Tennessee State University Distance Education to Launch National Marketing Campaign with Tom Joyner Online Education

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The Office of Distance Education at Tennessee State University is pleased to announce the launch of a national marketing campaign with Tom Joyner Online Education.

Tom Joyner Online Education is affiliated with the nationally syndicated radio program, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, which has an audience of over 8 million listeners from the east to the west coast.  Beginning May 18, 2011, online degree programs offered through Tennessee State University will be featured. Advertising spots will continue in the afternoons on The Michael Baisden Show. Both shows air locally on 92.1 FM (92Q). President Portia Shields will participate in a live interview on The Morning Show on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 6:45AM (CST).

A target audience for these programs is the nontraditional student who is 25 years of age or older. Tennessee State University’s well-established online degree programs address the needs of this population of students. According to TSU Director of Distance Education, Dr. Cheryl Seay, “Our programs are especially adept at accommodating adults who have completed some college credits, and are seeking to complete a degree for career advancement or professional development.”

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Texas Southern Making Improvements on Athletes’ Academic Progress

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The NCAA recently released its Academic Progress Reports (APR) on the nation’s college athletic programs and on the surface, the football program at Texas Southern University stands out as a concern.  That’s not the complete picture. “We definitely have issues in football, but we have addressed them and are now moving forward,” said Dr. Charles McClelland, TSU athletics director. TSU implemented policies over a year ago to ensure the academic success of its student-athletes.  All transfers must have three-years of eligibility, they must be eligible prior to enrolling into the institution and they must have a 2.5 GPA.  “It’s not that our student athletes are not graduating, it’s about understanding what the APR measures are and knowing how to work within those guidelines.”

“Coaches recruit to win, but with the APR, you must recruit to win and recruit to graduate. Our policy strengthens the graduation part,” McClelland said.

“These changes have already had a positive impact on TSU’s overall APR.  Each of our sports is trending upward now, and our graduation rates have consistently increased.  Four years ago our graduation rate was 30%, now it’s 45% and in two years, we project our graduation rate will be at 60%.,” he said.

Men’s basketball is a perfect example of TSU’s progress.  One year ago, they were in danger of post-season sanctions, but they avoided any sanctions by recording a 976 APR score.  Also, the team’s 2011 regular season championship win shows that the TSU Athletics program can win under the new guidelines.

Two Texas Southern sports programs, womens’ bowling and cross country, both received perfect 1000 APR scores.  Women’s Cross Country received public recognition from the NCAA.

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Jackson State University biology grad selected for cancer training program at Harvard Medical School

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Jackson State University spring 2011 biology graduate Dorothy Ndishabandi has been selected to participate in a summer program at the Harvard Medical School Comprehensive Cancer Center with more than 1,000 researchers across seven Harvard institutions. In this prestigious program, students will learn from experts who are devoted to preventing, treating and curing cancer.

Each year, a number of promising students are selected for this unique opportunity to expand and extend their interest in basic and clinical cancer training. The program runs from June 2 to August 24, 2011. A stipend is provided to each participant.

“I want to learn about cancer as much as possible,” said Ndishabandi, a magna cum laude graduate who plans to go to medical school.

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Executive Director of HBCUs Challenges Texas Southern University Students to “Make a Difference”

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Texas Southern University’s May 2011 graduates were the recipients of a powerful commencement speech delivered by John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Wilson challenged the graduates to go out and do something about the environment, education and poverty before, “we reach the point of no return.”  He also let the May graduates know that in order for America to regain its number one status in the world in education, “We need to graduate another 8 million people by 2020.  Education is the key.  Do something now about education.  Use your smarts to go out and make a difference.” Wilson asked several questions to the more than 800 graduates to starred silently as he made his points.  The first question was – Can you climb? He asked, “Do you think you know how to excel in today’s society? Can you create passion? Can you innovate?”  One of the most thought provoking questions he asked during his speech was, “Do you happen to the day or does the day happen to you?”  He challenged the students to “be a lynch pin of change.”

His next question was – Can you lift? “If you can lift, you can help someone along the way so that your living will not be in vain.”

