UMES Speaks the Language

Posted by Arielle Neblett
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Its summer time!! What do most high schoolers do this time of year? Hang out at the pool, earn pocket change at a part time job, learn a foreign language? Well maybe not the last part but they could be!
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is offering high school age students the opportunity to learn two highly demanded and not to mention difficult languages this summer- Arabic and Chinese.
The Summer Language Experience is a rigorous two- week program, geared toward teaching beginners entry-level knowledge of the language along with cultural understanding. The program will be instructed by native speaking professors; Dr. Mohamed Tirab, who will conduct the Arabic session and Susan Yin for the Mandarin Chinese session. Both are professors in the Department of English and Modern Languages at UMES along with teaching at other institutions in the area.
This is a remarkable experience that could one day prove highly beneficial to the participating students once entering today’s workforce. Tammy Gharbi, acting coordinator of the Foreign Language Instructional Center (FLIC) at UMES says “This is a great opportunity for motivated high school or home school students who want to make the most of their summer by studying a foreign language. It would take nearly 15 weeks in a traditional school year to accomplish the 60 hours of instruction offered in The Summer Language Experience”, Gharbi continues.
Registration for the non-residential program is now open. The cost of the program ($280) includes all material and financial assistance is available if needed. The course runs from July 16-27. Call 410-651-6543 for additional information.

This article was referenced by http://www.umes.edu/PR/Article.aspx?id=40474

Shaw University Receives “Excellence in Debt Management” Award

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Shaw University, the first HBCU in the South, received the 2012 Excellence in Debt Management Award from USA Funds, the university announced today. Shaw was recognized for offering creative and effective debt management and financial literacy programs that helped Shaw students reduce student loan debt and limit loan defaults. The award includes a $15,000 USA Funds grant to support student scholarships at the university.

“With 97 percent of our students receiving some form of financial aid, it is vital that we not only graduate our students with a high-quality education, but we also ensure that they graduate with the skills and knowledge to be fiscally responsible,” said Shaw University President Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy. “This award is a tremendous testament to the hard work and dedication of our financial aid staff and an acknowledgement of their continuous efforts to help our students graduate with less debt and live financially sound.”

The university was recognized for initiating and implementing innovative techniques that helped reduce its default rate and increase financial knowledge among its students. Financial aid officers at the university conducted a survey during freshman orientation to identify students who were at risk of dropping out of school and in need of academic or social intervention. Based on the survey results, the university launched a pilot mentoring program. In conjunction with that program, the university also presented 27 financial literacy and financial aid workshops during the past academic school year to 625 students. The university also conducts face-to-face exit counseling sessions for graduating seniors to provide information about their lenders, various repayment options and information about the amount of debt that they have incurred while in school.

In addition, following graduation, the university conducts aggressive communication campaigns to former students who have fallen behind in the repayment of their student loans. These efforts include contacting student loan borrowers, beginning when a former student is more than 30 days past due on a student loan payment, and conducting a monthly telephone blitz to reach borrowers whose loan payments are more than 180 days past due. As a result of these activities, Shaw’s 2010 draft cohort default rate fell to 13.2 percent, down from its official 2009 rate of 22.6 percent.

USA Funds staff and representatives of the previous year’s debt management excellence award-winning colleges and universities selected the award recipients, based on their programs’ measurable results, creativity, scope, staff and faculty involvement, and cost-effectiveness. Since 2004 USA Funds has presented its Excellence in Debt Management Awards annually to highlight outstanding campus debt management and financial literacy programs and to disseminate to other postsecondary institutions best practices in debt management and student loan default prevention.

Improving minority health disparities: NCCU Research Center receives $5.7 million NIH Grant

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The Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute (BBRI) at North Carolina Central University has received a $5.7 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to help eliminate health disparities in minority communities.

