Bahamian Governor-General Set to Keynote FMU Graduation

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Governor-General of the Bahamas Arthur Foulkes (Source http://www.bahamasggya.org/ourpatron.shtml)

Miami Gardens — Florida Memorial University (FMU), South Florida’s only historically black university, is culminating another semester of transforming learners into leaders during its annual Summer/Fall combined commencement ceremony. His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, will journey from Nassau to Miami Gardens to salute FMU’s Summer and Fall 2011 graduating classes. The island nation’s Commander-in-Chief will serve as keynote speaker during the Saturday, December 10, ceremony. The event, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., will be held in the A. Chester Robinson Athletic Center.

“There is no university in South Florida, and, indeed, the world, that better prepares students to become world leaders than Florida Memorial University,” said Dr. Henry Lewis III, president of FMU. “Florida Memorial has high standards for our students and graduates. We aim to prepare our students to succeed in this increasingly competitive and global marketplace. We are honored to expose future world leaders and the entire community to such a distinguished and world-class champion of freedom.”

His Excellency Sir Foulkes was born in Mathew Town, Inagua. He spent his professional career as a journalist, supporter of Bahamian Independence, politician and civil-rights advocate. His distinguished contributions in service of the Bahamian people include elections to Parliament; ambassadorships to China and several European countries; founding the Free National Party and being knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Sir Foulkes to the position of Governor-General and her Representative in The Bahamas. His Excellency spent his adult life fighting for freedom and equality and will encourage more than 150 FMU graduates to do likewise.

For more information contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-626-3624 or at FMUInformation@FMUniv.edu for media inquiries.

Talladega College Senior Selected As Alabama House of Representatives Intern

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Senior Gerald Cook has been selected to intern at the Alabama House of Representatives (Nicola Lawler)

Talladega, Alabama—An unique opportunity awaits a Talladega College senior in Montgomery, Alabama this spring. Graduating senior, Gerald Cook was selected to be an intern with the House of Representatives for the Alabama Law Institute beginning February 2012.

As a legislative intern, Mr. Cook will get to work with and for Alabama lawmakers during the 2012 Regular Session. Cook remarks that the selection was a great surprise and he worked hard to obtain it. A Talladega native, Cook is a History and Pre-Law major and he is the Senior Class President. He is a former Crimson Ambassador (the official host/hostess organization for Talladega College), a member of the Talladega College 2011—2012 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team, and has served as the Chaplain for the Pre-Alumni Council for 2 years. He was also the SGA Vice President for the previous academic school year, and the year prior to that, he was the SGA Speaker of the House.

Amidst the rigors of studying and extracurricular activities, Mr. Cook maintains a 3.45 GPA. Dr. Sim Pettway remarks, “As a Director of Student Support Services (SSS) at Talladega College, I have had the pleasure in working with Mr. Cook as a peer tutor for the SSS program and also as a debate participant for Constitution Day at Talladega. I find Mr. Cook to be intelligent, focus-driven, a good time manager, and he works well under conflict and stressful conditions. His passion for law and politics made him an easy selection by me for consideration in applying for an internship at the Alabama Legislature.”

The internship program was established by the Alabama Law Institute.  Interns must be a junior or higher in college or graduate school, and either be Alabama residents or attend an Alabama college or university. As an intern, Mr. Cook will be allowed to participate in the legislative process of state government.

ECSU – Seven inducted into National Criminal Justice Honor Society

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Seven students were inducted recently into the Chi Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

They are Amanda Barco and Lt. John Etheridge, Tiesha Farmer of Elizabeth City, N.C.; Tiffany Gates of Charlotte, N.C.; Tasha Johnson of Elizabeth City, N.C.; Allie Parks of Camden N.C.; and Shanice Watkins of Newport News, Va.

Alpha Phi Sigma recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice, as well as juris doctorate students. Its goals are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity.

To qualify, undergraduate students must have declared a major, minor or equivalent in criminal justice fields, earned at least a 3.2 grade point average overall and in courses in criminal justice. Additionally, the students must be in the top 35 percent of their class.

Alpha Phi Sigma is the only criminal justice honor society that is a certified member of The Association of College Honor Societies and affiliated with The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Advisors for ECSU’s honor society chapter are Dr. Lynn Barnes, associate professor and coordinator of the criminal justice program, and Dr. Wayman Parson, associate professor. Both are in ECSU’s Department of Criminal Justice, Sociology and Social Work.

