R.I.P. Dr. Michelle B. Releford Winston-Salem State University

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Dr. Michelle B. Releford

Students at Winston-Salem State University morn the death of Dr. Michelle B. Releford. “Michelle has done an outstanding job as Dean of University College since joining Winston-Salem State in 2008,” said Chancellor Donald J. Reaves.

Releford has more than 25 years experience on college campuses with responsibility for a variety of areas including student development, enrollment management and student services.  She has served as vice president for student development and enrollment management at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla.; vice president for student services at Atlanta Technical College and Edison College in Fort Myers, Fla.; and dean of student services and enrollment management, dean of enrollment management and associate academic dean at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C.  She also was the owner of Insightful Concepts, an independent educational consulting firm.

Releford earned her undergraduate degree in English from Albany State College in Albany, Ga., her masters’ degree in instructional technology from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. and her doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee.  She was a charter member of the Community College Advisory Task Force for The College Board and involved with a several national organizations involved in higher education.  She is also a member of American Association of University Women and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Her RAMDITION orientation program for freshmen this past fall semester certainly laid the foundation for their potential success on our campus. She has also provided leadership for the various programs and activities that are designed to support our student retention and graduation efforts.”

More information to come….

Howard Combines Defense and Running Game to Win over Hampton

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November 5–Howard used a grinding, ball control running game featuring a yeoman performance by Terrance Leffall and a stingy defense to defeat Hampton University, 10-7 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game at Armstrong Stadium.  The win snapped a 14-game losing streak to the Pirates, dating back to 1996.

 

The Bison (5-5 overall, 4-3 in the MEAC) set the tone early running Leffall on nearly every possession.  Howard was able to move the ball up and down the field between the 20s, but each time they would get in the Red Zone, they would fail to capitialize due to untimely mistakes that have plagued the team all season.

 

“The game plan was to give the ball to Terrance Leffall and control the clock,” said an elated Coach Gary Harrell, in his first year at the helm.  “We also wanted to cut down on turnovers and fumbles.  We thought that if we could do that and depend on our defense to play the way that they have been playing, then we like our chances.”

 

Meanwhile, the Pirates were unable to move the ball with any consistency as the nationally ranked Howard defense refused to yield in limiting them to less than 50 yards in the first quarter.

 

Howard was finally able to get on the board after a 16-play, 74-yard drive that was capped off by a Greg McGhee two-yard TD run at the 8:10 mark of the second quarter.  Howard continued to dominate the play and had at least two more opportunities to put points in the board, but the result was a missed field goal on one possession, and a failure to convert on a fourth and short situation.

 

 

The Pirates came out inspired in the second half, but the Bison defense continued to make the big plays.  Senior cornerback Lanny Kelly came up with the first of two big plays, intercepting a Travis Champion pass and returning it 38 yards, setting up a Parker Munoz 23-yard field goal that gave Howard a 10-0 lead with 7:70 left in the third quarter.

 

Hampton responded less than five minutes later when Charles Owens recovered a McGhee fumble in the end zone to draw to within, 10-7 at the 2:31 mark of the third quarter. Read Full article at Howard University 

 

WSSU Rams Dispatch The UNCP Braves, 35-7

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The #7 ranked Winston-Salem State University Rams used a punishing rushing attack and scored 34 unanswered points to defeat the UNC-Pembroke Braves, 34-7 on a cold and blustery afternoon at Grace. P. Johnson Stadium on the UNCP campus.

With the win, the WWSSU Rams move to 10-0 overall, 7-0 in the CIAA. This is the first undefeated regular season for Winston-Salem State, since the 1978 season led by head coach William “Bill” Hayes, current Director of Athletics. The win virtually cemented WSSU a playoff bid in this year’s NCAA DII Playoffs.

With the loss the UNC-Pembroke Braves fall to 7-3 overall.

UNC-Pembroke broke into the scoring column first, going on a 12 play, 91-yard drive that was capped off with a Luke Charles to Jamelle Banks five yard pass and catch, putting the Braves up 7-0. That was just WSSU’s second deficit of the season.

Winston-Salem State would answer back with an eight pay 47 yard drive that was capped off with a Maurice Lewis 11 yard run for a score, tying the game at 7-7 .

The Rams would force a punt on UNCP’s next possession and would embark on a 72 yard, 18 play drive, emptying nearly eight minutes off the clock. Nicholas Cooper would find the endzone, giving the Rams their first lead of the afternoon, 14-7.

After forcing UNC-Pembroke to punt after holding the Braves to a 3-and-out, WSSU would punch it in once again, this time 1:26 later, when Kameron Smith would find Tehvyn Brantley for a 10 yard score with 11 seconds left before halftime, pushing the score to 20-7. The PAT attempt was blocked ending freshman Alejandro Suarez’s perfect streak at 46.

After the intermission, WSSU would find paydirt two more times in the third quarter. A Kameron Smith to Jerry Chandler 13 yard scoring strike with 3:33 left in the period, and shortly after Smith would hook up with Brandon Akinbiyi from nine yards out to push the lead to the final score of 35-7.

