Rattler Nation

FAMU receives high marks for affordability, high average starting salary of grads

2013-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

FAMU has been recognized by The College Database for providing high-quality education at an affordable price with graduates earning an average starting salary of $41,000. FAMU was ranked number four overall on the list among Florida schools. It is number two among State University System of Florida (SUS) schools.

The University of Florida took the number one spot in the SUS with an average starting salary of $46,200.

The College Database released its list of the top Florida colleges with the highest financial return on investment. The ten schools on the Florida list are being called the Florida 20-30 Club by College Database, which noted that these schools “are in an elite group that offer an annual tuition of less than $20,000 and an average starting salary for graduates of more than $30,000.”

This distinction stems from a new metric created by The College Database. Schools on the list have annual tuition rates below $20,000, and new graduates who earn more than $40,000 per year, on average.

“With the cost of college a concern for many families, it's important for students to find a school that produces successful, well-paid graduates,” said Matt Davis, managing director of communication and partnerships for The College Database. “It's equally important to recognize the colleges and universities that offer both quality and affordable post-secondary options.”

The College Database is a free, non-commercial website dedicated to providing current and future post-secondary students and their families with accurate and valuable college- and career-related information.

View the full ranking list here.

Four Lady Rattler track athletes named All-Americans

2013-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

From left: Ashley Ivey, Jasmine Smith, asst. coach Tiffiny Morrow, head coach Darlene Moore, Dynasty Jones and Nakia Linson.

The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its NCAA Division I All-Americans. The four members of the Lady Rattler 4x100m squad made the second team: Ashley Ivey, Jasmine Smith, Dynasty Jones, and Nakia Linson.

At the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 4x100m championship meet, the Lady Rattlers placed 12th in the country. They picked up additional bragging rights by edging out their conference rivals on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) squad. UMES narrowly defeated FAMU for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) 4x100m crown.

Linson, a junior sprinter from Tucker, Ga., also made second team All-American in the 200m dash. She additionally received an honorable mention for her performance in the 100m dash. Linson is the reigning MEAC champion in that event.

Head Coach Darlene Moore will return with very experienced team next season. Jones is the only student scheduled to graduate.

“This is my first time making it to the big dance during my four year career at FAMU. It was very fulfilling for me career-wise,” Moore said. “Although my main objective is to win a MEAC Championship as well, it is always a tremendous feat for your athletes to go to the NCAA and compete on the national stage…It was really a wonderful track experience for all of us and we’re looking forward to making it back next year.”

Alum endows scholarship to help FAMU Law students prepare for bar exam

2013-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

FAMU College of Law alumnus LaDray Gilbert, who grew up in the rural farm town of Malone, Fla., recently pledged $5,000 to the College of Law to assist graduates in preparing for the bar exam.

"I'm thankful to FAMU, the faculty and staff for giving me a chance to receive a legal education," expressed the 2009 graduate who returned home to Jackson County, Fla. after passing the Florida Bar exam the same year. After encountering limited career opportunities in Jackson County, he established The Gilbert Law Firm in 2009, making him the first African-American attorney to establish a practice in the area.

The Gilbert Bar Scholarship will be awarded to deserving FAMU College of Law students toward expenses incurred while preparing for the bar exam. Gilbert has already contributed $1,000 toward the pledged total.

The College of Law's first-time pass rate of the February 2013 Florida Bar Exam exceeded the state average for the first time in the school's history. At 82.6 percent, the College of Law bested five of the 11 schools reported, including Florida Coastal, Nova Southeastern and the University of Florida.

Gilbert wants to see the rate continue to rise.

"I've been where the current students are now, and I want to help them in any way I can as they prepare for the bar," said Gilbert, whose father, Johnnie L. Gilbert, assisted his son with the ceremonial presentation of the gift to the College of Law during a recent visit to Orlando, Fla.

Gilbert has also helped students in Jackson County receive more than $10,000 worth of scholarship funding. He serves as vice-baselius of the Upsilon Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and was founding president of the North West Florida Chapter of the FAMU Alumni Association. He was the youngest African-American to serve on the Board of Directors for Jackson County's Chamber of Commerce and Habitat for Humanity Boards. He currently serves as general counsel for the Jackson County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"My dad and late mother [Carnell Gilbert] expended all their resources to send me to school, and I want to give back to help others reach their goals," he said.

