Albany State University professor Seong Seo awarded $573,000 Defense grant

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Seong Seo, an associate professor of chemistry at Albany State University, has been awarded a $573,000 grant by the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct research that will help develop portable sensors to detect nerve agents and organophosphorous (OP) compounds.

The grant program is designed to enhance educational programs and research capabilities at at the recipient institutions in scientific disciplines critical to national security and the Defense Department. “This is very good for my research,” said Seo, who was ASU’s Researcher of the Year in 2010. “This is the second grant we’ve gotten. Two years ago, I received a $350,000 grant and I used that money to set up my labs. I will use this grant money to actually start developing the sensors.”

Seo is nearing the end of the second year of a three-year study of of thermoresponsive polymerized colloidal crystals using hard-core, soft-shell nanoparticals as sensors for nerve agents and OP compounds.

“Currently, there exists an urgent need for efficient, rapid detection of OP compounds and chemical warfare agents,” Seo said.
Seo’s future research will focus on two areas.

“First, we want to looking at coming up with some type of viual detection device for chemical agents using nanoparticals,” Seo said. “Second, we’d like to come up with a portable device that will detect explosive material such as TNT.”

Read Full Information at Albany Hearold

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Chris Daniel Unsung Hero of Fort Valley State

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Chris Daniel zips around campus in a white pick-up truck, plugging leaks and putting out small fires.  The affable, silver haired, Warner Robins resident is a plant operations grounds maintenance supervisor; but the lines of his responsibilities blur daily. One minute, he’s peering over the shoulders of the Huntington Hall construction crew making sure they don’t drill underground pipes. Hours later, he shows up on the back end of campus to help fuse a busted gas line.  “Chris is a multi-use team player who I depend on to always go the extra mile,” says Associate Vice President and Director of Plant Operations Dwayne Crew.  “He practically lives on campus,” Crew added.

The University of Georgia graduate majored in landscape architecture. When he came to Fort Valley State 28 years ago, the plan was to use the opportunity as a stepping-stone to another position.  Instead, the easy-going, 56-year-old employee planted his roots deep in Wildcat Country and never looked back.  He is a “jack of many trades”, but remains a master architect of all things green and keeps the grounds and plants blooming in brilliant colors. Daniels designed the Betty Jean Rivers Camellia Garden located on FVSU’s main campus and he’s currently creating a new structure where Wildcats can relax at the corner of Rayfield Wright Street and State University Drive.

What brought you to Fort Valley State?
I was working for a private company and was looking for something better. I saw a job ad in 1983.  I had some experience in every area they asked for – greenhouse experience, grounds maintenance and landscape design. I had everything they wanted, so I said “Shoot, I might as well go apply for that.”  I didn’t think I’d be here this long; but I like working in the same area. When you’ve been some place a while, you understand it much better. You can do a better job.

What do you enjoy most about your work (although this really doesn’t seem like work to you)?
I enjoy seeing the plants grow and bloom. The work changes through the seasons and the grounds change through the seasons.

What are you doing to make sure the scrubbery and plants on campus remain green?
With this drought we’re having, everything is not green; but, with some water, it’ll all come back.  I’m most concerned about the scrubbery and trees. If the grass gets rain, it’ll come back. It’s durable enough. If the drought continues for a couple more months, we’ll really be in trouble.
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Howard University School of Business Launches Online Executive MBA

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WASHINGTON (June 16, 2011) – Today, Howard University announced the launch of its first online degree program – the online Executive MBA program. This groundbreaking program will prepare experienced and emerging business leaders to lead the world’s most dynamic companies as they navigate the increasingly complex challenges of today’s competitive global marketplace. Starting in January 2012, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of business, and learn to strategically think and act from the perspective of senior leadership.

Steeped in the legacy of the Howard School of Business, this transformational program is tailored for the elite business professional who is ready to lead and seeks a competitive edge in global business. Consisting of 42 credit hours, the online Executive MBA program is designed to be completed in about 18 months.
The online format is designed to deliver a robust management education that is accessible to professionals who desire to work full-time while completing their degree.

The prestigious Howard School of Business is accredited by AACSB International and has been ranked among the top U.S. Business Schools by Bloomberg BusinessWeek. The Princeton Review has consistently ranked Howard’s MBA program as the top business program (#1) for the “Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students.” As a result, business professionals will receive instruction from the world-class Howard School of Business faculty, and join a distinguished, global network of the top emerging executives from around the world.

