Golden Rams Lose Heartbreaker To Saint Leo

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State baseball team played 12 innings with Saint Leo with hopes of picking up its first win of the season. However, late runs by the Lions in the final session sent ASU to a 9-6 defeat after the marathon contest.

SLU wins the three-game series and improves to 5-4 overall. The Golden Rams are now 0-8 on the year.

Albany State battled back from an early deficit. Saint Leo scored three runs in the top of the first inning and another in the second to take a 4-0.

ASU made a rally in the bottom of the second stanza. Both Nick Griggs and Terrence Worthy hit singles to ignite the team’s offense. Then, Theo Smith scored on an SLU error, and Worthy went home a play later. The Golden Rams only trailed 4-2.

Albany State took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the third inning. Jonatan Galan started the run with a two-run homer that scored him and Jeremy Arrington for a 4-4 tie. Smith then went to home plate on an error to give ASU a 5-4 edge.

In the fifth inning, the Lions regained the lead at 6-5 courtesy of a homerun and a double. The Golden Rams tied the game again when Lawrence Hyde hit a single to score Worthy and make the score 6-6. Neither team could generate any runs the rest of regulation, and the game headed into extra innings.

In the 12th inning, the Lions scored three runs to take a 9-6 advantage. ASU couldn’t score any more runs to tie or win the game.

Galan led Albany State with two hits and two RBIs. Hyde added two hits and an RBI.

The Golden Rams collected eight hits, committed two errors and left 10 runners on base. Eden Payano was the losing pitcher.

Saint Leo’s Brett Coffell recorded four hits during the contest. Alex Mata added two hits and four RBIs. Zach Whitaker was the winning pitcher for the Lions, who tallied 16 hits, committed four errors and left 10 players on base.

Albany State will continue its home schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 21. when it hosts Auburn University-Montgomery. Game time is slate for 4 p.m. on the ASU West Campus.

This post was written by Stan McCormick, ASU’s Director of Athletic Communications, at asugoldenrams.com, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

HU Prez Slams BET’s ‘The Quad’ For Inaccurate Portrayal Of HBCU Culture

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A leader in the historically black college community has blasted BET’s The Quad for distorting HBCU culture and leadership on TV, calling the new drama “fake news” and “a bogus representation of very important and historic institutions.”

Hampton University President William R. Harvey penned a three-page letter to BET President Debra Lee in early February.

“Devoid of any reference to academics, The Quad is about a president who is promiscuous, trustees who are unwilling to deal with a rogue band director, and a band director who condones criminal activity on the part of his drum major,” the letter reads:

The Quad will lead many to believe that HBCUs exist because of marching bands; that our presidents are unethical; that our boards are dysfunctional and have misplaced priorities; that our faculty, students and administrators are driven by sex, alcohol, marijuana, low self-esteem, parties and a preoccupation with music; that it is acceptable to disrespect women; that university policy can be set by a band director; and that there are no standards of conduct or penalties for bad behavior. This depiction seems more analogous to a disgruntled, adolescent and unrealistic point of view that some may have. It also feeds a false narrative about the irrelevance of HBCUs.

We cannot afford this kind of storytelling. It amounts to the type of ‘fake news’ that is prevalent today. You see, all that most people know about HBCUs is what they see on television. What I saw on BET February 1st was not accurate; rather, it was a bogus representation of very important and historic institutions.

Additionally, the letter has been made available to several HBCU across the country and The Root noted that several leaders from HBCUs “have reportedly written to Harvey and commended him for writing the letter in response to the negative images presented in The Quad.”

Golden Rams Lose Opener To Saint Leo

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ALBANY, Ga.- The Albany State Golden Rams opened a three-game series with Saint Leo Universityon Friday evening. Unfortunately, ASU could not gain victory in the first contest. After falling behind early, Albany State dropped a 14-3 decision to the Lions.

The loss keeps the Golden Rams winless (0-6), while SLU improves to 3-4 on the season.

Albany State dug an early deficit during the first two innings. Saint Leo scored a run in the top of the first and added six more in the second to generate a 7-0 lead.

The Golden Rams got on the scoreboard in bottom of the second inning. Theo Smith belted a single that scored Jonatan Galan to make the score 7-1. Smith made another contribution in the bottom of the fourth. His double sent Ryan McClendon home, and ASU trailed 7-2.

In the fifth inning, the Lions added two more runs in the top, but Albany State scored one on its own. Kelvin Wimbish scored off a wild pitch to cut the team’s deficit to 9-3.

