The Game: Matchmaker, Matchmaker…Mind Your Business

Posted by Arielle Neblett
Posted on
Irv really knows how to make people feel comfortable.

Tasha and Melanie are seated in the same skybox to watch the San Diego Sabers play, which makes for an awkward situation since the two are not on speaking terms. Tasha stoops to childish tactics and throws a piece of shrimp at Melanie. These two have a childish, petty feud but it seems to be fueling the show’s ratings.

And finally, “The Game” has something to do with…you know…a game. At one point, one could easily forget that this all centers around football.

As Janae, the mother of Derwin’s son, arrives in the sky-box, Melanie tries to make peace with her by making conversation and sitting with her. When Janae’s new romantic interest Noah joins them, Melanie invites the couple over for cocktails and dinner.

During dinner, Derwin’s obnoxious manager, Irv stops by and makes a very crude comment about African-American stereotypes, referring to the fact that Derwin has a child with Janae but is married to Melanie. As Janae and Melanie slip away from the dinner table, Janae announces that she and her beau Noah are engaged but begs Melanie not to tell Derwin.

However, once the couple leaves Derwin discloses the fact that he can’t stand Noah. Melanie decides to have a “truth moment” and asks Derwin if the reason he doesn’t like Noah is because he wants Janae for himself, of course Derwin denies Melanie’s allegations but once Melanie drops Janae’s secret, its obvious the news isn’t sitting well with Derwin.

T.T. is urging Tasha to get her groove back, even if it means having to hire someone to make that happen. Tasha can’t imagine paying for sex and picks up a guy the old fashion way- at the bar.

Tasha ends up having a one-night stand with her pick up but as it turns out he is a “sex therapist” and charges very heavily for what he does. Once Tasha refuses to pay, he lets her know that with one phone call she could be chopped to pieces lying in a trash bag. Tasha ends up paying him for his services and he proceeds about his merry way.

Bennett College President Dr. Julianne Malveaux Resigns

Posted by Robert Hoggard
Posted on
Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Bennett College's 15th President resigns

Political pundit, economist, and columnist Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D. has resigned from her position as President of Bennett College. Amid troubling allegations and speculation, the 15th President announced to the Bennett College community on February 28 that she would be leaving her role to “pursue other challenges.” Her resignation will be effective on May 6 and Esther Terry, Ph.D. the current Chief Academic Officer and a Bennett College alumna, will assume the interim position on May 7.

For most, this is a bittersweet end to a tumultuous but productive and effective run as President.

Outside of Bennett, Dr. Malveaux is recognized nationally as an author and popular public speaker, but when she walked the historic campus, she was simply Dr. J.

And Dr. J is one powerful woman. Since assuming the position of President in 2007, Dr. Malveaux was determined to leave Bennett better than when she found her. Her signature phrase “on fire for Bennett” can’t begin to describe her lasting impact. In five years, she turned Bennett College from an unknown women’s institution in Greensboro, North Carolina to a headline on CNN’s Black in America.

In an effort to encourage students to excel, Dr. Malveaux instituted the “Lift Every Voices” series, which brings prominent speakers to the campus; since 2007, students have welcomed Anita Hill, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, the Reverend Marcia Dyson, and even Bill Cosby, who was summoned to speak at Dr. Malveaux’s request.

Her leadership also extended into our academics and retention rate. Dr. Malveaux increased enrollment to more than 735 students in 2009 and enhanced the learning curriculum with a focus on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, excellence in communications, and global awareness.

In order to increase revenue to the college, Dr. Malveaux seemed to realize that we must enhance our campus. After two decades of inactivity, Dr. Malveaux completed a $21 million program which allowed the campus to erect new buildings while also renovating other facilities. She also created a 2020 Master Plan, which included construction of a high-tech library and newer dormitories.

But all triumphs are accompanied with challenges.

