Archive for August 2011

FAMU law achieves largest enrollment in school history

The FAMU College of Law has achieved the largest enrollment in its history, with 721 students. This includes an entering class of 276 full-time day and part-time evening students.



During orientation, students had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the law school environment. Activities included preview classes, introductions to various law school departments, legal writing diagnostics, and an introduction to the legal profession during a panel discussion featuring area judges and attorneys. Comparable sessions are held to accommodate the 207 students in the full-time day program and the 69 students in the part-time evening program.



Students also participated in the Oath of Professionalism - a tradition which sets the standard for conduct at the FAMU College of Law. The Oath was administered by the Honorable James E.C. Perry, Florida Supreme Court Justice, to students participating in the day program, and by the Honorable Hubert Grimes, Circuit Judge Seventh Circuit, to evening program students.



The 2011 entering class brings an academic background that is as diverse as the FAMU College of Law, which has consistently been recognized by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top five "Most Diverse Law Schools in the Nation" since 2007 – achieving the top rank on three occasions.

Rattlers have depth at QB, RB positions

FAMU quarterbacks Coach Quinn Gray had lots to smile about last weekend as Austin Trainor and Damien Fleming (pictured) both turned in strong performances during the Rattlers' annual Orange and Green game. Backed by solid support from the runningback crew, they lead the Green Team to a 74-0 victory.



Trainor completed six passes out of an attempted nine with one interception and one TD pass. Flemming passed for 132 yards with a pair TDs passes as he was perfect completing seven passes in seven attempts.



Overall, the Green Team racked up 517 yards of total offense, scoring seven TDs on the ground and three through the air.



Trainor and Fleming's efforts were backed up by the hard-charging Green Team runningbacks.



James Owen led the Green Team's ground attack as he rushed for 114 yards on five carries and scoring three TDs as he scored from 17 yards out, 42 yards out and 38 yards. In addition, he also had one TD reception on a 12-yard pass from Austin Trainor. Eddie Rocker also accounted for a pair of TDs for the Green team as he scored from 12yards out and five yards out. He finished the game with 26 yards rushing on four carries.



Dane James and Lavante Page both scored a TD each for the Green team as James scored on a 51-yard scamper and Page scored on a four-yard run.

Brogan’s embrace of Rick Perry reforms good for his future, bad for Florida’s

Frank Brogan seems to be banking on Rick Perry to win the GOP presidential nomination and is now pushing higher education reforms that will make the Texas governor happy. Brogan’s decision could be good for own political future, but is bad news for the State University System of Florida (SUS).

WCTV-6 reports that Brogan has met with Gov. Rick Scott to discuss implementing public university reforms that Perry supports. Perry’s plan for overhauling Texas’ state universities comes from the “Seven Solutions” proposal of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a conservative think tank.

TPPF wants wants to change public university tenure systems to emphasize teaching over research. It calls for professors to be paid based upon the number of students they teach each semester.

Advocates of the University of Texas, Austin and Texas A&M University are afraid that the reforms will harm their national reputations and research programs.

There are also fears that TPPF’s proposed shakeup of the tenure requirements is nothing but a first step toward ultimately destroying the tenure system altogether. The Tea Party group FreedomWorks, led by Rick Perry supporter and former Texas Congressman Dick Armey, wants tenure eliminated. Armey thinks the “merit pay” reforms he and Perry used to destroy tenure in Texas' public K-12 schools should be adopted in state universities.

“Taxpayers should not be forced to write a blank check for tenured professors to do as they please,” Armey said in an opinion piece featured on the TPPF website. “Gov. Perry and I have both recommended free market reforms that would tie school funding to academic results. Gov. Perry has successfully enacted merit pay for K-12 public schooling; a similar system for higher education would likely boost the rankings of our colleges and universities nationwide.”

Gov. Scott signed tenure-killing “merit pay” legislation for Florida’s K-12 schools back in March.

Brogan appears to be falling in line with Perry and Scott.


“One of the things I said to the governor is much of what you saw in Texas was that it moved very quickly," Brogan to WCTV-6.” Here in Florida, we are starting the conversations on some of these very important issues and bringing the people in higher education to the table to have those conversations with us.”

It is tough to believe Brogan could seriously think that weakening tenure would make the SUS more competitive. Other state higher education systems are already laughing at Florida for making budget cuts that are driving many top research professors away.

Two years ago, then-University of North Carolina President Erskine Bowles told a group of Florida business leaders who paid him a visit that: “my office is being flooded with resumes from your best scientists and researchers. We’re going to hire them away from your universities unless you get your act together in Florida.”

If tenure dies, FAMU will not be exempt from the painful effects. It could see many of its best research faculty in areas such as pharmacy, physics, agriculture, engineering, computer science, and environmental science pack their bags, too.

Brogan has lots to gain by pleasing Perry. He could become a prime candidate for an appointment as U.S. secretary of education and be placed in charge of making all states conform to Perry’s reform agenda.

But Brogan shouldn’t be counted out of the GOP “veepstakes,” either. The Republican Party needs Florida to win in 2012. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio is considered a prime contender for the VP nod, but has some big problems. He might not be able to deliver Florida in a general election. Rubio won his Senate seat in a three way contest and probably would not have been the victor in a one-on-one race against then-Gov. Charlie Crist. His hard Right Wing position on immigration could actually make it harder for the GOP to rebuild support among Hispanic voters. This means Brogan could have a chance.

If Brogan were truly dedicated to looking out for the SUS, he would be lobbying for a special legislative session to override Scott’s Public Education Capital Outlay vetoes instead of doing everything he can to get Perry’s approval. The SUS chancellor’s office is not on the side of Florida’s public universities.

FAMU and FSU to collaborate on new dental school

The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine is prepared to work collaboratively with a future FAMU College of Dental Medicine.

FSU Medical School Dean John P. Fogarty says his college is interested in sharing facilities such as its anatomy dissection laboratory and Clinical Skills and Simulation Center with the FAMU dental school. He added that FSU medical faculty could also participate in the College of Dental Medicine’s early basic science curriculum. Both of those collaborative efforts would reduce FAMU’s overhead costs.

“I believe that we share a common vision to produce clinicians for the underserved here in Florida, particularly in the panhandle,” Fogarty wrote in a letter of support for FAMU’s dental school proposal.

Fogarty also said that FSU could pipeline undergraduate minority baccalaureate recipients into FAMU’s dental program, which would pump tuition dollars into the new college.

