Former NCCU leaders Beverly Jones Washington & Nan Coleman fight allegations

Former NCCU leaders Beverly Jones Washington & Nan Coleman fight allegations in missing money

DURHAM — ABC11 learned Thursday that two women at the center of a missing money scandal at North Carolina Central University intend to fight the allegations. Former provost Beverly Jones Washington and former director of the Historically Minority Colleges and Universities Consortium, Nan Coleman, have hired lawyers.

The North Carolina Office of The State Auditor released a report Tuesday that accuses Colman of diverting $1 million in funds for the Universities Consortium project to a checking account for payments to herself and others. The Historically Minority Colleges and Universities Consortium was created in 1999 as a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and 12 North Carolina historically minority institutions of higher education. It was intended to work on strategies to close the minority achievement gap in North Carolina with an emphasis on students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The audit alleges Coleman and Jones Washington set up the program as a separate entity outside of North Carolina Central and that led to a lack of oversight from the university that allowed them to pocket some of the money meant to fund it. “The former Executive Director received over $287,000 and the former Provost received nearly $62,000 from the diverted funds,” says the audit.

Click here to read the audit (.pdf)

Attorneys for both women say they have yet to be contacted by the District Attorney’s Office regarding any potential criminal charges. Attorney Butch Williams represents Beverly Jones Washington. “We’re going through the process of fully reviewing the report as written. We’ve noticed some items that are questionable, as related to Dr. Washington. We’re preparing to respond to those items,” he said. “She has a 40-year career with NCCU and has always served in a proud fashion. We look forward, if necessary, to show her total character over this 40-year period,” he continued.

Read Full article at ABCLocal

Fayetteville State University Ranks 143 among Top U.S. Business Schools in SSRN Research Ranking

The Social Science Research Network (SSRN) ranks the School of Business and Economics at Fayetteville State University at 143 among its ranking of top U.S. Business Schools.

SSRN is devoted to the rapid worldwide dissemination of social science research and ranks schools “in an attempt to measure the scholarly impact of the authors currently affiliated with the organizations.” The SSRN rankings are based on the total number of faculty papers and citations downloaded, with the main ranking determined by the number of papers downloaded within the past year.

For the ranking released May 2011, Fayetteville State University ranks 143 and is among the top five in the state of North Carolina: Duke (14), UNC at Chapel Hill (18), NC State (84), and UNC at Greensboro (146).

FSU Chancellor James Anderson stated, “This ranking reflects the scholarly expertise and commitment of the faculty in the School of Business and Economics. FSU business students and graduates are trained by some of the best. I also feel a sense of personal validation because FSU’s ranking has surpassed that of my beloved alma mater, Villanova University (156). For decades Villanova has served as my benchmark for high quality undergraduate education.”

Dr. Edward Stringham’s role has been significant in increasing the university’s current ranking. “I am honored to have contributed to the School of Business and Economics’ higher ranking. We are incredibly appreciative of the support and investment in our program from the BB&T and Koch Foundations, and I am looking forward to seeing this upward trajectory continue,” he stated.

FSU articles were included in the SSRN top ten download lists in many of their categories including:  Public Choice & Political Economy eJournals, Political Institutions eJournals, English Law: Public Law, Law & Economics: Private Law, and Public Choice: Analysis of Collective Decision-Making eJournal.

For more information, contact Ms. Malika Mercer, at (910) 672-1593, or visit the SSRNwebsite.


Student Short Films to Screen Saturday as Part of ”Freedom Riders” Opening

Student Short Films to Screen Saturday as Part of ”Freedom Riders” Opening

Four short films from Saint Augustine’s College’s Film program will be screened as the opening to the PBS documentary “Freedom Riders” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the Wake County Library in Cameron Village.

The students and the films featured will be: Porscha Lopes’ “The Realist of Patrick McDonald;” Miles Valentine’s “Believe It;” Craig Taylor’s “Mixed Emotions;” and Eric Barstow’s “Pickaninny.”

Saint Augustine’s College film professor Ellen Shepard will host the library’s screening of the “Freedom Riders” documentary. The screening is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.wakegov.com/libraries/events/freedomriders.htm

About Saint Augustine’s College
Saint Augustine’s College, established in 1867, is a four-year historically black college in Raleigh, N.C. With an average annual enrollment of 1,500, the College offers 30 undergraduate degree programs in five academic divisions. Saint Augustine’s College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

 

World Renowned Morgan Choir Completes Tour of Italy

The Morgan State University Choir recently completed a 10-day tour of Italy, a journey that spanned stops in Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna and Milan. The choir performed at the Universities of Bologna and Padova and Vatican City.