However, SLU scored five more runs in the final three innings to pull away from the home team.

Smith led Albany State with two hits and two RBIs. ASU collected three hits, committed two errors and left seven runners on base. Brandon Pearson (0-1) was the losing pitcher.

Saint Leo was led by Alex Mata, who recorded three hits and three RBIs. Derei Gibreess added three hits and two RBIs. The Lions tallied 15 hits, committed one error and left 16 runners on base.

The two teams will vie against on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. The contest will be held at ASU West Campus.

Morgan State Joins HBCU Coalition To Work With DOE On Community Clean Energy Solutions

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The HBCU Clean Energy Consortium’ will focus on bringing solar energy to working communities and STEM workforce development.

As part of an initiative to promote renewable energy and transformative economic development for communities nationwide, Morgan State University has joined a coalition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in signing an agreement with the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The agreement, which launches a new partnership known as the “HBCU Clean Energy Consortium,” will help advance HBCU-led measures in the innovation economy, expand the number of graduates working in STEM fields and bring alternative energy sources to communities in need.

As the nation transitions to a clean energy economy, HBCUs are playing a significant role in leading the transformation in the communities where they are located. Many of these same HBCUs have already begun initiatives that promote sustainability and a green environment on their campuses. HBCUs also play an influential role in driving greater awareness of energy efficiency and solar and renewable energies in the communities around them. Ultimately, the HBCU Clean Energy Consortium will provide a bigger platform for the DOE to engage HBCUs as key stakeholders in nationwide renewable energy initiatives.

With a signed memorandum of understanding in place, the HBCUs involved in this effort will request funding from the DOE to lead initiatives in three key regions of the country — the Southeast, Southwest and Northeast. As a model for community engagement around these initiatives, the Consortium will adopt the best practices of the Morgan Community Mile Solar Initiative at Morgan State University, which was created to engage the entire community more deeply in energy initiatives. In addition to Morgan, the HBCU participants include Coppin State University, Florida Memorial University, the University of the Virgin Islands, Southern University at New Orleans, Johnson C. Smith University, Southern University at Shreveport, Prairie View A&M University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

[Via MSU Public Relations]

Morgan State Grad To Trump: ‘I Am A Journalist, Not A Convener!’

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The Congressional Black Caucus clapped back at President Donald Trump following a press conference today, explaining to Trump exactly who they are. This moment during the press conference “may go down as the most unhinged scene” in Trump’s administration, Jordan Sargent at Spin writes.

April D. Ryan, who graduated from Morgan State University and is a veteran White House correspondent, asked Trump the following question: “Are you going to include the CBC [Congressional Black Caucus], Mr. President, in your conversations with your urban agenda, your inner city agenda, as well as—”

“I would. You want to set up the meeting? Are they friends of yours?” Trump responded.

In response to Trump’s remarks, the CBC has posted a message to Twitter saying that they sent Trump a letter but he never wrote them back.

“Hi, Donald Trump. We’re the CBC. We sent you a letter on January 19, but you never wrote us back. Sad!” the CBC said.

No word on whether or not Trump will finally write back to the CBC.

HBCU Gameday: ‘Four HBCU Players Invited To NFL Draft Combine’

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Gerald Huggins writes at HBCU Gameday that four players who attended historically black colleges have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins later this month. “All three of the HBCU combine invitees from 2016 (Javon Hargrave, Ryan Smith, and Temarrick Hemingway) were selected in the NFL Draft,” Huggins writes.

From HBCU Gameday:

The NFL released its official list of invitees to the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. Of the 330 players invited to the combine, four of the players attended HBCUs. The MEAC has two representatives in Tarik Cohen, the electrifying running back from North Carolina A&T and Javarius Leamon from South Carolina State. Also represented is Tennessee State with defensive back Ezra Robinson and offensive guard Jessamen Dunker.

Cohen, a 5’6 workhorse for the Aggies, is the MEAC’s all-time leading rusher (5,619 yards) and three-time conference Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for 1,588 yards and 19 touchdowns on 212 carries in 2016. He has made some comparisons to Darren Sproles because of his size and playmaking ability.

Robinson, a 5’11 cornerback for the Tigers, was a transfer from Michigan State. He left East Lansing in 2014 and instantly became an impact defensive player for the Tigers. He started every game in 2016 and had a highly productive year with five interceptions, returning two for scores and eight pass breakups.

