Southern Athletics Committee Unanimously Approves Broussard for AD Post

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After nearly eleven months without an athletics director, the Athletics Committee of the Southern University Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Dr. William Broussard as Southern’s future director of athletics during a special session Thursday on the Baton Rouge campus.

Before Broussard’s appointment becomes official, a final vote of the board is pending and will be conducted at a March 30 meeting in Shreveport, La. The former Northwestern State student-athlete was presented to the athletics committee at the recommendation of SUBR Chancellor Dr. James Llorens.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity (to serve as Athletics Director at Southern),” said Broussard.

“I am incredibly encouraged by the (Board of Supervisors) support today. Obviously, to be approved by the committee unanimously is a tremendous show of support. I am really excited about the opportunity to come down to Baton Rouge and Southern University and to get to work.”

Highly regarded as a visionary with superb fundraising capabilities, Dr. William Broussard delivers a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new post as Southern University’s Director of Athletics.

Broussard’s versatility is derived from a variety of administrative, athletic, and academic experiences garnered throughout his career and will be instrumental in his supervision of five men’s and eight women’s Division I programs at Southern.

“Similar to a new athletic director coming in, even if (a school) has been without an athletic director for a month, I am a new person,” said Broussard.

“I am going to need to cultivate relationships, learn about the student-athletes who are here, the coaches who are here and their concerns, spend some time reviewing policies and procedure and ensuring that those are properly lined up so that the program performs adequately and excellently.”

(SportsNOLA)

Delaware State Women’s Basketball Coach Retires

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Delaware State University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Davis announced today that he is retiring from his position, ending a 12-year coaching career at DSU.

Since becoming the Lady Hornets’ head coach in the 2000-2001 season, Davis compiled a 178-182 overall record – making him the University’s all-time leader in career women’s basketball wins. During the recently concluded 2011-12 season, the Lady Hornets were 7-23 overall and 4-12 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

The highlight year of Davis’ DSU coaching tenure took place during the 2006-07 season, in which he guided the Lady Hornets to the only Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in team’s history.

Davis’ tenure at Delaware State was also highlighted by five MEAC Tournament championship game appearances and a share of the MEAC regular season title in 2004. He was named MEAC Coach-of-the-Year for the 2003-04 season.

The interim director of athletics said that Ed Davis has served Delaware State University Athletics with dignity and professionalism. “He has been a true competitor and champion of the game and has orchestrated an academically-focused team that has performed admirably throughout his career at DSU,” Hart said. “We wish Coach Davis much success and thank him for his dedication to the women’s basketball program and Hornet Nation.”

Prior to his arrival at DSU in 2000, Davis was the head women’s basketball coach at Bowie State (Md.) University for eight years. He has a career record of 349-236 in 20 years as an intercollegiate head coach.

The University will launch a national search for a new women’s basketball head coach in the near future.

(WBOC)

West Virginia State University To Narrow Field of Candidates for President

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West Virginia State University’s presidential search advisory committee is meeting this weekend to narrow the field of candidates.

West Virginia State Board of Governors chairman Larry Rowe says the panel will choose which candidates to interview in person. The Saturday meeting won’t be open to the public.

Rowe says the candidates will be interviewed between March 23 and March 25 in Columbus, Ohio. Finalists will be announced in late April or early May.

The Board of Governors will make the final decision. Rowe says the board hopes to have a new president on July 1.

Longtime President Hazo W. Carter Jr. announced last August that he will retire. He will remain at West Virginia State as president emeritus until his contract expires in 2014.

(Associated Press)

Johnson C. Smith University Students Place in National Research Conferences

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Three students at Johnson C. Smith University recently won awards for their research projects at national conferences. Randale Watson, a sophomore at Johnson C. Smith University with a major in computer engineering, received a first place award for presenting a research project on Emergency Detection and Relief Using Roboticsat the February Emerging Researchers National Conference in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) held in Atlanta.

Watson, who is from Kingston, Jamaica, worked with a team of students to create a robot that could serve as a prototype for deployable search and rescue purposes. His peers on the research team included JCSU students Christopher Cornwall, Gordon Clayton, Jamar Robinson, Kevon Scott, Raymond Thomas and research advisors Lijuan Cao and Hang Chen.

