Tuskegee delegation visits National Science Foundation to discuss further opportunities

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ARLINGTON, Va. (July 26, 2011) — A Tuskegee University delegation, including President Gilbert L. Rochon; Tuskegee University Board of Trustees Chair Charles E. Williams; and Shaik Jeelani, vice president for research and sponsored programs on July 19 visited the National Science Foundation. They met with the director of the foundation, Subra Suresh, and managers of the various programs funded by the NSF at the university. The group discussed the university’s vision to enhance research and education at the institution. According to Jeelani, Tuskegee currently has active NSF grants worth $12 million.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…” With an annual budget of about $6.9 billion (FY 2010), it is the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.

Read Full Article at Tuskegee

Texas Southern University Reduces Staff Positions as Part of Budget Reductions

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As other state agencies and universities initiated immediate staffing reductions in response to the state mandated budget reductions, Texas Southern University took many measures to avoid impacting people as long as possible. The state appropriation cuts resulted in a Total General Revenue reduction for Texas Southern of approximately $10 million for Fiscal Year 2012. Approximately half of that reduction is being realized through reducing operating and utility costs and limited tuition and fee increases. However, it still proved necessary to eliminate a number of positions to reach a balanced budget for the coming year.

A total of 56 staff members were notified on Friday, July 29, that their positions have been eliminated for FY 2012. In addition, 36 vacant positions were eliminated and 14 adjunct faculty positions will not be filled. This reduction amounts to approximately 4.5 percent of the total employees at the University.

“The Legislature worked very hard to protect state universities as much as possible from the very serious cuts originally projected,” President John M. Rudley stated. “We are appreciative of their efforts and support. However, the University still faces a serious reduction and has had to take a number of steps, including a Reduction in Force, to meet the budget limits for the coming year.”

“The eliminated positions come from across the campus in both administrative and academic units,” said Brian Dickens, Executive Director of Human Resources. “A thorough staffing analysis was conducted with assistance from an outside consultant prior to finalizing the list of eliminated positions to ensure the long term sustainability of all University operations and that students would be affected as little as possible.”

“This was not an easy decision and we are mindful of the personal impact this has on our employees, both those leaving and those who remain at the University. Even though it is happening at every state and local agency and across the private sector, we regret the difficulties this causes for all affected,” President Rudley stated.

Read Full Article at TSU

Alabama State’s WVAS-FM Holds Community Forum to Address Alabama’s Dropout Crisis

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State and local officials, educators and community members recently participated in a forum to address Alabama’s dropout crisis.

Hosted by Alabama State University’s WVAS-FM, the forum, titled “American Graduate: A Community Conversation on the Dropout Crisis,” was held at Bellingrath Middle School on Wednesday, July 27.

The forum was designed to engage the community, educators, public servants and students on ways to address and resolve the dropout crisis in the state of Alabama.

“When you realize the impact of the dropout rate, it makes you think, what happens to those kids? They don’t have good jobs, they don’t have good healthcare, they resort to crime and they become a lost generation,” said Candy Capel, WVAS-FM station manager.

The roundtable forum was recorded live on WVAS-FM 90.7, from 6-8 p.m., and was hosted by Robb Taylor, host of “90.7 Perspectives” and Taylor Bryant, public service director of WZHT-FM, Hot 105.7.

Some of the many panelists included: Dr. Tommy Bice, Deputy State Superintendent, Alabama Department of Education; Rev. Paul Gourdine, Community Congressional United Church of Christ; Cynthia Handy, ASU ASPIRE Program; Keith Karst, Chair Economic Workforce Development Council, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce; Chief Keith Murphy, City of Montgomery Police Department; Juanita Owes, Director Montgomery City-County Public Library; Dr. Cheryl Plettenberg, ASU’s Alabama Youth Initiative; and Barbara Thompson, Superintendent, Montgomery Public Schools.

Read Full Article at Alabama State University

First Official ” HBCU Cypher (Round One) ” DMV Version by HBCU Buzz

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So you think you got bars, flow, and undiscovered talent but you just haven’t been given the right opportunity to showcase your skills. We at HbcuBuzz are aware of the amount aspiring artist in todays day and age who feels as if they have what it takes to be a star or better yet inspire their peers through the power of music. We encourage this form art and would like to serve as the stepping stone for aspiring rappers to display their talents to their fellow peer at HBCUs Nationwide.

 

First Official HBCUBuzz HBCU Cypher (Round One) hosted in the DMV (DC, Maryland and Virginia). We are looking students from the following HBCUs. You must attend or attended of these schools.