Leamon, listed at 6’7, 315 pounds, is the size that pro scouts are looking for in offensive tackles. Leamon was a first-team All-MEAC selection as the Bulldogs starting left tackle in 2015 and was second-team All-MEAC in 2016. Dunker, a Florida transfer, earned first-team All-OVC honors last year.

Head over to HBCU Gameday to read more.

Graduate Resource Center at Clark Atlanta to be Named in Honor of Legendary Educator

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Decades-long educator and researcher, Dr. Bettye M. Clark, will be recognized by the Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees for her tireless dedication to students by having the Graduate Resource Center named in her honor.  A naming ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 at 12:30 p.m., in Kresge Hall.

“The University is grateful for the tremendous leadership and work of Dr. Bettye M. Clark during the presidential transition, and for filling the void left by the unexpected death of former Provost and Vice President James A. Hefner,” said President Ronald A. Johnson.  “Moreover, her commitment to the University’s forward progress is to be celebrated.”

Clark served students in various capacities during her more than 30 years on the faculty at CAU, including as chair of the Department of Mathematical Science, dean of Graduate Studies and interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.  She is also the founder of the Graduate Resource Center.

“The creation of the Graduate Resource Center grew out of my fervent devotion and commitment to all CAU students, but particularly graduate students who needed support services different than those offered to our undergraduate students,” Clark explained.  “The naming of the Dr. Bettye M. Clark Graduate Resource Center is an honor bestowed upon me that I will always cherish and appreciate.”

Clark earned multiple professional awards before her second retirement at the end of 2016.  During her tenure, she garnered more than $7 million in grant funding, co-authored two books and was once named Professor of the Year.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Fort Valley State University, with high honors.  Her master’s degree is from the University of Georgia and she holds a doctorate from the University of Houston.

“Thank you, President Johnson, Trustee Aldridge, students, faculty and staff, especially those in the mathematics department.  I am extremely grateful to the entire University community for this esteemed recognition,” she concluded.

CAU To Become First Ever HBCU To Begin Issuing Highly Secure And Encrypted Digital Diplomas

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ATLANTA—Diploma fraud is an age-old problem wreaking havoc on the reputations and brand prestige of colleges and universities nationwide, according to Parchment, Inc., a market leader in secure digital credentials. Clark Atlanta University is not immune to this growing scourge. To fight back against fraudulent credentials, CAU has teamed with Parchment to become the first and only HBCU in the nation to begin issuing highly secure and encrypted digital diplomas.

“Clark Atlanta University is proud to serve as the trailblazer among HBCUs when it comes to providing digital diplomas,” said CAU Registrar Susan Gibson. CAU had already been providing secure eTranscripts to its students and graduates.

Some of the security features of digital diplomas include direct, integrated sharing with major social channels, a certified PDF version with an Adobe Blue Ribbon embedded digital signature with tamper evidence notification, unique document identification numbers and a link to online versions embedded within the certified PDF. The technology used in the new eDiplomas will make it much harder for counterfeiters to falsify a CAU diploma, and protect our graduates who put in the work to earn a real degree.

“eTranscripts and eDiplomas align with President Johnson’s vision of ‘Lifting  Every Voice’ by enabling our students to be recognized around the world at the click of a button,” said Martin Hill, academic records manager in the Office of the Registrar, and leader of the digital diploma project.

The benefits of eDiplomas also extend to our graduates who now receive proof of graduating within hours of commencement, instead of waiting weeks or months for a paper version to arrive by mail.  Nearly 90 graduates in CAU’s December 2016 class were the first to enjoy faster access to a digital diploma, resulting in a streamlined vetting process for employers considering hiring them.

“Today’s generation of students rely heavily on technology and social media to share their life stories,” Registrar Gibson continued. “The digital diploma gives CAU graduates the opportunity to share their educational milestones with family, friends, employers and others via social media.”

Following a successful pilot program last year, CAU now plans to roll out digital diplomas to all graduates beginning with the Class of 2017 in May. For more information on this project, contact project manager Martin Hill at 404.880.6338 or email mhill@cau.edu.

The Hidden Magic In Children Of Color

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How many girls of color are super smart in mathematics, how many want to be engineers, how many girls of color want to be doctors and lawyers, scientists and pilots?

How many want to be veterinarians and writers like Breyonna Fox a sophomore attending High School in Jacksonville, Florida, she is interning with My Quest To Teach writing blogs that are read nationally.