The Rams ground attack racked up 278 rushing yards, as they finished the contest with 435 yards of total offense. UNC-Pembroke finished with 262 yards of offense. Read the Full Article at WSSU

Rusty Lions of Langston University put away Texas College to set up CSFL title game

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Quarterback Darrion Lewis completed 17 of 33 pass attempts for 169 yards and an interception Saturday.

BY: Michael Stewart, Sports Information Director, Langston University

After looking out of place and lethargic in the first 15 minutes against Texas College, the Langston University football team would shake off rust gathered from its’ bye week to improve to 7-2 on the year by posting a 29-14 victory over the Steers.  However, the visiting team (which dropped to 0-10 on the season) managed to take the first lead in any game on their entire 2011 schedule by taking advantage of opportunistic scores on defense and special teams in the first quarter.
Langston University Head Coach Mickey Joseph attributed the rust to two factors: playing the only other football HBCU inside of their conference, and not playing any meaningful football in two weeks.  He also shook off any perceived notions that an OU-Nebraska rivalry was in place amongst the two coaches, as Texas College Head Coach George Cumby played linebacker at the University of Oklahoma in the late 1970’s.
“I think that this game was bigger than George Cumby vs. Mickey Joseph,” the potential CSFL Coach of the Year candidate said.  “They happen to recruit a lot of the same kids that we look for, and the opportunity isn’t there for us that often to play other historically black schools.  A lot of our kids on both sides happen to know each other very well, so when you see these two schools get together, things happen to intensify and get heated more than usual.”
Joseph also denied that any rust would be lingering in Saturday’s upcoming Central States Football League Championship Game against Southern Nazarene, which is also SNU’s Homecoming.  He cited Langston’s brutal non-conference schedule as a reason why the Lions would be ready on Saturday.
“We have not played a little boy’s schedule,” Joseph said of Langston’s first month, which consisted of playing four NCAA schools from Division I and Division II.  “We happened to play against 63, 36, 36 and 36 scholarships in the first month compared to our ten or 11 that we are able to hand out every year, and happened to finish 2-2.  So, I think that we know what we have to do this week in practice in order to get ready for Saturday.”The Steers took advantage of a huge blunder on Langston’s part just six minutes into the game, when tailback Carlos Ross fumbled the ball after catching it from Darrion Lewis on a screen pass at the six yard line.  Joseph Judie recovered the fumble at the LU 3, and ran it in for the first Texas College lead of the 2011 season.  Ross would atone for his mistake by running in a 13-yard touchdown with only two seconds remaining in the opening quarter to tie up the game.  But, the Steers would take the Anthony Fernandez punt and spring enough blocks to allow Gary O’Leary to score another touchdown and give the visiting team a 14-7 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Momentum would shift in the second quarter due to a series of blocked kicks, as Fernandez would drill a 21-yard field goal to pull Langston within four points.  His second field goal attempt was blocked, but Sir Demarco Bledsoe returned the favor by blocking a Texas College punt to allow Antjuan Walker to scoop and score for Langston.  The extra point by Fernandez was blocked, but the Lions were able to take the lead at 16-14. Read Full Article at Langston University 

2011 HBCU All-Star Bowl East West Rosters Released

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The HBCU All-Star Bowl announces the 2011 East and West rosters. The third annual bowl matches the top senior players from the CIAA, SIAC, MEAC and SWAC.