Students protested on the lawn of her campus home and released the “Concerned Belles” letter, detailing their troubles with her as President and her nonchalance about our biggest issues. In 2011, Bennett was placed on accreditation probate with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for fiscal instability; this was a direct blow to all that Dr. Malveaux was attempting to correct. However, under her leadership, Bennett’s accreditation was reaffirmed through 2014 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Dr. Malveaux’s favorite quote is “History belongs to she who holds the pen.” She has certainly left her mark on Bennett and because of her foundation, the college will continue to flourish and become the institution it is meant to be.

In recognition of all that Dr. Malveaux has accomplished, she will be named President Emerita of Bennett College at the May 6 commencement. Between now and then, Dr. Malveaux will use the remaining months focusing on fundraising for the institution. Dr. Terry will handle the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the college with Dr. James Dixon, Chief Administrative Officer.

Alcorn State Alum & Green Bay Packer Donald Driver to Participate in Dancing with the Stars

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
Donald Driver. (Getty Images)

Donald Driver, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is looking forward to bringing his “smile” and his “character” to the dance floor of “Dancing With The Stars” and says a Mirror Ball Trophy would pair up well with the one his team earned for winning the Super Bowl last year.

The 37-year-old football player was announced as a new cast member of the 14th season of the ABC ballroom dancing show on Tuesday, February 28, on “Good Morning America.” Driver is paired up with pro dancer Peta Murgatroyd. They have already begun rehearsing.

Driver was drafted by the Packers after finishing his football career at Alcorn State University in 1999. The team won the Super Bowl in 2011, marking its first victory since 1997.

(OTRC)

 

North Carolina Central Approves Restructuring Academic Programs

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
After a report on academic degree duplication last year failed to find concrete proposals for restructuring academic programs, several UNC-system schools are taking on the task themselves.

N.C. Central University became the first UNC-system school to approve significant changes to its academic programs Friday.

NCCU’s Board of Trustees approved the elimination of four majors and the consolidation of 10 majors into five, said NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms. The changes were passed after receiving input from students, faculty and staff, and will go into effect pending final approval from the system’s Board of Governors.

To read more, visit The Daily Tar Heel 

Basketball Wives: Miami Season 4 Episode 2

Posted by Arielle Neblett
Posted on
Every Monday at 8pm on VH1

Evelyn is planning her big day! However, there are a few technical difficulties that make the wedding planning a little harder. One problem is she doesn’t know who will walk her down the aisle.

Traditionally, the father gives their daughter away but as we learned last season, Evelyn and her father have an estranged relationship. Although he is reaching out to her to make things better, she isn’t sure they are quite at the point where she can include him in something so special. Evelyn’s brother-in-law Anthony may be the perfect one for such a big responsibility.

Currently battling cancer, Anthony is like a brother to Evelyn. However, with his ailing health, the family does not know if he will be able to attend the wedding.

But the wedding may not even go on if her fiancé  Chad OchoCinco doesn’t get his act together. Recently, rumors have been swirling about possible infidelity. To compromise the situation Evelyn asks Ocho to keep it real with her and let him know what he is doing on the road, even if he isn’t faithful, so she wont be in the dark.

Evelyn isn’t the only one whose love life is in a crisis. Royce is in now in a relationship with a football player who makes her happier than she’s ever been. But her father does not approve and wants her to focus on her career and mold her acting skills. The disagreement has caused the two not to be on speaking terms. Royce’s career has started to take off as she landed a role in a play in New York City.

The new girl Kenya has a series of music videos on Youtube that has the rest of the cast talking. The videos, which seem a little strange, do not sit well with the ladies and Suzie described Kenya as looking “possessed by a demon” in one. Kenya wants to shoot a music video at a popular New York spot but the price of the venue is not her in budget, she asks Keisha for her help but Keisha does not want to be a part of anything “mediocre.” The verdict is still out on whether she has the talents to be considered an “artist.”

We’ll let you be the judge.

The CIAA is Looking to Expand, Gain Even More Success

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
The CIAA tournament has experienced unprecedented growth over the past decade and interim Commissioner Peggy Davis has no plans to let that momentum slip.