Rolanda Sue, senior biology and chemistry major at JCSU from Georgetown, Guyana,  won third place at the conference for presenting a research project titled Ground Truthing LIDAR Data Within a Successionally Diverse Piedmont Forest. Her team of fellow JCSU students included Camille Grimsley, Jamaal Jackson, Michelle Jackson, Megan Talley with faculty advisor  Joseph Fail, Jr.

Kirachae Graham, a junior computer science and information systems major from Charlotte, won second place at the Carolinas Women in Computing Conference in Columbia, S.C., for presenting her research project titled Gap Analysis: Cell Phone Forensic Tools.. For her work, Graham received a full scholarship to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing Conference in Maryland this October.

More than 60 students in the STEM College at Johnson C. Smith University presented research projects at conferences throughout the country this past year. Johnson C. Smith University will host a STEM conference for undergraduate college students on March 25 and 26.

5 Things to Know About Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn

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Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn led his team to a major upset over Mizzou Friday night. Here are five things to know about the breakout star.

The game was one of the biggest upsets in the history of the NCAA tournament, and Norfolk State University — the 2012 Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference champions — won its first March Madness appearance in style, topping a Tigers team many had going to the Final Four.

In the intense nail-biter, No. 2 seed University of Missouri’s March dreams were crushed when it went down, 86-84, to a No. 15 seed program that had never beaten a ranked team.

It was only the fifth time a No. 15 seed bested a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, and the first time since Hampton University — Norfolk State’s neighbor in the Hampton Roads region — toppled Iowa State University in 2001.

Here’s the scoop on Norfolk State’s Kyle O’Quinn:

1. He barely got to play college ball: O’Quinn flowered late. When he was graduated from high school four years ago, he was offered only one scholarship for playing college basketball. That offer was made by the little-respected Norfolk State. In the years since then, he has become a star, and he led the team Friday night over the University of Missouri with a massive 26 points and 14 rebounds.

2. He’s a New Yorker: O’Quinn is a native New Yorker, as are NSU head coach Anthony Evans (of Brooklyn) and assistant coach Robert Jones (of Queens). Hailing from Jamaica, Queens, O’Quinn is graduated of the Campus Magnet High School in the same borough. The New York connection with the team’s leaders is one reason why he was given a chance to play for the southern Virginia school. He is one of eight people on the team from New York, along with three others who went to high school in that general area, according to the New York Daily News, which reported that O’Quinn said, “I think you play a little harder when you play with people from your  hometown.”

3. He’s humble yet ambitious: O’Quinn said in an amiable interview on the court after the victory Friday night that he never expected to play college basketball, let alone make it to the Round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. But, at the same time, he said that the only thing he can possibly do to pay his coaches back for the opportunity to play for a Division I team was to bring home a championship. So, even though he’s a nice guy, he’s not a pushover — and he’s hoping to take his team all the way. We’ll see how far that continues when the team faces off in the next round against Billy Donovan and the University of Florida Gators.

4. He’s a monster: O’Quinn has the combination of skills and physical attributes that are required in an elite center. He’s not only 6 feet 10 inches tall and 240 pounds but also agile, strong, and a great shot, which combine to create a tremendous athelete capable of going far in basketball. Before Friday night, you may not have heard the name Kyle O’Quinn, but now you’ll likely be hearing his name mentioned often in advance of the National Basketball Association Draft this year.

5. This is not his first great performance: O’Quinn has been dominant all year. Although Norfolk State has not faced too much serious competition, Kyle O’Quinn has been a solid presence for his team during the entire 2012 season, averaging 15.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. So, even though Friday featured an absolutely crushing showing by the senior, he’s been great all year, leading his Spartans to a 26-9 overall record. He’s a player to watch as the tournament goes on. March Madness at its finest!

(International Business Times)

FAMU Hosts Education and Science Forum to Develop STEM Talent

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The focus on academic training in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has become a priority in higher education as  the workforce demands for college graduates in these fields continues to grow nationwide. Florida A&M University (FAMU) will proactively address ways to increase innovation and national competitiveness through STEM programs by hosting the sixth biennial Education and Science Forum on March 26-28, 2012.
The university is expecting nearly 300 people from across the U.S. to attend this education and science conference.