Grambling State University SOAR to Success Summer Orientation

Grambling State University SOAR to Success

 

 

GRAMBLING, LA —Grambling State University launched its first Summer Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program last week with great success. During this first session new students were able to register, meet with their advisors, and see first-hand what college life will be like this fall, without the rat race. Students were in sessions with their peers while their parents were in sessions with other parents and university officials. At the end of the day students spent the night in their dorm room and met with their parents the next morning for another full day sessions which also included a campus tour.

New students coming to Grambling State University in the fall will have the opportunity to attend one of the remaining SOAR sessions: July 6-7, July 11-12, and the last session August 12-13. GSU admission office encourages new students to go to Grambling’s web site www.gram.edu to review the two day schedule of events for their planning purpose.

Read Referenced article at Grambling State

Lady Wildcats Named NCAA Statistical Champs For Doubles Per Game

Lady Wildcats Named NCAA Statistical Champs For Doubles Per Game

June 29, 2011 – After capturing the 2011 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Softball Championship and advancing to the National Collegiate Athletic Association playoffs for the first time in school history, the good news for Fort Valley State University Softball keeps rolling in. In a recent letter to FVSU Athletics Director Percy Caldwell, the NCAA announced that the Lady Wildcats have been crowned the 2011 NCAA Division II Statistical Champs in Doubles Per Game.

The Lady Wildcats led the nation in two-baggers with 102 doubles over the 42-game schedule. FVSU averaged 2.43 doubles per game on their way to the team’s second SIAC title. In addition to the national crown in doubles per game, the Lady Wildcats finished second in the nation in team batting average. On 1,151 plate appearances, the Lady Wildcats had 413 hits for a team batting average of .359.

“In a season in which this team has accomplished so much, this national award is really like icing on the cake,” says Lady Wildcats Head Coach Jimmie Reed. “We took a very methodical approach to each at-bat opportunity this season, and the result seemingly speaks for itself. This award is another example of the quality and continued growth of FVSU Softball.”

Referenced article from FVSU

FVSU Team Develops Technology For Natural Disasters

FVSU Team Develops Technology For Natural Disasters

June 29, 2011 – This spring is one of America’s deadliest storm seasons on record. Residents who once lived in three thriving communities of Joplin, Mo., Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala. saw their homes and businesses destroyed in an instant by some of the most violent tornadoes ever recorded. During a storm and its aftermath, the ability to communicate is key for first responders. Two Fort Valley State University employees—Mobile Information Technology Director Terrence Wolfork and Information Technology Curriculum Specialist Yolanda Surrency, who run the Mobile Technology Center— developed a unique, cellular-based network that can help emergency workers during a crisis. Wolfork and Surrency were invited to present their findings at the National Extension Technology Conference in Denver, Colo. on June 10 to 13.

Each year, the event spotlights scholarship and research of IT experts employed at 1862 and 1895 land-grant universities. The conference, attended by 300 participants, is held jointly with the Association for Communication Excellence, an international association of educators, communicators and information technologists in agriculture, natural resources and life and human sciences.

“I enjoy sharing information that empowers my colleagues to have alternate technology solutions that increase their productivity,” Surrency said.

Surrency’s presentation, “You Go, We Follow, and It All Makes a Difference,” provided information about how to construct a functional, low cost, low maintenance and portable cellular-based network in less than 10 minutes.

“Yolanda and I talked about how to build cellular networks by using mobile broadband routers (from the Cradlepoint Company) and a Verizon MiFiCard, then configured it,” said Wolfork. “She showed information technology specialists how to set it up so 20 people could use it with no problems.” The router costs only $250, while the Mi-Fi Card is free, along with a monthly charge of $40 for Verizon Wi-Fi service.”

The information was well received. “This is new to me. I have not heard of this network solution,” were some of the comments Surrency received after the presentation.

During “Back to the Future: Lessons Learned From Utilizing Mobile Technology Centers,” Wolfork presented an historical perspective on mobile technology centers that house computers and technological equipment. He demonstrated how FVSU’s mobile unit increased the visibility of the university’s Cooperative Extension Program to national, state and community partners.

Versace for H&M by Kristen J. Owens

Versace for H&M

Versace name for H&M prices. H&M has announced that its latest designer collaboration will be with the legendary house of Versace. Donatella Versace, Creative director for House of Versace, will be designing the line herself. According to H&M creative advisor Margareta Van Den Bosch, Versace will be releasing an H&M women’s wear line, menswear line and home ware; 40 pieces for women, 20 for men as well as accessories including high heels and costume jewelry. The line is said to be a look back at iconic pieces from the brand dating back to the ’80s channeling the legacy and heritage of the Italian luxury label by incorporating studded leather, prints, silk, and lots of color and sharp tailoring. Be on a look out for the collections release on November 17, 2011 at nearly 300 H&M stores worldwide and online as well as a pre-spring collection that will be available online from January 19, 2012.