Applications will be accepted starting June 2011, with the inaugural online class starting in January 2012. For more information about this online MBA program, visit us at http://executivemba.howard.edu.

Referenced Article from Howard University

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Chairman Johnathan Pinson Explains No money missing from research center at South Carolina State University

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — No money is missing at a troubled transportation research center at South Carolina State University named for U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, a state audit released Tuesday has found.

But the Legislative Audit Council report also noted that the Orangeburg school doesn’t have a viable plan to raise more than $80 million needed to complete the center, which was announced more than a dozen years ago.

“We did not find evidence of missing funds, but did find questionable expenditure of funds,” the council said in its report. “SCSU has identified only $27 million of the $107 million needed to complete the center. Although SCSU lacks the $80 million to complete the center, it has begun work and has exposed the University to future financial obligations.”

Lawmakers asked for the audit after years of construction delays, coupled with newspaper reports that school officials couldn’t account for millions in state and federal funding for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center, announced in 1998 as a showpiece for research and training of workers in the transportation industry.

Auditors noted that a random review of expenses from 2007 to 2009 raised questions about travel reimbursements, such as paying $426 nightly for a hotel, and workers double-dipping in pay. The agency said it forwarded that information to the State Law Enforcement Division for review.
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Shaw President Dr. Irma McClaurin Meets With President Barack Obama

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(Durham, NC) – Shaw President Dr. Irma McClaurin was part of a delegation that met with President Barack Obama prior to his address in Durham yesterday which detailed the economic initiatives which he unveiled at the headquarters of Cree Incorporated.

Dr. McClaurin was the only university president in the group of Triangle-area elected officials and community representatives in the gathering.

“The President’s vision of the competitive workforce is something we have been mindful of at Shaw,” said Dr. McClaurin.  “As we continually assess our academic programs, we will continue to focus on ensuring that Shaw has the programs that prepare our students to compete in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.  We are confident we are already on this path.”

President Obama was in Durham with the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness to announce his job growth plan, which aims to, among other things, train 10,000 engineers each year eliminate red tape for some infrastructure projects, and focus on programs that improve energy efficiency.

Referenced Article from Shaw University

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Elevation Baptist Church Donates $5,000 to St. Aug Tornado Relief Fund

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Elevation Baptist Church recently donated $5,000 to Saint Augustine’s College’s Recovery and Restoration Fund. The fund is designed to help the school restore the campus to its historic beauty after a tornado tore through Raleigh on April 16, leaving devastating damage in its wake.

Elevation also gave $5,000 to Shaw University, which also suffered severe damage to its campus. The donations were presented during the culmination of the church’s youth conference, R.A.G.E. — “Reaching a Generation of Excellence.”

“The Elevation church family is committed to taking the love of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of our sanctuary and into the community,” said Dr. T.L. Carmichael Sr., pastor of Elevation, which has locations in Raleigh and Knightdale. “When we saw the damage the tornado caused to these two historic institutions, we felt compelled to do what we could to help both schools restore their campuses.”

“Saint Augustine’s College appreciates the support from Elevation Baptist Church as one of our partners in the faith community,” said President Dianne Boardley Suber. “These relationships remain vital as the College continues to build its distinguished legacy.”
Article Reference from Saint Augustine College

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Sigma Pi Phi Donates 1,000 to Saint Augustine’s Tornado Relief Fund

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The Gamma Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity donated $1,000 to Saint Augustine’s College’s Restoration and Recovery Fund. The fund was created to help the school restore its campus in the wake of the April 16 tornado.

“We feel compelled to support our HBCUs, particularly the ones in our backyard because many of us have connections (with those schools),” said Dr. Leroy S. Darkes. “The devastation of the tornado was compelling. We had to do something.”

Darkes, the Boule’s grammateus, and Dr. George Wylie, the sire archon, came to campus to present the donation to President Dianne Boardley Suber.

“We certainly appreciate the contribution, but we equally appreciate the support and the opportunity to get you to campus and establish a long-term partnership,” Suber said.

Article Reference from Saint Augustine College

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NCCU Law School Hosting Free Public Forum on Workplace Rights

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The North Carolina Central University School of Law is inviting the public to a free forum this Saturday on workplace issues.