FSU is not the only state university that submitted a supportive letter for inclusion in FAMU’s dental school proposal. University of Florida (UF) Provost Joseph Glover also offered some favorable comments.

“We do not believe that establishment of this new College would impinge on the educational programs currently in place at the UF College of Dentistry (although we are concerned about potential dilution of state funding for dental education),” Glover wrote. “Its establishment would increase the pool of trained dentists in the state.”

View Dean Fogarty and Provost Glover’s letters after the jump.






FAMU to offer athletics webcasts for a fee

The FAMU Department of Athletics will begin streaming selected Rattler sports events live this year under the "Rattler Vision" banner as a pay-per-view subscription service.  Rattler Vision will replace the previously free FAMCAST sports broadcast.  Five football games are slated to be broadcast this season.



Vantage Media will produce the broadcast under contract with the Rattler Boosters. The football contests against Fort Valley State, Southern University, Delaware State, Howard University, and North Carolina A&T are all on the broadcast schedule. Road match-ups against Savannah State and North Carolina Central might be added, as well.



A select number of basketball and volleyball games will be available, too.



The prices are $7.95 for a single game, $8.95 for a month, $24.95 for four months and $59.95 for a full year. Fan can sign up at www.famuathletics.com. Subscribers will also have access to weekly press conferences and special programming.

Common to kick off FAMU's Lyceum Series

FAMU alumnus and Grammy Award-winning rapper Common will return to his alma mater on September 28, 2011 to kick off the 2011-2012 Lyceum Series.



Known as the King of Conscious Hip Hop, Common will serve as a guest lecturer for the affair discussing his book titled One Day It’ll All Make Sense, which explores his upbringing and family relationships.



Common is considered one of music’s most poetic and respected lyricists. His introspective lyrics have pushed boundaries with their biting social commentary.



In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, which is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in the United States. Common also offers a younger generation a better understanding of self-respect and love, utilizing the cultural relevance of hip hop in the children’s books he has written. The first children’s book, titled The MIRROR and ME, teaches lessons of life, the human spirit and human nature. His follow-up book, I Like You But I Love Me, was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and his third book, M.E. (Mixed Emotions), was released in 2008.



In January 2007, the rapper crossed over into movies and made his acting debut in the movie Smokin’ Aces. Subsequently, he starred opposite Queen Latifah in Just Wright, and co-starred in movies, American Gangster, Street Kings, Wanted and others.



Whether inspiring audiences through his music, his books, or his foundation, Common continues to break new ground, and remains one of hip hop’s most innovative and positive voices.

FAMU, B-CU working to address fan concerns about Florida Classic

FAMU President James H. Ammons says plans are underway to ensure major improvements to the Florida Classic weekend.



For years, many fans have asked for better parking, more restroom facilties, expanded shuttled services, and additional family activities around the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. According to Ammons, these concerns will be addressed by a consortium of officials from Florida Citrus Sports, the City of Orlando and Orange County.



"Both universities and Florida Citrus Sports are committed to making the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic weekend one of the safest, most fun-filled experiences our fans can have," Ammons said. "To accommodate that, the lines of communication between those running the game and the fans is key and we believe this promotion is just another extension of that. We are listening to what the fans want, and we want to hear what they love about this great game and the surrounding events."

Renovations make Sampson, Young as good as new

Yesterday, FAMU released photos of the newly renovated Sampson and Young Halls. The two buildings have brand new furniture, carpet, floor tiles, and paint jobs. They also have new electrical wiring, fire sprinklers, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.



On September 19, 2010, Rattler Nation broke the news that FAMU had received a $700,000 federal grant to help renovate Sampson. University officials secured bonds to cover the rest of the costs associated with bringing Sampson and Young up to code.



Sampson and Young's reopening will add 208 beds to campus, bringing FAMU's total to 2,692. Residents of the two dormitories will live in close proximity to the Student Services building, Coleman Library, and Bragg Memorial Stadium.


Sylvester proud to represent Orange & Green in NFL

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Atlanta Falcons beat blog recently interviewed FAMU's Philip Sylvester about his transition into the pro ranks. Sylvester told the newspaper that FAMU's strong College of Engineering and recruiting program helped him decide to become a Rattler.



From the AJC's "Meet the Rookies" series:



Early in training camp, Falcons coach Mike Smith singled out the speedy running back Philip Sylvester for praise.



The former Florida A&M Rattler was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent after the lockout was lifted. Here’s bio from FAMU. He sings in the choir at his church so I know the veterans had a good time during his performance.



Q: How’s camp been going for you?



A: It’s been going good. I’m just trying to learn from the vets like [Jason] Snelling and Michael Turner. It’s been a real good experience.



Q: How did you end up at Florida A&M?



A: They were one of the school’s that recruited me. They had my major. It was a good choice to stay in-state, too.



Q: What was your major?



A: Civil Engineering. I have 20 more credits to graduate.



Q: What other teams were interested in you after the draft?



A: The Dolphins, the Titans and a few more teams that I can’t recall.



Read the full interview here.

Stars emerge during scrimmage

During Saturday's scrimmage, Coach Joe Taylor told his players that he wants to see game-level intensity on the practice field.



“We have just two weeks left to prepare for the game,” Taylor told the gridders. “That is why we have the officials here as well, so we can practice like we'll play during the game. We need all four cylinders of our team working. We've worked hard at the first three since January, now we need you guys to perform when the curtain goes up.”



A number of players took the coach’s words to heart and turned in standout performances on Satuday.



With the departure of two lock down corners, All-American Qier Hall and NFL draftee Curtis Holcomb, defensive back Marvin Ross seems primed to pick up the slack. Ross made two big hits and picked off a pass during the scrimmage, returning it for a TD.



Projected starter Eddie Rocker was solid as a blocker. Al Terek McBurse also showed some explosiveness in the middle, scoring the first touchdown for the Rattlers' No.1 offense. Jordan Stanley and James Owens both got quality carries.



Fullback Ronald "Moose" Jackson made several big blocks and made an impressive touchdown in goal line situation, carrying several defenders into the end zone with him.



On defense, the front line of Brandon Davis, Padric Scott and Jerry Willis seems poised for a strong season. The linebacker corps also has lots of depth with Brandon Hepburn, Alvis Graham, Alphonso Walker, Justin Davis, Kelvin Nelson and Mike Ducree.



After two years of the same starters at corner, John Ojo showed that he was able to provide the backup that defensive backs need. Ojo made several big plays and nearly made an interception during the scrimmage from the safety position.



