Alabama State Launches New Biomedical Engineering Degree Set for Spring 2015

Alabama State University is launching a new degree program that will help prepare students to be at the forefront of biomedical innovations in one of today’s top career fields. ASU’s new Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering, approved on June 13 by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, will begin the spring 2015 semester.

The program aims to produce graduates who can apply the methods of engineering to problems in medicine and life sciences. Biomedical engineers improve the quality of life for patients through the creation of artificial organs, new devices to detect disease, advanced computer models to develop disease-fighting drugs and much more.

Dr. Kennedy S. Wekesa, interim dean and professor of biology in ASU’s College of Science, Mathematics and Technology, said the degree program gives students a full range of disciplines to study in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Bringing engineering for the first time in history of ASU to the campus is a huge accomplishment that would not have been possible without the support of the President and faculty in the College of Science Mathematics and Technology,” Wekesa said. “This new program will provide students with another degree option. Now we can say that we have a complete STEM college.”

All students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering program will be selected based upon the specific minimum requirements for admission established by the University. Requirements include a strong high school background with a competitive GPA (2.75 or higher), a minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1250 (critical reading and math) and a career statement.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science degree program in Biomedical Engineering, contact the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology at 334-229-4196.

Rent-A-Center Names Spelman Grad Aubyn Thomas VP

RenderImageThe nation’s largest rent-to-own operator, today announced the appointment of Aubyn Thomas to vice president of marketing.

Reporting to Rita Bargerhuff, senior vice president and chief customer officer, Thomas is charged with leading a full complement of marketing functions, including the integration of Rent-A-Center’s brand strategy, into all marketing communications. She is responsible for planning and executing traffic-driving campaigns, using both traditional and emerging marketing tools.

With over 15 years of leadership experience in brand strategy and customer-relationship management, Thomas recently served as vice president of consumer marketing at Lowe’s Home Improvement where she was responsible for delivery of all consumer and professional marketing programs, including the installation of a new customer relationship management (CRM) campaign-management system with seven new CRM programs. Additionally, she launched a new customer-loyalty program and leveraged leading indicator and trend data to implement a new brand-messaging hierarchy. Earlier in her career, Thomas held leadership positions with organizations such as Macy’s, Caesars Entertainment, Bank of America and Lenscrafters Retail Group.

Graduating with honors, Thomas earned a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing from Clark-Atlanta University, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from Spelman College.

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Sec. of State Kerry Complements HBCU Delegation to Beijing

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The HBCUs meetings in Beijing this week are parallel to the 5th U.S.-China Consultation on People to People Exchange (CPE) being held in Beijing from July 9-11, 2014. The CPE is co-hosted by U.S. Sec. Of State John Kerry and China’s Vice Premier Madam Liu Yandong, China’s highest-ranking government official overseeing education.

The CPE is designed to enhance and strengthen ties between the citizens of the United States and the People’s Republic of China in the areas of culture, education, science and technology, sports, and women’s issues. On Wednesday, July 10, the HBCU delegation will attend the closing session of the CPE meetings with Sec. Kerry and Vice Premier Liu.

The HBCU trip to China is the culmination of the collective works of the Chinese government and the

China-U.S. Exchange Foundation (C– — USEF), a Hong Kong-based nonprofit organization that encourages and facilitates exchanges among public policy makers, civic leaders, think tanks, academia, and business organizations in the U.S. and China to enhance understanding and mutually beneficial relationships.

C– — USEF hosted and organized the first meeting of the HBCUs with Vice Premier Liu during the HBCU’s first visit to China in September 2013. Read Full 

Moody’s Downgrades Credit Ratings for Howard and Alabama State

Moody’s Investors Service, a credit ratings issuer that provides financial research on bonds, has downgraded the credit ratings of both Howard University and Alabama State University, according to recent reports.

The Hilltop, the school newspaper of Howard, reported the news on its Twitter feed: Moody’s points to the university hospital’s projected FY2014 operating loss of $37M as a serious reason for its downgrade, the newspaper says.

Alabama State officials said they would review the notice from Moody’s and comment as soon as Monday following the holiday weekend.