By Kristen J. Owens

Joshua K. Campbell from Howard University Stylish Buzz of the Week by The Profashional

Name: Joshua K. Campbell

Classification: Sophomore

Repin’: Howard University

Major: Psychology

Hometown: Savannah, Ga.

Description of style: “My style is random, eclectic and is a great representation of the “Outside the Box” personality that I have.”

Joshua’s style is very clean, classic and perfect for just about any environment. His style is very flexible for the classroom, happy hour or even a night on town! I love the blazer, denim jacket look on him. It adds a sort of edge, and originality to his outfit. We see you Joshua!

SC State University Business Students Engage in Scholarly Research and Writing

Nine students in SC State’s Business Program recently participated in a one-week intensive Student Research and Writing Institute. Funded through a Title III grant, the institute is a component of the Writing Across the Curriculum in Business (WACB) Program that was implemented in 2009 to enhance students’ ability to discover, refine and communicate ideas in writing. The institute focuses on helping students understand the research and writing process.

During the institute students learned the difference between qualitative and quantitative research and received instruction on each component of the research process to include: selecting a topic, developing research questions and hypothesis, conducting a literature review, developing a research design, methods of collecting data, and analyzing and interpreting data. Other features of the institute included a session at the library on information literacy and how to use the databases to search for information, in addition to a one-day session with writing consultant, Dr. Mildred Rowland, who provided an overview of the writing process, writing with coherence, clarity and conciseness and using correct punctuation and grammar.

“This was a great experience for both faculty and students,” said Dr. Barbara Adams, interim assistant vice president for Programs and Graduate Studies. “This was the first time that many of the students had experienced this type of training. They were all very focused and committed.”

A unique feature of the institute was the pairing of students in teams of two. Students were assigned a faculty coach who worked with them to develop and narrow down a research topic and develop the research design for the project. On the last day of the institute, student teams presented their proposed research projects and will continue to conduct research over the next two months. They will also write a journal article to explain their research findings. Faculty coaches will stay in contact with their team on a weekly basis to provide guidance and ensure they remain on track and adhere to a timetable.

“The institute was an eye opener for me because I wasn’t aware that there were so many outlets and academic levels for me to research and write on,” said David Kershaw, May 2011 marketing major. “It was a really great experience and I encourage the University to hold this program every year while getting more freshmen and sophomores involved,” he added.

Kershaw was joined by eight of his peers for the institute, to include: Tana Isaac, sophomore, accounting major; Oyetayo Omotosho, junior, accounting major; Keisha Glasgow-Pierre, May 2011 MBA graduate; Daria Sekerina, senior, accounting major; Shavone Slocum, May 2011 graduate, business economics major; Lyudmyla Starostyuk, first year MBA major; Charisma Owens, May 2011 graduate, management major and Ruth Uthman, junior, accounting major.

Faculty coaches are: Dr. Barbara Adams, Dr. David Karemera, Dr. Marion Sillah, Dr. Muhammad Mustafa and Dr. Ann Winstead. Dr. Paul Reinstra-Munnicha and professor Anthony Masino were resource persons

Read Full Article at SC State University Business

Positive Changes Made for Tennessee State Survival by Dr. Portia Shields

I was brought to Tennessee State University to help address two standards that were impeding Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ reaffirmation. While still fully accredited, TSU was given a year to provide documentation that these standards are being met.

In a nutshell, the TSU community had been engaged in planning as required by SACS, but the various assessment measures used were not centrally managed. Now, as a result of our study, we plan based on verifiable assessment data; design outcomes with Key Performance Indicators; implement strategies, assess the efficacy of our efforts and, based upon the new evidence, begin the process again.

State appropriations to TSU have been reduced by approximately $13.3 million since 2009. Our six-year graduation rate is less than 40 percent, which is unacceptable. Funding is now based on how many graduate in four to six years. In addition, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission reported TSU as having 20 low-producing program majors. For example, over a 10-year period, the physics department graduated only 23 students, and Africana Studies graduated only 46.

A review of several national reports and models, as well as reports from expert consultants, made it clear that discontinuing some programs was the only recourse for TSU. Therefore, six program majors and remedial studies were eliminated. No one lost a job, and all students currently enrolled in these programs will be allowed to remain until they graduate. During this reorganization, some existing retention programs were strengthened, and a variety of services to help students persevere to college completion were initiated.

Read Full Article at http://www.tennessean.com

Texas Southern University Hosts Career Summit for Displaced Teachers

TSU’s College of Education is hosting a displaced teacher summit to help educators reinvent themselves in this ever changing job market.  The Summit will take place on  July 14th starting at 9:00 a.m. in the College of Education located on the campus of Texas Southern University.