The final question he posed to students was – Can you build?  “We need builders! So many of our institutions are broken, we need builders to help repair and give back to our institutions. Our institutions need alumni to give back.  Be the first class to give back 50, 60 100% to this institution.” After concluding with the question, “Do you believe?” Wilson gave one last charge to the May graduates,  “believe that we will emerge from this cell of faithlessness.” He challenged all of those in attendance to never give up and to continue to move forward. TSU President, John M. Rudley in his commencement remarks answered the question are HBCU’s still relevant?  He answered, “My answer, then and now is based upon statistics that are represented in this class. Education in a global economy requires that American Students are prepared to compete with students from around the globe.  Texas Southern University as the fourth largest Historically Black College provides an immeasurable service to this nation.

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Become Familiar……Know Your Roots? by April Thornton

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By: April C. Thornton

Racial identity has been a manifesting issue on HBCU campuses. The formal term African American is used to classify the race of our people. To my amazement, this so-call formal term is sometimes inaccurate to people that do not consider themselves African American, but Black. Matter of fact, some Blacks are mindful that they are descendants from Africa, but they single handedly refuse to be identified as African. It is okay to scratch your head to this ridiculous way of thinking.

Oftentimes, as human-beings our vision and perception are clouded with personal stereotypes and the mis-education about other cultures, especially our own. These indications are the reason why some Black students are unwilling to bridge the gap of racial identity on campus. The media has a huge impact on how society view certain cultures. Newspapers and television portray individuals in Africa as destitute, infected with the HIV/AIDS virus and uneducated. Are these the reasons why a number of Black students are somewhat skeptical to refer to their race as African Americans? I was not born in Africa; therefore I am not African American. This is the most common response some Black students say when someone refers to their race as African American. Not only are they discrediting who they are, but their ancestors and culture as well. Many Black students are truly disconnected from their African roots. Wouldn’t you think?

Bowie State University senior, Quinton Thompson considers himself African American and believes, “We are a culture without an identity.” Ask yourself this, who am I and where did I come from? Thompson mentions, “Black people that do not recognize their African roots are oblivious to where their roots steam from.”

As time progress, majority of HBCU students are not as interested in learning about their African history. Could ignorance be the key factor in this issue? Students prefer to interact on various social networks, instead of reading a book that defines who we are as a culture or going on-line to research about African kings and queens and how they were prosperous in more ways than one. When someone refers to your race as African American, be proud. Our African culture is who we are as a people. I am African American.

 

By: April C. Thornton

HBCUBuzz Staff

 

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Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees elects new Executive Officers

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Saint Paul’s College Board of Trustees has elected new Executive Committee Officers who will serve effective July 1, 2011. Dr. Oliver W. Spencer, Jr., Superintendent of the Brunswick County Public School system, will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Eric Williams will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees as well as Vice Chairperson of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations; Sam Davis III will serve as Chairperson of Business and Finance; Reginald Brown will serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees as well as Vice Chairperson of Human Resources; and Joyce A. Moorehead Esq. will serve as Vice Chairperson of Governance.

Saint Paul’s College would like to thank the Outgoing Board of Trustees members for their hard work and commitment. Outgoing Board of Trustee members are, Kerby Parker

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Virginia Union University Received National Recognition for Community Service, Named to President’s Honor Roll

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Richmond, VA– Virginia Union University has been named to the 2010 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

Honorees are chosen based on a series of selection factors including the scope and innovation of service projects, percentage of student participation in service activities, incentives for service, and the extent to which the school offers academic service learning courses.

“One of Virginia Union’s founding principles is service to mankind,” said Dr. Claude G. Perkins, President of the University. “We expect for our students to be active participants in their community. It’s part of our tradition.”

Each year, the Corporation invests more than $150 million in fostering a culture of service on college campuses through grants awarded by its programs; the education awards that AmeriCorps members receive at the conclusion of their term of service to pay for college; and through support of training, research, recognition, and other initiatives to spur college service.

 

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Virginia State University Golfers win PGA Minority Collegiate Championship

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Virginia State University’s golf team won its first-ever Division II Title at the 25th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship at Port St. Lucia, FL on May 6 -8.

VSU jumped out to a three-stroke lead over Lincoln University (MO) after the opening round on Friday. “This is a huge tournament for us and we are happy to be sitting in first place in a very tough division,” said Brian Wood, who led the Trojans with a 77. “We have to play better because there are too many good teams. We have to keep our cool.”