“Ongoing weak operating performance required a draw on reserves to cover debt service in 2014, and this is expected to continue through at least 2015, if not longer, resulting in weakening liquidity,” a release from Moody’s states. “A history of weak governance and expense control reduces the prospects that the university will be able to rapidly and strategically restore operating equilibrium.”

Moody’s downgraded Howard’s ratings to Baa3 from Baa1, and Alabama State’s to Ba2 from Baa2, respectfully.

The two black colleges are going through significant changes in senior leadership. Moody’s gave both institutions a negative outlook.

5 Things to Know About New NAACP President Cornell William Brooks

Cornell William Brooks, the man who just taken top office at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is only 53 years-old yet has achieved an impressive career prior to being named the new president and CEO of the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization.

The organization’s 64-person board of directors picked Brooks to lead a new chapter for the NAACP by an overwhelmingly majority. Brooks replaces most recent president Ben Jealous, who at 35 was the youngest person to serve in that position, and interim president and former clerk of the U.S. House Lorraine Miller.

Interestingly, the 18th leader of the NAACP already has ties with the civil rights organization that dates back to the Brown v. Board of Education, won by Thurgood Marshall and a team of NAACP attorneys.

“[I am] extraordinarily humbled and honored” at being chosen to lead the 105-year-old civil rights organization, Brooks said.

Here are 5 things to know about Cornell William Brooks:

1. Direct beneficiary of Brown v. Board Education

“I am a beneficiary, an heir and a grandson, if you will, of Brown versus Board of Education,” Brooks told the AP. “…so as a consequence, I am an heir to the legacy of the NAACP.”

2. Received bachelor’s at a black college

Brooks earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Jackson State University.

3. Beat out more than 450 other applicants

Brooks is surprisingly popular among NAACP inner circles. He bested his competition in a nationwide search that included a review of more than 450 applications, and remember he was selected by an overwhelmingly majority by the board of directors.

“Attorney Brooks is a long-term lawyer, a human rights activist and a fourth-generation ordained minister and so we look forward to leveraging his experience … and his keen vision,” NAACP chairwoman Roslyn Brock said.

4. Yale Law School senior editor

At Yale Law School Brooks was senior editor of the Yale Law Journal.

5. Looking forward

Recently the civil rights organization took on the “Stand Your Ground” laws that sparked controversy during the Trayvon Martin trial and voting rights. The NAACP is expected to continue its fight for civil rights among all people in the future.

Brooks told the USA Today that he plans to “fight to insure voting rights, economic equality, health equity and an end to racial discrimination for all people.”

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College Visit: How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

A group of smiling African American students pose during their HBCU campus visit.

Choosing the right college is just one of the many important decisions you’ll make in your life, one that can very well impact your future in many ways. With the high costs of a college education, you can’t afford to make the wrong choice. Conducting a college visit even to those colleges and universities within your area can widen your options and help you make the right choice.

Preparing for a College Visit

One thing you can do to prepare for a college visit is to explore the college’s website, which can help you prepare questions that you can ask the college staff and students. Find out where the college is located, get a map of the school and look for the contact number of the admission office.

Once you have scheduled your time of visit, make sure you get there on time, prepared with a notebook where you can jot down your thoughts about the college. It’s best to bring along a parent or another trusted adult who can help you raise questions to make your visit a more informative one.

What To Expect From a College Visit

A college tour usually includes visiting the various campus buildings, the library, the dormitories, the school cafeteria and some major sites inside the campus that are part of the school history. Some organized college tours include an overnight stay inside the dorms to allow you to get a feel of the environment. Throughout your tour, you may get the chance to meet students and ask them questions about the campus lifestyle.

Ask if you may sit in on a class so as to know the class size and the teaching styles. You may have to sit in on more than one class in your area of interest to get a feel of the coursework. Talk to a professor, visit the admissions office and find out information about admission policies and financial aid.