Taylor Richardson of Bolles Middle School, her dreams to be an astronaut traveling to Mars and exploring the Red Planet, there are more girls that want to follow her and increase their reading literacy. How many want to be like Angie Nixon’s daughter Natalie creating a national following with “The Adventures of a Moxie McGriff.”

How many boys of color love to read and how many enjoy building with Legos and other materials that could make them the next architects and designers of our national infrastructure for roads and buildings. Young men like Elisha Taylor and 8th-grade students that love robotics, reading and has spoken at conferences; TEDxFSCJ and attending WordCamps and EdCamps in Florida.

Young men such as Jon Gregory of Edward Waters College studying to be an elementary education teacher working with TEAM UP in Jacksonville, Florida. He has spoken at EdCamp NASBE and attended WordPress and WordCamp events. One of the first to speak at the Edward Waters “TIGER TALKS Experience.”

Each of these dynamic and success driven visionaries are embracing their talents as smart creatives and innovators for the future. How many boys and girls of color will be able to design future spaceships that will take astronauts beyond Mars and to the stars? These are dreams that many do have. There is Hidden Magic in children of color and culture that needs to be cultivated and encouraged.

The movie Hidden Figures has sparked a renewed interest in the need for girls and women to enter into #STEM careers, it is a call for boys and men also to get involved in #STEM and STEAM that allows the imagination to know no limitations. Girls and women shatter glass ceilings, boys, and men demolishing walls that keep them out of innovative and historic careers with tech.

There was a time as seen in the movie Hidden Figures where Black girls and boys were honored as scholars and intellectuals, what has happened in the 21st century?

There are too many that are scared to read books in public, too many being bullied because they love math and science. The question why is a question that needs to be answered. Not just in schools, but in homes where parents are the first educators. How can kids bring guns to school but struggle to bring books to and from school and parent not be aware?

Why are our Black girls and boys that can be honor students scared to be academically successful? What has happened since the days when Blacks had to secretly learn how to read using the Bible that was hidden away. That was a “hidden treasure” because it was the tool that Blacks used to start the educational process that even continues today.

HBCUs had to struggle to teach not because of money, but because society did not think Blacks were smart enough to be anything other than field workers, hired hands and property. These stories are not science fiction, but science fact how Blacks have influenced a time in national history.

If not for them there may not have been a journey to the moon or if there had been, it may have cost more human lives. Look at the facts that Blacks helped put a man in space, Blacks helped put a man on the moon and Blacks continue to do this.

HBCUs have contributed to thousands of Hidden Figures that are still unknown and their contributions are historical in the benefits we enjoy today. Parents and teachers need to
work together to create cultures of learning for the betterment of our cultures and society.
It is because of the diversity that America has that is why this nation is still the best place in the world to live because we enjoy freedoms that our constitution allows for everyone. The embracing of diversity brings a strength and value to our educational systems, industry, commerce, research and development.

America is strong because of the diversity of cultures and minds. Black do have opportunities and they must be prepared for new growth in new careers.

To participate in a continued discussion centered on women and their growing influence.
Attend the Real Talk Real Change – Real Talk Real Change by E3 Business Group
RTRC VIII: “We Are Women, Hear Us More!”

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Tennessee State Stylish Buzz Of The Week: Sasha Nicole Murphy

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It’s not that hard to find students from the Memphis area that attend the illustrious Tennessee State University. Sasha Nicole Murphy, a Junior Business Administration major concentration in marketing is one of those students. Sasha is inspired by the styles of Janelle Monae. “I like to push boundaries with the way I dress,” Sasha Murphy said.

The addition of a cool hat and a nice pair of loafers or boots add flavor to any outfit for Murphy. Rather dressing up or down the feelings of emotion is always the key to the direction of apparel. “Her fashions is unique in a way that it joins men’s clothing with women’s creating a style not many people can pull off,” her good friend Skylar Harris said.

Sasha can be caught in action within the walls of the Performing Arts Center on campus engaged in various activities. Founder of her own company, Sasha Nicole Marketing Agency keeps her busy while still a college student. “She loves helping others with their brands,” her friend Tajaya Bean said. Her services include flyer, logo design, websites, promo videos, and t-shirt designs. When it comes to Do’s and Don’ts Sasha has a few things to say.

