N.C. A&T grant of the month for July: $803,000 for research in health disparities

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N.C. A&T received 11 grants totaling $1.55 million in July.

One highlight of July’s funding was a grant worth $803,177 from the National Institutes of Health, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, to Dr. Goldie Byrd of the Department of Biology. The funding is the fourth grant in support of a five-year, $4 million project.

The project: Expanding Research and Research Training Infrastructure at NCA&TSU

The issue: The emphasis of this proposal is on developing collaborative junior faculty members and students to become independent researchers and thought leaders in eliminating health disparities.

Abstract: Objectives of this project are to: 1) Create a focused environment in which minority students remain in the biomedical science pipeline and become thought leaders for eliminating health disparities;  2) Create a mentored and collaborative environment for health disparities research; 3) Develop a centralized community model for educating minorities about health disparities and for recruiting minorities into health disparities research; and 4) enhance the administrative, technical and research resources that facilitate health disparities research.  This project will develop a research niche in cancer biology, develop a core facility for genomics and informatics research tools, develop a core resource for subject ascertainment and education outreach, enrich student training and development through a bridge to the master’s degree, and provide meaningful assessment and feedback to developing researchers.

Read Full Article at Aggie Research

Langston University President JoAnn W. Haysbert announced Resignation

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Langston University President JoAnn W. Haysbert announced Monday she plans to resign at the end of the fall semester.

Haysbert, who has served as Langston University’s president for six years, told faculty members at a luncheon that she plans to return to Hampton University in Virginia, where she will serve as executive vice president.

Haysbert spent 25 years serving in various academic and administrative positions at Hampton University before coming to Langston University.

“While this was personally a difficult decision, I know it is the right one and this is the right time, given what has been accomplished in the past six years,” Haysbert said in a news release. “I believe in a higher power, so I am confident that the stars are properly aligned in favor of this move. I am deeply honored to have served as president of one of the finest historically black colleges in America with a rich heritage.”

Haysbert was Langston University’s 15th president and first female president.

“On behalf of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, I commend President Haysbert for her outstanding leadership and the many accomplishments achieved during her presidency,” Jay L. Helm, board chairman, said in the release. “She did an admirable job in a relatively short period of time. In so doing, her leadership has put Langston on a pathway to greater academic and research success in the future. We wish President Haysbert only the very best in her new position at Hampton, and we are appreciative of her work at Langston.”

Haysbert cited the implementation of a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan for Langston University as being one of her top accomplishments.

“We completed over 80 percent of our ambitious goals in only five years,” she said.

She listed the following as other major accomplishments of her administration:

• Fiscal soundness. The University’s fiscal health is the best it has been in 20 years, according to external auditors, she said. In addition to receiving several consecutive unqualified audits, the institution operates without a deficit.

• Closed the technological divide. Five years ago, there was virtually no technology on any of the three campuses. Today, each campus has wireless capabilities, four-digit dialing capability to Tulsa and Oklahoma City campuses from the main campus, online registration (including bill payments), several computer labs and “smart classrooms” on each campus, and a total upgrade of the network infrastructure.

• Increased and enhanced academic offerings. Eleven programs of distinction have been identified, University College was established as a comprehensive resources center and the “academic home” for all freshmen and sophomores, online courses are now offered and several new graduate programs have been added.

Read Full Article at NewsOK

Long Live the King Part I – King Still Rises Above his Adversaries

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“Discrimination is a hell-hound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives.”—Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the leader of the civil rights movement and stood behind the belief that nonviolence was the method as to which African Americans and all people facing discrimination would obtain equality and freedom. He was the living personification of the biblical phrase “turn the other cheek”, and led his disciples and followers on marches and protests in a never ending quest to end the tyranny of racism and segregation in America. King was a man of peace; however history shows us that promoting nonviolence in the face of hatred led to more violence that expected or wanted. From being stabbed in the chest to peaceful protests transforming into anarchic riots, to death threats delivered regularly, King did not become the man of the people without making some bitter enemies.

The hell-hounds had been chasing King since the inception of the movement and his growing and enormous influence within the South. They never made him stop, but King did become weary. According to “Hellhound on his Trail”, a book by Hampton Sides chronicling the last years of King and the man who committed his assassination, King’s brutal schedule saw him on the road more and less at home with his family. King was becoming distant from his wife, Coretta, and his movement. There were a growing number of people in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) that feared for King’s safety and sanity. His Poor People Campaign was considered too ideal and too big of a plan to be an organized, effective strategy in the battle for freedom. He held a self proclaimed “War on Sleep” to accomplish his goals.