Tips To Make the Most of Your College Visit
  1. Arrange your college visit during school days so that you can get a feel of student life. You may even be able to sit in on one or two classes that interest you.
  2. If you’re active in sports, take the time to meet with the college coach and find out what type of sports can be played inside the campus.
  3. Check the number of scholarships and financial grants that the school offers. Ask for brochures and other materials that can help you if you plan on applying for scholarship in the future.
  4. Ask for a copy of the college newspaper so that you can get an idea on what concerns do most students have. A college newspaper will also tell you what events are being held during the school year.
  5. Bring a camera along with you and compare pictures of schools you visited to help you decide on which one fits you best.
  6. A college visit can be fun and exciting. Make the most of it by coming prepared and making it worth your while by getting as much information as possible. Choose the best college that you think can help you reach your goals in life. Make sure it’s one that you will be comfortable spending the next four years of your college life in.

This article originally appeared on HBCU Lifestyle

Tuskegee Honors Founders on 133rd Anniversary of Founding

TUSKEGEE, Ala. – With songs of praise and inspirational words, the families of Tuskegee University’s founders and the community united to honor this institution and its forefathers. For the fourth year, wreaths were laid at the gravesites of Lewis Adams and Booker T. Washington today to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of Tuskegee Normal School (now Tuskegee University) on July 4, 1881. Part family reunion and part prayer service, the ceremony was an homage to the faith and legacy of Adams and Washington.

Robin Washington Banks, one of Washington’s great granddaughters, said the university’s reach, nationally and internationally, is so far and vast that this day should always be a celebration for the City of Tuskegee. She also said that the existence of the school was an answer to the prayers of Adams, the former slave and businessman who helped secure the funds and government action to establish the university.

“These are hallowed grounds,” Washington Banks said about the university. “We come to give God the praise.”

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A Black College Now Part of Sexual Violence Investigation by DOE

Morgan State University is now under investigation for how they handle sexual abuse reports—joining a list of 67 other institutions being questioned by the Obama administration.

The Department of Education is investigating the historically black university in Baltimore, Maryland because of complaints from students or other members of the university community about the way alleged sexual assault cases are handled.

“We wanted to make sure that this matter was handled appropriately. That’s why the university began its own investigation,” university spokesman Clint Coleman said on an alleged sexual assault of a female student reported to the university on March 20.

“Right after [authorities] declined to prosecute, the university immediately began looking into it for possible violations of university policies and procedures.”

Morgan State joins a list of 67 other prestige institutions across 32 states investigated for the way they handle sexual assault allegations.

The DOE says schools named to list is only under investigation and does not imply that it has violated the law. 

How Morgan State Failed a Gay Student

If you followed the events leading up to the suspension of the Kappa Alpha Psi chapter at Morgan State University you might remember Brian Stewart. The suspension of the Alpha Iota chapter by Morgan State administration was to demonstrate that all students should be treated equal. The chapter could not participate in any university sponsored events or activities, university officials said.

Stewart, a former White House intern, has since become a trailblazer. “This is a proper course of action, mainly to raise awareness that this happens,” said Stewart about members of the fraternity that rejected to admit him.

Morgan State’s decision to hold members of the Alpha Iota chapter responsible for discriminating against Stewart because of his sexuality was a groundbreaking result that goes down in the history books—there’s no doubt that a homophobic culture exists in the Black fraternities.

The university placed the chapter on probation until 2015, citing violations to “certain university regulations, procedures and policies.”

So guess how many events the Kappas at Morgan State held since the decision to suspend them from all campus activities? Zero, right?

Morgan State could be sending the wrong message to the university community by deliberately allowing things to slide through the cracks. And that is exactly what Stewart says has been happening since the decision.

“I question my president’s sincerity when he said that the University did the right thing and ‘saw an educational moment’ when it placed the Alpha Iota [chapter] of Kappa Alpha Psi on probation until 2015 and barred it from participating in University events or hosting its own,” Stewart wrote in his blog.

“I find that statement false considering that on May 2, 2014, the Alpha Iota chapter hosted an event in the University Ballroom called “Kolor Blind – Understanding One Another. I find it hypocritical considering on February 8, 2014 the Alpha Iota chapter, in collaboration with another campus fraternity held their annual “Pretty Nasty” party; which aided in the moratorium for future events imposed by Vice President of Student Affairs, Kevin Banks as well as raising eyebrows in the Mayor’s Office.”