FAMU President James H. Ammons, City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), U.S. Representative Steve Southerland (R-Fla.), and Florida Representative Michelle Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) will attend the opening plenary session on March 26 at 9 a.m. The keynote speaker from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be Dr. Paul Sandifer, senior science advisor to the NOAA administrator.
NOAA is the principal sponsor of this STEM focused forum.

“It is an honor to host the NOAA conference on campus,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.  “Florida A&M University has a commitment to producing tomorrow’s leaders in science and technology.  This is a unique opportunity for the academic community to collaborate with leaders in the public and private sectors who are actively engaged in closing the gap in STEM education and research.”

According to Dr. Michael Abazinge, interim dean of the School of the Environment and director of the Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC), the focus of the conference is four-fold:
•       Provide a venue for exchanging results of collaborative research between NOAA and the academic community and discussing new engagement opportunities.
•       Expand academic training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines through partnership activities (with NOAA scientists, academia and private and public sectors.
•       Explore and expand future career opportunities for STEM graduates in the public, private and academic sectors.
•       Highlight professional careers in the public, private and academic sectors.

“The real thrust of this conference is to increase and develop the STEM talent by creating a more diverse scientific workforce that directly supports NOAA’s mission and increases opportunities for innovation and U.S. global competitiveness,” said Abazinge. For more information and to register as a student, professional or exhibitor for this forum, visit www.ecsc.famu.edu/2012.

Bowie State University to Host Peace Week and Capital Area Association for Peace Studies

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Bowie State University will tackle the growing problem of campus violence with Peace Week, a weeklong series of events March 26 – March 31 aimed at stemming campus violence, promoting peace and helping students correctly solve conflicts without resorting to violence.

“Bowie State recognizes that violence on campuses is a growing problem across the country,” says Thomasina Boardley, coordinator of student conduct and special assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs. “Many students are not being taught how to resolve conflict and settle disputes in a constructive and peaceful way. We want students to realize that there are better ways to overcome conflict.”

This is Bowie State’s first Peace Week. The week’s events are a response to increased incidents of violence on college campuses, especially among female students. Through Peace Week, students will gain a broader understanding of how to keep stressful situations from escalating into violence.

While targeted to Bowie State students, faculty and staff, Peace Week events are open to the community. Event highlights include an all-female faculty, staff and student symposium about the impact of social media on conflict escalation on Wednesday, March 28 and a panel discussion on using peaceful dialogue to overcome conflict featuring panelists from Frostburg State University, the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore and other regional universities on Thursday, March 29. Additional events will focus on fostering positive student interactions and providing creative outlets for expression.

Peace Week will culminate on Saturday, March 31 when the university hosts the Capital Area Association for Peace Studies (CAAPS) 25th Annual Student Conference. CAAPS was founded in 1988 to promote cooperation among peace studies programs in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The conference will give students from various D.C.-area colleges and universities the opportunity to present research and participate in panel discussions on subjects ranging from conflict resolution to social justice at the national and international levels.

The conference, on average, draws 150 to 300 participants and is free and open to the general public.

Bowie State volunteered to host this year’s event.

“Undergraduate students do not usually present research in conference settings, so this conference provides students with a unique opportunity to build scholarship in the area of peace studies and network with students from across the region,” says Marcia Thompson, professor of criminal justice in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services and the Bowie State CAAPS coordinator.

In addition to Bowie State, 13 other D.C.-area colleges and universities will participate in the conference.

Interested presenters and attendees can contact Marcia Thompson at mthompson@bowiestate.edu or 301-860-3173 for a complete conference agenda and registration information.

FAMU Student Government Association To Host State of the Black Student Summit

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The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Student Government Association (SGA) will host the State of the Black Student Summit on Sunday, March 18 at 6 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.  The summit will bring together a diverse group of national leaders in business, academia, media and education to discuss major domestic and global issues affecting America’s students. Admission is free for all FAMU, Florida State University and Tallahassee Community College students with a valid student ID. General admission is $5.