  • Bowie State University
  • Coppin State University
  • Morgan State University
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • Howard University
  • University of the District of Columbia
  • Hampton University
  • Virginia State University
  • Norfolk State University
  • Virginia Union University
  • Saint Paul College

Check list to apply:

  • Full Name / Rap name
  • Full Contact
  • University or college
  • Links of all your music, awards or concerts.

SEND US YOUR MUSIC music@hbcubuzz.com

DEADLINE August 25 2011

This is a fill & style we are looking for…..

2010 BET HHA – G.O.O.D. Music Cypher from CaCHooKa Man on Vimeo.

RTVF Statement – Radio, TV & Film Department of Howard University

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RTVF STATEMENT

In 2009, the University began an extensive assessment of its academic programs.

As part of Academic Renewal, schools and colleges (including the School of Communications) are going through programmatic changes recommended by the President and approved by the Board of Trustees in January 2011. The goal of the academic program renewal initiative is to strengthen our offerings and align our resources with our strategic academic program priorities and goals.

There are no plans to eliminate the RTVF Department in the School of Communications. This is a baseless rumor.

Any recommendations for departmental and program changes at the school/college level will be initiated and reviewed with appropriate faculty and student involvement as well as engagement with alumni and other key stakeholders before decisions are made.

For more information on Academic Renewal, visit: http://www.howard.edu/president/initiatives/default.htm#Renewal

Interview with the Howard University (PCAR) Chair – Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal

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The Howard University Department of Radio, Television and Film, housed in the John H. Johnson School of Communications, produced the Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal (PCAR) Roundtable. This, the first of a three part production is an interview with Alvin Thornton, PCAR Chair. Distinguished Department of History faculty member, Dr. Edna Greene Medford, and Law student and Board of Trustee Member, Ms. Kirsten Bowen, go “two on one” with Dr. Thornton probing him for in-depth answers to questions that faculty, students, staff and alumni have about the historic PCAR initiative.

More Interviews  at http://www.howard.edu/president/initiatives/PCARExplorestheUniquenessofHoward.htm

Welcome to the University of Taste – Morgan State

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It isn’t an everyday occurrence that you meet someone who not only wants to have there own clothing brand, but has also made his or her dream a reality. HBCUBuzz reader’s, I would like to introduce you to Michael Spikes Jr., the creator of University of Taste. He’s a 19-year-old sophomore at Morgan State University, majoring in Business Marketing. When I read the email from him explaining his brand and what he was all about, it was quite evident that his brand and what he has planned needed to be shared with everyone.
How did you come up with your brand name of University of Taste?

I was sitting in the library with two friends discussing names; we couldn’t come up with anything so we said we’d come back the next day. Next day rolled around and we came up with names from Splat to Pen Society. Finally, taste popped into head because you think of taste as being what you like and different flavors; University came in mind as a different way to show the individuality and taste of a person. Here at Morgan state we are a very fashion forward campus, with styles from Afrocentric to urban.

What was your motivation behind creating your own brand?

When I was 13, my mom passed to sickle cell disease, due to this I wanted to do something to make my family proud that dealt with giving back. Also, at 17 I remember seeing the Haiti incident and wanted to give back. With all this, plus my middle and high school years I had began to plan my clothing brand.

Do you have a team or certain group of people that are helping you in your journey?

  • Troy Byam- Promotion of Outreach and Assistant Business Manager
  • Tatum Harrison- Public Relations Specialist
  • Jhsaad Sanders- Business Representative for New Jersey
  • Romez Laurence- Photographer
  • Artsy Laws- Community Outreach
  • Brii Newton- Photographer
  • Jen Nwaifejokwu- Fashion Editor
  • Shalonta Bowman – Administrative Assistant
  • Brittani Perry- Event Coordinator

Where do you see your brand in the next five years?

Right now I’m looking towards getting the brand out there to other campus, starting off at Morgan. In the 2nd year I plan on reaching out to other HBCU’s such as Howard University and Virginia State University. Also, besides just having shirts, I want to expand the brand by having snapbacks, bags, and sweatshirts. The 3rd year will be a transition towards special collections that will be in school stores starting first at Morgan University. The 4th and 5th year will be more expansion of the brand and also the creation of a magazine: Taste magazine which will include topics dealing with skateboarding, music, fashion, U TV network, “What’s you taste?” and lastly a documentary on the first year of the brand and also connecting with unique hip hop artist.