On special teams, Trevor Scott made all of his field goals. His final boot was good for 49-yards.



All-MEAC punter Brandon Holdren had a decent day, but fell short of what will be expected of him come game day. Special teams coach Juan Vasquez said Holdren needs to relax and do what comes naturally.

FAMU sees recruiting, low tuition as keys to producing more Medicaid dentists

If approved by state officials, FAMU's future College of Dental Medicine will use a targeted recruitment program and a low tuition rate to help enroll students who are likely to open practices in rural counties and treat Medicaid patients.



Recruitment



The university’s detailed proposal for a College of Dental Medicine directly addresses the findings of a recent Board of Governors study that pointed out that Florida’s “low Medicaid reimbursement rates are the primary reason that dentists do not participate in the Medicaid program and, in turn, provide care to rural, poor, and minority populations.”



Florida Medicaid is the primary payer for oral health services for the state’s poor citizens. Statistics cited in FAMU’s proposal show that “fewer than 15 percent of Florida dentists treat Medicaid patients.”



FAMU’s dental school will tackle this problem by recruiting most of its students “from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds (low-income families and underrepresented minorities).” The students will also receive the majority of their clinical education in Florida’s rural counties. According to the proposal: “Graduates are much more likely to practice in rural community clinics and private practices and serve more disadvantaged patients, if they are raised and trained in these communities.”



The proposal adds that the “lack of diversity is a significant problem in meeting the oral health needs of Florida’s diverse population. For example, 40 percent of African-American dentists see significant numbers of Medicaid patients compared to 11 percent of White dentists. The workforce needs to reflect the diversity of the population it serves.”





Low tuition



High student loan debt is another problem that discourages Florida's dentists from accepting Medicaid patients. Practicioners are under pressure to keep up with their large, monthly repayments.



FAMU will address this issue by charging an in-state tuition rate of about $27,000 per year, which is lower than the state's two current dental schools. 40 percent of that tuition revenue from will go toward student financial aid.



For the 2010-2011 school year, the University of Florida College of Dentistry is charging $30,936 for in-state students. Nova Southeastern's dental program carries a $48,450 in-state price tag.



The University of Central Florida has also unveiled a proposal for a dental school that will not require public funding, which will make it heavily dependent on tuition revenue for its operating costs. UCF plans to charge in-state students $55,675 per year.



Reducing Florida's dependency on Medicaid dentists trained out-of-state



The ongoing shortage of Medicaid dentists has led Florida to recruit more practitioners from out-of-state. In 2008, former Gov. Charlie Crist signed a bill that changed the state’s licensure requirements to allow licensed dentists from other states to work in health care settings that serve some of Florida's most vulnerable citizens.



“By increasing the number of dentists eligible to practice in our state, we can help give children, adults and seniors the dental care that is so important for their overall health,” Crist said.



FAMU's College of Dental Medicine will help Florida become less dependent on Medicaid practicioners who are trained by out-of-state schools.

Alumnus selected as Brigadier General in the Florida National Guard

FAMU alumnus Colonel Michael Calhoun was recently promoted to the position of brigadier general in the Florida National Guard.



“Colonel Calhoun is a superb leader who is commanding his second brigade-level organization,” said Major General Emmett R. Titshaw Jr. “He is highly deserving of this promotion.”



Calhoun enlisted into the Florida National Guard in August of 1977, following college graduation, and subsequently received a direct appointment into the Medical Service Corps in July 1989. He holds a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from FAMU and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.



Calhoun’s assignments include command of the 856th Quartermaster Battalion (Water); the 53rd Infantry Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion; the 211th Regiment, Regional Training Institute (RTI-FL); the Commander, 50th Area Support Group; and he is currently commanding the 83rd Troop Command.



Calhoun’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Florida Distinguished Service Medal, the Alabama Commendation Medal, and the Mississippi State Emergency Medal. In 2008, Colonel Calhoun was the Army National Guard’s recipient of the Department of Defense African American History Month Recognition Award for his contributions to the Global War on Terrorism.



Calhoun is a registered consultant pharmacist. He and his wife, Sophia, a case manager with Good Samaritan Hospital, have one son, Evan, who currently attends FAMU.

Rattlers to make five TV appearances

The MEAC has released its 2011 football broadcast schedule, which has the Rattlers slated to make three (3) appearances on the ESPN brand of networks. Combined with other television appearances the Rattlers will be seen five times on television in 2011.



The Rattlers have their television debut on Thursday, September 8, against Hampton University in Hampton, Va., on ESPNU. Then will face the University of South Florida Bulls in Tampa, Sept. 17, on the Brighthouse Network, before taking on Southern University the following week in the Atlanta Football Classic on the Versus network on Sept. 24th.



The Rattlers return to ESPNU on Oct. 22, to take on the Bulldogs of South Carolina State at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg. The Rattlers will close out the regular season against arch-rival Bethune-Cookman University in the Florida Classic in Orlando. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Classic.

Universities Prepare Dental School Pitches



Florida A&M University and the University of Central Florida are poised to ask the State University System governing board for permission to start a dental school – despite a recent health department report that questions whether there is a need for more dentists.



Last week, in preparation for a September board meeting, both submitted formal requests with the Board of Governors to start new dental schools. These requests are pitting several universities against each other in the quest to lure dental school students and research dollars.



Both face what could be an up hill battle. The Board of Governors has been studying the issue for months and last month it staff said there are enough dentist in Florida.






There is widespread agreement that more dentists are needed in rural Florida, but dentists are reluctant to locate there, in part because of low Medicaid reimbursement rates and the attraction of large, urban centers.



With Florida strapped for cash and reducing money to state universities, the University of Central Florida's exhaustive 212-page pitch starts with the promise that it won't require any state funding.



"If I had to say one thing about this project it is that it will be developed, constructed and operated with no state money," said UCF spokesman Grant Heston.



An anonymous donor has agreed to give the university $10 million for a dental school, with the rest of the cost paid for with a loan and, eventually, tuition and fees paid for by students.



UCF plans to charge $55,675 a year in tuition to its four-year dental program, the proposal says, and expects to open as soon as 2014, and graduate classes of nearly 100 students each year.



FAMU plans to charge $28,000 a year in tuition, with nearly 40 percent going toward scholarships. FAMU would also rely on a $10 million annual operating support from the state, and funding to construct a dental school building. In return, FAMU intends to provide direct dental services to as many 100,000 Florida residents in the state's rural and under served areas each year. These services could help the state save tens of millions in health care costs and help improve the overall quality of life for Florida residents.