Stewart is right: “The time is now for more colleges and universities, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to create cultures that encourage and develop persons in the LGBT community throughout their matriculation.”

Morgan State stood by Brian Stewart to take a jab at the homophobia climate within Black Greek Lettered Organizations when it acted to suspend the Alpha Iota chapter for discriminating against a gay student. But it turns out they were not doing anything that differs from the way things are now.

Editor’s note:

The Vice President of Student Affairs at Morgan State University, Dr. Kevin Banks, responds to student Brian Stewart’s comments, says information published on Stewart’s blog is inaccurate. 

“While Mr. Stewart’s blog reports that the University is sending the wrong message, I must disagree with his opinion. In fact, the university has hosted a series of conversations to ensure that we continue to emphasize our values around respect for diversity and inclusion at Morgan State University,” said Banks. 

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Cheyney University President Howard-Vital to Retire

Dr. Michelle R. Howard-Vital, the president of Cheyney University, has announced an unexpected retirement effective by the end of July.

Howard-Vital, who has been Cheyney’s president for the last seven years, abruptly said Thursday that she would officially be retiring on July 31 from her post at the 177 year-old historically black university located about 25 miles outside Philadelphia.

The news comes a month before current and new Cheyney students are scheduled to return to campus.

Bond Reduced for Boyfriend of NCAT Alum Bianca Tanner

622sr.Em.138Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Rodney Monroe said Tuesday that Angelo Grayson Smith Jr. is “a person of interest to us” in the disappearance of his girlfriend, Bianca Tanner.

Monroe made the comments shortly after police took Smith to the Mecklenburg County jail, where he was booked on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Police said Smith was the last person to see Tanner, a teacher, before she disappeared. No one has been arrested in the case.

Smith was taken into custody last week in Chicago on the contributing to the delinquency charge, which police said relates to Tanner’s son. Smith spent the weekend in the Cook County Jail and then waived extradition to Charlotte during a court hearing Monday.

He was brought to Charlotte early Tuesday and apparently questioned by detectives before being taken to jail.

Smith was originally given a $100,000 bond for the misdemeanor charge. On Wednesday, his bond was reduced to $20,000. If he posts the bond, he will be placed on house arrest and electronic monitoring by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Read more here: 

 

North Carolina A&T Ranks Top HBCU for Online Education

#120206 NC A&T State UniversityNorth Carolina A&T State University has the best undergraduate online programs among the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), according to the 2014 U.S. News Best Online Education Program rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report. 

“We are excited about being named the No.1 HBCU in the nation for our online education programs,” said Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.

The new ranking bolsters the university’s commitment to expand e-learning opportunities – a university priority Martin announced at the start of the academic year.

“We will continue to move the university’s agenda to connect students all over the world to the exemplary teaching and learning opportunities offered here at North Carolina A&T,” Martin said.

The university was previously ranked No. 8 overall among HBCUs in the nation (No. 1 in the state) by U.S. News & World Report 2014 U.S. News Best Colleges.

The U.S. News & World Report places N.C. A&T – a public, 1890 land-grant, doctoral-research university –in the top five among The University of North Carolina system schools mentioned for online bachelor’s programs.

A&T also received high marks for its online graduate level programs. Rated No. 15, the online Master of Science in Information Technology at A&T is also ranked higher than any other HBCU in the nation according to the report.  The program moved from being ranked 18th overall last year to take the No. 15 place this year.

The university is also mentioned among only six UNC schools ranked for online graduate education programs.

To view the complete list of 2014 U.S. News Best Online Education Programs, visit http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education.

How a Hampton Grad Turned an On-Campus Workout Regimen to a Personal Brand

Some black college student’s first interactions with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is rooted within the family–a father who graduated from Fisk, or a sister that pledged Delta Sigma Theta sorority during undergrad.

Like a family doctrine, many says the individual experiences shared by different family members who attended one particular black institution is what lures future HBCU students into the black college tradition.

The same can be said for Bakari Taylor.