Do:

  1. Add a little edge
  2. Think outside the box
  3. Add accessories
  4. Mix and Match
  5. Spend the extra dollar on essential high-quality pieces that will last in time. Cheap stuff wears out quickly

Don’t:

  1. Try Hard
  2. Be afraid to break the “fashion rules”
  3. Wear multiple clashing prints and patterns at the same time
  4. Wear silver jewelry when your outfit has gold hardware
  5. Wear sky high heels or tight skirts you can’t walk in

You can keep up with all things Sasha on Instagram @thedapperwoman and her company page @iamsashanicole You can check out Sasha Nicole Marketing Agency at Iamsashanicole.com.

New Book By DU Board Member MC Lyte And Lynn Richardson Tries To Dispel Dating Myths

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“Money doesn’t solve a man problem, says MC Lyte and Dr. Lynn Richardson, and a man can’t solve a money problem but with the right man in her life, any woman can achieve harmony in her finances and in her relationship.”

With a conversation-oriented format financial expert Dr. Lynn Richardson and entertainer MC Lyte dispel the myths and share their tips on how they’ve achieved both: a good man and lots of money!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i437enljsP0&w=560&h=315]

In an article on GlobalGrind, copyeditor, Kelsey Paine, asked GlobalGrind’s financial coach and author,  Dr. Lynn Richardson, a question I think many women think about one time or another in life!

Should a woman look for a man who makes more money than she?

“My thoughts are ABSOLUTELY NOT.  What does money have to do with love, respect, and honesty?  More importantly, if money – the man’s money in particular — makes the relationship better, then why are there so many rich people who are getting divorced and in unhappy relationships?”

Richardson continued by saying many women grew up with the dream that they would marry a knight in shining armor who would protect them, take care of them, and purchase the biggest house he could find so they could raise their kids behind a white picket fence, but the truth of the matter is this:  if they’re waiting on a man who has a bigger paycheck than them, they may be waiting forever!

She said not to be mistaken, a man who doesn’t work won’t eat in her house, but whether or not his paycheck is bigger than hers is less important than knowing she has a lifelong partner who has her back, who loves, protects and respects her, and who shares her values and goals for the future.

Do you agree? What are your thoughts? Want more views on topics and questions as such? Purchase the book for just $20.00 here. For more information visit here. FB / IG @yourmanandyourmoney.

Clark Atlanta University Leads Region, Nation In Economic Mobility

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ATLANTA — A new study, “Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility,” co-authored by National Bureau of Economic Research member and Brown University Associate Professor of Economics and World Affairs John Friedman, Ph.D., says that Clark Atlanta University has the highest economic mobility rate among Atlanta-area colleges. According to the study, CAU shares this distinction with neighboring Spelman College.

WABE-901FM/NPR Reporter Martha Dalton explained today that the study examined students who came from families in the bottom 20 percent of income distribution (earning less than $25,000 annually). Researchers combined that result with the percentage of students who reach the top 20 percent of income distribution ($60,000 in 2014) in their mid-thirties. CAU (and Spelman) had an economic mobility rate of 3.3 percent, placing the University in the top 12 percent of colleges nationwide.

“This report affirms our work here at Clark Atlanta University,” President Ronald A. Johnson said. “We are focused on transforming students of promise—young men and women possessing not only tremendous intellect, but what we consider a sense of ‘grit,’ a hunger to learn, to acquire diverse new experiences and, of course, to succeed—into scholars, leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. Our recent efforts to realign our curriculum and provide opportunities to earn stackable credentials will only increase our efficacy in realizing this goal.” Johnson also added that the report affirms Clark Atlanta’s contribution as an economic catalyst in the metro-Atlanta, Georgia and ultimately the global economy.

“We are indeed proud to learn this great news,” the President noted, “but we are not complacent.  We are redefining higher education and there is much more for us to do.”

To read the NPR report, click or paste this link: http://news.wabe.org/post/report-colleges-can-level-playing-field-low-income-students

To read the full research report, click or paste this link: http://www.equality-of-opportunity.org/papers/coll_mrc_paper.pdf

Wayne Frederick: Howard University Will Keep 1st And Only Black Owned Public TV Station ― WHUT

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On Thursday, Wayne A.I. Frederick, the president of Howard University, announced that the private historically black university will be keeping WHUT, which is the only HBCU licensed public television station in the world. The decision comes after the university participated in FCC Broadcast Incentive Auction over a year ago.

“Please join me as I take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the management and staff of WHUT for their abiding commitment to provide quality programming and public service to the station’s vast viewership,” Frederick said in a statement.

Frederick also noted that, under FCC prohibited communication rules, he was not able to share this information until now and pointed out the management and staff of WHUT “remained steadfast in the face of uncertainty during the prolonged period of the FCC auction.”