Her goal is to build a stronger CIAA.

This week the conference comprised mostly of historically black colleges and universities celebrates its 100th year anniversary when its signature events – the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments – descend on Charlotte.

Games, as well as the parties that come with it, begin Tuesday and will last throughout the week.

Davis says the conference’s goals moving forward include possible expansion, increasing the scholarship money given back to the existing schools and continuing to build on the remarkable growth the CIAA Tournament has enjoyed since coming to Charlotte by continuing to draw in more business support in the community.

Last year the CIAA Tournament generated a $44.3 million economic impact for Charlotte, a 19 percent increase over 2010. That’s more than last year’s ACC and Big Ten basketball tournaments combined.

In 2008, the CIAA made a big step forward in terms of diversity, adding Chowan University, a mostly white school to the conference after losing schools who tested the waters at the Division I level. Last year Winston-Salem State and Lincoln University rejoined the conference, bringing the total back to 12 schools.

“We would like to expand if the situation is right,” Davis said. “That is the direction the NCAA is heading. Our main goal is try to provide opportunities for students and athletics and if expanding can enhance that, we will do it.”

Read more at Sports Illustrated

Judge Hatchett Encourages Grambling State Audience

Posted by Qiyas Smith
Posted on
In honor of Black History Month, Judge Glenda Hatchett visited Grambling State University’s campus. Showing off her bedazzled cast, Judge Hatchett put to rest the rumors of “jumping off the bench and kicking someone’s butt.”

Judge Hatchett visits Grambling State University for Black History Month (Katrina Harris/The Gramblinite)

“I wasn’t going to let a broken foot stop me from being here,” she said.

Before showing her knowledge of Grambling’s history, she wanted the audience to be sure that they are aware of the trials and tribulations of their ancestors. “We need to be clear about where we come from so we can be extremely clear on where we’re going,” she preached. “Millions of people watch me on TV day in and day out but I’m clear on how I got here. I got here through God’s mercy.”

“One-third of every black male will spend time in jail,” said Judge Hatchett, speaking on a study previously conducted. “That may be the study’s prediction but that does not have to be our reality. There’s work to do. We have to start uplifting each other.”

Judge Hatchett wanted the audience to be clear on their goals and aspirations. She told the audience to stand, close their eyes and proudly state their dream career. After asking a few students what their dream career is, she motivated them. “Haters are going to rob you of your dreams,” she said. “Dream bold, significant dreams. The world needs you to be magnificent, not timid.”

To continue motivating the audience, Judge Hatchett reminisced on her childhood. She spoke on a teacher who told her that Blacks couldn’t get new books. Furious at the fact that she has to be stuck with a book with missing pages, an angry 6-year-old Hatchett ran to her father. He then gave her a crayon and told her to write her story. Although she didn’t understand at the time, it is a message she lives by today. “When it gets hard, they’re going to be pages torn,” she said. “When you get to those books, write your own story.”

“My grandmother never seen the inside of a college,” said Judge Hatchett. “My mother cleaned floors to pay for college. I don’t get it twisted. My parents and grandparents sacrificed for me to be at this place.”

Judge Hatchett was clear that our society needs to be more appreciative of what our ancestors have sacrificed for us. “My mama and daddy prayed for me when I didn’t have enough sense to pray for myself,” she said.

Fashion is an Art!

Posted by Kimberly Monroe
Posted on

As college women from all over the world, we as Grambling State tigers came together with an assortment of unique styles. From tailored blazers and tights, to UGG boots and scarves, we all have a passion for fashion. Its awesome how fashion is influenced by people from all over, all giving their own technique in the fashion world at GSU.

Fashion has been used to express one’s innermost feelings day by day. Some days, we as women feel like being in sweats. The next day, a high waist pencil skirt and silk shirt. That is only a mere example of how our feelings play in to how we dress at times.