Happy Father's Day!

2013-06-16T00:16:00.002-04:00

Johnson and his NBA superstar friends ready to raise more money for FAMU hoops

2013-06-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Andrew Toney, Clemon Johnson, and Dr. J. at last year's Celebrity Golf Tournament

Clemon Johnson kicked off his first year as the Rattler men's head basketball coach in grand style with a Celebrity Golf Tournament.

The fundraising effort for the FAMU hoopsters, featured two of his former teammates from the 1983 NBA Champion Philadelphia 76ers. Julius "Dr. J" Erving and Andrew Toney flew to Tallahassee to tee off in support of Johnson’s team.

This year's Celebrity Golf Tournament is set to be bigger and better.

In addition to "Dr. J." and Toney, Johnson has invited "Sir" Charles Barkley, Moses "The Mailman" Malone, Artis Gilmore and former NFL All-Pro Quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

The tournament will take place on August 23 at the Southwood Golf Club. The weekend will also feature a pairings party and silent auction.

Registration information is available here.

Williams elected to lead Florida Legislative Black Caucus

2013-06-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week, the Florida Legislative Black Caucus elected Rep. Alan Williams, a FAMU alumnus, as its chairman. He succeeds Sen. Arthenia Joyner, another FAMU graduate.

Williams, who lives in Tallahassee, has been the representative for the 8th District since 2008. The 8th District covers Gadsden County and parts of downtown Tallahassee in Leon County.

Twenty-seven African American members of the Florida Legislature currently make up the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

Williams will head a team of four officers: Sen. Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, Vice Chair; Rep. Hazelle Rogers, D-Lauderdale Lakes, Secretary; Rep. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, Parliamentarian; and Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens, Treasurer.

“I’m thrilled to have this chance to lead the Caucus and work to expand our work on the issues that affect our constituencies and disproportionately affect people of color,” Williams said.

Joyner first black woman elected to serve as Florida Senate Democratic Leader

2013-06-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

A FAMU alumna will become the first African American woman to hold the office of Florida Senate Democratic Leader.

Democratic senators from across the state elected Arthenia Joyner to serve as their top official from 2014 through 2016.

"The Senate Democratic Caucus elected a tireless advocate for Democratic values and ally to Florida's middle class families. I want to congratulate Senator Arthenia Joyner on her historic victory," said Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant.

Joyner is currently vice chair of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice. She also sits on the Appropriations, Ethics and Elections, Health Policy, and Transportation Committees, as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. Joyner was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000 and then to the Florida Senate in 2006.

The FAMU alumna will be one of the party’s most high-profile voices during the critical gubernatorial election in 2014 and presidential election in 2016.

Joyner earned her B.S. in political science from FAMU in 1964 and went on to earn her J.D. from the FAMU College of Law in 1968.

FAMU, FIU teams penalized by NCAA

2013-06-12T01:08:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced penalties against two
schools in the State University System of Florida. FAMU and Florida International University (FIU) both received sanctions.

According to the Academic Progress Rate (APR) protocols established by the NCAA, FAMU’s volleyball team has fallen to Penalty Phase II status. FAMU men’s basketball and men’s indoor/outdoor track and field have been placed on Penalty Phase I status.

The penalties are based on a four-year average. Teams on Penalty Phase I status are required to reduce their practice time in order to allocate four additional hours to mandatory study hall, life skills classes and/or time management exercises. Penalty Phase II status means that a team must reduce its practice time and sit out of postseason play.

Due to the sanctions, FIU’s basketball team and FAMU’s volleyball team are ineligible for the championship crowns in their respective conferences during the 2013-2014 season. They are also blocked from the NCAA championship tournaments.

The Associated Press reported that “most of the penalized schools have significantly more limited resources than top NCAA programs, including 11 historically black schools.”