VSU shot a 315 (+27) on the first day of the tournament, led by Brian Wood’s 77 and Stephen Grenchi’s 78. Rashad Hunt followed behind Wood and Grenchi firing 78, while Stuart Larus shot 82 and Mike Swope’s 87.

The next day, the Trojans fell behind Lincoln by a stroke heading into the final round. Lincoln (MO) scored 303 the second day and VSU scored 307.

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Experienced Former President Picked to Lead Norfolk State University

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Norfolk, Va.— On Friday, April 22, the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors announced that Tony Atwater, former president of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and current Senior Fellow at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, was chosen to lead Norfolk State University as its fifth president. His appointment is effective July 1, 2011.

“Atwater’s impressive record as a president, senior administrator and teacher/scholar is a remarkable match of the presidential profile developed in conjunction with the larger NSU community,” said NSU Rector Edward L. Hamm, Jr. “Atwater has been charged by the NSU Board of Visitors to lead the operations, growth and visionary planning for the university, while maintaining the wonderful spirit that has always resounded at NSU.”

Upon accepting the NSU Board of Visitors’ appointment, Atwater expressed his gratitude to Rector Hamm and board members for their confidence in his future leadership and stewardship of Norfolk State University. “I pledge my best efforts to work collaboratively with all sectors of the university to advance NSU to the next level of academic excellence and national distinction,” said Atwater. “I look forward to serving the students, the faculty, staff and administrators of this excellent university.”

Kim Luckes will continue to serve as acting president until Atwater’s arrival. She is expected to remain at NSU in a senior administrative/leadership role, continuing to augment the exceptional talent added to the university over the past nine months.

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Hampton University Museum Presents “Corapeake: A Small Community on the Verge of Change”

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Hampton, Va. – Corapeake: A Small Community on the Verge of Change will be on display at the Hampton University Museum from June 5 – Nov. 23. Corapeake is a photographic exhibit by renowned photographer Kendall Messick representative of small town life in the South.

To launch the exhibit, the HU Museum welcomes Messick on June 5 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.  The opening reception will feature Messick’s documentary, “Corapeake,” and the artist will be available to greet guests and answer questions.

Kendall Messick is an artist who constructs installations of still photography, film, video and an ever-evolving assemblage of two and three-dimensional media to capture stories that would otherwise go unheard.  Drawn to the stories of aging individuals often overlooked today, Messick became inspired after meeting Brenda Parker Hunt and hearing her recollections of the elderly residents of her hometown, Corapeake. These remembrances became Messick’s award-winning film “Corapeake” and eventually became an exhibition that has traveled nationally.

Corapeake, N.C., is both unique and fundamentally representative of small towns all over the South.  Located in Gates County, Corapeake is geographically, economically and socially as isolated as any part of rural America.  Bounded to the north by the Virginia state line and to the west and south by the Chowan River, the area’s most distinctive feature is the large National Wildlife Refuge to the east, aptly named the Great Dismal Swamp, consisting of 107,000 acres of forested wetlands.

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Three BSC Students to Travel to Quebec for Study of Political & Cultural Identity of Canada

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(Bluefield)—On May 14, as more than 350 Bluefield State College graduate, three BSC freshmen will be making a trip “North of the Border.”  The students will participate in a statewide university-level international experience class made available to West Virginia public baccalaureate institutions by WVU.

BSC freshmen Danielle Feury and Katie White of White Sulphur Springs, and Deidra Smalls of Bluefield learned of the opportunity in Dr. Sudhakar Jamkhandi’s English 102 course.  They’re looking forward to the experience.

“I’m really excited,” Feury said.  “Dr. Jamkhandi has opened my eyes to study abroad opportunities.  In Quebec, I’ll be able to see how things function where two languages, French and English, are spoken.

White sees the week-long educational experience as a way to develop a greater appreciation of the differences and similarities between the people of Quebec and the United States.  “We will be able to see the U.S. from the perspective of others,” she said.

When she graduates from BSC, Smalls hopes to study and, perhaps, teach overseas.  “I want to learn about other religions, customs, and cultures,” she explained.

The course in which the students will be enrolled during the trip is “An Introduction to the Political & Cultural Identity of Canada & Quebec.”  It will be taught collaboratively by WVU faculty Drs. James Natsis and Jennifer Orlikoff in conjunction with faculty from the Universite’ de Laval in Quebec City.