What effects do materials actually have on our outlook on life? Or how do we feel others view us? It’s cool to want to be fly, but don’t allow your vanity to cause you to steer away from your main focus here in college.

Fashion changes along with the people, but don’t allow it to control you by being late for class because you spent a little extra time in the mirror.

You should want to feel fabulous about yourself, although if you don’t feel that way without substance you may want to reevaluate your life.

Be yourself, express yourself but try to remember we are only going to class everyday and there are other opportunities to get fancy. It’s not cute being a showstopper if you can’t even walk in the five inch heels you wore to class.

If clothes are a costume, who are you dressing up to be? Are you aspiring to be a First Lady like Michelle Obama or an ex stripper like Amber Rose? Both who share a great amount of television time but only one gains respect.

Fashion is an art and should be treated as such. Artists don’t copy, they are only inspired. Inspiration is gained from the environment. We are all artists, in what we wear, speak, and our gifts. Remember imitation is suicide

The word swag has become the biggest epidemic in the last year but who determines swag? Is it even important if no one credits you to have it? My guess is no. The people with swag printed on tee shirts, cars, or in their social media bios are only reassuring themselves.

No one needed to tell Kanye West he was fly for him to dress like he does. Trends aren’t necessary because as I stated before, trends change just like the weather. Don’t waste your money trying to be like the Basketball Wives because money can’t buy style!

 

Successful Senior Night for the Grambling Lady Tigers As They Defeat UAPB 85-56

Posted by Kev Keise
Posted on
For the first time all season Lady Tiger head coach Donnita Rogers started Markisha Patterson, Brittney Allen, Jasher Blocker, and Tonishea Mack all in the same game, for it would be their last time stepping foot in the Fred Hobdy Assembly Center as a player. The final home game for the Lady Tigers (13-13, 9-7 SWAC) 2011-2012 season concluded with Senior Night as they successfully blew out the Lady Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (1-27, 1-16 SWAC) by the score of 85-56.

In her first start as a Lady Tiger, Patterson led the way scoring a career high 22 points, including five of nine 3-pointers.

Markita Quarles of UAPB fakes out Grambling State’s Jaysha Blocker on Saturday. (Special to The Commercial/Mike Adam)

“My family was here so I wanted to make them proud and I think I did by dropping 22,” Patterson said. “My shots felt good tonight, I ran the wing a lot tonight and that had a lot to do with me being able to catch and shoot.”

After the first 20 minutes the game was tightly contested, the Lady Tigers were up one with a score of 39-38. During the halftime break coach Rogers told her team to work on not letting UAPB hang around and in the second half, the Lady Tigers ran away with the game.

In the second half, UAPB Junior forward Jenise Gentry scored a lay-up for the Lady Golden Lions to cut the lead to 49-46 with about 14 minutes remaining, and the Lady Tigers responded with a 46-10 run to close out one of its best halves all season. Seven different players scored for the Lady Tigers during a six-minute, 22-0 run.

“It’s probably in my top three,” coach Donnita Rogers said about the second half. “I would go back to the Oral Roberts second half when we were down 15, came back, tied it within regulation and then only allowed them to score two points in overtime, and I liked the second half of the LSU game. It was 26-26, and we played our behinds off. I absolutely loved this second half as well.”

Freshman guard Cierra Ceazer opened the run with a 3-pointer, freshman forward Bria Venson scored again for the Lady Tigers and drew a foul, and senior guard Patterson hit another 3-pointer that put the Lady Tigers up 11 with a score of 57-46.

Junior guard Alexis Watson, freshman guard Savannah Carter, freshman guard Dayla Threatt and junior forward Wymeka Randle aided to the run before the Lady Golden Lions could register a single point.

UAPB’s scoring drought ended at the 7:57 mark with a basket from freshman guard Corredur Vaden, followed by Grambling’s senior guards Allen and Mack scoring the teams’ next 10 points making it a 32-2 run with a score of 81-48.