He would go to travel to Memphis where blacks’ efforts to secure economic rights was in need of a savior, and King would jump to their rescue— against his SCLC members wishes. King would make these obligations to lead marches in cities without thinking about the consequences of the toll it was taking on him. He truly was married to the movement. His SCLC members told him not to go to Memphis to fight for the black laborers who had gone on strike, but King demanded he be there—for the people. His attempt at a peaceful protest turned in a riot that drew even more media criticism toward King, claiming the riot as an embarrassment and as a clear indication of King’s fading star power. He was losing his audience, but King was worried about losing something much more—his life. When Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, Coretta Scott King ominously said that they “had a sense of fate closing in” on her and her husband. The hell-hounds would not stop chasing him until they tasted blood.

James Earl Ray did not need to be persuaded to kill the man behind the movement. Sides’s portrait of Ray as a depressed, insecure and aloof escaped convict held an immense disdain for African Americans that originated probably due to his Southern upbringing. There was no rationale in his hatred; what bigot uses any? But Ray was as tactical as he was crazy, and hunted for King. His thirst for King’s blood grew out of his loyalty to George C. Wallace, the Alabama governor who was running for president on a platform of prejudice. Wallace had constantly been made a fool of by King; it was in Wallace’s state that King became an icon with his Birmingham protests and arrest. Ray supported Wallace for president. The devil can always recognize his own.

King was killed on April 4, 1968 but the legacy and influence of King will never be silenced. Instead, it will be etched forever as a 30 foot, $120 million statue that is to be dedicated to the Washington, D.C. National Mall on August 28, 2011. On that day, the 48th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, King will be memorialized with the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial—a “line of leadership” they call it—as a man who dedicated his life to democracy, justice and the people. They tried to tear him down before, but on August 28, we will understand that killing a man cannot kill his dream.

Michael Livingston II
HBCU Buzz Staff

Nicole Scott – This Weeks Stylish Buzz of the Week

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Name: Nicole Scott

Classification: Sophomore

Repin’: Howard University

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

By looking though her stream of photos Nicole depicts, classic vintage. An over-sized vintage blouse, high waisted white shorts, dusty brown wedges and the perfect Dooney and Bourke bag to completely achieve this look. This outfit in particular is all in all versatile. Perfect for the classroom, hanging on campus or even to happy hour! Fab!

Sha’nece Austin “The PRoFASHIONal”
GM of HBCU Buzz Fashion

Entertainment Exec Kevin Liles Returns to MSU for Summer Business Institute Ceremony

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Morgan, ‘Make it Happen’ Foundation Assists 22 Future Business Leaders from Regional High Schools

Renowned entertainment executive and Morgan alumnus Kevin Liles returned to campus yesterday for the closing awards ceremony of the inaugural ‘Make It Happen Summer Business Institute.’ The institute hosted 22 Baltimore City and Baltimore County high school juniors and seniors, and engaged them in a two-week business plan competition judged by panel of local entrepreneurs, legislators and civic leaders.

The program was funded by Liles’ ‘Make it Happen’ Foundation, and was managed by the MSU Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center. Morgan professors, MBA alumni and undergraduate students provided instruction on marketing, software and finance to help the students develop their business plans.

Read Full Article at Morgan State

Morgan Completes Year One of $3.1 Million NIH Neuroscience Research Grant

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In a 30-year career researching highly specialized areas of neuroscience, Morgan State University biology professor Gloria Hoffman, Ph.D. has gained international acclaim as an expert and has broken new ground for the institution. Her recent efforts have positioned Morgan, the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution (JHMI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to successfully finish year one of a five-year, $3.1 million grant to study how the brain regulates reproduction.

The Eunice Kennedy Krieger National Institute of Child Health and Development in August 2010 awarded the grant to fund the Cooperative Research Partnership to Promote Workforce Diversity in the Reproduction Sciences (CPDR) program. Undergraduate scholars from Morgan State University and JHMI are trained by scientists at both institutions and learn to use basic techniques in neuroanatomy, physiology, and molecular biology that fill gaps in the field.

Dr. Hoffman played a leading role in securing a share of the grant for Morgan. Morgan biology professor Michael Koban, Ph.D. brought an impressive record of integrative research and undergraduate involvement to the research team. Morgan’s selection was based on both the quality of the research and the ability to reach minority populations within the underrepresented field.