NCCU Scientist will conduct research on four projects that focuses on cardio-metabolic diseases that disproportionately affect African-Americans. The project is administered by the Center for Translational Health Equality Research (CTHER) and led by the director of BBRI, K. Sean Kimbro, Ph.D., and associate professor Mildred A. Pointer, Ph.D., FAHA.

The NIH grant at BBRI is sponsored by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), a United States government agency whose mission is to “promote minority health and to lead, coordinate, support, and assess the NIH effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities.”

On a Welcome Address at the agency’s website, Dr. John Ruffin, the Director of the NIMHD, notes how health disparities afflict so many American citizens. Ruffin said that the time to eliminate such gaps is now.

“Health of minorities and other health disparity populations has not benefited from our nation’s progress in scientific discovery due to a wide range and variety of disparities in health outcomes attributable to race, ethnicity, gender, or lack of access to health care,” Dr. John Ruffin said in the Welcome Address. “It is clear that the American people are deeply concerned about these health inequities.”

The BBRI at North Carolina Central University is a top flight biotechnology research institute dedicated to unearthing the mechanisms of disease and using that knowledge to pinpoint cures. In a statement, Director Kimbro said that the grant will be targeted to diseases that profoundly impact minority communities.

“With an investment of approximately $5 million over five years, the National Institutes of Health and the scientific community have given a strong statement of support and confidence in our research,” Kimbro said.

About North Carolina Central University:  North Carolina Central University is a historically black institution founded in 1910. With more than 8,300 enrolled at the university, North Carolina Central is recognized as the first publicly supported liberal arts college for African-Americans.

 

 

Bowie State Champions LGBT Rights for HBCUs

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An HBCU blazes the trail in championing LGBT rights on their campuses. Maryland’s Bowie State University is the first historically black college or university to introduce a resource center specifically catering to the LGBT community, according to the LGBT advocacy group human rights campaign. Bowie State opened the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersexed and Allies (LGBTQIA) Resource Center in April, though students and advisors have been organizing plans for the progressive union since 2007.

“…Throughout the years, it started falling apart and, because of money and a lot of resources,” Adrian Krishnasamy, an assistant professor of communications at Bowie State who serves as the director of the program told NPR.  “But we had a solid backing up from the high administration and a very strong student body and they have been very supportive about our measures towards that. So, ever since then, it had been an ongoing effort.”

The LGBTQIA Resource Center addresses homophobia on the Bowie State campus by ensuring that this demographic of students has a safe place to converse about their issues.

“We are just there to basically be representatives of that culture to say hey, you know, it’s OK,” Krishnasamy explains. “And to kind of say I can identify with this person, you know, how did you come out? Sort of sitting in that space and sort of sharing that, I think that is the biggest experience of it as of all.”

Since the center opened its doors, students have been using most of the resources available.

“I am so thankful that this resource center exists,” says Ashley Brown, senior, psychology major. “Free HIV testing is what makes me most excited. We’re tackling HIV and homophobia. Bowie State is doing great things.”

The 2012 – 2013 academic year will be the first full one for the progressive center, which expects to attract a large portion of the student population with programming and HIV testing. It will open daily from noon to 5 p.m. and will also offer counseling for students struggling with personal problems.

Bowie’s gay-straight alliance is also expected to plan workshops and programs that raise awareness about sexual orientation.

LGBT supporters have high hopes for the future of similar resource centers at other HBCUs. Lauren Waters, a graduate of Bennett College, and a youth and campus outreach coordinator for the Human Rights Campaign works directly with Bowie State and other HBCUs to lead similar initiatives.

She wants to see this spread to other historical black colleges and universities.

“Historically, HBCUs aren’t necessarily hostile to LGBT people, but they’re not necessarily all-inclusive of LGBT people,” Waters told Black On Campus. “I definitely think this is kind of starting the fire.”

Howard University hosts HU Athletics Alumni Reunion Weekend 2012

Posted by Brittney Quarles
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When most Alumni journey back to their respective colleges and universities it’s for the great experience of an HBCU homecoming. But this weekend, Howard University played host to a special group of Alumni that all had a special bond and contributed to the collective fabric of the college experience.