“That’s absolutely awesome, whenever you can share the ball like that and get good play from several different girls, especially freshmen,” Rogers said.

Mack scored 14 points, nine in the second half and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. Allen scored all of her 7 points in the second half.

The 85 points scored by the Lady Tigers was the highest point total scored in conference play, its second-most in regulation and, second-most against a Division-I opponent.

FAMU SBI Alumna Releases New Book, ‘The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To Love Your Sister’

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Sonia Jackson Myles said she hopes readers of her new e-book, The Sister Accord:  51 Ways To Love Your Sister, will understand that love and respect can rule the day in relationships among girls and women.

“So much of what we see in the media tends to be negative, and this book sets the standard for how we should treat each other,” said Jackson Myles. “ It’s simple, yet profound.  I always say ‘Imagine a world where girls and women everywhere are living the principles of The Sister Accord and 51 Ways.  When we come together and fully understand the power of Sisterhood, amazing things can be accomplished!”

Sonia Jackson Myles

The Sister Accord, The Promise That Will Transform Your Life! is a resolution for girls and women that inspires them to have positive, supportive and loving relationships with each other.  The principles of The Sister Accord have been woven into the fabric of the 51 Ways To Love Your Sister to give girls and women tangible tools and methods for establishing strong relationships with each other.  Additionally, Jackson Myles has used the power of imagery to bring the ways to life in a manner that will connect with girls and women from every part of the world.

Celebrity sisters, such as Mikki Taylor, Tasha Smith, Tatyana Ali, Shaun Robinson, Hoda Kotb and many other highly successful women share their insights on the importance of sisterhood in the book.

“When God gives the vision, he will certainly give the provision,” she said. “Through faith and perseverance, I was able to stay focused on the goal and bring my dream to life.”

Jackson Myles, a native of Saginaw, Mich., earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1989 from the School of Business and Industry.  She received an MBA with a concentration in marketing from FAMU in 1990.

“Anyone who knows me knows how much I love FAMU,” she said. “FAMU is where I found my voice!  FAMU is where I first began to walk in my purpose of compassionate service to others.  FAMUans are the reason why I was able to take something I literally saw in a dream, and bring it to life.  From my photographer, to the stylist and creative directors, to the models and volunteers, FAMUans asked, ‘What do you need?’ And when I answered, they immediately went into action.  That’s why I’m so glad I’m from FAMU!  We love each other and we support each other.  You can’t teach these principles; the kind of love that FAMUans have for each other is embedded into the fabric of the culture of the University.  We have to commit to ensuring we keep this legacy of love alive. ”

Jackson Myles’ Sister Accord has become a global, grassroots movement.  She served as a speaker at the 2010 Essence Music Festival in which thousands, in the audience, joined her in reciting “The Sister Accord.”
Jackson Myles was named one of ESSENCE magazine’s 25 Women of Power in 2008, was selected as a History Maker by Bloomberg News in 2009, and was awarded the 2010 Trumpet Award Foundation’s Women in High Heels Award.  In 2011, she was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Executives in Marketing and Advertising and was inducted into the FAMU School of Business and Industry’s Hall of Fame.

As a successful corporate purchasing executive with more than 20 years of experience, she is a renowned thought leader on diversity issues and mentors many, including corporate executives and minority and women-owned businesses.

Jackson Myles is also an advocate for youth and women and has worked diligently for decades to encourage and inspire both groups through the creation of mentoring and professional development programs.

In 2010, she served as the keynote speaker during the FAMU Homecoming Convocation and was presented with the President’s Award.

A portion of the proceeds from her e-book will be donated to The Sister Accord Foundation, which has three global areas of focus:  educating girls and women, enlightening girls and women of the power of sisterhood, and eradicating bullying and violence against girls and women.

“The Sister Accord:  51 Ways To Love Your Sister” is now available on iTunes, in their iBookstore, for digital download and the printed version will be available this spring.