EAST ROSTER

No. Name Pos School Ht. Wt. Hometown
1 David Legree QB Hampton 6-5 235 Brooklyn, NY
2 Lanny Kelly DB Howard 5-11 180 Berkeley, CA
3 Darius Jackson WR Delaware St 5-10 178 Quincy, FL
4 Andre Lyles DB Fayetteville St 6-2 212 Ahoskie, NC
5 Kevin Elliot WR Florida A&M 6-3 200 Orlando, FL
6 Kenneth Turner DB Bowie St 5-9 180 Oxon Hill, MD
7 Dominique Ellis DB South Carolina St 5-11 195 Atlanta, GA
8 Wallace Miles WR North Carolina A&T 6-1 193 Atlanta, GA
9 Nicholas Cooper RB Winston-Salem St 6-0 240 Clinton, NC
10 Delano Johnson DE Bowie St 6-5 260 Baltimore, MD
11 Reggie Sandilands LB Bethune Cookman 6-1 230 Miami, FL
12 Willie Carter WR Howard 6-3 205 Denmark, SC
13 Chris Walley QB Norfolk St 6-3 200 Tallahasse, FL
14 Michael Johnson QB North Carolina Central 6-2 225 Durham, NC
15 Micah Pellerin DB Hampton 6-0 200 New Orleans, LA
16 Jamain Smith WR St. Augustine 6-0 185 Kenansville, NC
20 Justin Ferrell DB North Carolina A&T 5-10 190 Danville, VA
21 Alton Keaton DB Winston Salem St 5-11 190 Fayetteville, NC
22 Christian Thompson DB South Carolina St 6-2 210 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
23 Victor Hairston WR Norfolk St 5-10 185 Martinsville, VA
24 Justin Babb RB Savannah St 5-10 195 Atlanta, GA
25 Jaashawn Jones RB Delaware State 6-1 220 Asbury Park, NJ
28 Antonio Dennard DB Langston 6-1 190 Chicago, IL
30 DeVonte Reynolds DB Norfolk St 6-2 210 Warsaw, VA
32 Dante’ Thomas RB Tennessee St 5-11 212 Dallas, TX
34 Corwin Hammond LB Norfolk St 6-1 220 Louisville, KY
35 Blake Erickson P/K South Carolina St 5-10 165 Pensacola, FL
40 Donovan Richard LB South Carolina St 6-1 220 Georgetown, SC
44 Demarius Folsom LB Florida A&M 6-1 225 Madison, FL
49 Ryan Davis DE Bethune Cookman 6-4 260 Tampa, FL
50 Jeremy Pruit LB Virginia St 6-2 235 Far Rockaway, NY
51 Larry McDonald OL Fayettville St 6-2 330 Durham, NC
52 Ryan Lewis LB Bethune Cookman 6-1 245 Pompano Beach, FL
53 Pat Washington DE South Carolina St 6-1 250 Charleston, SC
55 Brandon Harvey LB Delaware St 6-2 240 Laurel, NJ
58 Brenton Walker OC North Carolina A&T 6-2 295 Durham, NC
60 Baron Coffin OL Elizabeth City State 6-3 310 Pago, Amer Samoa
65 Juavahr Nathan OL South Carolina St 6-2 290 Lasson, SC
66 Brandon Curry OL Florida A&M 6-6 320 Hollywood, FL
70 Nate Curry OL Bethune Cookman 6-2 300 Miami, FL
71 Julian Gray OL North Carolina Central 6-4 300 Atlanta, GA
72 Keith Newell OL Delaware St 6-6 320 Trenton, NJ
77 Alex Harper OL North Carolina A&T 6-5 330 Baltimore, MD
78 Kendall Noble OL Norfolk State 6-4 290 Rocky Mount, NC
80 Lamont Bryant TE Morgan State 6-5 230 Newport News, VA
81 Isaiah Thomas WR Hampton 6-0 200 Washington, DC
82 Kevin Hodrick WR Chowan 6-2 215 Carson, CA
89 Antwanne Kerr TE South Carolina St 6-2 250 Augusta, GA
90 Charles Deas DL Shaw 6-6 305 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
92 Stanley Porter DL Shaw 6-4 265 Rosedale, MS
93 Corey Berry DL Howard 6-3 260 Orangeburg, SC
95 Josh Turner DL Norfolk State 6-1 315 Chesterfield, NC
96 Sackie Kerkulah DL Howard 6-4 295 Willingboro, NJ
98 Jerry Willis DL Florida A&M 6-4 290 Chicago, IL
99 Akeem Ward DL Winston Salem St 6-4 260 Holly Springs, NC

 

WEST ROSTER

No. Name Pos School Ht. Wt. Hometown
1 Adrian Moore RB Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-0 215 Pine Bluff, AR
2 Darrius Williams DB Morehouse 6-3 210 Detroit, MI
3 Jerrel Noland QB Kentucky State 6-1 245 Detroit, MI
4 Hardcourt Farquharson DB Clark Atlanta 5-10 190 Miami, FL
5 Stanley Jennings QB Albany State 6-2 235 Marietta, GA
6 Moses Ellis DB Prairie View A&M 5-10 190 Fort Worth, TX
7 Ricky Johnson DB Fort Valley State 6-1 200 Atlanta, GA
8 Nick Andrews WR Alabama State 5-9 175 Maplesville, AL
9 Jared Green WR Southern 6-2 190 Vienna, VA
10 DeMario Pippen RB Tuskegee/Jackson St 5-10 195 Tuscaloosa, AL
11 Casey Therriault QB Jackson State 6-3 215 Wyoming Park, MI
13 Tony Davis FB/TE Fort Valley State 6-4 235 Fort Valley, GA
15 Demario Barber WR Fort Valley State 5-9 185 Ashburn, GA
16 Mario Louis WR Grambling State 6-1 190 New Orleans, LA
17 DeQuan Starling DB Benedict 5-9 180 Hakinsville, GA
18 Rashad McRae DB Albany St 5-10 195 Douglass, GA
19 Joseph Wylie DB Tennessee State 6-3 215 Fort Lauderdale, FL
20 Dominic Bell DB Grambling State 5-10 190 Pinellas Park, FL
21 Donovan Masline DB Alabama State 5-9 170 Jacksonville, FL
25 Martin Gilbert RB Texas Southern 5-10 210 Dallas, TX
28 Bruna Foster DB Grambling State 6-1 220 Ormond Beach, FL
30 Marcus Wright RB Texas Southern 5-11 210 Dayton, OH
31 Arturo Tamayo P/K Alcorn State 6-0 200 Moorpark, CA
34 Courtney Daniels LB Fort Valley State 6-1 230 Eatonton, GA
42 Kiece Crite LB Clark Atlanta 6-1 245 Lincolnton, GA
44 Jamark Gaskins LB Albany State 6-1 225 Tifton, GA
45 Adrian Hamilton DE Prairie View A&M 6-4 255 Dallas, TX
47 Rico Council LB Tennessee State 6-1 255 Chattanooga, TN
50 Cliff Exama LB Grambling State 6-1 235 Miami Beach, FL
51 Willie Fuller LB Alabama A&M 5-11 230 Lithonia, GA
54 Donovan Robinson DE Jackson State 6-3 255 Milwaukee, WI
55 Darel Strong DE Clark Atlanta 6-4 260 Fort Lauderdale, FL
56 Jaime Payton LB Southern 6-1 225 Gozales, LA
59 Kynjee Cotton DE Alabama State 6-1 260 Daphne, AL
60 Quinn Criss OL Texas Southern 6-1 285 Arlington, TX
63 Roderick Gladney OL Jackson State 6-4 360 Jackson, MS
66 Bobby Young OC Fort Valley State 6-1 295 Inglewood, CA
67 James Dekle OL Prairie View A&M 6-2 290 Miami, FL
70 Donovan Stevenson OL Texas Southern 6-3 310 Largo, MD
71 Bennie People OL Grambling State 6-2 285 Vicksburg, MS
74 Tim Tusey OL Prairie View A&M 6-4 300 Houston, TX
75 Jarvis Canty OL Morehouse 6-7 335 Great Falls, SC
77 Jesse Mitchell OL Kentucky State 6-4 345 East St. Louis, IL
78 Lee Almanza OL Southern 6-4 305 Houston, TX
80 Raphael Amey WR Kentucky State 6-2 190 Dumfries, VA
81 Renty Rollins TE/FB Jackson State 6-4 255 Detroit, MI
82 LaQuinton Evans WR Southern 6-2 205 Mansfield, LA
84 Derrick Hector WR Morehouse 6-6 220 Mobile, AL
85 Marcellos Wilder WR Jackson State 6-3 200 Tuscaloosa, AL
90 Chigbo Annunoby DL Morehouse 6-6 305 Jefferson City, MO
92 Donte Nicholls DL Tennessee State 6-2 312 Pompano Beach, FL
94 Kyle Hurt DL Lane/Mississippi Valley 6-4 265 Memphis, TN
95 Corey Hart DL Alabama A&M 6-2 245 Loachapoka, AL
96 Jonathan Hollins DL Texas Southern 6-4 300 Baton Rouge, LA
98 Antonio Rogers DL Grambling State 6-3 290 Atlanta, GA