Student athletes nationwide work not only their minds, but their bodies, tirelessly in order to play at the college level. The Howard University Athletic Department is thanking all Alumni athletes by welcoming everyone back for a weekend of good fun, fellowship, and of course a little competitive sports.

Howard’s head football Gary Harrell is the mastermind behind this great event.

“The idea was generated three years ago when I was coaching at Bowie State.  I was back in the area and wanted to figure out a way to galvanize everyone to come together in good spirit. The event consisted of former football players coming back with their families to reconnect with old teammates and friends while playing a friendly game of flag football” Says Harrell.

The weekend long events kicked off Friday with the welcome back mix and mingle. Athletes and their families from the football, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading teams were asked to not only come out, but to flex the skills they once used daily at Howard to play in games during the day on Saturday. Along with the games, a cook out, Mary Kay pampering session, and after party were are all on the agenda.

Lauren Fleming, a Howard Alum and former cheerleader stresses the purpose and spirit of this event.

“It is very important because our programs need support both physically and financially. So to have active alumni presence will help the continuation of our programs and help promote others to join the HU athletic legacy” says Fleming.

For many athletes, an athletic scholarship paved the way for their college education and that’s why giving back is so important for the next generation of student athletes.

“It’s important for former Howard athletes to return back to campus to share some of their Howard experiences with current athletes. It also helps them stay connected to the Athletic Department to receive a clear understanding of the vision and direction of the program.” Says Harrell.

This was the first year the event, which was started in June 2010, was open to all sports, cheerleaders, and band members. Coach Harrell says that with the participation increasing each year this event will remain an annual gathering enjoyed by all.

Howard Alumnus Fights for Congressional Seat in NY

Posted by Brittney Quarles
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On this Tuesday June 26, 2012 Clyde Williams is one of four candidates looking to oust long time Republican Charlie Rangel. Williams, who represents Congressional District 13 in Harlem, has been endorsed by the Daily News and the N.Y. Times as he promises to serve the interest and residents in this District.

As a former aid and advisor to President Obama and former President Bill Clinton, as well as National Political Director of the Democratic National Committee, Williams is no stranger to the political game. With more then 20 years in public service Williams has created deep bonds and forged leadership within the Harlem community, specifically with African Americans and Latinos promoting job training, HIV education and prevention, and small business expansion and success just to name a few.

Williams received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Howard University and lives in Harlem with his wife and two children.

This article was referenced by: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/uptown/washington-insider-clyde-williams-asserts-presence-congressional-district-13-democratic-primary-article-1.1101635

For more info on Clyde Williams and his campaign check out: http://www.clyde2012.com/

Posted by Brittney Quarles Posted on 116 articles

ASU Board of Trustees Crowns former Clark Atlanta VP, Joseph Silver President of Alabama State University

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The Alabama State University Board of Trustees voted to officially accept Joseph Silver as the 13th president of the university during their board meeting Friday morning.

Silver, the current provost and vice president of academic affairs at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, was approved by a unanimous vote and will begin his tenure at ASU in September.

Silver said his vision for ASU is to bring the university to the next level.

“We’re not trying to be the best in Montgomery, the best in Alabama, or the best in the Southeast,” he said. “Our goal is to make this the best institution in higher education, bar none.”

Silver said that plan required bringing ASU into the global market, something he intends to move toward immediately.

“We’re going to hit the ground running” he said.Current president William Harris said he had faith in Silver to continue his work at ASU.

“I have every confidence that Dr. Silver is fully capable of leading the university and not only continuing what we started, but refining it. We see a future for this university, but ours is not the only future,” Harris said.

Silver said that he believed ASU would achieve greater prominence in the future of higher education.

“I think this university is poised to do some great things,” he said.

“When people think about higher education and quality students, they’re going to get stung by a hornet.” Referenced from  Mont

Hampton’s McCorory qualify for London Olympics

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Francena McCorory and LaShawn Merritt will both head to London next month looking for Olympic gold.