In two words, describe University of Taste?

Exclusive and trendsetting. Exclusive because everything we do is for the people who believe in standing outside the crowd and trendsetting because we don’t follow trends, we set them.

As you can see, Mr. Spikes is not your average HBCU college student. He’s an entrepreneur who has set out to achieve a goal and offer a quality brand to everyone! To keep up with the journey of University of Taste, “like” them on Facebook: University of Taste Clothing and also keep a look out for the debut of there website which will be released in late August!

Olivia Russell – Stylish Buzz of the Week from Howard University

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Name: Olivia Russell
Classification: Sophomore
Repin’: Howard University

Describe your style: “My style is very liberal, the complete opposite of esoteric. My style varies from hipster, to ethnic, corporate to classic, or just chill. It’s all about how I feel that morning & that sets the precedent for my style that day. I’d say it’s very impulsive.”

Olivia is totally giving me “pretty girl swag”! From hipster to city street wear she completely owns each look. The simplicity of the long black blazer, tunic, and hat, was chicly put together. I must say not everyone could make it look as “fly”. The true definition of “it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.” When it comes to her next look, leopard print and red will endlessly remain a favorite combo of mine. Her versatility in style confirms you can throw Olivia anywhere and she will shine!

-Sha’nece “Profashional” Austin
HBCU Buzz Staff
 

Radio, TV & Film Programs At Risk Of Being Cut From Howard University

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The School of Communication’s Administration has considered cutting the undergraduate program in Radio, Television and Film.

The Department of Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) recently had a high evaluation during the Presidential Commission on Academic Renewal (PCAR) which recommends that the program should be better funded, however the Administration is moving on with old plans to reconstruct the School of Communications into more of a “School of Journalism”. Instead of giving the RTVF department a school of its own, the Administration will eliminate it all together. Students graduating in the year 2012 or later may possibly be at risk of losing their majors.

“I think its absolutely despicable that Howard would even consider cutting my major,” said sophomore RTVF major, Heather R. Taylor.

A petition has already been made by alumni and friends of the RTVF to help inform students, faculty and staff about this news. The petition goes into more detail about how the school’s Administration has called upon a “Blue Ribbon Panel” to put the plans into motion.

What is outstanding about this Blue Ribbon Panel is the complete absence of students, faculty, alumni and industry professionals in the areas of radio, television and film production. Likewise, what is the need for this external Blue Ribbon Panel after a nearly two year assessment process by PCAR, which concluded that the Department of Radio, Television and Film is a strong academic program that highlights the uniqueness of Howard University, despite years of underfunding? Lastly, why is an outgoing Dean [Jannette Dates, Ph.D.] whose publicly announced departure was for June 30, 2011, currently making dramatic decisions that will impact the entire makeup and mission of the School of Communications at Howard University?

“I wouldn’t think in a million years they’d cut our program,” said Senior TV production major, Gabrielle Martin. ”Howard was the perfect university to study RTVF. It’s the land of opportunity for people like us and I’d hate to see that taken away from others with the same dream.”

The department of RTVF at Howard University is a nationally ranked institution that offers degree programs in audio, digital video and film production and is the only HBCU that has a MFA in Film. Despite the department having an extremely low budget, students are still learning and expanding their minds in the field of media with the support of the faculty and staff.

Alumni and Friends of the Department of Radio, Television and Film will be sending a petition to the Howard University President, Dr. Sidney Ribeau, to prove that the Howard community is willing to fight to keep the RTVF program. They hope that Ribeau will reconsider cutting the program and continue to show support and commitment to make the School of Communication better.

“We should be looking for ways to make our school better, not cutting programs that matter to the people,” said senior film production major, Sehiya Newton-Boyd.

We encourage everyone to sign the online petition to help show your support for the Department of Radio, Television and Film. The petition will be sent to Ribeau via email and snail mail by Monday, August 1, 2011.

Read the full petition here

Full Article Referenced from HUReaction

Family Oriented – One reason Hampton Student Malik Jorden attends an HBCU

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“I wanted to attend a HBCU because i felt like it was more of a family environment and they truly did care and want to see its students succeed.“ – Malik Jorden, c/o ’14 @ Hampton U

First of all, we give thanks to Mr. Jorden for sharing his Hampton Experience and we thank HBCU Buzz for providing the platform to share Mr. Jordens’ wisdom and our thoughts.

It is amazing the power that family has – what is family? For some it is disfunction, for others it is a safe haven from the hatred in the world.  Either way, family is unique and sacred to all in some form or fashion. To have an HBCU likened to “family” is the highest honor any person can give – because no matter what family is always there.