He added, “I also express my thanks to the WHUT Community Advisory Board, the station’s many donors, and all who have supported the station during the past 36 years.”

“Throughout the past year, leadership of the University’s broadcast outlets and the School of Communications have been working on a strategic plan for the communications component of a future arts and communications complex at Howard University,” he said. “A vast amount of information and content is generated daily on our campuses and has the potential to be produced into dynamic programming.”

He continued, “WHUT-TV’s overall broadcast capacity remains unchanged and it is positioning itself to capitalize on the ongoing development of digital media. You will hear more about these exciting developments in the coming months.”

The Maroon Tiger: ‘President’s View Of Pending Departure’

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Ayron Lewallen writes in The Maroon Tiger that while the Dr. John Silvanus Wilson era is coming to an end, ideally, he would have liked to lead Morehouse College for another 20 years. “Wilson’s undying love and passion for the College will be greatly missed,” Lewallen writes.

From The Maroon Tiger:

This year, students, faculty and alumni are anticipating celebrating the College’s 150th year of existence. However, some unexpected news has shifted focus to another matter. The Board of Trustees decided not to renew the contract of current president Dr. John Silvanus Wilson after his current one expires in June of this year. This decision seems as though it has come at the most inopportune time given the historical significance of this year.

In a press conference held on Jan. 17, Wilson was asked about his feelings toward the Board’s decision.

“I recognize fully that any president serves fully at the will of the trustees,” the Philadelphia native said. “They’ve made a decision here. I respect that decision, and the best thing about it is that it gives me the opportunity to be president for the next six months, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Wilson’s term length as president will be significantly shorter than some of the others who have served in the same capacity. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays served the institution for 27 years and is the longest serving president in Morehouse’s history. John Hope, Morehouse’s first African-American president, served for 25 years, while Dr. Hugh Gloster served as president for 20 years.

Head over to The Maroon Tiger to read more.

Matthews Named ASU Interim Head Women’s Tennis Coach

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ALBANY, Ga.- Albany State University Director of Athletics Sherie Gordon announces Jo Ann Matthews will serve as the interim head coach for the Lady Rams’ women’s tennis program.

“We are excited to have Jo Anne leading the women’s tennis program,” Gordon said. “Jo Anne has a wealth of experience and will be instrumental in the development of our student-athletes and our women’s tennis program.

Matthews played tennis at Auburn University from 1976-1980. After graduating from Auburn, she served as a physical education teacher and coach at Houston Academy in Dothan, Ala. from 1981-1982.

After her stint with Houston Academy, Matthews went to the Deerfield Windsor School in Albany, Ga. where she served in the same positions from 1983-1987. She then chose to utilize here tennis skills and experience in the professional ranks. Matthews was named the head tennis professional at Pine Forest Racquet Club (Albany, Ga.), where she worked from 1989-2014.

Matthews continued her professional career at another club in the southwest Georgia area. From 2014-2016, she was the head tennis professional at Grand Island Country Club in Lee County.

Matthews received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Auburn University in 1980.

Albany State will host is first match on Wednesday, Feb. 15 when it hosts Agnes Scott College. The contest will begin at 4 p.m. at ASU West Campus.

This story was written by Stanley McCormick, the Director of Athletic Communications at Albany State University Athletics, where it was originally published. This story is published here with permission.

JSU Newsroom: D.C. Sniper’s Ex-Wife Thanks JSU Social Workers For Their Work

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L.A. Warren writes at Jackson State Newsroom that the ex-wife of the D.C. sniper John Muhammad, Mildred Muhammad, spoke to Jackson State University social workers on “surviving death threats and abuse by her former husband” at the public historically black university’s 15th Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference on Friday.

From Jackson State Newsroom:

The ex-wife of 2002 D.C. sniper John Muhammad, who was executed for killing at least 10 people, thanked a spellbound packed audience of social workers during Jackson State University’s 15th Annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference “for taking the time to learn everything you need in order to help us survive.”

Mildred Muhammad was the keynote speaker at the event sponsored by the School of Social Work in the College of Public Service in the downtown Marriott on Friday, Feb. 10. She told the professionals, “A lot of us may not get the chance to come back and tell you what you’ve done or to tell you how much your words and actions have encouraged us to move forward.”

She described how she survived after persistent threats against her life by ex-husband John. Before he was killed, John had warned that he could “take a small city, terrorize it and they would think it would be a group of people, and it would only be me.”

Head over to Jackson State Newsroom to read more.