Dillard Office of International Students and Study Abroad Travels to China

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Dillard Office of International Students and Study Abroad Programs (OISSAP) traveled to Beijing, China in October 2011 to reestablish a memorandum of understanding with Communications University of China (CUC). During the Dillard presidency of Dr. Marvalene Hughes, the universities formed a relationship and facilitated a student exchange agreement. However, in 2010 CUC experienced a change in administration. Consequently, OISSAP Director Dr. Kimya Dawson-Smith took responsibility for renewing the ties that had been formed between the schools.

Dr. Phyllis Dawkins, Dillard’s provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Toya Barnes-Teamer, vice president of student success, Dr. Hong Dai, mathematics professor and native Chinese speaker, and Dr. Dorothy Smith, dean of general education, all accompanied Dr. Dawson-Smith on the trip. As a result of their efforts, the new administration of CUC agreed to reestablish the institutional memorandum of understanding.

The Dillard administrators also traveled to Guangzhou and Shanghai, China to recruit students, examine global studies practices, and study student engagement practices.

OISSAP is currently working on a memorandum of understanding with CUC. They hope to have an exchange program in place – wherein students majoring in mass communications will have the opportunity to travel to China – by summer or fall of 2012.

 

Claflin University’s Dr. Nan Li Wins South Carolina Teaching Award

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 Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Nan Li has received the Exemplary Service to the Teaching Profession Award from the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators (SCATE).

“I was very surprised. I did not expect that,” she said. “It feels really good to be honored by your peers.”

SCATE, a leadership and professional organization for pre-service, graduate and active teachers in the state, awarded Li for her “unique or extraordinary accomplishments in education; active leadership in education at the local, state and national level; focused public attention on the need for improvement and better support for education.”

Li is nationally acknowledged in education for her work with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students. This fall, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Claflin University a $289,645 grant to continue and expand a program Li chartered to improve the professional development of teachers instructing Hispanic students who don’t speak as their first language.

Her National Professional Development (NPD) program previously received a five-year, $1 million from the USDOE. Thus far, Li’s NPD program has received rave reviews from local school officials and student teachers. Participating children have shown remarkably improvement in their English reading and writing abilities. The latest award – potentially worth nearly $1.5 million in grant funding – will afford Claflin the opportunity to annually train both 24 students and 24 current teachers best practices to instruct ESOL students. Read Full Article at Caflin

Virtual Reality Helps Improve Emergency Evacuation Procedures in Aviation Safety at Bowie State University

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How quickly can a place like Dulles Airport be evacuated in an emergency without putting people in danger? That’s the question students at Bowie State University are working to answer using a new virtual reality laboratory and advanced 3-D equipment to simulate emergency evacuation scenarios.

Backed by a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, students and faculty in the Computer Science Department have created ‘virtual’ environments to evaluate emergency evacuation procedures for sites like airports, airplanes and large buildings. Sophisticated equipment enables them to evaluate the impact of crowd behavior, time and signage during the evacuation.