FAMU Athletics has adopted a six-part corrective action plan for addressing the deficiencies in APR:

1) Enhance the tutorial program by hiring staff with more specialized background in academically challenging subjects such as science and math;

2) Increase the frequency by which we receive academic progress reports. This will assist in identifying students who may have additional needs;

3) Expand the use of current academic playbook program. The program is designed to closely monitor those student athletes who are considered at-risk;

4) Conduct bi-weekly meetings with coaches and their at-risk student-athletes, along with FAMU Athletics’ academic and compliance staff. These meetings serve as a tool to monitor the progress of those identified student athletes;

5) Allow tutors to travel with teams to competitions that have student-athletes away from campus 48 hours or more; and

6) Incorporate an orientation program to assist transfer students with their transition to a university environment both academically and socially.

In September 2012, FAMU Athletics opened its Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), which is housed in the Gaither Athletic Complex, and consists of a computer lab, academic advisors and tutors.

Michael Smith, FAMU’s interim director of athletics, believes that the center is key to improving the academic success of athletes. Since opening, the center has contributed to the graduation of 71 student-athletes.

“We are dedicated to making sure our student-athletes have the best opportunity to succeed academically,” Smith said. “The academic center was a major enhancement for the department. Therefore, we are confident we can achieve our desired results to have all of our sports academically compliant with the NCAA, and give student-athletes the opportunity to earn their degree.”

FAMU laying new turf for football practice field

2013-06-11T02:01:00.001-04:00

The FAMU Rattlers will have a smooth, level and posh surface for field drills when the football season begins in August. As part of an upgrade process, the grass (pictured above) has been removed in order to clear the way for the new prescription natural turf.

During the spring, the iconic video platform that towered over the fields for decades was removed. It will eventually be rebuilt with a new structure. For the time being a lift similar to the kind used on game days will be used for the video coordinator and his crew.

FAMU shouldn’t revisit expulsions executed in response to Champion hazing

2013-06-10T00:47:00.000-04:00

Last week, two former FAMU drum majors who participated in the hazing of deceased band member Robert Champion were sentenced. Rikki Wills received 12 months of house arrest and five years of probation. Shawn Turner will spend 18 months on house arrest and three years on probation.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Wills was expelled from FAMU three classes shy of earning a degree in criminal justice.” Federal law prevents FAMU from confirming the names of students it dismisses, but The FAMUan reported that the university also expelled Turner.

Wills and Turner have admitted that they assisted Champion as he attempted to “Cross Bus C.” The hazing ritual required him to run through a gauntlet of blows aboard a parked bus and touch the back of the vehicle. They said they tried to keep the attackers away from him in order to help him finish the process.

William Hancock, an attorney for Wills, believes that FAMU should bear more blame than the students who took part in the illegal hazing ritual.

“I really think the blame falls greater on the institution that perpetuated the hazing than the participants, but he certainly owned up to his personal responsibility,” Hancock said in a quote published by ABC News.

Wills has pointed his finger at ex-band director Julian White. He said White didn’t do enough to stop hazing.

“Well, honestly, I mean, we went to Dr. White [about hazing] and told Dr. White things before. ... It was always just a slap on the wrist or, ‘OK, I'll take care of it,’ and it basically just turned into a speech — one of those speeches they give the band [about hazing] that nobody pays attention to,” Wills said.

Even if Wills’ claims about White are true, they are no excuse. Wills and Turner should have immediately called the police as soon as they learned that Champion was heading into an illegal activity. By refusing to report the planned beating beforehand and attempting to help Champion complete the ritual, they knowingly supported a senseless hazing tradition.

This is all the more reason for FAMU to refuse to revisit any of the expulsions it executed against those who were involved in Champion’s hazing. “Zero tolerance” means that students are either for the anti-hazing rules or against the anti-hazing rules. Any student who tries to “help” a student break an anti-hazing rule is part of the problem and should receive no mercy in the disciplinary process.

FAMU student awarded a YP4 Fellowship

2013-06-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

FAMU student Amonte’ Martin has been selected to take part in a competitive leadership development program led by People For the American Way Foundation.

Martin, along with 150 other students, was selected from a nationwide pool of applicants to participate in the Young People For (YP4) Fellowship, which is a rigorous, year-long program focused on identifying, engaging and empowering young progressive leaders.