T.I. and Tiny: Family Hustle – 60/40

Posted by Arielle Neblett
Posted on
It’s ladies night on T.I. and Tiny: Family Hustle! While T.I. is hard at work on his next album, Tiny and Shekinah Jo have come up with an business plan that will take the hairdressing world by storm… Maybe…Possibly…once they work out who gets what.

Meet Shekinah, the next Madame CJ Walker!

The new invention, which hasn’t even been named yet, is designed to shorten the length of time under the dryer. Tiny thinks this a wonderful idea and after seeing a successful trial of the product, wants a hand in the operation.

However, during this initial trial run,  Shekinah cuts her hand and the paramedics are called. She is rushed to the hospital but as it turns out,  Shekinah was being her usually over dramatic self. The cut was nearly microscopic, but to Shekinah it was a mortal wound.

After Shekinah’s life is saved, everybody goes back to business. The ladies find themselves divided on how to split the profits. Shekinah says 50/50; Tiny says 60/40.

After discussing her business proposition with T.I.,  he lets her know right away he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Zonnique and little Major also chime in and inform Mommy that it may not be the best decision. Tiny and Shenikah still can’t come to an agreement, so they seek the help of a mediator.

With the opinionated ladies at odds, the mediator was not able to do much mediating. Profanity and insults were thrown all across the room but within due time, the agreement of a 44/56 deal was made, with Tiny getting the 56 %.

T.I.  isn’t having his wife’s problems when it comes to working with a friend. T.I. and R&B star Usher have collaborated on a new track that both think is going to be a major hit. We’re definitely looking forward to hearing their work.

HBCUs from Alabama and Georgia Unite for Festival of Spirituals

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on

More than five hundred students from Southern historically black colleges and universities gathered Sunday in Huntsville. They paid tribute to former slaves and plantation workers through songs.

Several choirs gathered in Huntsville to pay tribute to their ancestors. (WAFF)

Those groups included Oakwood University, Alabama A&M University, Clark Atlanta University, Alabama State University, Miles College, Talladega College and Stillman College.

Oakwood’s Roy Malcolm coordinated the Festival of Spirituals. He said they’re not celebrating the pain and suffering, but symbolizing the freedom and liberty.

“When the slaves were depressed they had nothing to fall back on except their spirit to keep going, so they invented these songs that we call spirituals,” said Malcolm.

Dr. Richard Harrington, former mayor of Birmingham, organized the Festival of Spirituals in the 70’s, but when he became mayor, the musical faded away.

That’s when Oakwood University stepped in and kept the African American musical tradition and heritage alive.

“We’re trying to preserve them, that’s one of the purpose of this program to preserve the spirituals because we consider this a very special art form,” said Malcolm.

By the way, WAFF 48 News anchor Liz Hurly was the mistress of ceremonies for the event.

(WAFF)

FAMU SGA President/VP Posts Remain Undecided

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
Florida A&M’s Supreme Court, will begin court proceedings, Monday at 4 p.m. in the Student Senate Chambers, in regards to the disqualification of both McCorvey/Williams and Sider SGA Presidential tickets.

Both tickets have appealed the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify them from the 2012-2013 Student Election race. They allege that the point system used in the 2012 -2013 Student Election was unapproved by Student Senate.

According to FAMU’s Student Body Constitution Election Code Section 603 C., “The point system, including the maximum point limit, must be approved by the Student Senate with 2/3 of all those present and voting in order to go into effect.”

Both parties allege that there were not enough Senators in attendance to approve the Electoral Commission’s point system.

Active Chief Justice Louis Jean-Baptiste, a third-year political science student from Palm Beach, who will preside over these proceedings, has issued a “Writ of Mandamus” to each ticket.

“Both candidates must prove that they did not intentionally withhold this information,” said Baptiste.

If the Supreme Court overturns the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify these tickets and invalidate the race, then, according to Chapter 605, section 605.2 of the Student Body Constitution Election Code, a New Election will take place.