Merritt, a Portsmouth native, will be a hot gold medal candidate. But Bethel High and Hampton University grad Francena McCorory knows that claiming an individual gold will be a much tougher chore.

Running in the 400-meter final on Sunday at historic Hayward Field, McCorory had hoped to pose a serious challenge to veteran Sanya Richards-Ross, the 2009 world titlist who is now a six-time American champion.

But it didn’t happen.

Richards-Ross pulled away from the field in the final 150 meters to win it going away in 49.28, equaling the Olympic Trials record, with DeeDee Trotter second in 50.02 and McCorory nabbing third in 50.43.

“I ran until my wheels fell off,” McCorory said. “I wouldn’t say I ran the smartest race, but I wanted to make the team.”

McCorory joins Kellie Wells as former Hampton athletes heading to London. Wells qualified Saturday with a second-place finish in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

Merritt ran a 44.12 lap to win the 400 meters. He is defending Olympic champion and again showed that he will be tough to beat in London.

“After I got through the first round (in 45.36 Friday) and the second round (44.78 Saturday) I knew that eight men were still alive and how much we all wanted to get to London. So I had to go out and run a great race,” Merritt said.

And he did — Florida’s Tony McQuay ran a distant second in 44.45 with Southern California’s Bryshon Nellums third in 44.80 to nail down the other individual 400 spots in London.

Posing Merritt’s most likely Olympic challenge is the University of Alabama-trained Kirani James, running for Grenada.

Meanwhile, relay medals — in the men’s and women’s 4×400’s — seem to be in the cards for both Virginians.

“It’s a blessing to be alongside these ladies,” said McCorory, about Richards-Ross and Trotter.

Poised for potential 4×400 assignments will be Debbie Dunn (50.78), Diamond Dixon (50.80) an Keshia Blake (51.23.)

Candidates for men’s relay action will be Josh Mance (44.88), Manteo Mitchell (44.90) and 2004 Olympic titlist Jeremy Wariner (45.24). Referenced from DailyPress.

Former Howard University Hospital Employee Pleads Guilty to Selling Personal Information About Patients

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Laurie Napper, a former medical technician at Howard University Hospital, pled guilty today to a federal charge stemming from the sale of personal information about patients, along with blank prescription forms, announced United States Attorney Ronald C Machen Jr and James W McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office.

Napper, 33, of Alexandria, Virginia, pled guilty in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to the wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. The charge is a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and potential fines. The Honorable Colleen Kollar-Kotelly scheduled sentencing for September 21, 2012.

According to a statement of offense signed by the defendant as well as the government, Napper worked as a medical technician in Howard University Hospital’s general surgery department. In that capacity, she had access to individually identifiable health information of Howard University Hospital patients, as well as hospital prescription pads.

From August 2010 through December 2011, on at least three occasions, Napper obtained the records of multiple hospital patients.

She then sold the names, addresses, dates of birth, and Medicare numbers to another person, along with blank hospital prescription forms. Napper received about $500 to $800 in cash for each of the transactions.

In total, Napper sold about 40 Howard University Hospital patient names and information to the person, and she received approximately $2,100 in cash in return.

After receiving the prescription pads and patient information from Napper, the person forged prescriptions for oxycodone. The person then presented the forged prescriptions to pharmacies in the Washington, DC. metropolitan area, and provided Napper’s telephone number at Howard University Hospital for verification. Referenced from 7thSpace

When the pharmacists called Napper, she confirmed the legitimacy of the prescriptions, allowing the pharmacists to fill them and to provide the person with oxycodone.

“Patients must be able to trust that their privacy will be respected when they share personal medical information with their health care providers,” said United States Attorney Machen. “This medical technician breached that trust by selling patient information for cash. This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable the unscrupulous individuals who violate the confidential doctor-patient relationship for personal gain.”