“The purpose of this program is that the NIH, while supporting a number of programs to bolster minority success, has no other program focusing on the reproductive sciences,” Dr. Hoffman explained. “Thus the goal is completely unique. Need for such a program stems from the poor representation of underrepresented minorities in this field.”

Read Full article at Morgan State University

Dr. Lyons Appointed to Board of Regents’ Education Commission

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Dillard University Interim President James Lyons has been appointed to serve on a new commission to study the governance, management and supervision of public postsecondary education in Louisiana. The commission, created by the Board of Regents in accordance with House Concurrent Resolution 184 of the 2011 Legislative Session, includes 18 educators, politicians and business leaders from across the state.

The commission will examine the higher education governance structure and its affect on resource efficiency, student success, tuition, transfer students, historically black colleges and universities, and more. The commission, which will hold its first monthly meeting in Baton Rouge on Aug. 19, will submit a plan for the reorganization of the management of postsecondary education to the Legislature by Jan. 12, 2012.

“I am truly honored to accept this appointment, and look forward to working with the Board of Regents and the House and Senate Committees on Education to reorganize the governance, management, and supervision of postsecondary education in Louisiana,” said Dr. Lyons.

“This is a very critical time for higher education,” Lyons said. “President Obama has challenged us to lead the world in the number of citizens receiving some post-high school education; college costs continue to rise and threaten to put higher education out of reach of many deserving students; and the achievement gap along racial and ethnic lines continues to grow.

“I hope that one outcome of our work will be to ensure that every student in the state of Louisiana who is desirous of a college education will be given that opportunity.”

Read Full Article at Dillard

AAMU Mourns Death of Former President Dr. Richard David Morrison

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Hundreds gathered into Union Hill Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., Wednesday, August 3, to pay tribute to Dr. Richard David Morrison, Alabama A&M University’s fifth president (1962-84), a man who some believe the facilitator of a golden age on “The Hill.”
Not only did the 12 noon funeral program pay honor to the 103-year-old educator and administrator, it also served as a reunion, as numerous alumni, retired and former AAMU staffers and faculty members returned to pay their respects to the man and the undeniable campus aura he inspired.
Thirty minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ceremony, AAMU alumni gathered at the rear of the massive sanctuary were trading stories about the days they had shared with Morrison. “You are looking at the last of the great presidents,” said a male Morrison
alumnus in his mid-60s. Another quickly responded: “He was a rare example of a truly great leader who was also beautiful on the inside.”
By 10 minutes before the start of the program, the number of attendees had begun to swell with more past administrators, elected officials, former and current AAMU employees, and out-of-towners, as well as representatives from Tuskegee University, Morrison’s beloved Alma Mater.

Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison recalled Morrison’s firm, serious and unrelenting demeanor when it came to securing funding for the institutions he loved. “He had uncommon skill, integrity and grace,” commented Harrison.

AAMU alumnus, supporter and long-time Huntsville Councilman Richard Showers, Sr., invited Mayor Tommy Battle to join in the presentation of a resolution in tribute to Morrison.

Read Full Article at AAMU

Tickets for 2011 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic Now on Sale

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Tickets for the 32nd Annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Classic (BCBS), the traditional showdown between historically black institutions Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU), are now on sale to the general public. Tickets to America’s preeminent HBCU football game may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, at the Amway Center box office, by telephone at (407) 839-3900 or any Ticketmaster outlet. This year’s game will be played on Saturday, November 19, at 2:30 p.m. in Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium while being televised nationally on ESPN Classic.

Tickets are available for as low as $10.75 (3rd level, corner), while other seats are available at great price levels ($27 end zone, $37 goal line or lower-deck corner). Priority seating for the game is available with season ticket packages purchased through either B-CU or FAMU. For Wildcat ticket information, call (386) 481-2202 and for FAMU, call (850) 599-3141.

Student tickets are available for $27 and may be purchased through the student’s respective school.

Group tickets (20 or more) may be purchased through Florida Citrus Sports by calling (407) 423-2476 or at the FCSports Box Office, located in the South end of the stadium which is open Monday and Wednesday, from noon to 4 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parking is on sale and available by visiting www.ClickandPark.com.