The fellowship equips college students with the skills and resources necessary to create lasting change on their campuses and in their communities. From more than 500 applications received, Martin was selected and will represent FAMU in the program’s regional and national trainings during the upcoming academic year.

“I applied to YP4 because I want to learn different strategies and techniques to enhance and sharpen my leadership skills to accomplish my goal to be an effective, resourceful leader in my community and on campus,” he said. “I look forward to this as a great opportunity which will allow me to meet and network with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about positively impacting their communities.”

Martin, a senior agribusiness student in the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS), says he is very excited about being selected for this honor. His plans for the future include making a difference for single parents through a non-profit organization that will lend support to parents for the growth and development of their respective families.

The 2013-2014 fellowship class represents 33 states and is made up of young people from community colleges, state universities, historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges, liberal arts colleges and Ivy League universities, as well as young people carrying out community work while not in school.

“This class is one of our most diverse and talented yet,” said Joy Lawson, director of YP4. “Each one of our fellows represents the diversity and energy of the millennial generation, and has the potential to become a national leader in years to come. We look forward to helping Fellows develop the skills they need to make powerful, progressive change on their campuses, in their communities, and around the world.”

SGA leaders prepared to move FAMU to new heights

2013-06-08T00:45:00.000-04:00

Never one to pass on an opportunity to serve, running for Student Government Association (SGA) president was a no-brainer FAMU student Anthony Siders, II.

“Florida A&M University has heavily contributed to my growth and development, therefore, I wanted to give back to an institution that has given so much to me,” said Siders, who serves as the 2013-2014 SGA president. “The opportunity to interact and serve students is better than any position of achievement.”

Siders, along with SGA Vice President Evan Bailey, say they look forward to the upcoming school year and the opportunities to work with the student body.

“Ultimately, I look toward the forward progression of Florida A&M University,” said Siders, 21, a political science/pre-law student from West Palm Beach.

Bailey, a third-year business administration student from Lee’s Summit, Mo., plans to work hand-in-hand with the administration to meet the needs of the students.

“Students are the heart and soul of this institution,” said Bailey, 20. “I plan to use my experience in Student Government, coupled with my ambition to serve and passion for FAMU, to ensure that the student voice remains at the forefront of the university. Florida A&M University has a very diverse student body and I look forward to meeting the incoming class and building relationships with all of the students that gave me this opportunity.”

One of the projects the “A&E Administration” plans to tackle this year will be the Textbook Affordability Initiative, which will allow students to have access to academically required books that are the most expensive and in the highest demand.

“We understand that not every student has the funds to access a textbook for all of his or her classes,” Bailey said. “This initiative gives students access to textbooks purchased by the Student Government Association and placed in the library for student use.”

Siders says he understands the hurdles he may face during his term, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

“During this pivotal time at Florida A&M University, it is equally encumbered upon all of us to ensure that this university rises to the level of prominence that we all have grown accustomed to,” the young politician said. “Undoubtedly, this effort will display the unwavering leadership that is deeply woven into the fabric and traditions of this university.”

Class of 1962 donates $62,250 to FAMU

2013-06-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Giving back to their alma mater was more than a thought for members of the FAMU Class of 1962. For this class of dedicated Rattlers, reaching back and building bridges for success was their goal.

Members of the class recently presented a check of $62,250 to the university toward the establishment of scholarships for students. The alumni group agreed to support the effort after meeting for their 50th anniversary during spring commencement weekend at FAMU.

Booker Daniels, a FAMU retiree and former student vice president of the class, said the initial goal was to have fun during their anniversary weekend and present the university with a nice gift.

“It was wonderful seeing people, many of whom had not seen each other for 50 years,” said Daniels. “Once we made our decision, everyone wanted to ensure the money was going to help the students.

Obtaining the funds needed for the donation did not occur instantly, according to project organizers. A special committee organized to spearhead the effort, sent letters, e-mails and placed phone calls to classmates for more than a year to help make the project a success.

Col. (Ret). LaVert Jones, a senior adviser for the project, said he hopes all alumni will make more efforts to support the university, even in less popular forms such as estate planning or property donations.

“We wanted to ensure that the kids who come after us and who are financially challenged are able to receive an education and meet many of the successes that our class experienced,” Jones said.