“With today’s guilty plea, Ms. Napper has admitted her role in a scheme in which she sold prescription pads and patient information for her own benefit.

By doing so, Ms. Napper facilitated the illegal procurement of oxycodone through forged prescriptions,” said Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “The FBI will continue to work together with the United States Attorney’s office to bring to justice those who commit prescription drug fraud.”

Former Hampton University star Kellie Wells qualifies for London Olympics

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The trauma is long gone from Kellie Wells’ life.

There’s a zip in her walk and a smile on her face reaching, it seems, all the way from Oregon to England.

The 29-year-old Hampton University graduate is bound for the London Olympic Games next month after placing second in 12.77 (back of Dawn Harper’s 12.73 but ahead of Lolo Jones’ 12.80) in the women’s 100-meter hurdles final of the USA Olympic Track and Field Trials Saturday at Hayward Field.

“I can smile now,” she said.

“I am definitely back.”

How her world has turned.

Back at the 2008 Olympic Trials, right here at Hayward Field, she ran second in her semifinal of the 100 hurdles only to tear a hamstring in the process.

But she rehabbed well and by 2011 was ranked number one in the world in the 60-meter hurdles, and No. 4 globally in the outdoor 100 hurdles.

Virginia Tech alumnae Queen Harrison and Kristi Castlin and Queen Harrison had no such luck, bowing out in the 100 hurdles semifinals. Harrison clocked a 12.88, Castlin a 12.93. They were in good company; bowing out, too, was 2004 Olympic champion Joanna Hayes (12.98).

With prelims and semifinals of the women’s 400 meters out of the way, Francena McCorory seems destined for Olympic status, too.

The Bethel High and Hampton graduate ran 50.55 to win her semifinal of the 400 Saturday.

Obviously Olympic-ready, too, is Suffolk resident/Woodrow Wilson of Portsmouth product LaShawn Merrittt, who led the men’s 400 semis in 44.78.

As a 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist, he has his heart set on becoming just the second man ever to repeat as Olympic one-lap champion.

Michael Johnson did it at Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, and now it’s Merritt’s turn to bid for repeat gold.

He becomes the strong favorite to capture Sunday night’s eight-man final.

Keith Moffatt, the Menchville High and Morehouse College grad, who’d had come close in past Olympic Trials, placing fourth in 2004 and fifth in 2008, failed to clear a height this time. Referenced from DailyPress

HBCU “Equality Lawsuit” Far From Over

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Both sides locked in a battle over proper funding for Maryland’s historical black institutions (HBI) have retreated to their corners to regroup and prepare for the next phase of the case.

Lawyers for the Coalition for Equity and Excellence in Maryland Higher Education Inc., the plaintiff, and the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the defendant, submitted conclusions of law on June 6.

“The state is reviewing documents from the plaintiff’s side and the plaintiffs are reviewing documents from the defendant’s side,” said Dr. Earl S. Richardson, president of Morgan State University from 1984 to 2010.

“It appears that the case is continuing on schedule and we hope that the lawyers on the plaintiff’s side are persuasive enough in their arguments to convince the judge of the merit of this case.”
The legal representation for both the Coalition and MHEC will have until July 13 to respond to each other’s submissions. Final oral arguments will be heard Oct. 19 of this year.

“The submissions are the first thing we’ve done since the case ended in February,”
said Kenneth Thompson of Venable LLP, lawyers representing the Maryland Higher Education Commission. “We have to file what we call replies, or rebuttals, this summer and we have closing arguments scheduled for Oct. 19.”

The State’s defense opens summary of conclusion by stating “nothing in the Constitution or in federal law requires that the State provide HBIs with the enhanced funding plaintiffs seek.”

“Plaintiffs’ filing included testimony from the four HBCU presidents about the conditions at the HBCUs, including inadequate libraries, science labs, IT infrastructure, faculty salaries, financial aid and overall resources,” said Michael D. Jones, legal representative for the Coalition.