Bakari Taylor, who has a B.S. in Recreation & Tourism Management at Hampton University, says his older cousin’s early experiences at Hampton is what attracted him to attend.

“I had an older cousin who went to Hampton University. I would visit him a couple times throughout the year and it was an amazing experience,” Taylor told me, via email. “The school, the people, the location was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.”

Asked why he chose the “real HU” over Howard, Bakari noted Hampton’s leadership and the family atmosphere as key reasons to his decision: “Isn’t Howard going through some financial issues?” said Taylor.

Now a certified trainer and “fully committed to getting in shape,” Bakari is touring six cities on the east-coast and offering his signature “BodybyBakari” boot camp to college students and young adults–free of charge.

It’s called the No Excuses Tour and Taylor is eager to help motivate students and get them excited about improving their lifestyle.

“As a young child in middle school, I was somewhat overweight. After quitting the first day of tryouts for the basketball team, I decided things had to change,” said Bakari.

“I started to eat right and work out everyday after school. In less than 2 months I had lost 20 pounds and grew a love for fitness and wellness. Going into college I maintained a disciplined approach to health and fitness ultimately ending up with starting my own business in [the fitness] field,” he said.

The BodybyBakari brand was created during Taylor’s college years. In his senior year at Hampton U. Taylor and a friend skilled in branding and marketing got together and turned what started as a small on-campus workout routine to a full operating business.

“I started training some of my close friends and the routine workouts began to grow with more and more people,” Taylor said. “I did it for fun and sometimes even charged $1 just to see if people were willing to pay for a good workout.”

Taylor, who lists “high intensity” workout regimens that challenges not only your body but also your mind as his favorites from the BodybyBakari boot camp, says Hampton prepared him for his career in the fitness industry.

“I am in the business of building relationships and helping others. The skill sets, mindsets, and obstacles that we learned or faced at Hampton University allowed me to become better prepared today for my clients, friends, and family,” Taylor said.

Get tickets for the BodybyBakari boot camp tour at a free cost. Tour dates for Bakari Taylor’s workout tour are still open. The DMV area will be the first stop after Independence Day weekend, followed by Atlanta and New York. Exact dates to come soon.

Maurice Woodard Signs With German Football Team

small_Woodard_Germany_04Former Lincoln wide receiver Maurice Woodard has signed a professional contract with the Elmshorn Fighting Pirates, a member of the German Football League 2.

Woodard is Lincoln’s career receptions leader, having caught 143 passes in his four years as a Blue Tiger. Woodard’s best season came in 2012, when he made 68 receptions for 705 yards, with both marks ranking as the second-most in single season by a Lincoln receiver. This year, Woodard caught a team-high 48 passes for 372 yards and a score. In his LU career, Woodard, an all-MIAA honorable mention last season, has scored seven touchdowns and has amassed over 1,200 receiving yards.

Woodard played his first game with the Fighting Pirates on Saturday (June 28), catching four passes for 49 yards, including a long of 25. Woodard also returned two kickoffs for 52 yards and added three more yards on a punt return. His 100 all-purpose yards ranked second on the team, though Elmshorn ultimately lost to the Cologne Crocodiles, 51-20.

The German Football League 2 consists of 16 teams divided into norther and southern divisions. The league, originally formed as the 2nd American Football Bundesliga, has been playing competitively since 1982.

Southern University Board Names Interim Chancellor, Flandus McClinton Jr.

15321015-mmmainA longtime Southern University finance administrator will serve as the campus’s interim chancellor until the system’s governing board decides how to fill the permanent post.

Flandus McClinton Jr., who has served as vice chancellor for finance and administration since 1998, takes the helm this week but will also retain his vice chancellor duties, serving in a temporary dual role while the board weighs more permanent position-merging options. Embattled former Chancellor James Llorens’ contract expired Monday. Read More 

Michael Strahan Donates $100K to Texas Southern University’s Marching Band

Michael-Strahan-040114-jpg

A Texas Southern University alumnus is giving back to his alma mater. Michael Strahan says he will donate $100,000 to TSU’s “Ocean of Soul” marching band. The students will use the money to travel to Canton, Ohio, so they can play for Strahan’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Read FUll