“The idea is to see how people react in an emergency environment like how quickly they are able to find an exit,” said Dr. Sharad Sharma, assistant professor of computer science at Bowie State University and principal investigator of the NSF grant. “We can learn why a person may trust a stranger, which exit signs are most effective and how long the whole process takes.”

The results of this research will support ongoing efforts to enhance national security and preparedness to respond in emergency situations. Read Full Article at Bowie State University

Alabama State gets 65-57 exhibition win over Fort Valley State University

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ASU's K.D. Washington drives along the baseline as Fort Valley's Cory Hunter guards him during action between Alabama State University and Fort Valley State University, November 7, 2011. Photo courtesy David Campbell/ASU

Kenderek Washington scored 21 points and Jeffery Middlebrooks added 13 as Alabama State University opened the 2011-12 season with a 65-57 exhibition win over Fort Valley State University.

The Hornets actually opened up a 15-point lead (47-32) on a basket from freshman Luther Page with 13 minutes left in the game. From there the visiting Wildcats began to cut into the lead on the strength of five three-pointers, two from Randy Graham, to cut the lead to 54-51 with just under six minutes left in the game.

That would be as close as the visitors would get as ASU went on to outscore FVSU 11-6 over the final 3:35 of the game, with Page scoring four of those points.

“I thought the guys did a pretty good job of trying to protect the basketball when Fort Valley was making their run,” head coach Lewis Jackson said. “Jeff (Middlebrooks) had to log a lot of minutes, but we have to get tougher and our press offense has to be better. We certainly have to do better on defense.”

“It was good to get a short-handed win, but we have to go back to the drawing board because we have a lot of work to do.”

ASU only played nine players in the game so a lot of the younger players logged a lot of playing time. Page finished the game with 10 points in his first collegiate action and also had six rebounds. Jonathan Jefferson had five points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes of action. His three-pointer at the eight minute mark was able to push ASU’s lead back out to nine points (54-45) in the midst of FVSU’s run.

“I saw out of our young players that we still have a lot of work to do,” Jackson said. “But I was happy with some things I saw them do. We just have to keep working and we needed a close game like this to see where we are at.”

ASU went into halftime with a 37-28 lead after finishing the half on a 12-1 run. FVSU actually led 27-25 with four minutes left in the half. Washington gave ASU their first lead (28-27) on a three-pointer with 3:50 left in the half and ASU would not trail again.

ASU out shot FVSU 41-33 percent and outrebounded the visitors 49-27. Stephawn Brown led ASU with a game-high 13 rebounds with Jefferson grabbing seven.

The Wildcats played 16 players with Kenneth Simmons leading the way with nine points. Desmond Lofland and Kyle Cooper had eight each and Detrius McCall had a team-high seven rebounds. ASU opens the regular season Friday, Nov. 11 at Marshall University. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Courtesy ASU Athletics

Alcorn State Agronomy student Roberta Laing receives a Golden Opportunity Scholar Award

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The Golden Opportunity Scholars Institute of American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and Crop and Soil Sciences (CSA) presented Roberta Laing, a graduate student in agronomy with emphasis in environmental science, with the Golden Opportunity Scholar Award.

With this award Roberta was able to attend the 2011 International Annual Meeting of the Tri-Society (ASA-SSSA-CSA) held in San Antonio, Texas, from October 16 through 19.

This award is given to students who demonstrate academic achievements and interest in the field of agronomy and environment related fields. Under the guidance of her advisor, Dr. Maifan Silitonga, assistant professor in environmental science in the Department of Agriculture, Roberta was able to receive this scholarship award for two years in a row. Recipients of the scholarship were announced at the conference. Read Full article at Alcorn

VIDEO- Battle of the Bay Poetry Slam: Norfolk State University vs. Hampton University

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On November 10, 2011, two HBCUs- Hampton University & Norfolk State University- will host the first annual Battle of the Bay Poetry Slam, a poetic showcase of the two universities’ talents and abilities behind the mic. The poetry slam will take place on the campus of Norfolk State University at the New Student Center Room 138 A & B. Jarel Barnes of Norfolk State University and Mack Curry of Hampton University along with others helped spearhead this movement. Truly this is a sign of good ventures to come, for we love to see our HBCUS uniting for a positive purpose.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmCgSgB4xsQ&w=610&h=443]

Thorobrettes Head to Conference Championship as No. 1 Seed in the West

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 7, 2011) – The 2011 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Championship is set to begin this week in Albany, GA. This year’s championship, which is hosted by Albany State University, will take place Monday, November 7th through Wednesday, November 9th at HPER Gymnasium.

Coming in as the top seed in the east division is Claflin University, who finished the regular season with a 13-3 record in the SIAC, 26-7 overall. The Lady Panthers are led by a pair of All-SIAC first team selections in sophomores Lauren Calvin and Kathrin Fischer.

Kentucky State University is the top seed in the west division after finishing with a 15-1 record in the SIAC, 19-17 overall. The Thorobrettes are led by a trio of freshmen All-SIAC second team performers in Audrey Sherles, Jordan Foyer, and Ayanna Parker.

Both teams will have a bye in the opening round along with the number two seeds in both divisions, Stillman College and Benedict College.