The event, called “Workplace Rights: Equal Opportunity is the Law,” will include representatives from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State Employment Security Commission Agency.  The representatives will provide an overview of the laws enforced by the agencies and complaint processing procedures.  A panel of plaintiff attorneys will be available to answer questions.

The forum will use the law school’s Technology Assisted Legal Instruction and Services (TALIAS) program. TALIAS allows people across the state to participate through HD video teleconferencing. NCCU has established sites at four universities: Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T University, and Winston-Salem State University. All four will participate in Saturday’s event.

The forum is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Turner Law Building. To register to attend at any location, contact Michelle S. Roberts at 919-530-6601 or at msroberts@nccu.edu.

Additional locations include:

Winston Salem State University
1922 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road
Cook Building

Elizabeth City State University
More Hall, Room 124

North Carolina A&T State University
2501 Yanceyville St.

Article Referenced from NCCU

 

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Maryland Board of Regents Voted to Increase In-State Tuition for Undergraduates by up to 3 Percent

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The University System of Maryland Board of Regents voted to increase in-state tuition for undergraduates by up to 3 percent for fiscal year 2012 in a public meeting Friday at Bowie State University. Tuition also went up 3 percent in the current fiscal year following a four-year tuition freeze. Salisbury University, the only exception to the 3 percent maximum, will see an increase of 6 percent due to its lower costs.

“Given the severe recession, it became clear that to keep the quality of academic offerings and support to our students that is expected of us, we needed to impose a 3 percent increase in in-state undergraduate tuition,” said Mike Lurie, spokesman for the University System of Maryland.

“Although we take these increases very seriously, it’s a rather modest amount of money, especially when compared with the severe increases in other systems across the country,” he said.

Lurie said the increase amounted to between $150 and $300 per semester, with exact costs differing slightly at each school in the system. The board also approved its proposed plan to guide a study of the potential merger of the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In April, Maryland lawmakers linked $1 million in state funding to the Board of Regents submitting the findings of such a study by Dec. 15.

Article Reference from Daily Record

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Stylish Buzz of the Week: Brianna Newton-Williams from Morgan State University by The Profashional

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Stylish Buzz of the Week: Brianna Newton-Williams
from Morgan State University by The Profashional

Name: Brianna Newton-Williams “Brii”
Repin’: Morgan State University
Classification: Junior
Major: Fashion Merchandising
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Description of Style: I consider myself a hipster who displays creativity through frugal fashions.
Brianna’s attire is none-the-less eccentric, and chic! I love the head piece, harem pants, and washed jeans! I can tell she concocted her look to suit her. Style isn’t duplicating but instead getting inspired by others to make your own. Anytime someone takes ownership of their look, I just have to give them props! Brii has style!
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Bethune Cookman joins effort to meld Minorities, Racing and Education

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DAYTONA BEACH — A new motorsports team geared toward diversity unveiled an extensive plan Wednesday to bring money to historically black, Hispanic and other colleges while also attracting minority fans to racing.

Complete with a new hip-hop song promoting the joint venture, Racing For Education has been formed by a group that includes Evelyn Bethune, president of the Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Preservation Institute, and Diversity Motorsports Racing, in collaboration with Bethune-Cookman University.

The program and new racing team were highlighted at a news conference in front of the statue of Bethune near the Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center.

A show car was also on display with the Racing For Education logo that will be similar to one that team officials said will race in the Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway on July 1.

The driver of that car, which they said has already been confirmed, will be announced two days before the race. On the Diversity Motorsports Racing website, it lists “Our Drivers” as Mike Bliss, Hannah Baker and Ricky Byers.

“Racing For Education is in the arena. Failure is not an option,” said Terrance Cox III, co-owner of Diversity Motorsports Racing, formed last year.

Marcus Jadotte, vice president of public affairs and multicultural development for NASCAR in Daytona Beach, said NASCAR has not heard of the team or the initiative, but “we’re always excited about entrepreneurs wanting to come into the sport of team owners.

“We believe it is important for the sport going forward at every level to look like the country in terms of demographics. Having expanded minority participation in the ownership ranks of the sport, we would welcome that.”

Read Full Article at The News Journal

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Leggings ≠ pants! by The ProFashional

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Leggings ≠ pants!