According to Dr. Danita Bailey-Perry, TSU Associate Professor of Education, “During times of transition it is best to have a plan.  This summit is designed to help displaced teachers develop a plan for a successful transition into an alternative career.” She goes on to say that, “[the] workshops will help these teachers determine how to translate their teaching skills into corporate/community assets, renew and build skills that will help them to make a successful transition into a new field and learn what alternative career options and opportunities they might have.”

Keynote speakers for the summit are: Mr. Omar Reid, Director for the City of Houston Department of Human Resources; DeShaunda Warner, Project manager, Elementary Digital Pearson Digital Learning; and Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil Company Foundation Manager, Social Investment.

Summit facilitators hope that participants will leave with a renewed awareness of community resources, enhanced resume writing and interviewing skills, confidence in public speaking, a better knowledge of how teaching skills can be translated into saleable corporate and community assets, educational opportunities, and meet and talk with individuals who have successfully transitioned from teaching to other careers.

“We are looking forward to providing a forum for displaced teachers to share and gain an awareness of other career choices outside of the classroom arena.  The forum will include seminars and workshops designed to enhance their understanding of career options.  The College of Education is pleased to be a partner in this activity,” said Dr. Lillian Poats, Interim Dean of TSU’s College of Education.

There is no cost to attendees and parking will be provided. For additional information please contact Dr. Danita Bailey-Perry at 713-313-4418 or email bailey_dm@tsu.edu.

This summit is FREE. To sign up for the Displaced Teacher Summit, please visit,http://www.tsu.edu/academics/colleges__schools/College_of_Education/careersummit.php

 

Jackson State University and Education Online Services Corporation Announce Launch of Online MBA Program

JACKSON, Miss.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–The College of Business at Jackson State University announces the launch of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) online degree program starting in the fall 2011 semester. Jackson State has partnered with Education Online Services Corporation (EOServe Corp,) to assist in the implementation of the degree program. Active graduate student recruitment and enrollment are now underway in preparation for the first MBA online degree program classes to begin on August 22. The College of Business at Jackson State University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), the highest standard of accreditation for business schools in the nation.

“With the professional landscape and job market becoming increasingly competitive, people are investing in themselves and seeking to advance their careers through education. The MBA program at Jackson State University is accredited, respected, accelerated and specifically designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult learners.”

“Jackson State University is at the forefront of innovation in higher education while preserving the highest standard of academic excellence,” said Jackson State University President Carolyn W. Meyers. “The global launch of the JSU MBA online degree program is another unprecedented step forward for our university.”

The MBA degree program is designed to develop students in all of the functional areas of business and economics from an applications standpoint, to train them in research methodology as it pertains to business research, and to prepare them for professional and mid-level management positions in a work environment where internationalization of business and industry are critical for remaining competitive.

“The College of Business is pleased to reach this significant milestone,” said Glenda Glover, dean of the JSU College of Business. “Students from across America and throughout the world will now have an opportunity to have access to our world-class MBA degree program online.”

Read Full Article at Jackson State University News Room

 

Hampton University President Donates Additional Gift to Staff earning less than $8 an hour.

Hampton, Va. – Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey and Mrs. Norma B. Harvey, have given a $166,000 personal gift to HU to support a wage increase to all full-time permanent HU staff earning less than $8 an hour.  Through this donation, 118 full-time, permanent HU staff employees will receive a wage increase equal to $8 an hour.  This increase takes effect July 1.

This contribution follows the recent gift of $1 million to HU by the Harveys.  In July 2006, President and Mrs. Harvey made a similar donation of $45,000 to the University in support of a five percent increase to staff earning less than $7 an hour.  In total, the Harveys have gifted more than $2.2 million to the University over the past ten years.

“Norma and I have made another gift to increase the wages of hourly support staff to $8 an hour. While everyone at Hampton already receives more than the minimum wage, we wanted to show our gratitude to those staff members who serve the campus behind the scenes.  These dedicated employees serve our faculty, administration and students and warrant our recognition,” said President Harvey.

Read Referenced articles at Hampton University

NSU Acting President Luckes and Incoming President Tony Atwater Attend Governor Bob McDonnell’s Ceremonial Signing of Higher Education Reform Legislation

NSU Acting President Luckes and incoming President Tony Atwater, along with three NSU students, traveled to Richmond to witness Governor Bob McDonnell’s ceremonial signing of the “Preparing for the Top Jobs of the 21st Century: The Virginia Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011.” McDonnell announced that as a result of this new legislation, Virginia institutions of higher learning will be adding approximately 6,000 new slots for in-state students this fall.

This projection was based on an early review of enrollment projections. The ‘Top Jobs’ legislation will increase access and affordability of higher education in the Commonwealth, creating a pathway towards awarding 100,000 more degrees over the next 15 years and will bring more innovation and accountability, and STEM concentration to Virginia’s colleges and universities.

Read Referenced Article at NSU