The first pair of matches will begin at 10 a.m. with Paine College against Lane College (Court #1) as well as Albany State University against Tuskegee University (Court #2).

2011 SIAC Volleyball Championship Schedule of Games

Day 1- Monday, November 7th, 2011

Match #1- #5E Paine vs. #6W Lane (Court # 1) – 10 a.m.

Match #2- #3E Albany State vs. #4W Tuskegee (Court #2) – 10 a.m.

Match #3- #5W Miles vs. #6E Fort Valley State (Court #1) – 12 p.m.

Match #4- #3W LeMoyne-Owen vs. #4E Clark Atlanta (Court #2) – 12 p.m.

Match #5- #1E Claflin vs. Winner of Game 1 (Court #1) – 2 p.m.

Match #6- #2W Stillman vs. Winner of Game 2 (Court #2) – 2 p.m.

Match #7- #1W Kentucky State vs. Winner of Game 3 (Court #1) – 4 p.m.

Match #8- #2E Benedict vs. Winner of Game 4 (Court #2)- 4 p.m.

 

Day 2- Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Match #9- Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 5 (Court # 1) – 10 a.m.

Match #10- Loser of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 6 (Court #2) – 10 a.m.

Match #11- Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 7 (Court #1) – 12 p.m.

Match #12- Loser of Game 2 vs. Loser of Game 8(Court #2) – 12 p.m.

Match #13- Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10 (Court #1) – 2 p.m.

Match #14- Winner of Game 11 vs. Winner of Game 12 (Court #2) – 2 p.m.

Match #15- Winner of Game 5 vs. Winner of Game 6 (Court #1) – 4 p.m.

Match #16- Winner of Game 7 vs. Winner of Game 8 (Court #2) – 4 p.m.

Match #17- Winner of Game 14 vs. Loser of Game 15 (Court #1) – 6 p.m.

Match #18- Winner of Game 13 vs. Loser of Game 16 (Court #2) – 6 p.m.

Match #19- Winner of Game 15 vs. Winner of Game 16 (Court #1) – 8 p.m.

 

Day 3- Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Match #20- Winner of Game 17 vs. Winner of Game 18 (Court #1) – 10 a.m.

Match #21- Winner of Game 20 vs. Loser of Game 19 (Court #1) – 12 p.m.

Match #22- Winner of Game 19 vs. Winner of Game 21 (Court #1) – 3 p.m.

Match #23- Winner of Game 22 vs. Loser of Game 22 (if necessary) (Court #1) – 5 p.m.

Danielle R. Wright
Director, Office of Sports Information
(502) 597-6399
danielle.wright@kysu.edu
Kentucky State University

KSU Falls to Morehouse on Senior Day

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KSU battling Morehouse on Saturday, November 5, 2011 (www.KSUthorobreds.com)

FRANKFORT, KY (November 5, 2011) – After a win last week against Lane College a win this week against Morehouse would secure the best record since Kentucky State University finished 7-4 in both 2003 and 2004. With emotions running high as the Thorobreds celebrate their senior day among family, friends and administration they took the field with the responsibility to end this season on a high. 

Thirteen seniors were honored prior to the start of the game. They were greeted at mid-field by University President Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Director of Athletics Dr. Denisha Hendricks and Head Coach Wayne Dickens. Each player was given a framed jersey as a token of appreciation. Then, in the words of Coach Dickens, “It’s time to put those jerseys away and use the ones you have on.”

The first quarter started with a strong drive by the Thorobreds but they were unable to score. Morehouse was able to score a touchdown after running back, David Carter, snuck into the end zone at the 10:56 mark of the first quarter. After an offensive struggle on both ends, the game moved on to the second quarter.

Grandson Brown managed to awaken the Thorobreds’ offensive spirit with a clutch interception, and with a six-yard pass to Jovan Washington, Jerrel Noland delivered the Thorobreds’ first touchdown of the game with 5:31 to play in the half (Berryman PAT Good).

Morehouse answered back on their next drive with a pass from Byron Ingram for 57 yards to Derrick Hector, putting the Maroon Tigers ahead 14-7 with 3:16 in the half. The Thorobreds were forced to punt on their next drive and paid the price for it as Morehouse scored another touchdown with 1:23 left in the half. Heading into halftime the score was 21-7 in favor of Morehouse.

The Thorobred defense held a strong front during the third quarter. Cade Berryman was able to complete a 38 yard field goal with 1:38 making the score 10-21, Morehouse. On the Tigers’ next drive, KSU linebacker JacQuan Persley made two key tackles to bring up a third down for MHC. The Tigers were unable to convert this time and were forced to punt.

Keith Massey brought the Thorobreds back into the game after an interception and an explosive 51 yard return for a touchdown with 12:47 left in regulation, pulling the Breds within four points (17-21). After another defensive stop, Jerrel Noland scored a touchown on the quarterback keeper, and gave the Thorobreds’ their first lead (24-21) of the game with 5:49 to play (Berryman PAT Good).

Unfortunately, the Breds’ defense was unable to stop Morehouse on their next drive, as the Tigers scored with 2:07 remaining on a 4-yard touchdown rush by Carter, giving them a 28-24 lead.