My top five favorite Fall Beauty Trends by Kristen Joy

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While reading through the August 2011 issue of Instyle Magazine, I noticed a lot of different tips and suggestions for Fall beauty. From fire-engine-red lips to mono-chromatic makeup, the runways have been teeming with fun and cool beauty trends for fall. Amongst them all, I’ve chosen my top 5 fall beauty trends, as seen on runway, that as I see as a fun and easy must try:

1. Fire-engine-red lips: Diane Von Furstenberg and Jill Sander’s Makeup artists have used the iconic crimson lip to create a shocking, glamorous yet effortless look. You can use a cherry pencil to line and fill in lips then apply a matching high-shine lipstick or experiment with an orange based hue that you can pat with powder for a more matte finish.

2. Easter Egg Lips: For a more subtle, ultra girly use of lip color, pastel tones provide a softer pop of color. You can try a coral tinted lipstick over concealer for a powdery sherbet tone, as seen at Nina Ricci or baby-pinks used by Donna Karan.

3. Power Blush: This fall don’t be afraid to “rose up” your cheeks with plush coral shades as seen at Marc Jacobs or play around with fun fuchsias and petal-pink lipsticks on the apples of your cheeks as seen at Oscar de la Renta.

4. Strong Brows: Oscar de la Renta and Alexander Wang have transformed last season’s bleached brow trend into strong, dark colored brows. Strong brows can be accomplished by fattening the brow shape with black eye shadow and accompanied by bare skin. You can also pair your power blush cheeks with thick, brown penciled eyebrows.

5. Mono-chromatic makeup: For a simple over all look, use one warm color scheme for an allover glow. Prada, Proenza Schouler and Rodarte all took heed to this beauty trend highlighting features with washes of toffee-colored makeup.
Kristen Joy
HBCU Buzz Staff

Models Inc Presents: Lies, Secrets & Rumors. Five Year Anniversary The Rise of an Empire! FASHION SHOW

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MODELS INC. MISSION: Models Inc. was formed with three things in mind. To build self-esteem, enrich young adults, and create a safe place for youth and young adults to express themselves through artistic development and Runway performance. We strive to create a safe haven and reduce high risk behaviors amongst young aspiring models. We provide job readiness, self esteem workshops, college prep courses, designer workshops, mentoring and runway training. Here at Models Inc. We try to create a path for struggled individuals to follow that will lead to nothing but success. By creating a brighter future for young inspired models in the metropolitan area with runway coaching and photography seminars, we prepare you for the world of professional modeling. The entire company of Models Inc. Is ready for the mainstream is it in print or runway and have plenty of opportunities’ to showcase their abilities. Numerous members have currently been seen on runways across the coast. Television ads and commercial projects are just a few of the past and upcoming endeavors’. We work with major designers as well as local talent. Highly respected and well known for producing nothing short of perfection on the runway, we keep it clean, precise and most of all professional. Our ultimate goal is to, help make sure our young beautiful talented individuals dreams come true by making it to the real industry of modeling in any aspect. Networking, exposure and experience are at the forefront of our mission hear at Models Inc. Where we help those who follow, learn to lead.

With that said, I present to you The 5th Annual Entertainment Fashion Show is coming up on August 14, 2011 at Thearc Theater. This show will be best of both worlds featuring Mainstream Runway and Entertainment Model Choreography. It will feature Dc’s own star choreographer Iran Paylor who travels throughout the east coast and DMV top models. Designers will be showcasing from NYC & Atlanta, Georgia. This show is the Hottest Entertainment Fashion Show in the area. Its guarantee to be a Sold Out Show.

When: Sunday, August 14, 2011

Where: Thearc Theater: 1901 Mississippi Ave. Se, DC 20020

Price: Advance Tickets: $25 Box Office: $30

Website: www.modelsincdc.org

Facebook: Aaron Handy

Twitter: @M0delsInc

Email: incmodel@yahoo.com

 This show is the Hottest Entertainment Fashion Show in the area. Its guarantee to be a Sold Out Show. I advice everyone to buy your tickets in advance and come early for the best seating arrangements.



Matthew J. Perry Federal Judge Alumnus of SC State University passed away

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With great sadness, SC State University is sharing that the Honorable Matthew J. Perry has passed away.

A native of Columbia, S.C., Judge Perry received a bachelor of science degree from SC State University, then South Carolina State College in 1948 and a law degree in 1951.

With the appointment by President Carter on September 22, 1979, the same year he was named an SC State distinguished alumnus, Judge Perry became the first African-American to be appointed to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. He assumed senior status on October 1, 1995.

“SC State University lost an outstanding, distinguished, pioneering loyal son today,” said SC State’s Dr. George E. Cooper. “We will continue to pray for Judge Perry’s family during this most difficult time and we hope that you share your prayers with them as well.”