Leggings are a great accessory to add to an outfit! They are comfy, stylish and versatile. I can see why many include leggings in their wardrobe. However, wearing leggings properly simple separates the chic and fashion hell no’s!

Leggings are an all year round clothing accessory, but we don’t have all year to get this right. Here are a few rules to help those adopting the trend.

Layer, Layer, Layer, I repeat Layer– Layering is a must when wearing leggings. Opposing to what some may believe leggings are not pants or jeans but instead should be viewed as stockings or tights.

Hide your tush– No one should ever be able to see your panty line. The best solution to this is wearing a tunic (summer) long blazer (fall) or long sweater cardigan (winter). Notice all these options should be loosely fitted. Wearing leggings and a fitted top would serve your look an injustice. If you like the fitted top and bottom look, try considering a romper!

Shoe appropriate: It is very crucial to wear the appropriate shoes with leggings. Please be aware that sneakers are only ok when the gym is involved. With that one exception, try out your options in your closet and really put your own style on this.

This is an epidemic, pass the word along. 😉

By Sha’nece Austin “Profashional”

 

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Bean Pies and Bow Ties by April C. Thornton

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Bean Pies and Bow Ties
April C. Thornton

Are individual’s perception of other religions triggered by historical events, media outlets or actually observing people from different religious backgrounds? Take a look at African American male Muslims for example. People have their own ideas on what the everyday black male Muslim look like and represent. They see historical video footage of Malcolm X standing behind the podium with his militant persona advocating black independence, while staring out of his thick framed glasses with his tie nicely straightened. These audiovisuals of Malcolm X may give people the false impression that all Black Muslims have the same militant attitude. They know that As-Salamu Alaykum means ‘Peace be upon you’ in Arabic and Muslims pray to Allah. In addition, humorous jokes are made about Black Muslims selling bean pies on the nearest corner and refusing to eat pork. Aside from the comical jokes and narrow perceptions, what do people truly know about African American male Muslims?

Large populations of young African American males are converting to Islam. Either they are joining a popular trend across the nation that has been associated with imprisonment or they are looking for a positive change in their life. These so-called affiliates believe that wearing djellabahs, turbans or coofies makes them Muslims, while ignoring the spiritual and mental connection that comes along with converting to Islam. Despite the fact, that many young black male Muslims along with some non- Black Muslims misunderstands what the faith solely represents because not all Muslims look the same or have the same beliefs. It is time for inquisitive minds to grasp an understanding of  how the Black Islamic faith was introduced to America’s society.

A glimpse into the early 1800s shows that many African Muslims were brought to America as slaves. Their slave-owners noticed something different about these particular slaves by their determination, intellectual and survival personality. Now, let’s fast-forward to the 1930s when Wallace Fard Muhammed wanted to improve the spiritual, mental, social and economic situations of African Americans of America. He found the first Temple of Islam also known as the Nation of Islam (NOI) or the Black Muslim. After his death, Elijah Muhammad became the leader of the NOI by spreading the same exact teachings of Wallace Fard Muhammed. The NOI taught mutual respect, discipline in appearance and behavior, stressed modesty and morality. Most importantly NOI believer’s was devoted to the Five Pillars, kept a healthy diet and physical fitness by excluding the consumption of alcohol, drugs and tobacco and pork.

Presently, the overall custom has drastically changed from the clean cut image and healthy lifestyle of the Black Muslim long-ago. The modern day picture of young African American male Muslims are jeans hanging below their buttocks, finding pleasure in smoking or drinking an alcoholic drink of their choice. To easily example this faulty description, modern day Black Muslims are finding comfort with disobeying the guidelines that Allah and his prophets advocated and created before them. How can individuals define and fully comprehend the African American Black Muslim? Do people study the original teachings or observe how young black male Muslims of today deteriorate the faith? Until society figures out what African American male Muslims look like and stand for, majority of people will keep associating them with bean pies and bow ties.

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The HBCU Experience by Dior Ginyard

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HBCU’s are known throughout America for developing gifted African American men and women that are ready to take on challenges and obstacles that life has in store for them.  HBCU’s have produced prominent individuals such as Civil Rights activist Jesse Jackson, talk show host Oprah Winfrey, actor Samuel Jackson, filmmaker Spike Lee, and Chairman to the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Herman Cain, just to name a few.  Each one of these individuals has their own story on how their HBCU experience has prepared them for the daily challenges they face.