On their final drive of the day, KSU began with the ball at their own 34 yard-line after an eight-yard return by Andrew Ramsey. The Breds were able to secure one first down on the drive, but after four incomplete passes, the Tigers regained possession on downs with 1:00 to play.

The Tigers ran the clock out and in their final game of the regular season, K-State fell to Morehouse 24-28.

MHC’s Carter finished the game with 200 yards on 34 carries, while KSU’s Ramsey led the team with eight rushes for 34 yards. Noland completed 30-of-52 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. Raphael Amey led all receivers with 15 catches for 201 yards, while Jovan Washington had one receiving touchdown.

Defensively, the Maroon Tigers were led by Demario Dixon with eight tackles (six solo) and Mykel Green with eight tackles, including two for loss and a half sack. Green also had two quarterback hurries. Richard Sander chipped in with six tackles and two forced fumbles.

For the Breds, three linebackers had a total of 14 tackles. Terry Horton led the pack as he had two and a half tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry. Senior Stephen Scarborough chipped in with one tackle for loss, while JacQuan Persley had a game-high nine solo tackles in his total of 14. Bernard Crawford, Courtney “Gaige” Lewis and Keith Massey each had one interception.

The Thorobreds finish their season with a record of 6-4 (3-4 SIAC), while Morehouse improves to 8-2 overall, 6-1 in the SIAC.

Diane Martinez
Office of Sports Information
(502) 597-6399
ksu.sid3@gmail.com

2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference & All-Academic Teams Announced

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Courtesy of SIAC

ATLANTA—The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announces the 2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference team as voted by the SIAC Volleyball Coaches Association. The 2011 team is led by 2011 SIAC Player of the Year Jamila McKinnis of Stillman College, 2011 SIAC Offensive Player of the Year LaTayvia Mack of Benedict College, and 2011 SIAC Setter of the Year Kathrin Fischer of Claflin University.

McKinnis, a senior from Mobile, AL, leads the SIAC with 450 kills and finished with a .364 hitting percentage, which ranks second in the SIAC. In 32 matches, the 5-10 outside hitter averaged 3.88 kills per set, which ranks second in the SIAC, while totaling 294 digs and 55 service aces, putting her among the conference leaders in both categories. The All-SIAC first team selection also totaled 334 assists and 59 total blocks. McKinnis finishes her career as a two-time SIAC Player of the Year, earning the honor as a sophomore in 2009, and a four-time All-SIAC selection.

Mack, a junior from Holly Hill, SC, leads the SIAC with 4.67 kills per set, totaling 308 kills in 66 sets, which ranks sixth nationally. The 6-1 outside hitter also ranks third in the SIAC with a .342 hitting percentage while totaling 21 service aces, 74 digs, and 18 total blocks. The All-SIAC first team selection also currently ranks sixth in Division II averaging 5.20 points per set.

Read more at: http://www.thesiac.com/news/2011/11/4/gen_1104114843.aspx

Courtesy of SIAC

2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference Team

1st Team

Name/Class/Position/Institution
LaTayvia Mack/ Junior/ Outside Hitter/ Benedict College
Lauren Calvin/ Sophomore/ Outside Hitter/ Claflin University
Ashley Brooks/ Junior/ Outside Hitter/ Clark Atlanta University
Victoria Claytor/ Junior/ Outside Hitter/ Paine College
Jamila McKinnis/ Senior/ Outside Hitter/ Stillman College
Christine Mallory/ Senior/ Libero/ Stillman College
Kathrin Fischer/ Sophomore/ Setter/ Claflin University
2nd Team

Name Class Position Institution
Sabrina Garcia/ Senior/ Outside Hitter/ Albany State University
Faith Simmons/ Senior/ Outside Hitter/ Claflin University
Jordan Foyer/ Freshman/ Setter/ Kentucky State University

Ayanna Parker/ Freshman/ Outside Hitter/ Kentucky State University
Audrey Sherles/ Freshman/ Outside Hitter/ Kentucky State University
Janae’ Kearse/ Senior/ Outside Hitter/ Paine College
Tyrealle Reed/ Senior/ Libero/ Benedict College

2011 Volleyball Superlatives

Player of the Year: Jamila McKinnis, Stillman College

Offensive Player of the Year: LaTayvia Mack, Benedict College

Defensive Player of the Year: Audrey Sherles, Kentucky State University

Setter of the Year: Kathrin Fischer, Claflin University

Coach of the Year: Vernell Keitt-Capers, Claflin University

2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Academic Team

Name/Class/Major/GPA/Institution

Jamila McKinnis/Senior/Biology/4.00/Stillman College
Ebony Lollis/Senior/Biology/3.94/Stillman College
Cynteria Jones/Junior/English/3.92/Stillman College
Kathrin Fischer/Sophomore/Politics & Justice System/3.91/Claflin University
Christine Mallory/Senior/Education/3.82/Stillman College
Soncya Williams/Sophomore/Music/3.82/LeMoyne-Owen College
Jamila Winston/Senior/Accounting/3.79/Benedict College

All-Academic Team Award: Stillman College, 3.73 GPA

‘Daw’ Runs Through Jackson State University in 26-23 Upset

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Dawrence Roberts runs through two of JSU’s defenders. (Jackson Clarion Ledger photo)

GRAMBLING,La. — Dawrence Roberts helped Grambling keep their SWAC championship ambition alive as he rushed in the game-winning touchdown Saturday in the G-Men 26-23 upset over Jackson State University.