The class hopes to continue working together to provide additional support on a regular basis.

Palm Beach Post editorial: Alston “had the makings of the worst kind of thief”

2013-06-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

A member of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors continues to make headlines for questionable financial affairs.

Corey L. Alston resigned as the city manager of South Bay, Florida in the wake of a grand theft charge against him. He also stepped down as chairman of the FAMU Foundation, but remains on the board.

The Palm Beach Post editorial board writes that Alston “had the makings of the worst kind of thief.”

From the editorial: “Will South Bay survive its former city manager?”

South Bay’s former city manager had the makings of the worst kind of thief. Not only is he accused of stealing and misspending tax dollars hand over fist, he inflicted needless suffering on its residents at the same time.

Corey Alston’s three-year reign over the Glades town of 5,000, one of Palm Beach County’s poorest, was awful for many reasons. But the full extent of his corruption only now becoming fully known. Investigators at the state attorney’s office are examining an audit by the county’s inspector general, and the findings are stunning.

To review, Mr. Alston resigned in February after being charged with grand theft over a backroom deal that allegedly netted him $25,000 in unearned pay. That investigation prompted misdemeanor charges against three city commissioners, resulting in their suspension from office by Gov. Rick Scott. Outrageous as this allegation of thievery was, it was even worse, since at the time Mr. Alston was forcing residents to keep paying the county’s highest rates for water to further his political agenda.

The audit by the Office of Inspector General has revealed years of misspending by Mr. Alston and his staff. Mr. Alston ran up more than $56,000 in charges on his city credit card – even after being questioned about earlier sketchy spending. Not only that, auditors found that he kept open the credit card account of the city clerk after her retirement and made purchases in her name.

Among the dubious expenses the audit tied to him and his staff: more than $6,000 for free lunches and parties for city employees; nearly $1,000 for flowers; $600 for a company to make automated phone calls to Glades residents promoting certain political candidates; more than $4,000 to rent temporary construction fencing for Mr. Alston’s private business; and $500 to pay for someone not even on city staff to attend a high school reunion.

In just a three-month span in 2009, Mr. Alston billed the city almost $2,000 for meals. The twist? Auditors say almost all of them took place in restaurants near his home in Broward County, more than 60 miles from South Bay. City officials actually caught these and thousands of dollars in other expenses and asked Mr. Alton to repay them. He repaid just a portion – and then ran up tens of thousands of dollars more on his city credit card.

Read the full editorial here.

Robinson places Horne on paid leave, announces search for new AD

2013-06-05T02:44:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson notified Athletic Director Derek Horne that he will not be reappointed. Horne has been placed on administrative leave with pay until September 7, 2013.

“I am making a leadership change in athletics and hope to launch a new search soon for an athletic director,” Robinson said.

Horne is on a $200,000 per year contract that will expire on Sept. 7. Prior to assuming the AD position at FAMU on September 7, 2010, he served as an associate AD at the University of Mississippi.

Michael Smith, associate director, will serve as the interim director of athletics. He led the Athletic Department on an interim basis from January to September of 2010.

The Athletics Department continues to struggle with red ink. It currently has a $7M deficit.

FAMU has had nine interim or permanent ADs over the past 11 years.

FAMU hires new police chief

2013-06-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

FAMU Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson Jr., has appointed Terence M. Calloway as the new chief of the Department of Public Safety at the university.

“We are looking forward to having Mr. Calloway as a part of our team,” Hudson said. “He has a plethora of experiences that will enhance campus safety.”

Calloway has served as chief of police at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. since January 2012. Prior to this appointment, he served as chief of police at the Village of Woodmere in Ohio.

As chief of police at Austin Peay State University, Calloway directed a staff of more than 30. During his time there, he implemented a college-wide safe school program and various community policing programs, including Boyz2Men, The Law in You and a youth basketball camp.

“I have been in law enforcement most of my adult life and the opportunity to work for the largest and one of the most reputable historically black universities in the country is a dream come true,” said Calloway.