Florida has two dental schools already.



The University of Florida runs a dental school, as does private school Nova Southeastern University. In addition, the Lake Erie College of Medicine also plans to open a dental school in Fall 2012 in the Tampa area.



The University of Florida isn't enthusiastic about the idea of more dental school competition.



In its own request to the board, UF has put forward a competing proposal. It wants the state to appropriate nearly $4 million to expand its dental school and offer more minority scholarships.



In its request, UF argued that adding new dental schools likely wouldn’t help solve the issue of the lack of dentists in rural areas, and at best would be an expensive remedy.



One reason universities are eager to open dental schools is that they are seen as moneymakers. For instance, the University of Central Florida projects that only four years into the program, it would net a profit. By the tenth year, the university would make $11.2 million off of its dental school, with none of the revenue coming from the state.



Some of that funding comes from tuition and fees, and some from the student clinic and research grants.



But UF suggests this budget may be too optimistic.



The University of Florida said attracting those types of research dollars takes at least 10 years. The school also submitted its own operating budget as part of its proposal and without state funds it would operate at a loss.



There is also the question of whether Florida needs more dentists.



The state's Department of Health claims an estimated 3,054 new dentists will be added to Florida's work force every decade, in a report released this year. These new additions will more than offset any losses from dentists retiring or moving. And that doesn't even include data from the Lake Erie College of Medicine dental school.



The report does conclude, however, that dentists are needed in rural Florida. Most Florida dentists work in South Florida, leaving rural counties in the Panhandle and Central Florida underserved.



UCF argues it can help satisfy this demand for dentists in rural or underserved areas. Part of its pitch includes a promise to offer a dental clinic to low-income patients and a requirement that students volunteer their services in community clinics.



UCF's proposal comes armed with its own data to show there is a need for dentists.



It says the DOH report did not consider whether any dentists would die, or account for population growth. A UCF-sponsored study found that demand for new dentists ranges from 353 to 455 dentists per year between 2011 and 2015.



"The projected demand exceeds the 150 dentists currently produced by Florida dental schools," the UCF report notes. It also says that hundreds of "qualified applicants" are rejected each year for lack of space.



But the UCF proposal doesn't include loan forgiveness, or any other financial incentives to entice graduates into underserved areas.



Cesar Sabates, the head of the Florida Dental Association, who just by the way happens to be on the faculty of the UF Dental School, said he doesn't believe new dental schools will solve the problem of the lack of dentists in rural areas.



"We feel there is an adequate number of dentists in the state of Florida," Sabates said. "There is simply a maldistribution of dentists throughout the state."



He said there is currently a loan forgiveness program on the books that would encourage dental school students to open practices in rural areas, but that it has not been funded by the Legislature.



"Enhancing our current University of Florida program would be more cost-effective," Sabates said.




From the News Service of Florida

Vann signs with Bengals

Former FAMU All-American kick/punt returner Leroy Vann has signed with the Cincinnatti Bengals and is currently in Bengals camp.

Vann, spent last season with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League, where they won the 2010 Grey Cup, which is the league championship. Vann, started out last season with the San Francisco 49ers, before he was released.

While at FAMU, Vann was a sensational and record-setting punt and kick returner for the Rattlers. He had a knack for finding the crack and breaking open for big gains. He is one of only five players in NCAA FCS history to return both punts and kicks for over 1,000 yards in his career.

Vann had 58 career punt returns for 1,033 yards and eight TDs. He also returned 81 kickoffs for 1,973 yards and three TDs, giving him an NCAA career best 11 combined returns for touchdowns. He currently holds nine school and conference records, while tying a tenth. He owns five NCAA records, while tying for a sixth.

Vann was also a tough defensive player. He had 107 total tackles (74 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.

FAMU Head Football Coach Joe Taylor was not surprised at all to find out that Vann had been given the opportunity in the NFL again. "With all he did here, I knew that his career wasn't over. He kept his focus after the 49ers and went on to earn a Grey Cup. He did a great job of working hard toward his goal and staying active," Taylor said.

View Vann’s page on the Bengals website here.

FAMU Sports Hall of Fame to induct six

The 36th Annual FAMU Sports Hall of Fame program will induct six members in the Class of 2011 during enshrinement ceremonies Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.



This year's inductees are: FAMU President James H. Ammons (Supporter); William Campbell (Baseball); Eddie Cooper (Football); Clarence Hawkins (Football); Shaunta' Pelham (Track & Field); and Felix Williams (Football).



Ammons (2007-present) has been instrumental in the resurgence of FAMU Athletics throughout the past three years. Upon his appointment as university president in 2007, he provided the leadership and financial support necessary to remove FAMU from NCAA probation and raise the academic progress rate.



Campbell (Baseball • 1972-1976) is one of the all-time top infielders in Rattler baseball history. William "Soup" Campbell was also a team leader as well as a prime time competitor.



Cooper (Football • 1963-1969) is a 1967 graduate of FAMU, where he played free safety, starting three seasons. Cooper finished his career with 16 pass interceptions, playing for legendary coach Alonzo "Jake" Gaither.



Hawkins (Football • 1974-1977) was a versatile halfback and receiver, who finished his career among the all-time leading rushers in FAMU history. Hawkins helped lead Coach Rudy Hubbard's Rattlers to the school's last undefeated season, a national championship and two conference titles in his four seasons as a starter.



Pelham (Women's Track & Field • 1997-2002) was honored as the MEAC Outstanding Female Performer in 1999 and selected as the Most Valuable Sprinter and Most Outstanding Female Athlete for the Rattlers (2000 and 2002).



Williams (Football • 1971-1974) was a three-year starter at defensive back for the Rattlers from 1972 to 1974. He was honored as team captain in 1974. He was a two-time All-SIAC selection in 1973 and 1974, garnering Kodak Division II All-America honors in 1974.



Tickets for the event are on sale from the FAMU Athletic Ticket Office.



FAMU's weightless students return to earth

After testing their self-designed and constructed experiments on-board a gravity-defying aircraft, five students and a faculty member from FAMU were busy evaluating their data after experiencing weightlessness at NASA Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.



“This was a unique opportunity for a team from FAMU to work on a true interdisciplinary project, one that has relevance to NASA and the future of space exploration,” said Clement Allen, associate professor in FAMU’s Computer and Information Sciences. “The team brought together many skills — mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. This was a chance for them to understand how scientific and engineering problems are approached in the real world.”