Roberts’ career high 201 yards on 23 carries for two touchdowns was enough to put Grambling (5-4, 4-3 SWAC) in first place of the SWAC West leading Prairie View (4-5, 4-3 SWAC) by one game.

“The biggest thing about him is heart and determination,” said assistant coach Andre Robinson. “He’s out to prove that he is better than everybody on the field.”

In the first quarter Roberts was a non- factor. He only rushed for five yards on one carry. Slowly but surely Jackson State felt the wrath of “DawRuns” Roberts;he compiled 196 yards throughout the next three quarters.

In the second quarter he upped his productivity, but not by much; he ran for 26 yards. Grambling still led the first half 12-6 thanks to a duo of long bombs from kicker Zoltan Riazzo and one of “Super” Mario Louis’ star plays. Thirty-three seconds before halftime Frank Rivers connected with Louis on a short pass, Louis then broke free for a 73- yard touchdown. Rivers was six of 17 for 151 yards, one touchdown and one interception

Dawrence’s  minimal productivity from the first half ceased and in the third quarter “DawRuns” came alive by  pilling up 68-yards. The major yardage gained for Roberts was to no avail, as the Tigers couldn’t register a single point. They were facing a 16-12 deficit due to a touchdown pass to Rico Richardson from Casey Therriault and a 36- yard field goal from Jabril Smith.

Thanks to forceful blocks from the six great linemen led by All-American Sanford Banks and redshirt sophomore Clint Marsh, Roberts ran through Jackson State by gaining 102 yards two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

”Our offensive line is doing great,” said Robinson. “200 yards speak for it self.”

At the 11:27 mark he erupted for a 76-yard touchdown to make it 19- 23. The Tigers offense then became stagnant and Jackson State, who held the league’s best record (7-1, 6-1 SWAC) and was fresh off a 44-14 obliterating win over Prairie View, were seemingly on their way to their fifth consecutive victory.

Late in the game they were leading 23-19 and their defense just forced a punt after a Grambling four-and-out situation. Antonio Sutton muffed the punt by Fabien Carter; GSU’s special teams defense recovered the ball and with 1:24 remaining Roberts sealed a three-play 18- yard drive with a 10-yard rushing touchdown.

Roberts’ quick score gave Therriault, Jackson State’s 2011 Walter Payton award nominee who threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns, ample time to score. All game the young gunslinger had been darting JSU’s receivers, but in their drive to keep them alive he couldn’t find a bull’s-eye. With 1:18 left in regulation Therriault drove JSU down 53 yards to the GSU 14 yard line in five plays, targeting three different receivers.  On the sixth and final play with just about 13 seconds remaining, the G-Men’s clutch defense blanketed all JSU receivers and Therriault’s heroics were eradicated. He was forced to throw the ball away as time expired and Jackson State winning streak ends.

“Being that we have experienced players with loads of talent we don’t get rattled in tough situations,” said linebacker Nic Powell.

The Tigers are currently on a four game winning streak. The last three-games came down to seven or less points and in the last two the defense was the savior.

The Tigers now control their own destiny. They’ll have to win the rest of their games to play for the SWAC championship. The Tigers have two games left and Roberts currently has 841 yards, if “DawRuns” for 159 more yards he’ll add to Grambling list of 1000- yard rushers.

The Tigers next game will be Saturday in Robinson Stadium against Texas Southern, the team that prevented them from competing in the SWAC championship last year. Kick off begins at 2p.m.

Overnight Car Accident leaves Anthony V. Washington Lincoln University dead & Two Injured

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One person was killed – Anthony V. Washington and two were seriously injured in an overnight car accident near Lincoln University.

Around midnight, a 2004 Chevy Impala was traveling on Ashmun Avenue when the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. The car burst into flames upon impact. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Phillip E. Tomsic, was transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center with major injuries. One passenger, Kadeem Fulmore, 21, from Rochester, NY, was also transported to Crozer with major injuries. Another passenger, Anthony V. Washington, 21, from Forest Hills, NY, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident is unknown at this time, but PA police are investigating. Anyone who witnessed the crash or the events prior to it is asked to call the State Police Avondale Station at 610-268-2022.

-Najah Pinkney Said,
“It Is Not By Chance That He Has Crowned “Mr Legacy”, His Bright Smile, Endless Love, &Warming Embrace Will Forever Be Remembered” Anthony & I Modeled Together While I Attended Lincoln University. Anthony Was 5’4 With A Huge Personality, Active– RA On Campus, King Of 3 Organizations, Pledged Iota, Modeled For We Are 1 Family. With A Smile That Could — Would Brighten Up A Room, The Definition and Ideal Example Of A “Lincoln Man”. From His Warm Embrace To His High Spirits, He Leaves Behind A Great Legacy & Serves As A “Prime Example” Of What A Lincoln Man & Student Should Be”.