A unique story that you probably are unaware of however is that of Leelannee K. Malin, PhD, a true product of the HBCU experience.  Dr. Malin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media Arts from Clark Atlanta University, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Organizational Communications from Bowie State University.  After working in corporate communications and the non-profit sector, Malin attained a doctoral degree in Mass Communications Media Studies at Howard University at the age of 30.

Dr.Malin, used the knowledge, skills, and life lessons learned to launch Malin PR, a boutique public relations firm, specializing in sports and entertainment, corporate communications and non-profit industries.   Malin PR provides a comprehensive range of communications and public relations programs that assist its clients in increasing visibility and building relationships with prospects, members of the press, and the  greater community.  Malin Pr creates and executes innovative, targeted exposure and communications packages promoting their clients interest to the market, the media, and the public.  The Malin PR client roster includes, model Gia Nichole, international motivational speaker, Mark “The Speakerman” Wiggins and her most recognizable client, New Orleans Saints Defensive Back Usama Young, and the Usama Young Youth Foundation.

Malin’s experience working in the sports agency began at 16 years old, recording football statistics, which  ultimately leading to a sports information internship at Morehouse College.  Malin has worked for semi-professional and professional athletes and organizations including the National Football League Players Association and Retired Super Bowl Champion, Cliff Crosby of the Indianapolis Colts.  Continuing to make her mark on the industry, Malin’s latest endeavor includes serving as the official public relations provider for Usama Young’s 3rd Annual Stay Focused Weekend slated for June 23-25, 2011 in the Washington DC Metropolitan area.  The weekend, which Malin PR serves as the sole source of planning and coordination is highlighted by appearances by high profile athletes and celebrities , a football and cheer camp for youth, a community service project, bowling fundraiser event ,and annual foundation reception.

Community spirit is the name of Malin PR’s game as a   “Culture for Service” was instilled in Malin as a freshman at Clark Atlanta.  Therefore, since the launch of Malin PR, Dr. Malin a teacher by trade has mentored, developed, and trained local high school students interested in careers in the Communications industry.  Making it a point to pay it forward, Malin offers seasonal internships each year to students from all three of her alma maters.

The Stay Focused Weekend 2011 will encompass a slew of events that include a food drive at Largo High School,a visit to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, DC, a “Celebrity Scoop” event at Rita’s, “Rock-n-Bowl” at Lucky Strikes which is also in Washington, DC, and the highlight of the weekend which is the football and cheer camp.  All proceeds will benefit the Usama Young Youth Foundation.

For more information about the Usama Young Youth Foundation and Stay Focused Weekend 2011 log on to www.usamayoung28.com.  To learn more about Dr.Malin and Malin PR, visit www.malinpr.com.

-Dior Ginyard

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San Diego Padres Pick Up Rashaad Ingram, 2B, St. Augustine’s College In Round 28

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Star shortstop Rashaad Ingram (Savannah, Ga.) of Saint Augustine’s College was drafted Tuesday by the San Diego Padres on the second day of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Ingram was taken by the Padres in the 28th round with the 863rd pick. He becomes the second Saint Augustine’s College player in three seasons to be drafted. Anthione Shaw, also a shortstop for the Falcons, was picked by the Oakland Athletics in 2009.
Ingram was drafted after a remarkable senior season in 2011. He captured national, regional and conference honors after leading the Falcons to a modern school record of 36 wins. The NCAA Division II leader in steals (80) and stolen bases per game (1.48), Ingram was named Daktronics Third Team All-American, Daktronics First Team All-Atlantic Region, All-CIAA first team and CIAA player of the year. He was one of 36 players nationally who was named to the College Baseball Lineup DII All-Star Team. Ingram led the Falcons in batting average (.390), hits (67), runs (72) and doubles (15) as a senior.
Ingram, tied for third in Division II in runs, finished his four-year career as one of the most decorated baseball players ever at Saint Augustine’s College. He was part of a senior group that sparked a resurgence in the baseball program after four straight losing seasons including six wins the year before Ingram arrived.
The Falcons amassed 119 wins in four years. The baseball team won two CIAA regular-season titles, one CIAA Tournament crown, and made four consecutive CIAA Tournament finals appearances during that period.
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