And with that being said it seems that some states want to take that family away by under funding (out of fear), merging with other schools (again we reiterate that families are unique) or simply stating that HBCUs do not need to cater towards Africans and that the past is in the past.

Just think about the power of your own family or someone in your family. What words come to mind? Trust. Unconditional Love. Understanding. Support. These are words that would never be assigned to a majority of the professors/deans at other much larger institutions of higher learning because tenure is oh so fascinating amongst other selfish reasons.

To have professors at Hampton University and other HBCUs, make the HBCU Experience “more of a family environment” is a true blessing. What this all translates into is at the end of four or five or how ever many years, you will graduate as a well rounded individual with a stronger respect and love for your self and your fellow sisters and brothers.

Nubian King Malik Jorden sums up the entire journey perfectly when he states

“My “experience” at Hampton is that students are very multifaceted. Students are able to party by night and still go to classes and do well.“

And what is that phrase that every family has said at one time or another “There is a time and place for everything.”  An HBCU is that place and it is your time.

If you are interested in attending an HBCU we invite you to visit our site and learn more about the experience or if you want to share your HBCU Experience as a student or alum you are welcome to complete one of our interviews. As always we thank you – the reader for taking the time.

With love and respect,
Your family at MyHBCUInterview

FVSU Students Mourn Death of Dr. Dawn Deveaux

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Fort Valley State University students, faculty and staff known Dawn Della DeVeaux as a vivacious, compassionate advocate. The administrator is passionate about higher education. The student ombudsman and assistant to the vice president of academic affairs revealed her ultimate career goal when she interviewed with writer Christina Milton.

In 2008, an American Council on Education study found that only 23 percent of college presidents were female, and African-American women comprised a smaller percentage. DeVeaux shares how she hopes to change the statistics by becoming president of a university.

The Students Started a Petition to Rename The Counseling Center in her name.

This petition is to encourage the Administration of Fort Valley State University to rename the counseling center in honor of beloved Professor, Administrator, and Student Advocate, Dr. Dawn DeVeaux.

Please sign and encourage others to do the same.

Here is what one student had to say about the Dr. while signing the petition.

Name: Tiffany Bollers on Jul 24, 2011
Comments: Dr.deveaux was a wonderful friend, teacher and soror who toched the lives of so many throught her life. She was loved by all who she crossed paths with and had a smile that would warm any heart… I hope this can be done in her honor so,that we will always remember one of Gods most perfect creations…..R.I.P. Dr. Deveaux…..

Central State Former Athlete Jeff Franklin Helped Team USA National Team Win Gold in Austria

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Former Student-Athlete Jeff Franklin helped Team USA National Team bring home the gold medal in a landslide victory against Canada in Vienna, Austria. Team USA defeated Canada 50-7, to clinch the gold medal. The victory over Canada marked the second-consecutive time the United States has won the eight-nation tournament, played every four years since 1999. America first competed for the world title in football in 2007.

Franklin also was part of an elite group of eleven U.S. Men’s National Team Players named to IFAF Senior World Championship All-Tournament Team.

Over the span of five days to advance to the Gold Medal game Team USA won group A with victories over Mexico (17-7), Germany (48-7) and Australia (61-0).

At Central State Franklin was a Division II First-Team All-American defensive back who led the nation in interceptions (2008) and was also a two-time All-Independent Conference selection (2007-2008). The 3-time All –conference (2006-2008) finished his career with 15 interceptions, in 30 games (.50/game). Was a 4-time Captain, and was a 4-time All-Academic recipient (2005-2008).

Franklin who also served as Mr. Central State University (2008-2009) is a 2009 graduate of Central State University with a degree in Business Management.
Read More: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/NCAA/Resources/Latest+News/2011/July/USA+Football+gives+former+NCAA+athletes+an+international+stage

Saint Augustine’s College Educational Talent Search receives nearly $405,000

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The Saint Augustine’s College Educational Talent Search Project has been selected to receive funding from the federal Department of Education. The college’s Educational Talent Search Project will receive a $404,981 grant for the budget period of Sept. 1, 2011, through Aug. 31, 2012. The program will be funded for five years.

The Educational Talent Search is one of the federal TRIO programs created by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his war on poverty. TRIO programs include Head Start, Upward Bound and Student Support Services, which is known as Academic Achievers at Saint Augustine’s College.