“The plaintiffs’ filing also focused on Maryland’s 2000 Agreement with the Office of Civil Rights where Maryland agreed to enhance the HBCUs to the point that they could compete with the Traditionally White Institutions.”

The State’s defense opens its summary of conclusion by stating “nothing in the Constitution or in federal law requires that the State provide HBIs with the enhanced funding plaintiffs seek.”

The document numbers 103 pages and gives numerous examples of students who graduated from alleged substandard conditions at historical black colleges and universities (HBCU) and later excelled.

The State’s submission also says that forced compensation for past unsavory classroom conditions heard in alumni testimony would be unjust because no “discrete personal injury” occurred.

“If merely showing past inequities were enough to trigger present-day remedies, there would have been no need for a trial in this case,” said the defense in its submission. “The question this court must answer in its threshold inquiry is whether current policies or practices are traceable to the de jure era.”

The document also argues the alumni testimonies heard throughout the trial about give no reason to award a judgment to schools today because students now learn in different settings unknown to alumni.

A decision in the landmark trial is expected from Judge Catherine C. Blake of the U.S. District Court after both sides give their rebuttal by July 13 and deliver oral arguments in October.

The case was originally filed in October of 2006, but took years to reach the trial phase that began on Jan. 3

.

Alumni and current students from Bowie State University (BSU), Coppin State University (CSU), Morgan State University (MSU) and University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the four HBCUs that filed the case, packed the court house for days to show support.

The institutions allege that by providing better funding and facilities to white schools and allowing the duplication of HBCUs specialty programs, the state of Maryland continued to perpetuate a system of de facto segregation, or segregation enforced by human behavior instead of law.

The HBCUs are asking the state for $2.1 billion in damages to help pay for upgrades and repairs to campuses. Referenced from AFRO

$10,000 Grant Given By UPS to Benedict College

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Benedict College recently received a $10,000 Grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS.

The grant will be used to obtain computer units for students in the new Freshmen Institute for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Benedict College School of STEM has programs in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and a new program in Transportation Engineering and Logistics Studies. The funds are beneficial in assisting to improve the College retention and graduation rates for the School of STEM.

“We believe students can do remarkable things when they have access to the right technology, tools and training that will assist them in learning 21st-century skills that will prepare them to be career-ready,” said Dr. David H. Swinton, President and CEO of Benedict College.

“This generous gift from UPS foundation will give students an opportunity when it comes to completing their coursework, inspiring their academic experience, and learning concrete job skills. It is our hope that we can motivate the next generation of leaders to see the opportunity to compete for better jobs and advance their economic status by pursuing interests and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”

“The funds from UPS Foundation will assist in lowering the ratio for the number of students with computers versus the number of students at Benedict College,” said Mrs. Barbara Moore, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “The purchase of the new computers represents a remarkable step forward to enhance the ability of our students to compete in the global economy.”

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as Benedict College, and provide support for building stronger communities.

“The UPS Foundation is honored to support the Benedict College efforts to provide technology support for freshmen students in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.”

Dillard Theatre presents Broadway Stars with “The Amen Corner”

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In the photo: Nicoye Banks, Left | Lloyd Watts, Middle | Sherri Marina, Right

 

On Monday Dillard University Theatre teamed up with “Project 1 Voice, a national performing arts organization dedicated to the preservation of black theater to present a reading of the 1954 play by activist James Baldwin, “The Amen Corner,”

The reading held in Dillard’s Georges Auditorium is part of the second annual “One Voice, One Play, One Day” project, which displays black theater across the country on the same day and at approximately the same time.

The play featured a number of Rising Broadway stars including Sex and the City actress and former chair of Dillard University’s theater department Sherri Marina, New Orleans native and star in the documentary film “The Stoop: Looking for Lenny actor Lloyd Watts and actor Nicoye Banks who played roles in “Law & Order,” and“ Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day”.