Calloway also served as an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from David N. Myers University and a master’s of justice administration with a focus in criminal justice from Tiffin University. He also received training in 2011 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

He is a member of the FBI National Academy Association, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

FAMU hires multi-million dollar grant-raisers to lead School of the Environment and College of Science and Technology

2013-06-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

Maurice D. Edington

FAMU Interim Provost Rodner Wright announced that he has filled two dean positions at the university.

Maurice D. Edington has been appointed the new dean of the College of Science and Technology, and Victor M. Ibeanusi, founding chair of Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman College, will serve as the new dean for the FAMU School of the Environment.

Both men are multi-million dollar grant-raisers.

Edington has secured more than $4 million in grant funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army.

Ibeanusi has secured more than $5.5 million to support his research and student training through funding that includes those from the Department of Energy, U.S. Army, and U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

Edington began his career at FAMU in 1998 as an assistant professor. From 2002 to 2008, he served as chair of the Department of Chemistry. During that period, Edington also served as director of the Office of Engineering and Science Support. From 2008-12, Edington served as the Director of the Quality Enhancement Program. In 2010, he became the SACS Accreditation Liaison and in July 2012 interim dean of the college.

“I will work diligently and tirelessly alongside the faculty, students, and staff of the college to ensure that FAMU continues to adequately address the science and technological needs of the state of Florida and the nation,” Edington said.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Fisk University in 1992, his doctorate in physical chemistry in 1997 from Vanderbilt University, and he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Duke University in 1998.

Victor M. Ibeanusi

Ibeanusi started his career in 1979 conducting epidemiological studies on the spread of meningitis through portable water supplies through a World Health Organization sponsored project. In January 1981, he served as the microbiologist for the United Nations with UNICEF assisting with rural drinking water supply and a sanitation project for developing countries. He began his career at Spelman as a lecturer in the Biology Department. He became an assistant professor in 1991 and became a full professor and chair of the Environmental Science and Studies Program in 1998. His research interests are focused on bioremediation of environmental contaminants, water quality, wastewater reclamation, and industrial ecology.

“The future is bright and I look forward to building relationships at FAMU,” Ibeanusi said.

Ibeanusi earned his degrees from Atlanta University, including a bachelor’s in environmental microbiology, master’s degree in biology and doctorate degree in molecular biology.

Hawkins an example of faculty leadership that has carried FAMU through tough times

2013-06-03T01:34:00.002-04:00

The days when FAMU could count on having a steady presidency are over. There have been six presidencies in fewer than 12 years at the school.

FAMU is more dependent than ever on the selfless work of the faculty members who provide consistent top-quality leadership no matter who is sitting in the big chair in Lee Hall. James Hawkins was one of those people.

Hawkins dedicated most of his career to FAMU. He began working at the university in 1977 as an assistant professor of broad journalism. That was the start of a 36-year period of teaching and administration that touched the lives of thousands of students.

In his positions as director the journalism division (1982-2004) and dean (2004-2013), Hawkins played a key role in shaping what is now the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication into one of the university’s leading powerhouse programs.

A university press release listed some of Hawkins’ most celebrated accomplishments, which include:

• Establishing FAMU TV-20;
• Increasing the wattage of WANM 90.5 FM;
• Establishing the CBS Harold Dow Professorship and Internship Program;
• Creating the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumni Award;
• Implementing the National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course;
• Establishing the Media Sales Institute;
• Creating the FAMU Music Recording Program; and
• Establishing the Black College Communication Association’s national office.

James Hawkins will be dearly missed by his family, former students, co-workers, and FAMU alumni near and far. But the fruits of his nearly four decades of irreplaceable service to the “J-School” will live on for the benefit of “Rattlers yet unborn.”

Alum returns to FAMU to discuss HIV awareness

2013-06-02T01:59:00.001-04:00

Lindsey Sarjeant Group headlines "Saturday in the Park" concert

2013-06-01T01:06:00.001-04:00

The Downtown Tallahassee Business Association (DTBA) and the Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority (TDIA) will host its third jazz concert in its 2013 "Saturday in the Park" Concert Series on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EDT in Ponce de Leon Park, Tallahassee.

Headlining this month’s event will be the Lindsey Sarjeant Group. The "Saturday in the Park" Concert Series is free and open to the public.