As of now, winners for the 2012-2013 SGA Student Body President and Vice President positions have not been declared according to memorandum submitted by Dean Kirby of Student Affairs.

(The Famuan)

2012 SIAC Basketball All-Conference & All-Academic Teams Announced

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announces the 2012 SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball All-Conference Teams as voted on by the SIAC Basketball Coaches Association.

The men’s team is led by 2012 SIAC Player of the Year Marcus Goode of Benedict College. Goode, a native of Chapin, SC, led the SIAC in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots during the regular season, averaging 18.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, which currently ranks sixth in Division II, and 2.3 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound junior center was also sixth with a .530 field goal percentage on his way to being named the conference’s top player for the second time in as many seasons.

Leading the way for the women’s team is 2012 SIAC Player of the Year Jasmine Birdsong of Fort Valley State University. Birdsong, a native of Sparta, GA, averaged 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, which includes a conference-leading 4.4 offensive rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 senior forward helped lead the Lady Wildcats to the SIAC regular season title and number one seed in the conference tournament.

Men’s newcomer of the year is Miles College guard Eric Lipkin. Lipkin led all newcomers in scoring with 14.7 points per game which ranked sixth in the SIAC and was the league’s second-leading assist man at 4.3 per game. The 6-foot-1 senior from Birmingham, AL was the third-leading free throw shooter in the SIAC at 83.3 %, ranked fifth with 1.9 steals per game, and was second with 61 three-pointers made (2.4 per game).

Kentucky State University guard Jasmine Davis is the newcomer of the year for the women. Davis was the conference’s sixth-leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points per game. The 5-foot-7 junior from Cincinnati, OH shot 84.5 % from the free throw line and 45.7 % from behind the arc, both of which led the SIAC, while averaging three assists per game which ranked eighth in the conference.

Paine College guard Kedric Taylor was named freshman of the year for the men. Taylor, a 6-foot native of Orlando, FL, led all SIAC freshmen with 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 53.2 % from the field, which also led all freshmen. He was also one of seven players in all of Division II to record a triple-double this season.

For the women, Albany State University guard April Thomas was named freshman of the year after leading the SIAC in scoring at 18.5 points per game, becoming the second consecutive freshman to lead the conference in this category. The 5-foot-1 guard from Bainbridge, GA shot 35.5 % from behind the arc which ranked fourth in the SIAC while hitting three three-pointers per game which ranked second.

Men’s Coach of the Year is Leon Douglas of Tuskegee University. Douglas led the Golden Tigers to a share of the regular season title with a 16-8 record in the SIAC, 16-10 overall.

Cassandra Moorer of Stillman College was named Women’s Coach of the Year after leading Stillman to a 17-5 record in the SIAC, 19-7 overall. The Lady Tigers finished the regular season in second place after being picked seventh in the preseason.

2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball All-Conference Team & Superlatives
Name                      Height  Class                Pos.     School

Marcus Goode              6-10      Junior               C          Benedict College

Royce Hamilton             6-6        Senior             G/F       Clark Atlanta University

Terrance Bowman          6-4        Junior            G          Claflin University

Teshawn Byron              6-6        Senior             G          LeMoyne-Owen College

Calvin Stoudemire         6-7        Senior             F          LeMoyne-Owen College

Eric Lipkin                     6-1        Senior              G          Miles College

Andrae Nelson              6-6        Junior             C          Morehouse College

Ladarius Rhone             6-5        Junior            F          Stillman College

Joshua Eichelberger      6-5        Senior           F          Tuskegee University

Calvin Thomas              6-0        Junior            G          Tuskegee University

Player of the Year: Marcus Goode, Benedict College

Newcomer of the Year: Eric Lipkin, Miles College
Freshman of the Year: Kedric Taylor, Paine College

Coach of the Year: Leon Douglas, Tuskegee University

2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball All-Conference Team & Superlatives
Name                           Height  Class                Pos.     School

April Thomas                 5-1        Freshman          G          Albany State University