Grammy Award-winning recording artist and philanthropist John Legend will keynote this event, which includes a discussion and interactive session with the following panelists:

• Omar Tyree, New York Times best-selling author and entrepreneur;

• Carmen Wong Ulrich, MSNBC and CNN contributor;

• Marc Lamont Hill, author, professor and television host;

• Dr. Jaquelyn Del Rosario, notable marriage counselor;

• Eve Wright, vice president and associate general counsel for the Miami Heat

• Marc Williams, sports marketing pioneer and pop culture expert;

• Devin T. Robinson X aka “Egypt,” actor and activist.

The goal of the summit is to raise awareness about national and global issues that directly affect minority communities.  It will also challenge students to think critically and give them the unique opportunity to exchange ideas with some of the greatest minds of their generation.

A welcome session is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) followed by two workshops in the SJGC Lecture Hall prior to the summit:

“What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail” begins at 12:15 p.m. This workshop will focus on starting careers in music, sports, entertainment, and marketing. “Young Millionaires Roundtable” begins at 1:45 p.m.

For more information about the State of the Black Student Summit and workshops, call David Boyd at (850) 599-3624 or Morris Hawkins at (850) 599-3400.

African American Academic Phenom to Speak at Voorhees College Convocation

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Later this month, Voorhees College, a historically Black educational institution in Denmark, South Carolina, will hold its Honors Day Convocation. The keynote speaker at the ceremony will be Ty Hobson-Powell, a first-year student at the law school of North Carolina Central University.

Hobson-Powell is a 16-year-old African American male. He is the youngest person to ever graduate from the University of Baltimore. He earned his bachelor’s degree there at age 15, completing his degree requirements in just two years.

After completing his legal training, Hobson-Powell plans to enter medical school.

(JBHE)

Aunjanue Ellis to Star in Upcoming Hampton University Production

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The Hampton University players are hanging out in good company for their next production. One of the actresses in the blockbuster hit’The Help’ will guest star with the student cast.

Aunjanue Ellis has an impressive list of credits, including ‘Men of Honor, ‘Ray’, the film based on the life of Ray Charles, and her starring role in ‘Undercover Brother.’

If you ask her what she likes best, film, television or stage, her answer would be she embraces them all.

If Aunjanue Ellis, seems familiar to you, it may be because she’s what the industry calls a ‘working actress.’

“Every job that I get is a blessing and any actor will tell you that,” says Ellis.

You might have caught her episode on the ‘Mentalist,’ trading barbs with Simon Baker.

And if by chance you missed that, surely you checked out her role in the movie ‘The Help’.

She still marvels that the film featuring nearly an all-female cast disproved the Hollywood theory that only action movies make money.

“The great thing about ‘The Help,’ I’m so excited about the success of that movie, is not just the commercial success, it made a lie out of that,” says Ellis.

Film, television, and now Ellis is gracing the stage at Hampton University in a play adapted from her best friend’s book titled  ‘Through the Crack’.

The author, Charrita D. Danley, tells the story of a college co-ed whose promising future is interrupted by an addiction to crack cocaine.

She had to perfect her role as Vicky in three days working side by side with acting students at Hampton.

“Stage is great in that you have more time to develop relationships with the people you are working with,” says Ellis.

“It’s an amazing experience for me, and I’m so grateful to be a part of that,” she says.

But most of all, she wants her friend, who based her book on real-life pain, to feel that Ellis brought the pages to life on stage.

The Hampton University Players and Company will present the stage adaptation of ‘Through the Crack,’ March 15th – 18th at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee March 18th at 3 p.m.  The novel is available right now at Barnes and Nobel.

(WTKR)

Howard University Faculty Questions Administrator Bonuses, Budget Cuts

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When Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau announced a series of budget cuts last month, the faculty senate fired back with a three-page letter that questioned the “outrageous bonuses” that a few  administrators received in 2010 that totaled more than $1 million.

Faculty representatives wrote in a letter dated Feb. 16 to Ribeau and the board of trustees that the bonuses demonstrate “blatant disregard for the University when our students and their families are struggling to pay tuition increases.”

The one-time payments were made to three top administrators who agreed to stay at the historically black university for three years during a change of presidents, according to a statement from Howard. The retention agreements were signed in 2007 and matured on June 30, 2010. The financial incentives were needed “to ensure the continuity of senior leadership in critical areas and mitigate any potential risks for the University,” according to the statement.