This experiment was part of NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program (RGEFP), which gives teams of undergraduate students from across the nation the opportunity to propose, design, build, fly and evaluate a reduced gravity experiment. The team was selected from more than 70 proposals based on scientific merit and education outreach potential.



“I gained a whole lot from this experience,” said Obie Obakporo, a mechanical engineering student. “I was exposed to the multiple strenuous tests that engineers have to go through at the professional level. Consequently, it forced me to be extremely meticulous and thorough in every aspect of my work, to ensure the best chance of success for our experiment and guarantee a safe work environment. Although the work proved to be challenging and even tedious at times, the difficulty of each task only added to the gratification and satisfaction of achieving such an accomplishment ... having our experiment approved by NASA!”



The team tested their experiment aboard NASA’s “Weightless Wonder,” a microgravity aircraft that can produce periods of weightlessness lasting 18 to 25 seconds at a time by flying a series of about 30 parabolas – a steep climb followed by a free fall – over the Gulf of Mexico.



The student team flew its experiment, “Pseudo-Gravity Application for Autonomous Mobile Robot in a Microgravity Environment,” at Ellington Field. The experiment consisted of testing a robot that could create its own gravity in a weightless environment using a series of propellers, enabling the robot to remain grounded and traverse a surface even when there is reduced gravity. The team will issue a final report to NASA analyzing the experiment’s effectiveness, scientific findings and the conclusions that were drawn from the results.

FAMU to save $20M by adding two stories to Polkinghorne plans

FAMU will save $20M on the estimated cost of the new Polkinghorne Village by adding two floors to the apartment complex, making it a six story building. The total price should be approximately $43M, down from the original budgeted figure of $63M.

The two additional stories will shave costs by reducing the total number of buildings in the complex. That will generate even more savings by opening space to place the required storm water runoff controls on the property’s surface, as opposed to the more expensive option of using an underground system.

Polkinghorne, which has been closed since 2004, sits next to the Student Services Center and Bragg Memorial Stadium.

From DAG Architects:

The facility is intended to create a new campus gateway and promote positive patterns for future campus development. Based on a mixed use model, the design includes approximately 800 beds, several community rooms on each floor, and provides university use spaces at ground level.

Besides the spaces contained within the buildings, the buildings themselves shape a series of courtyard spaces culminating in a central plaza envisioned to become a hub of campus activities. These exterior spaces coupled with a large green space behind the dormitory provide great opportunities for student interaction and campus events.

Jennings continues power struggle against Ammons

The FAMU Board of Trustees could have inked an agreement to change President James H. Ammons’ guaranteed annual bonus into a performance-based incentive months ago. But the process was held up by former Chairman Bill Jennings’ decision to insist on two additional changes that he did not mention to fellow board members back at the September 23, 2010 meeting, when he first announced his intention to meet with Ammons and discuss “restructuring” the bonus clause.

At the recent August 4, 2011 meeting, Jennings confirmed that he had asked Ammons about changing the “super-majority” clause and “evergreen” status within his contract. Back at the September 23, 2010 meeting, Jennings only told the board about his plans to try and re-negotiate the bonus clause.

The super-majority clause require nine votes, rather than a simple majority of seven votes, to terminate the president’s contract without cause. The evergreen status automatically renews the current contractual agreement year-to-year.

While the three clauses under review may seem overly generous and favorable to Ammons, one must keep in mind that they were probably necessary to lure any decent president to FAMU following Castell Bryant and the highly dysfunctional boards led by Jim Corbin and Challis Lowe.

According to Jennings, Ammons told him that he is fine with changing his guaranteed annual bonus into a performance-based incentive. But there has been no agreement on the other two items. Jennings claimed that the president is “open” to further discussion about changing super-majority requirement and evergreen status.

Ammons remained silent as Jennings talked about the matter at the meeting.


The super-majority and evergreen issues probably would not have come up at the meeting had the chairmanship election gone differently. Before the August 4th Board Meeting, Rattler Nation learned that there was a strong possibility of a deal being cut to let Jennings keep his power as the chief negotiator and committee-of-one for reworking the presidential contract. All hope of that died once it became clear that Jennings ally and Vice-Chairman Richard A. Dent, III did not have enough support to be a competitive candidate for the chair position.

Karl White, another Jennings ally, introduced the motion to establish a board committee that would be charged with continuing discussions on changing the super-majority and evergreen status within the contract in addition to the bonus. The move ensured that new Chairman Solomon L. Badger, III would not assume Jennings’ former role as a committee-of-one to renegotiate Ammons’ contract. Or else, the super-majority and evergreen issues might have been dropped.

Even though Trustee Charles Langston was not at the most recent board meeting, Rattler Nation is hearing that he is solidly on board with Jennings, Dent, and White. Most of the other trustees are either neutral or skeptical about making changes on anything beyond the bonus clause.

Ammons is not the only president of a public, four-year degree-granting institution in Florida who has a super-majority requirement. Daytona State College President Carol Eaton also negotiated a super-majority clause in her employment agreement.

Jennings has shown a lack of objectivity on presidential contract matters during his years on the board. He has called for big changes in Ammons’ contract even though he never tried to change former Interim President Castell V. Bryant’s contract after it became clear she had received a bonus and raise primarily based on financial claims that turned out to be untrue. That led many Rattlers to openly wonder whether he and Castell were looking out for one another.

Time is running down for Jennings and his group of followers to get anywhere in what they are trying to do to Ammons. Jennings and Langston’s terms both end on January 6, 2013. Jennings already lost a big supporter when R.B. Holmes was booted off the board earlier this year. R.B. had joined Jennings in giving Ammons a hard time after the president accepted the resignation of Ronald Holmes, R.B.’s brother and the former superintendent of the Developmental Research School.

Ammons was right to insist on the super-majority clause when he was hired in 2007 and is wise not to let Jennings strong-arm him into giving them up. The governor’s office and Florida Board of Governors have a habit of dumping large numbers of low quality trustees on FAMU’s board that they would never consider appointing to any other public university. No other institution in the State University System has had to deal with trustees like Jim Corbin, Castell V. Bryant, Challis Lowe, R.B. Holmes, or Bill Jennings. That is why no other university board has ever been incompetent enough to let its school get on probation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

As long as FAMU continues to get people like Jennings on its board and trustees who are misguided enough to follow him, the super-majority clause and evergreen status should stay in place.

WCTV report: No arms and reaching for the stars



WCTV-6 Eyewitness News introduces Diamond Excell, a 21-year old FAMU psychology student who has not let the fact that she lacks arms get in the way of her goals. Excell uses her legs to eat, write, type, and drive.