The seven new inductees include: seated left to right: Tiffany Gates, from Charlotte, N.C., and Shanice Watkins from Newport News, Va.,

Standing left to right: Tiesha Farmer, Tasha Johnson, of Elizabeth City, N.C., Allie Parks, Camden N.C., Lt. John Etheridge and  Amanda Barco, of Elizabeth City, N.C.

Read Full Article at ECSU

B-CU School of Education Earns Continued Accreditation by NCATE Through 2018

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Studies show that teacher quality is the most important factor in P-12 student achievement. But how do we know that our children’s teachers enter the classroom ready to help them learn? Professional accreditation is one way to ensure the public that schools of education are graduating well-qualified teachers ready for today’s classrooms.

B-CU’s School of Education has proven its commitment to producing quality teachers for our nation’s children by achieving continued accreditation this month through 2018 under the performance-oriented standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of teacher education.

According to the action letter from Dr. James G. Cibulka, President of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the NCATE Board of Examiners have been most impressed with the cooperation received from B-CU faculty, staff, and administration. This accreditation decision indicates that the unit and its programs meet rigorous standards set forth by the professional education community.

Dr. Carol B. Johnson, dean of the school of education shares her praise with the School of Education team.

“All faculty and staff are especially proud that special congratulations were conveyed by the Unit Accreditation Board because no areas for improvement relative to any of the standards were cited.”

In addition, Dr. Johnson commends faculty and staff in the School of Education for modeling caring, competent, and committed educators who, she says, always strive for what is most beneficial for all students.

NCATE-accredited schools must meet rigorous standards set by the profession and members of the public. Teacher candidates must have in-depth knowledge of the subject matter that they plan to teach as well as the skills necessary to convey it so that students learn. The college or university must carefully assess this knowledge and skill to determine that candidates may graduate. The institution must have partnerships with P-12 schools that enable candidates to develop the skills necessary to help students learn. Candidates must be prepared to understand and work with diverse student populations. College and university faculty must model effective teaching practices. And the school, college, or department of education must have the resources, including information technology resources, necessary to prepare candidates to meet new standards.

Read Full Article from B-CU

Vandals Strike Grambling State University Campus

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Over the weekend vandals defaced 16 structures on Grambling State University’s campus leaving graffiti on the outside structure of the buildings.

Students who noticed the graffiti contacted university officials to make them aware of the damage that was done. These students along with their classmates began to assist campus personnel in removing the graffiti around campus. Interim Campus Police Chief Freddie Peterson said, “This incident is under investigation.

There is zero tolerance for such an act on campus and those who are responsible will be fully prosecuted as well as anyone protecting the identity of the violators. Security has been heightened until further notice.”

Grambling State University is offering a reward of $500 to the person who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction in this matter.
If anyone has information regarding this incident, they may contact Chief Peterson at 318-274-2222. Your identity will be kept confidential.

Referenced article from myarklamiss

Florida A&M beats Allen 94-65, ends winless streak

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Yannick Crowder had 15 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocks and four steals to lead Florida A&M over Allen University 94-65 on Monday night for its first win of the season.

The Rattlers (1-7, 1-1 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) tallied 25 steals, in forcing 28 turnovers.

It was Florida A&M’s first win since a 58-55 victory over Hampton on Feb. 21, which snapped an 11-game losing skid.

Reggie Lewis added 16 points, Markee Teal 12 and Brandon Hosley, D’Andre Bullard and Jeremy Dean chipped in 11 points apiece for the Rattlers.

Florida A&M shot 54.9 percent from the field (39 of 71), while holding the Yellow Jackets, an NAIA school, to 31.9 percent (22 of 69).

Jeremy Crawford scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Yellow Jackets. Richard Johnson, who was 4 of 15 from 3-point range, added 17 points and Austin Bennett had 13 rebounds for Allen.

Read more at the Washington Examiner

TSU regains accreditation, Fisk placed on probation

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The accreditation of Nashville’s Tennessee State University and Fisk University was reaffirmed by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Tuesday.  The association also placed Fisk University on probation for one year.

Last year, TSU received a warning status during its 10 year review, which required the school to address concerns and demonstrate compliance with requirements and standards related to institutional effectiveness programs.