The amount of the payments was reported in Howard’s 2010 tax filing, which is a public record: Senior vice president Artis G. Hampshire-Cowan, who was the interim president, received $302,820 on top of her salary of $213,552. Senior vice president for strategy and government affairs Hassan Minor received $522,184 on top of his salary of $264,255. Chief legal officer Norma Leftwich received $224,050 on top of her salary of $252,930.

(Washington Post)

Prominent Poet Nikki Giovanni Visits Grambling State University

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In a visit to Grambling State University, Nikki Giovanni shared her wisdom and experiences. The world-renowned poet aimed to inspire a new generation of leaders. “HBCUs don’t have a bad image, we don’t have enough money,” she said. “The GOP doesn’t like intelligent negroes. There’s nothing less logical in America than the hatred of Black people.”

Giovanni discussed her experiences in the civil rights movement and gave a lecture on life and love. During the sickness of her mother before her death, Giovanni felt as if she needed to do something fun to cope with possibly losing the most prominent person in her life. “Being in love is fun,” she said. It was during this time she also wrote her 2007 book of poems, Acolytes. “Love requires trust and balance, like a bicycle,” she continued. From this realization, she wrote her 2009 book of poems Bicycles: Love Poems.

After expressing her opinions in the love field, Giovanni encouraged all students to be open to life and all of its experiences. “Everybody has something that they can do,” she exclaimed. “Whatever you want to do, you have the right.”

Being an advocate for doing what she wanted to do in life, Giovanni used poetry as her outlet. “I’m tired of people acting like the arts don’t matter,” she preached.

Giovanni also talked about how we need to embrace change and be accepting of all the differences of people. With all of the differences that divide us, there are so many commonalities that unite us all.  Due to the uncertain times that we live in, her message was well received.

Not only did Giovanni express her opinions in love, life and education, she felt the need to touch on the political system. “Bobby Jindal is not doing a good job,” she said before the audience cheered. Not stopping there, Giovanni felt the need to speak on the political system on a wider scale. “How can we have a health bill without abortion and with Viagra when Viagra is the reason they need abortion?” asked Giovanni.

Born in Tennessee in 1943, Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni is an acclaimed artist who is respected the world over as a poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator.

Through her outspokenness, writings and lectures, Giovanni shares her experiences, continues to fight for civil rights and equality, and maintains a prominent place as a strong voice of the black community.

Giovanni has received numerous awards and honora including the NAACP Image Award and a Grammy nomination. She was commissioned to write an inaugural poem for President Barack Obama. As the author of more than 30 books for adults and children, Giovanni is currently a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.

FAMU National Alumni Convention Will Inspire and Inform

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The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association (FAMUNAA) has planned an exciting agenda that will include a town hall meeting and career expo during its 2012 FAMU National Alumni Convention. The convention will be held May 17-19, 2012 in Charlotte, NC. Guest speakers and friends of the university will inspire Rattlers to embrace the convention theme: “Renew The FAMU In You.”

“It is imperative that we get recharged and renew our commitment to FAMU as we celebrate the university’s 125th anniversary,” said Florida A&M University NAA President Tommy Mitchell, Sr.

FAMU President Dr. James Ammons is scheduled to speak on May 18. Before the president’s address, FAMU’s head football coach and athletic director will discuss athletics, and a town hall meeting will be held to discuss the university’s future. A panel composed of influential Rattlers such as, Oscar Joyner, executive producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, FAMU Board of Trustee member, Belinda Reed Shannon and South Carolina judge, E. Belicia Ayers, will address the university’s immediate and future financial needs and other issues.

Alumni will also get an update on subsequent controls and changes that are taking place on and off campus as a result of the hazing death of a FAMU drum major. The convention itinerary has numerous opportunities for alumni to interact with university administrators and get training to improve alumni chapters, the university, and even their careers.

“No doubt times are tough, but we have planned a strong and progressive agenda and a variety of entertainment that will please everyone,” said FAMUNAA convention committee chairman and 1st Vice President Gregory Clark. “In May, we will give every Rattler who comes to Charlotte an opportunity to make a difference at Florida A&M year-round.”