The goal of Educational Talent Search is to provide students with the information and the tools they need to apply for and enroll in higher education. Saint Augustine’s College’s program, which was established in 1970, serves low-income and first generation college students in Edgecombe, Nash, Halifax, Martin, Franklin, Vance, Warren and Northampton counties.

Ninety percent of the seniors who come through the program enroll in a two- or four-year college, or a trade school, said Antonio Stephens, director of the Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs.

Read Full Article at Saint Augustine

Natachie Elie of Lincoln University Named – NABA Woman of the Year

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For rising senior Natachie Elie, the title Woman of the Year, which she was recently named by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), should come as no surprise considering the list of accomplishments she has achieved in her three years at the University.

Elie, finance and banking major in the Business and Information Technology (BIT) Center of Excellence, was also awarded a $10,000 scholarship by NABA for her impressive undergraduate performance, motivation and commitment to her community.

“This scholarship truly is a blessing from God because it will help pay for my final year’s tuition as well as my study abroad travel expenses,” said Elie. “It proves that hard work really does pay off.  Receiving this award is a great honor; it tells me that I am seen as having potential for the future of our society.  I will forever be grateful to NABA and will continue living through their motto “Lifting as We Climb!”

For this rising star, this title is just the beginning.  Elie will gain an international understanding of finance this fall at the American Business School Paris.  Her study abroad experience will be partially funded by the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship, making Elie one of five Lincoln University recipients of this competitive award.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Center of Excellence, we are extremely proud of Natachie’s accomplishments and expect her to complete her studies at American Business School Paris with distinction and go on to a successful career in the investment banking field, “ said BIT Director Dr. Oswald Richards.

Read Full Article At Lincoln

Alcorn State University celebrates its youngest “Graduates”

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Excitement was building up in the Ray Johnson Assembly Center on July 19th as three tiny graduates of the ASU Child Development Laboratory Center entered the auditorium wearing their golden caps and gowns. Their biggest fans – parents, grandparents, teachers, fellow preschoolers, and ASU faculty and staff – gathered to celebrate Torrey Turner II, Anupama Maddali and Kyra Green’s first major accomplishment, a transition from preschool to kindergarten.

“They are close friends – Torrey, Anu and Kyra, and have been attending the center since they were toddlers. Now they are graduating together,” said their teacher Martinique Rounds. “All three of them are very energetic kids, they love to sing, dance and learn new things.”

The “Today’s Preschooler Tomorrow’s Future” program included a pledge by Child Development Laboratory Center students Jada Myles and Jayquan Havard, welcome address by graduating Kyra Green, presentations by preschool teacher Latasha Coleman, practicum student Jacueline Hall, and director LaTasha B. Holmes, and remarks by Dr. Mattie Rasco, interim chairperson for the Department of Human Sciences. It was followed by the preschool class and the graduates’ outstanding performance of the song “What a Wonderful World”, the class skit, Torrey Turner’s “Preschool Pledge” and Anupama Maddali’s “Off to Kindergarten” piece.

The program concluded with the graduates receiving preschool diplomas, 2011 rings, purple and gold balloons, teddy bears in graduating caps, “Hooked on Phonics” reading program from Ms. Holmes and backpacks with school supplies from their preschool teachers.

“My granddaughter Kyra had the greatest experience at the Child Development Center, she learned so much!” exclaims Rosemary Howard, administrative assistant to the dean, School of Arts and Sciences. “She can count to 20, recognize letters and shapes, spell words, and the child is only five years old.”

“We are so thankful to everybody at the preschool who touched our child’s life,” said Satya Sreedvi Redla, director of the ASU Math Center. “For that caring approach and individual attention that kids receive here.”

Read Full Article at ASU

Fayetteville State gets $1.2 million to aid low-income high school students

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Fayetteville State University is getting more than $1.2 million in federal funds to help low-income students prepare for college.

The money will go to the school’s Educational Talent Search program, which helps middle and high school students in Cumberland, Hoke and Robeson counties, said Teresa Thompson-Pinckney, director of FSU’s Office of College Access Programs.

The students in the program could attend FSU or other colleges and universities.

“The ultimate goal is to increase the number of low-income students who go to college,” she said.

The funding, which was announced Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre’s office, will be used over the next five years. McIntyre said in a statement that the money was awarded under the Student Support Services Program through the U.S. Department of Education.

Thompson-Pinckney said Educational Talent Search provides tutoring, academic advisement on what courses to take to prepare for college, financial aid counseling, field trips to colleges and career awareness.

Read Full Article at FayObserver