“We are pleased and not surprised that the SACSCOC has decided to reaffirm TSU’s accreditation,” Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan said in a release.

He continued, “The faculty and staff deserve much credit for their work and dedication to address concerns related to institutional effectiveness and the use of outcomes to improve TSU’s programs.”

Despite Fisk’s one year probation, the school will continue to be eligible for federal, state and foundation contracts and grants and its students will remain eligible for financial aid and other forms of student support.

The announcements regarding the schools’ accreditation came during the SACSCOC’s annual meeting held in Orlando, Florida.

Article Refernced from WKRN

Cheyney professor strives for grants to encourage minorities in math, sciences

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Adedoyin M. Adeyiga helps lead an experiment for chemistry students (from left) Jasmine Smalls, Tyler Bowe, and Jessica LaRoda. Many alumni from his program at Cheyney University have gone on to graduate school. (MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer)

On the campus of Cheyney University, a school that is no stranger to financial hardship, professor Adedoyin M. Adeyiga is a rainmaker.

The African-born chemistry professor, whose father is a king in Nigeria, has secured more than $5 million in grants for programming to increase minority participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). An additional $1.35 million is pending.

Adeyiga, or “Dr. A.” as he is known on campus, works furiously to stop students from shunning a subject and career path that many consider scary and intimidating.

“It can be done,” Adeyiga, 43, said. And the reward is “a better chance at getting a job than in some other [college] majors,” he said.

The $5 million awarded since 2005 has been used to help establish scholarships, buy equipment, improve curriculum, hire faculty, and form relationships with other universities to give Cheyney students the chance to work in research labs across the region.

The programs have helped spur a growing number of the university’s STEM alumni to go on to graduate school.

This has happened against a backdrop that finds the historically black college founded in 1837 striving to improve worrisome overall graduation rates. At the same time, building renovations and new construction are under way on campus, crucial programs were saved when the state restored some funding in the last budget season, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed the school’s accreditation in March, rescinding a warning it had issued in 2009.

Read Full Article at Articles Philly

Delaware State University research helps NASA go to Mars

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DOVER — The television camera pointed toward a stage filled with top Delaware State University administrators, and about 100 students and staff members crowded into a room decorated for a big announcement.

All around, placards, posters and banners proclaimed, “DSU goes to Mars.”

“Imagine that,” DSU President Harry L. Williams said at a media event. “DSU on Mars. … We will have one of our own connected to this major effort.”

Not in the way you might think, though.

DSU isn’t starting its own space program. Nor is it involved in any plans to have the first person touch Martian soil. It’s a little more complicated than that.

While not exactly leading the charge to the Red Planet, DSU’s Optic Science Center for Applied Research will play a supporting role in NASA’s Curiosity Rover mission, which was set to launch the day after Thanksgiving.

DSU’s research helped build the rover’s ChemCam, a device that will use lasers and spectroscopy to analyze the contents of rocks on the surface of Mars.

“I feel honored and privileged to be part of a huge program,” said Noureddine Melikechi, founder and principal investigator of the optics program. “A small but important part.”

Howard University Lady Bison Beat Coppin State, 63-52

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The Howard University Lady Bison put on a show in front of their home crowd as they defeated the Coppin State Lady Eagles on Dec. 3, 63-52, to claim their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) win of the season.

The Lady Bison (2-5 overall, 1-0 MEAC) found success with aggressive defense scoring 31 points off 28 turnovers by the Eagles (2-5 overall, 0-1 MEAC).

Junior Tamoria Holmes scored a game-high 22 points, shooting 10-for-22 from the field and tying fellow junior Cheyenne Curley-Payne with five steals. Curley-Payne was a point shy of a double-double with a game-high 13 assists, and nine points. Junior Saadia Doyle tallied her fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 14 points and grabbing 10 boards.

Howard started the match a little rattled by an instant turnover and foul which gave Coppin a lead at the 18:14 mark. After regrouping, HU turned up their energy and took the lead back with a strong drive and finish to the rack from Curley-Payne. With the lead, the Lady Bison maintained their intensity offensively, scoring 14 more points to CSU’s 14 with just 11:34 left in the first half.

As both teams went blow for blow, the score was knotted for the fifth time (31-31) with 18 seconds left in the first half.