For the first time, the FAMUNAA is inviting companies with job openings to interview professionals and graduate students during a Career Symposium Reception at the convention. The FAMUNAA is also proud of its alumni who have published books and will showcase their work during an Authors Showcase. Other fun events include a wine tasting, a cooking demonstration, and a Casino Night and Silent Auction to raise funds for scholarships.

The public can purchase tickets to several events, which are posted on the FAMUNAA Convention Web site. Early bird registration ends March 15. For convention news, hotel information, and to register online, visit http://www.famualumniconvention.com.

Bowie State University Offers Graduate Nursing Degree Program in Southern Maryland

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Bowie State University is expanding its presence to Southern Maryland by offering its Master of Science in Nursing degree program at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC). Prospective students can learn more about the program during the center’s Spring Open House on Thursday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the main SMHEC campus.

The program prepares professional nurses for family nurse practitioner roles and is the only graduate nursing program in St. Mary’s County. The first classes will begin in Fall 2012.

“Bowie State recognizes that there are many registered nurses in Southern Maryland who would like to earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree and become family nurse practitioners,” says Dr. Elaine Ridgeway, Bowie State University’s graduate nursing program coordinator. “Through the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, we are providing registered nurses with a high quality, accessible nursing degree program.”

The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree is Bowie’s first nursing program offering at SMHEC, a regional facility located in California, Md., which serves the university and professional training needs of the Southern Maryland region.  SMHEC partners with distinguished universities to offer a variety of graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to participate in health policy, research, health promotion, disease management and education. Students also develop the expertise and specialized knowledge needed to provide primary care to individuals, families and communities.

Students who want to be part of the first class should submit applications by July 2. Students can complete the program in 18 months on a full-time schedule or in three years on a part-time schedule. For more information about admission requirements, visit http://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/departments/nursing/master/.

 

Dr. Ridgeway and Dr. Doris Clark, nurse educator program track coordinator, will be on hand at the Spring Open House to provide information and answer specific questions about the program. For more information about the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, please visit http://www.smhec.org

No. 15 Norfolk State shoots lights out, stuns 2-seed Missouri

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Welcome to the NCAA tournament, Norfolk State.

Might as well stick around a while.

Kyle O’Quinn had 26 points and 14 rebounds, making several key plays in the closing minutes, and the gritty No. 15 seed Spartans held on through a tense final minute to topple second-seeded Missouri 86-84 on Friday in the West Regional.

Pendarvis Williams and Chris McEachin each added 20 points for the MEAC champion Spartans (26-9), who made their first trip to the NCAA tournament a memorable one. They became the fifth No. 15 seed to beat a No. 2 and the first since fellow conference member Hampton in 2001.

O’Quinn had a chance to take some of the drama out of the finish when he went to the free throw line with 3.8 seconds to go, but the 70-percent foul shooter missed both tries.

Missouri coach Frank Haith called a timeout with 2.9 seconds left to set up a final play, and the ball wound up in the hands of Phil Pressey. He took a couple of hard dribbles and let loose a 3-pointer from the wing that clanked off the back iron as the buzzer sounded.

O’Quinn leaped for joy. Pressey fell to the court in disbelief.

And the roar that rose inside CenturyLink Arena from anybody wearing anything other than black and gold may have drowned out the sound of brackets getting torn up all over America.

Michael Dixon led Missouri (30-5) with 22 points, and Pressey and fellow guard Marcus Denmon finished with 20 points each. Pressey also contributed eight assists.

(ESPN)

FAMU anti-hazing group may change its focus

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A panel of national experts that was expected to offer advice to Florida A&M University in the wake of the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion may change its focus.

The committee met this morning via teleconference and agreed on which of a handful of topics each one would need to start researching.

The group is also considering changing the scope of its work — instead of seeking to make recommendations to FAMU’s board of trustees, experts might simply gather research about successful anti-hazing programs at other schools and then offer opinions but allow trustees themselves to decide what changes are needed at the university in Tallahassee.

Trustees had hoped to carry out at least some changes to try to curb hazing on campus and within the school’s famed marching band by August 2012. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to investigate Champion’s death after he was beaten aboard a bus after a football game in Orlando last fall.

Read more at Sun Sentinel