Lindsey Sarjeant is a FAMU professor of music, director of the jazz studies program, and director of the university's jazz ensemble. He is also a music arranger for the Marching 100 band and FAMU Symphonic Band.

Sarjeant is a jazz pianist, composer, jazz lecturer and historian, adjudicator and jazz keyboard clinician. His tours include Europe with FAMU Jazz Ensemble in Paris, Monteux, Amsterdam and Brienz, as well as touring with Pam Laws in the Soviet Union.

FAMU alumna stars in new Oprah Winfrey Network series

2013-05-31T00:28:00.003-04:00

Angela Robinson, a FAMU alumna, is one of the newest primetime stars on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The Jacksonville native plays Veronica Harrington on the new soap opera “The Haves and the Have Nots.” Tyler Perry writes, produces, and directs the series.

According to OWN, “the show follows the complicated dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer family and the hired help who work in their opulent Savannah, Georgia, mansion.” The Cryers struggle with internal dysfunctional that threatens to destroy their wealth and social status.

Robinson’s character, Veronica, is a friend to the Cryer family and millionaire rehab clinic owner.

“Veronica is not all that scheming, but she’s not all that likable. She has no patience, no compassion for others,” Robinson said.

Robinson brings years of acting experience to her new set at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. She’s performed in numerous Broadway plays, including: The Color Purple, Wonderful Town, Play On! and Bells Are Ringing. She and her husband, Scott Whitehurst, are the co-founders of the WhiteRobin Group, which provides consulting services for young artists.

“The Haves and the Have Nots” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST.

Four Rattlers selected to All-Academic MEAC baseball team

2013-05-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) selected four Rattlers for its 2013 All-Academic baseball team. The honorees are Heath Blackburn, David Duncan, Jaylin Earl and Bennie Robinson.

Blackburn is a senior pitcher from Tallahassee, Duncan is a senior pitcher from Starke, Earl is a sophomore third baseman from Tampa and Robinson is a junior infielder from Ocala.

MEAC sophomore, junior and senior student-athletes with a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average as well as transfer student-athletes who have been in residence at the institution for at least one year are eligible for All-Academic accolades.

"I congratulate our baseball student-athletes who have maintained a 3.0 or better grade point average during this academic school year," said Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas. “In addition to recognizing the student-athletes achievements, I also applaud the athletic academic support staffs, coaching staffs and all persons who contributed to the academic success of these student-athletes."

Lady Rattler 4x100m team qualifies for NCAA Championships

2013-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

The 2012-2013 Lady Rattler 4x100m outdoor track team will represent FAMU in the NCAA National Championships in Eugene, Oregon next month.

The Lady Rattlers who qualified are Ashley Ivey, Dynasty Jones, Nakia Linson, and Jasmine Smith. Linson, a triple-qualifier will also compete individually in the 100m and 200m dashes.

The 4x100m relay team took second place in the relay at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship with a time of 45.24, edged by the Norfolk State Spartans. They improved on their time to overtake the Spartans in the NCAA Semi-finals. At that meet, the Lady Rattlers shaved over a half second off of their time, coming in at 44.72, while Norfolk State failed to qualify at 44.91.

Hawkins, former FAMU journalism dean, dies

2013-05-28T00:12:00.001-04:00

James E. Hawkins, former dean of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication,
died Monday at Coliseum Northside Hospital in Macon, Ga.

“The entire School of Journalism & Graphic Communication family, I am sure, joins me in offering sincere condolences to his family,” said Ann Wead Kimbrough, who succeeded Hawkins as dean last year.

Hawkins arrived at FAMU in 1977, just three years after the journalism program began, as an assistant professor in broadcast journalism. He continued his professional development during the summer as a working journalist with the Associated Press and the Oakland Tribune. In 1982, the program evolved into the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, and Hawkins was named director of the division of journalism.

In 2003, Hawkins became interim dean after the sudden resignation of founding Dean Robert Ruggles. Less than a year later, FAMU appointed Hawkins to serve as the permanent dean in 2004.

As dean, Hawkins led both the Division of Journalism and Division of Graphic Communication through successful reaffirmation of accreditation processes.

Hawkins is survived by his wife, Judith, his son Jason, and one grandchild.

Happy Memorial Day!

2013-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00