Read Full Article at Afro

Hampton University’s Bill Thomas considering Hampton School Board run

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Community activist Bill Thomas is considering moving to Hampton so he can run for the city’s school board.

He currently lives in Suffolk.

The Hampton University official is a staunch conservative who believes that opening charter schools would force public schools to increase their standards and performance.

He’s detailed his disdain of public schools and the current state of education on radio, TV and in print columns published in local newspapers including the Daily Press.

Thomas in his 11th year as HU’s associate vice president for governmental relations. He also serves on the Christopher Newport University Board of Visitors.

The state of public education has him so agitated the he’s seriously considering moving to Hampton in time to file for candidacy ahead of the May 2012 election, Thomas told me last week.

He’s already involved in the Hampton community and has plenty of contacts, Thomas added.

At a civic engagement forum last week sponsored by Hampton Watch, he said four strangers slipped him pieces of paper with the same simple note scratched on each: “Please run.”

The support surprised him.

“People see me sometimes as a controversial figure; it’s not typical for people to agree with me,” he said. “Most people are against me, they say I’m against children and public schools, which I am.”

He clarified that he’s not against children. Read Full Article at Daily Press

HBCU Alumni Premiere East Baltimore Student Documentary Project

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Click here for HBCU Buzz’s first story about the documentary made by the students at East Baltimore Community School.   

The East Baltimore Student Documentary was born as a result of Denise Parker, CEO of Fulfilling the Promise Consulting having a desire and passion to give back to the youth growing up in East Baltimore. The documentary project provided youth who were part of the Freedom Schools Summer project (through Elev8) at Collington Square Middle School an opportunity to cultivate the skills necessary to create a documentary. Students at East Baltimore Community School also participated in the project as part of the after school program also through Elev8.

Students spent 6 weeks honing journalism, interview, videography and film skills while showcasing key community leaders and landmarks in their East Baltimore neighborhood. This ground-breaking documentary will have its exclusive Baltimore Premiere on Tuesday, December 20th at the American Brewery, one of the key landmarks highlighted in the film.

What: The East Baltimore Documentary Project, Exclusive Baltimore Premiere

When: Tuesday, December 20th
Red Carpet and press interviews: 4pm
Direct all media inquiries to lisabrownhall@ghettofashionista.com
Film Showing: 6pm

Where: American Brewery
1701 N. Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21213

About Fulfilling the Promise- Fulfilling the promise is a non-profit consulting firm dedicated to the empowerment and development of both youth and seniors. Founded by Denise Parker the organization has successfully developed and executed programs in a number of Baltimore City Public Schools with a focus on mentoring, life lessons, Rites of Passage, culturally enriching field trips and general life lessons for both young men and women throughout the city. As a result of her success at mentoring, the partnership with Elev8 was born. The East Baltimore Documentary Project is the result of hard work, dedication and a true passion for the youth of Baltimore City.

Below is a preview of the students’ documentary:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itqpwZWHvj8&w=610&h=340]

Former FAMU Band Director Dr. Julian White Put on Administrative Leave

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Dr. Julian White (www.newsone.com)

Dr. Julian White’s fate as the Florida A&M University band director has not been sealed, as his termination status has been changed to administrative leave with pay.

White was originally supposed to be terminated on December 22 but the decision to fire White was changed, as said by FAMU attorny David Self.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has recently stated that the university cannot use disciplinary action on any person- student, faculty, or otherwise- until the investigation into the death of Robert Champion has been completed.

White’s attorney was quoted as saying that the decision was “a step in the right direction.” White has been vocal in his criticism of the university’s handling of hazing incidents since his tenure as band director, stating that FAMU did not take the allegations seriously enough to consider punishing the band members involved. He has also stated that he was unjustly removed from his position and has petitioned for his job back.

The death of Robert Champion has cast a dark cloud on the university, and while White’s career is in purgatory, university president James Ammons seat is getting hotter. The Board of Trustees for the university has not exactly given their full support behind Ammons, but Ammons says he is not thinking about his future with the university, but the student body and the image of Florida A&M University.

“The university is much bigger than James Ammons,” he said. “I’m not focusing on whether I have the support of the board. My focus right now is on this family who has lost a son and on this university, and how we’re going to move forward and repair the image of the university.”

Suspension Lifted for Four FAMU Marching 100 Band Members Expelled

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Details have emerged that four Florida A&M University students who were expelled for their alleged involvement in the hazing that led to the death of fellow band member Robert Champion have been reinstated.