Reeves honored at NNPA merit awards gala

FAMU alumnus Garth C. Reeves, The Miami Times’ newspaper publisher emeritus, was presented with the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) Legacy of Excellence Award for his many years of leadership during this year’s NNPA Merit Awards Gala.



The Miami Times, the oldest black-owned newspaper in the Southeast with 88 years of continuous publications, was awarded with the prestigious John B. Russwurm Award, indicating its position as the top black newspaper in the country.



The Miami Times took three first place and one second place award, including: the John H. Sengstacke General Excellence Award; the Ida B. Wells Best News Story, for a piece written by senior editor, D. Kevin McNeir; Best Church Page, written and coordinated by staff writer Kaila Heard and Stangetz Caines (production manager); and Best Entertainment Section, written and coordinated by McNeir and Mitzi Williams (graphic artist).



Miami Times Publisher Rachel J. Reeves recaptured the NNPA’s most respected and coveted award this year, the Russwurm Trophy, based on her publication winning the most points from among a potential 19 categories.



“I am very proud of my staff and all of their hard work,” Reeves said. “They continue to work very hard and to continue the legacy that my grandfather and father established and to which I am now equally dedicated — addressing issues that matter on the local front for the black community.”

Taylor and Fisher meet before the season

Coach Joe Taylor took time out of his schedule to film a video for VISIT Florida. Taylor and Florida State University head coach Jimbo Fisher both participated in the shoot.



After the shoot, the coaches met briefly to wish each other success on the season. Fisher encouraged Taylor, saying, "You all are doing a great job and my door is always open if you need anything."



Taylor replied "Thank you, and now that these preliminaries are over, we can get to doing what we love to do, which is coaching."



The two shared a hearty laugh.

Rattler Football Preview Magazine Out Soon

The first-ever preseason magazine dedicated to Florida A&M University Football is now available by mail order to Rattler football fans for $10 each.



The 100-page publication is loaded with information including features on the Rattler players and coaching staff, the world famous FAMU “Marching 100” Band, the Classic games, the MEAC and NCAA Division I



FCS, plus preseason rosters and depth charts.



The magazine can be had by sending a check or money order made payable to the Rattler Football Preview Magazine, to Post Office Box 6331, Tallahassee, Florida 32314.



Orders will begin shipping immediately on August 22.



Copies should also be available at select Tallahassee area retailers and through FAMU alumni chapters in late August.

76ers feature Johnson in Alumni Interview Series

FAMU Basketball Head Coach Clemon Johnson earned a coveted NBA Championship ring while playing with the Philadelphia 76ers. His former NBA team recently applauded him on his new coaching position in a feature published as part of its Alumni Interview Series.



From the 76ers official site:



Clemon Johnson was a back-up center/power forward who arrived in Philadelphia just in time to help them win the 1983 NBA Championship and remained with the Sixers for several more years. After nine seasons in the NBA, he played an additional five in Italy, where he won the Coppa Italia and Saporta Cup with Bologna in 1990. Following his professional career, he taught high school economics and coached basketball in Tallahassee. He served as head coach at University of Alaska Fairbanks for the previous four seasons and was named head coach at Florida A&M in May of this year.



Sixers.com: Congrats on recently being named head coach at Florida A&M. How happy are you to return to sunny Florida after coaching in Alaska for a few years?



Clemon Johnson: I’m overjoyed at the opportunity to come back to Florida A&M University and to the Tallahassee area, which is my home. I’m excited to be able to coach and try to assist the young guys to have the success I had when I played at Florida A&M University.



S.C: Obviously getting your first Division I coaching gig is a huge milestone, but does it mean that much more getting to coach your alma mater?



CJ: It means more to me to come back and coach at Florida A&M University than to go anywhere else. I honestly think the chance to start my D-1 career here is the most joyful moment I could have.



Read the full interview here.

FAMU named a "Best in the Southeast College"

FAMU was named one of the best colleges in the Southeast by The Princeton Review. It is one of 134 institutions The Princeton Review recommends in its “Best in the Southeast” section of its website feature, “2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region.”



“We're pleased to recommend Florida A&M University to users of our site as one of the best schools to earn their undergrad degree,” said Robert Franek, The Princeton Review's senior vice president and publisher. “We chose it and the other terrific institutions we name as ‘regional best' colleges mainly for their excellent academic programs.”



The 134 colleges and universities The Princeton Review chose for its "Best in the Southeast" designations are located in twelve states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The Princeton Review also designated 220 colleges in the Northeast, 153 in the Midwest, and 121 in the West as best in their locales on the company’s “2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region” lists. Collectively, the 629 colleges named “regional best(s)” constitute about 25 percent of the nation's 2,500 four-year colleges.



“It is an honor to be named as one of the best colleges in the southeast by The Princeton Review,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “At Florida A&M University, we continue to strive for excellence while providing a first-class education for our students. We take pride in this recognition, and will continue to build on our reputation as one of the nation's premier institutions of higher learning.”



From several hundred schools in each region, The Princeton Review winnowed its list based on institutional data collected directly from the FAMU, visits to schools over the years and the opinions of its staff, plus college counselors and advisors.



“We also take into account what students at the schools reported to us about their campus experiences at them on our 80-question student survey for this project,” Franek said. “Only schools that permit us to independently survey their students are eligible to be considered for our regional 'best' lists.”



This past April, FAMU was selected as one of The Princeton Review’s “311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition.” The university was the only historically black college or university (HBCU) to make the list, which focused solely on colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

Alum named Florida's 2012 Teacher of the Year

For FAMU alumnus Alvin Aureliano Davis, there is no greater or more honorable profession than being a teacher. Davis, a music teacher at Miramar High School in Broward County, describes education as the cornerstone of the “American Dream” and teachers have the rewarding opportunity to not only make a difference, but also change lives.



Davis’ commitment to his craft has not gone unnoticed. In July, he was named the 2012 Macy’s Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year.



“It is an honor and humbling experience to be chosen by my peers and fellow educators to be their voice for the next year,” Davis said. “People forget sometimes that educators are preparing generations not to just appreciate and imbibe a liberal art, but learn how to live and be successful in whatever becomes their chosen profession. We are preparing students to be the leaders, doctors, CEOs and even presidents of tomorrow.”