Ed Bishop, artistic director for the American Theater Project of New Orleans directed the play that also featured members of the Chakula Cha Jua Theater Company and the Anthony Bean Community Theater, which recently produced “The Amen Corner”, ending shows on Feb. 12 earlier this year.

“The Amen Corner” tells the story of a family in Harlem in the mid-20th century trying to navigate its faith, relationships and careers amidst a backdrop of poverty and racism.

 

This article was referenced by:

http://www.atpno.org/THE_AMEN_CORNER_by_James_Baldwin.html

Huntsville High teacher, Alabama A&M Alum wins Presidential award, may visit White House

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Chanda Davis, a science teacher at Huntsville High School, has been recognized as one of 97 Presidential Awardees for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Awardees have been invited to Washington for the recognition program, which is part of a three-day itinerary that includes a “possible” White House tour and “possible” photo opportunity with President Barack Obama.

Davis has been teaching for 13 years and has taught biology, anatomy and physiology at Huntsville for the past two years. In April 2009, Davis was named as one of two teachers of the year in Huntsville City Schools while teaching at Hampton Cove Middle School.

Davis has a bachelor’s degree from Alabama A&M University as well as a master’s of education.

According to the announcement, Davis’ students have won many awards at district and state science fairs. While she was Biology Club Sponsor, her group won third place and the People’s Choice award in a canned-food design contest. She has hosted Science Night, worked with a local college to install a research weather station, and organized a blood and bone marrow drive for a student diagnosed with Fanconi anemia.

Chanda has participated in professional development related to common assessment, biotechnology, inquiry-based learning, and nanotechnology. She is a member of the Science Teachers Association and has presented at regional and national conferences.
Follow me on Twitter @paul_gattis or email me at paul.gattis@htimes.com.

Professor Gets U.S. Patent for Drug Discovery treating infections commonly found in HIV/AIDS

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Cryptolepine will help combat infection in AIDS, chemotherapy and organ transplant patients.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Seth Ablordeppey, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, has received a United States patent (No. 8,158,646) for extensive modifications to the drug Cryptolepine. Preliminary tests indicate the drug will be effective at treating infections commonly found in HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, and organ transplant patients. In addition, it has fewer side effects than several currently used drugs.

“This research has been in the works for more than a decade and I am grateful to FAMU for providing the environment and opportunity for this discovery,” said Ablordeppey. “With the discovery of these new agents we hope to deal one more blow to the opportunistic infections that continue to wreak havoc in our communities.”

Cryptolepine is a series of compounds derived from a native plant of Ghana, West Africa. According to the Center for Disease Control, opportunistic infections that attack weakened immune systems have become increasing problematic in the United States. When compared to drugs currently on the market, the high potency and fewer side affects associated with
Cryptolepine could ultimately combat this problem.

“I am so very proud of Dr. Ablordeppey and the contribution he has made to FAMU’s patent portfolio. Because of his work, FAMU now has a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical compounds that treat various diseases that disproportionately affect African Americans,” said Tanaga Boozer, director for FAMU Office of Technology Transfer, Licensing and Commercialization. “His patent demonstrates the talent and commitment among FAMU researchers to develop novel drugs, methods, and medical devices that address health disparities in underrepresented populations.”

This is the Ablordeppey’s second patent in two years. In 2010, he received a patent for developing the “Haloperidol Analog,” a method for treating mammals suffering from psychosis.

Elvis Robinson named Mississippi Valley State women’s basketball coach

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Jackson native Elvis Robinson is the new women’s basketball coach at Mississippi Valley State, the school announced today.

Robinson, a 1999 Callaway High School graduate, is a 2004 MVSU graduate. He played four years for the Delta Devils’ men’s team and has spent the last eight years as an assistant coach at various levels, most recently at Jackson State.

Robinson replaces Nate Kilbert, who left to take the women’s coaching position at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

“We did a thorough search and Robinson presented himself as a top candidate,” said MVSU interim athletic director Donald Sims in a statement released by the school. “We have faith that he will keep the program going in the right direction.”

Referenced from clarionledger