Santera Grooms            5-10      Junior               G/F       Benedict College

Conisha Hicks               5-3        Sophomore       G          Clark Atlanta University

La’Quisha Lewis            6-0        Junior               C          Clark Atlanta University

Jasmine Birdsong         5-11      Senior               F          Fort Valley State University

Jasmine Davis              5-7        Junior               G          Kentucky State University

Shonice Sprouse           5-9        Senior               G          LeMoyne-Owen College

Sammeika Thomas        6-2        Senior             F/C       Miles College

Jamila McKinnis            5-11      Senior              F          Stillman College

Phyllice Eubanks           5-9        Senior               F          Stillman College

Player of the Year: Jasmine Birdsong, Fort Valley State University

Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Davis, Kentucky State University

Freshman of the Year: April Thomas, Albany State University

Coach of the Year: Cassandra Moorer, Stillman College

2012 SIAC Men’s Basketball All-Academic Team

Name                           Class                Major                           GPA     School

Dequan Nesbit              Senior               Business Management   3.93      LeMoyne-Owen College

Julius Taylor                  Sophomore       Chemical Engineering    3.77      Tuskegee University

Anthony Collier              Senior               Mathematics                 3.47      Lane College

Nick Jones                    Senior               Mathematics                 3.43      Lane College

Lucius Winston              Junior               Business Administration            3.42      Tuskegee University

2012 SIAC Women’s Basketball All-Academic Team

Name                           Class                Major                           GPA     School

Chanel Chase                Senior               Business Administration            4.00      Miles College

Jamila McKinnis            Senior               Biology                         4.00      Stillman College

Brandi Haynes               Junior               Middle Grades Ed.        3.82      Fort Valley State University

Angel Hornsburger        Senior               Physical Education        3.75      Lane College

Dawnieka Green            Senior               Physical Education        3.71      Lane College

NCCU To Host 16th Annual Helen S. Miller Lectureship and Luncheon

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
The North Carolina Central University Department of Nursing will host the 16th Annual Helen S. Miller Lectureship and Luncheon on Thursday, March 1, at the Nursing Building, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Dr. Debra J. Barksdale, associate professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is the guest speaker. Barksdale will speak from the topic, “Health Disparities.”

Debra J. Barksdale

A certified family nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner and nurse educator, Dr. Barksdale has more than 20 years of experience in such areas as urgent care, primary care home care and care of the under-served. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and president-elect of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

In 2010 she was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute by the U.S. Government Accountability Office. She is the only nurse serving on the board.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Barksdale chairs the master’s executive committee, co-chairs the graduate faculty committee and is a member faculty development and faculty executive committee at the UNC-CH School of Nursing.

A graduate of University of Virginia, where she completed her bachelor’s degree, she holds a master’s degree from Howard University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on stress and cardiovascular disease in African-Americans.

(NCCU News)

Oakwood University a ‘pioneer’ with ISO 9001 certification

Posted by Michael Livingston II
Posted on
It won’t be long before there’s a new flag joining the others at the entrance to Oakwood University. Only this flag will be unlike any that will fly at any other university in the state.

Or any other Historically Black College or University anywhere.

To those in the local business community, though, it will be familiar. You see, the Seventh-day Adventist school has received ISO 9001 certification.

“This kind of makes us a pioneer,” said Tim Allston, Oakwood’s director of public relations.

Indeed it does.

In spite of all the government contracts won by the likes of UAH, Alabama A&M, Auburn and Alabama, Oakwood University is the first college or university in the state ISO registered.

So, what exactly is ISO 9001?

It is an internationally recognized standard for the quality management of businesses. “It makes us eligible to become a prime contractor for grants, not a sub,” said Marcia Burnette, Oakwood’s assistant vice president for development . “We can actually go and bid ourselves.”

She said it also provides an enhanced corporate imaging and marketing, assures better documentation and is a proven program for corrective and preventive actions.

(Alabama Live)