Bowie State Football Lands Strong Local Flavor Trevon Bennett

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Trevon Bennett is still waiting for his chance, and he may have to wait one more year. A Riverdale Baptist graduate, Bennett is a rising sophomore quarterback at Bowie State University as the Division II Bulldogs get ready to begin practice later this month. Bennett was a true freshman last season and played behind starting quarterback Clifton Budd, who returns this season as a senior after throwing for 1,538 yards last year.

“I want to be the No. 1 backup,” Bennett told Patch on Tuesday. “The hopes are real high going into the season.”

“We had a better turnout this year than last year,” he said. “Everyone is on the same page this year. And after attending eight weeks of summer workouts at Bowie State, “everything is going pretty well.”

The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 3 at Assumption in Worcester, MA. The first home game for Bowie State is 1 p.m., Sept. 10 against Benedict College. Last year, Bowie State went 6-4 overall and won its last four games after starting out the season 0-3. Jason Woodman, the first-year offensive coordinator for Bowie State, said Tuesday that Bennett has a strong work ethic and is in position to be the backup behind Budd, who is from Silver Spring Bennett, who is from Fort Washington, is listed at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. He is a sports management major. “Trevon is improving,” Woodman said Tuesday. “As far as picking up the system, he is maturing from a game-management standpoint. He is getting better every day. He is a kid who will work hard and it shows. He is getting bigger. He is getting stronger. He is on track.” Bennett played quarterback, safety and linebacker as a senior at Riverdale Baptist in Upper Marlboro after transferring from Paul VI High in Fairfax, VA. He also ran track at Riverdale Baptist. He said prior to his senior year of high school he was getting attention from football programs at Division I-AA Richmond, Morgan State and Marist of New York. But his stock fell after his senior year of football and he signed with Bowie State after gaining attention from other Division II programs such as Virginia State and Virginia Union.

Read Full Article at Upper Marlboro Patch.

Dillard University Partners with Texas Chiropractic College

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Dillard University and Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas recently entered into a 3+3 articulation agreement. Student participants will complete three years of coursework at Dillard, followed immediately by three years at TCC. Those who complete the combined curriculum will hold a bachelor of science degree from Dillard and a doctor of chiropractic degree from TCC.

“We are very excited to launch this partnership with our new friends at Dillard University,” said Dr. Clay McDonald, TCC provost. “One of the shared goals of our schools is to assist our students in achieving their educational goals as quickly and economically as possible, and this agreement will help us further that cause. This is a great benefit to the institutions, but more importantly, to our students.”

Garald Hunter of WSSU Recognized Among Top Government CFOs

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Gerald Hunter, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration, was one of 18 financial executives honored at The Business Journal’s annual CFO of the Year Awards program on July 27 at High Point University.

The Triad area competition recognized CFOs from five different areas and Hunter was a finalist in the Government Category, which was won by Denise C. Bell, CFO for the City of Winston-Salem.  Hunter was selected as a finalist because of his vision and planning that have been key in allowing the university to mitigate the effects of state budget reductions on the campus.  He was also noted for his grace and patience in dealing with the budget uncertainty.

“CFOs have long been key advisers wherever they work, but it is evident that their stock is only going up,” said Douglas W. Copeland, Jr. president and publisher of The Business Journal of the Triad.  “Increasingly, CFOs are being called up by top executives as strategic thinkers and problem solvers.”

TSU Linebacker Dejuan Fulghum Takes His Talents to a New Level

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Texas Southern linebacker Dejuan Fulghum’s hard work is paying off. He has a shot at the next level in his football career. Fulghum signed as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions. “All I can say is that this opportunity is well deserved and that the best is yet to come for Dejuan,” said TSU interim head coach and defensive coordinator Kevin Ramsey. “I have coached on that level and I know he has the tools to make it work in his favor.” Fulghum started his entire four-year career at Texas Southern. As a senior, he captained the #1 ranked FCS defense in the nation and led his team to its first lone SWAC Championship Title. In 2010, the 6-1, 220 pound Killeen, Texas native ranked 12th in the FCS for sacks (11.0-66), 16th in FCS for TFL (18.5-79) and tied 78th in FCS for total tackles (101/ 61 solo). For his efforts, Fulghum was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, SBN Player of the Year, the Pigskin Club SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, 100% Wrong Club Player of the Year, and the SWAC Championship Defensive MVP. His honors also include SBN first team All-American and All-SWAC first team. The Detroit Lions training camp begins Friday, July 29th.