Each year is a new and exciting adventure in Davis’ classroom at Miramar High School. As a music educator for the past 11 years and current director of bands at Miramar High School, he believes that it is not enough to just teach music, he believes it is his duty to reinforce the skills learned in other classes to not only to achieve in his classroom, but in life. By actively encouraging students and keeping them engaged on obtainable goals, his students find success that permeate the entire classroom, which not only creates high moral standards and quality of character, but musical and academic achievement. Davis said he makes sure that his students receive one-on-one counseling to ensure that a successful academic pathway has been set for each of his students.





“He was a great teacher and when it came to music and school, he meant business,” said James Alcine, a 2008 Miramar High School graduate and one of Davis’ former students. “Mr. Davis cares about us and really wants what’s best for the students. To this day, he continues to push us and asks, ‘How is school going?’ or ‘How are your grades?’ He really deserves this recognition.”



Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in music in 2000 from FAMU and was a member of the Marching “100” during his time at the university.



“’Excellence With Caring!’” Those simple three words describe my experience at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” he said. “Under the leadership of Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White, I had the opportunity to be a member of the incomparable Marching “100” where the simple yet important ideals that resonate through the historic walls of the Foster-Tanner Complex were imbedded into my persona.”



White, FAMU’s director of bands, said Davis was one of the finest students he has ever taught.



“Alvin was a very fine student when he was at Florida A&M University,” said White, FAMU director of bands. “He was very scholarly. I was proud to have him as a student. After he graduated, he blossomed. He really cared for the students— not just musically but academically and personally. His care and concern for the total student is why I believe he was named teacher of the year.”



Davis was selected from thousands of public school instructors for his outstanding teaching skills and was awarded $10,000 from Macy’s and an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He will also serve as an ambassador to education, representing teachers throughout the state and conducting workshops and conference during a sabbatical year of service.



“Due to the award, I will be taken away from the classroom for a year to be the Florida Department of Educations’ ambassador for education,” Davis said. “ I am sure my students will miss me; however, I now have the opportunity to make a difference on a larger scale.”

Great grandmother earns master's degree

In August 2008, Juanita Isom, 69, was encouraged by her daughter, Leesa, to go back to school and attain her master’s degree in history. After the death of her daughter, just two months later, Isom continued and earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern University. On Friday, August 5, she earned her master’s degree from FAMU in a field she and her daughter both loved, history.



“When we started this, Leesa said, ‘Mama, don’t quit! Promise me that you will keep going,” Isom said. “We weren’t thinking anything was going to happen to her. After she passed away, I could have done a lot of things, but I didn’t. I had to keep my promise to her. She told me to go as far as I could go.”



Last week, Isolm joined the more than 450 candidates who walked across the stage in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium during FAMU’s 2011 Summer Commencement Ceremony. Isom kept the promise she once made to Leesa —she earned her master’s degree in history this summer.





The mother of four was born in Tampa, Fla. At the age of 11, she said, is when education really took a front seat into her life. Her foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Charles Monford, were two of her biggest inspirations. In the early 1960s, she and her husband moved to New Orleans, La., where she worked as a nurse for 35 years.



“My family has always stressed education and that you are never too old to achieve your goals,” Isom said. “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a nurse. My grandmother was a diabetic and I would love to give her shots and take care of her. As I went on, history grew on me.”



Isom, who had interned with the Meek-Eaton Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum, said she has met some great people during her years at the university. From her church family, to the teachers and the students, she thanks the historically black institution for its friendly atmosphere. She added that the young people seemed to be drawn to her and would ask questions about morals, principles and other advice.



“The students are very nice and respectful,” said Isom. “I was sitting outside Tucker Hall one day and a group of young boys walked by. One had used a little profanity. After he and his friends saw me, he came over and apologized and hugged me. He said, ‘I am so sorry; I will do better.’”



Isom plans to go back to New Orleans “to rest and recuperate for awhile.” Following that, she hopes to work part time in archival and museum management.



In her spare time, she enjoys reading books by Helen Steiner Rice, sewing and restoring antiques.



For those who do not believe that college may be right for them, Isom suggests they just give it a try.



“They should give it their all,” said the grandmother of 12. “Once they do that, they will know ‘This is what I need to be doing.’ Education is the key for African-American children. They need to keep going as far as they can. If they are not educated, then they are not going to make it.”

Detailed dental school proposal en route to BOG

The FAMU Board of Trustees unanimously approved a detailed proposal to offer a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at FAMU. This proposal now goes before the Florida Board of Governors for consideration.

The proposal addresses the need for a new college of dental medicine in Florida and addresses the disparities regarding access to dental services, workforce diversity, dental education models, including operating and capital costs, and plans for creating a College of Dental Medicine.

Last week, the trustees heard from President James H. Ammons, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Hughes Harris, Donald Palm, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs at FAMU, and Howard Bailit, the consultant for the project who is professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and former chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy at Columbia University.

Bailit noted during his presentation the community-based model would place students in community clinics and in real care systems, where the students would gain more clinical experience. The faculty would teach and practice in the clinics. According to Bailit, this model is less expensive than the traditional model, where students gain experience in teaching labs.

Balit emphasized that this model will have a positive impact on providing dental services, especially in the rural communities. The proposal envisions that a large number of potential students would be from disadvantaged, low-income families, rural communities and underrepresented minorities. The proposal also addresses estimated costs of the College and potential funding opportunities.



Because of its innovative, community-based clinical education model, the College of Dental Medicine will require much less State support than traditional schools. An annual operating subsidy of about $10.3M will be needed. This is substantially less than state support for dental schools of this size nationally and in Florida.

The next step in the approval process is the submission of the proposal to the Florida Board of Governors at its next meeting in September 2011.

Lady Rattler spikers picked to win Southern Division

The Lady Rattlers were picked as the preseason favorites in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) southern division for the second consecutive year.

FAMU held a 7-1 conference record and 12-15 overall record in 2010.

The Lady Rattlers welcome back two key returnees in junior outside hitter Pamela Barrera and sophomore outside hitter Katherine Huanec. Barrera led her team with a .253 hitting percentage while averaging 2.20 kills per set. Huanec, a member of the 2010 MEAC All-Tournament team, ranked third in the MEAC in points per game (3.22) and averaged 3.07 kills per set.

FAMU preparing for $9.1M state funding cut

During a Board of Trustees Committee meeting, FAMU President James H. Ammons provided an update on how the university would account for a 10 percent reduction if implemented for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The Governor’s Office and Florida Legislature have asked state agencies and universities to identify recurring budget reductions that can be made for the fiscal year 2012-2013 in an event that budget reductions are necessary. 



