the COL has provided an additional level of professional development for faculty, revised promotion and tenure rules, enhanced advising processes and boosted recruitment efforts.

“We believe the new measures, as well as the addition of staff, will work to strengthen our program,” said Pernell, dean of the College of Law. “We will move forward with addressing the specific ABA concerns.”

According to Pernell, the College has a newly revamped position of associate dean for teaching and faculty development, which would prepare comparative and trend analysis of faculty teaching load, scholarship and service and evaluate classroom performance. Pernell has also fully staffed the offices of Student Services and Administration, and Bar Preparation and Academic Success. A national search is underway for a highly qualified director for the Law School Career Services Office. The College of Law has also reinstituted a third-year review of tenure-tracked faculty. This review is designed to provide a peer-driven assessment of a faculty member’s progress in teaching, scholarship and service.

A copy of the report is available at http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?OfficeOfCommunications&Report.

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President Barack Obama Appoints Alumna Althemese Barnes to National Museum and Library Services Board

Lyceum Series Presents Langston Hughes Ask Your Mama the Twelve Moods for Jazz

Justice James E. C. Perry to Keynote Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation

FAMU Names Earl Holmes 16th Head Football Coach

Researchers in the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences Receive Patent

FAMU Welcomes Nominations for 11th President

Simply Marvelous Wins Its 10th National Championship

New Anchors Announced for Spring 2013 FAMU TV 20 Newscast

FAMU Dean Serves on USDA Advisory Board

New Changes for Famuan and WANM-FM

Professor Selected as Member for the EPA Science Advisory Board

Alumnus Travis Williams to be featured in HBO Documentary

Creator of the Kwanzaa Holiday will Keynote Black History Convocation

FAMU Announces Collaboration with the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

FAMU Announces Hiring of Director of Judicial Affairs

Associate Professor Jennifer Cherrier Selected as a 2013 Leopold Leadership Fellows

FAMU Reopens National Search for a New Director of Marching and Pep Bands

FAMU Students to Participate at the National Model United Nations

Journey Magazine Produces its Third Issue of the Year

American Bar Association Releases Report on the College of Law