The four students will be allowed to return to school since the investigation is still ongoing and they have not been arrested on charges if they exist. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement asked FAMU not to discipline anyone until an in-depth investigation was conducted.

Robert Champion, 26, was a drum major for the Florida A&M University the Marching 100 band when he was found unconscious on a bus heading back to the university after the school’s loss to Bethune-Cookman University in the 2011 Florida Classic on November 19th. Champion was seen vomiting right before he lost conscious.

The Marching 100 activities has been suspended due to the death of Champion and subsequently these four students were singled out and punished for their alledged involvement in the incident.

Band director Julian White was the one who expelled the students, and ironically he was fired not too long after. White has since been put on administrative leave with pay.

 

SACS Imposes No Sanctions Against AAMU

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The President of Alabama A&M University held a press conference Tuesday, December 6, to proudly share with a group of students, faculty and staff the fact that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) did not pose any sanctions against the University after a year-long cloud.

President Andrew Hugine, Jr., convened the 6:30 p.m. press conference in the Clyde Foster auditorium of the College of Business and Public Affairs following his return from the annual meeting of SACS in Orlando, Fla.

Not only did the accrediting body clear the University of “unfounded” allegations, he said, but it also did not place the institution on any warning status or probation, said Hugine. “The University remains fully accredited with SACS-Commission on Colleges.”

The agency did request that the University come to some resolution on “the issue related to the legal authority and the Research Institute” and report progress by April 2012. AAMU was also urged to monitor its financial resources “in light of the present economic environment.”

The SACS inquiry dates back to January 19, 2011, fueled by complaints about a series of issues from a group of alumni, an employee and a memorandum of record from a trustee member, stated Hugine. A second round of complaints from the group resulted in SACS’ second request for information in July.

Read Full article at AAMU News

Big Apple Classic 2011 Brings HBCUs to the Bright Lights of New York City

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Out of the shadows of the Civil War, historically black colleges and universities were created to make educational advancements and bring order to the imbalance in equality in America for freed slaves in the aftermath of Reconstruction. In the face of racism and segregation, African Americans dealt with America’s rejection and detest of them into institutions of higher education created to give them a haven from the hatred.

Out of the shadows of Gotham City, four HBCUs—Hampton University, Howard University, Virginia State University & Virginia Union University—arrived to play on the biggest stage in sports entertainment: Madison Square Garden. The Mecca of Basketball played host to these 4 universities making a name not just for themselves, but for the entire HBCU family.

This game is a reflection of the HBCU brand, as only so few black schools are allowed the opportunity to grace the temple that is Madison Square Garden. Beginning in 2006, the Big Apple Classic serves as an open invitation to let the world see what the HBCU culture is about. The bands, the stepping, the live crowd audience, the passion of the alumni, the enthusiasm of the students—there is nothing like the HBCU brand.

At the Big Apple Classic, all the world’s a stage, and these four HBCUs are merely players—but instead of exits, HBCUs are making their entrance and maintaining their presence in the national spotlight.

Out of all places to do so, here at the Garden, where Willis Reed walked out of the locker room despite a severe thigh injury to give his Knicks the emotional charge that they needed to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.

Like Willis Reed in that transcendent moment for New York Knicks basketball, HBCUs are amazingly resilient and indomitable, able to overcome any and all obstacles—accreditation issues, tragic student deaths, controversial administration and faculty decisions—on their way to a greater destiny.

Out of the shadows of predominantly white institutions HBCUs came, for as much as PWIs can lay claim that dozens of their schools play at the Garden annually, the ambiance, the intensity and the excitement of the Big Apple Classic is unparalleled and unrivaled.

The Big Apple Classic is about celebration much more than it is about the competition. Negro spirituals and Psalms were the alma mater for every HBCU in the heyday. If freedom was the master plan, than the HBCUs were the blueprint to that plan for those brave predecessors.

If Virginia Union and Hampton do or don’t win the championships in their respective conferences, on December 4th 2011, the Garden became Eden for those two proud HBCU teams as they hoisted the trophies and toasted to the fruit of their labor. Howard and Virginia State are far from ruled out of the championship race, but this cold December loss may serve as the most bitter of any loss that they face during the season. Everything is bigger in New York.