“The reduction should total at least 10 percent of the 2011-2012 recurring revenues which is $7,858,247 and 10 percent for recurring trust funds or lottery which amounts to $1,195,588,” said Ammons. “All reductions should be recurring, program/issue specific and cannot be across-the-board percentage reductions. All programs must be fully evaluated. As you are well aware, any reductions to our budget will require looking even closer at each and every unit on campus.”

Ammons also told board members that reductions of this magnitude would again require a layoff of personnel. The other possibilities, he said, include looking at combining or eliminating functional areas, reviewing non-academic/non-credit generating units, analyzing the next level of low productivity programs with the goal of cutting total programs and seeking alternative arrangements for students to complete their degrees at other institutions. 


“Such cuts may have to be “deep” and would also interfere with enrollment goals,” said Ammons. “Nothing is off the table. However, any potential reduction will harm recruitment of the best and brightest students and the retention of great faculty. We would eliminate current less than critical vacancies within each administrative and academic unit, and consider additional administrative cuts, across the university, with an accompanying increase in shared resources.”

FAMU has been asked to send this information to the Board of Governors by August 19, 2011.

Jennings loses negotiating role, replaced by committee

Yesterday, the FAMU Board of Trustees brought an abrupt end to former Chairman Bill Jennings’ powerful role as a committee-of-one in charge of negotiating changes to President James H. Ammons’ contract. The board voted to create a more open process by establishing a committee of multiple trustees to propose and review modifications to Ammons’ contract, including the bonus clause.

New Chairman Solomon L. Badger, III will appoint the committee.

The bonus clause approved by trustees in 2007 currently states: “Based upon his achievement of annual goals and objectives…Dr. Ammons shall receive an annual performance bonus. It is intended that said annual performance bonus shall be in the range of 25% to 35% of the annual base salary.”

Trustees voted to honor the existing bonus clause for the past 2009-2010 fiscal year by granting Ammons a bonus at the 25 percent ($81,000) minimum level permitted by the employment agreement. The motion to approve the bonus noted that it was not a reflection on Ammons’ performance but a response to the university's tight budget.

Ammons told the trustees that he is ready to work with the contract revision committee. "I look forward to reviewing the work of the board," he said.

Before the chairmanship election, Rattler Nation learned that there was a strong possibility of a deal being cut to let Jennings keep his power as the chief negotiator and committee-of-one for reworking the presidential contract. All hope of that died once it became clear that Jennings ally and Vice-Chairman Richard A. Dent, III did not have enough support to be a competitive candidate for the chair position.

Dent was visibly unhappy after the elections even though his fellow board members let him save face by permitting him to keep the vice-chairmanship. He avoided eye contact with other trustees for much of the rest of the meeting, tried to cut Badger short on a couple of occasions, and gave Badger a brief lecture about the proper way to proceed with the agenda. Badger remained cool and just went on with the order-the-of business.

Trustees rebuff Jennings, elect Badger chairman

FAMU trustees used today’s chairmanship election to send a clear message that the majority of the board wants to leave Bill Jennings and the legacy he represents in the past. The election of Solomon L. Badger, III as the new chairman put an end to the threat of Jennings remaining in charge behind-the-scenes.

It became apparent shortly before the Board of Trustees meeting that Jennings’s close ally Richard A. Dent, III did not have enough support to be a competitive candidate for the top job despite the fact that he was vice-chairman.

Trustees still let Dent and Jennings save face. Dent was permitted to hang on to the vice-chairmanship. Jennings was given a long congratulatory resolution that omitted his past role in protecting individuals such as Ronald Holmes and Castell V. Bryant.

Prior to his election as chairman, Badger led the board’s academic affairs committee. He is currently retired from a 36-year career in higher education that included appointments as a community college counselor, campus dean of student affairs, and district dean of student affairs. Badger is a two-time FAMU graduate, having earned bachelor's and master's degrees from FAMU in 1963 and 1969, respectively. He is also an Air Force veteran.

Gore Education Center renovations underway

The long awaited renovations to the Gore Education Center are underway. When completed, the 71,366 SF facility will boast upgraded classrooms, labs and teaching spaces with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

In addition, the defunct Teaching Pool at the Gaither Athletic Campus will be completely refurbished.

Back in 2007, Sen. Alfred “Al” Lawson steered $8,301,606 into FAMU’s budget to help remodel the Gore Education Complex. That was followed by another $5,600,000 in 2008. Both appropriations came from Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) dollars.

The renovations are expected to be completed by August 2012. You can a get glimpse of what the finished product should look like
here.

Rattlers schedule Hurricanes for 2014 and 2016

The Rattler gridders will head back to Miami Gardens to face the Hurricanes on September 6, 2014 and September 10, 2016.

Miami holds an 8-1 all-time record in the series. The Rattlers edged out the Hurricanes 16-13 in Tallahassee in 1979.

The Hurricanes won 48-16 in 2009 and 45-0 in 2010. FAMU reportedly took home a total of $1.2M from those two games, earning $600,000 from each matchup.

Roussell named DNC national press secretary

Melanie Roussell, a 2001 graduate of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC), has been named the National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for the upcoming presidential election cycle.

The honors graduate begins her new assignment this week. In addition to serving as chief spokesperson, she will help direct the rapid response unit for the committee.

“We are so proud Melanie has been entrusted with this responsibility,” said James Hawkins, dean of SJGC. “Melanie is an exceptionally talented person. It’s no surprise that her talents have earned the attention of the DNC.

Roussell was the committee’s Southern Regional Communications Director for Obama of America in 2008.

A native of New Orleans, La., Roussell received her M.A. in public communication from American University.

Last year, Roussell was a recipient of the FAMU Young Alumni Award for her significant career achievements.

FAMU planning major changes to Palmetto South

FAMU officials are currently surveying the Palmetto Street South apartments for potential renovations and new construction.

During the recent Board of Trustees retreat, President James H. Ammons stated that the university might demolish and rebuild the complex, entirely.

Palmetto Street South opened in 1993 and has a capacity of 360 students. The complex consists of consists of four three-story brick apartment buildings. Currently, they house both male and female students in separate buildings. Each apartment suite contains two or three bedrooms with kitchen, dining/living room, bathrooms, and storage closet.

A separate Commons Building within the complex includes a laundry, vending area, office, and recreation/TV room and computer lab with wireless Internet connections.

FAMU’s 2004 Student Housing Comprehensive Plan stated that Palmetto Street South is in need of upgrades to its HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. The piping and plumbing systems also need to be either upgraded or replaced.