“Students will attend daily lectures in the morning, presented by Laval University faculty, then will participate in afternoon excursions that reflect and deepen the students’ understanding of the morning sessions,” Dr. Jamkhandi explained.

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Alumni of Hampton University Class of 2010 gives Back to Africa

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When asked his mission, he explained:
I am trying to get the word out about my social work overseas as an attempt to spark HBCU alumni to give back to #Africa
Check out more information at http://www.criolosports.com/

Shooting Touch Sabbatical Journey Tome Barros from Tome Andrade on Vimeo.

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TOMS shoes: Look the Part, Play a Part by The ProFashional

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What’s the rave about TOMS shoes? I’ve seen so many people rockin’ them until I just couldn’t help but to stop and ask this girl in the mall, “What kind of shoes are they, I see them everywhere?!” she genuinely replied, “TOMS, they’re the Uggs of the summer.” Having own at least 4 pairs of Uggs, the metaphor she made got me even more curious. The first thing that came to mind was comfort. The difference between the two is that TOMS aren’t just comfortable; they’re stylish, more affordable and help towards the greater good! Honestly, what else can you ask for? Get this; with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need! So you can splurge without the guilt! They offer collections in men, women and youth; ranging from styles of wedges to sneaker-like.

I was itching to get the scoop behind it all, and here it is. In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycodkie visited Argentina and witnessed far too many children without any shoes. When contemplating a way he could help, he came up with TOMS shoes, a company that upholds the duty of one for one. When Mycoskie returned to Argentina he was able to provide 10,000 pairs of shoes made feasible by TOMS customers. Not only do they give back but they also create awareness. On the site, ( www.TOMS.com ) you can register for the one day without shoes campaign. This campaign shows the importance of shoes and how often we take them for granted. Far too many of us have tons of shoes and even some that are still in the box, while millions of children around the world have never owned a single pair. Now TOMS is giving us all an opportunity to help.

Why you should purchase a pair.

  1. You’ll be giving a new pair of shoes to a child, a first pair to many.
  2. They’re stylish, not to mention affordable.
  3. They’re extremely comfy!
  4. Together we can look the part while playing a part. TOMS isn’t just a brand, it’s a movement. Hop on.

Sha’nece Austin “Profashional”

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Stylish Buzz of the Week: Kiara from Morgan State University by The Profashional

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Name: Kiara
Classification: Freshman
Repin’: Morgan State University
Describe your style: vintage, preppy, sleek

Kiara’s style is very feminine, comfortable and classy. It’s a perfect example of versatility and to what I call an “everywhere outfit”! You can wear this to class, happy hour or even to a small gathering or “kickback” as we Howard students call it. She let her quarter length, detailed peach sweater be her center piece while not over accessorizing with subtle gold jewelry.Executing the look with blush pink nails, classic!

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FAMU Unveils the William Patrick Belin Endowed Plaque and Recognition Wall

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — One year after the death of William Patrick Belin, Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons was accompanied by Patrick’s parents, Steve and Lynn, wife, Lauren, brother, Stephen, family members and friends for the unveiling of the William Patrick Belin Endowed Plaque at the Eternal Flame and the William Patrick Belin Donor Recognition Wall in the New Pharmacy Building.  The ceremony was part of the William Patrick Belin Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which was established by the Belin family to commemorate and preserve Patrick’s legacy.

During the unveiling, Steve Belin recalled the process of establishing the scholarship. Soon after receiving the life changing news, Patrick’s family set in motion the steps of establishing a scholarship in his honor. Through the continuous communication with the College of Pharmacy, the FAMU Foundation, as well as a visit from Carla Willis, FAMU’s former vice president of University Relations, the scholarship was created.

“I want to thank you,” said Steve Belin. “Each one of you connected to the FAMU community has contributed tremendously to the process.  Not once did you say this can not be done.  It was through your support and commitment that we have been successful in creating this scholarship in Patrick’s honor.”

With donations totaling more than $100,000, the Endowed Scholarship will provide resources for students who demonstrate a strong desire and passion for the field of pharmacy and will also share many of Patrick’s attributes. It was those attributes that Patrick’s brother, Stephen, spoke about as he shared stories of Patrick’s commitment and drive for perfection. “Patrick faced everything head on and would not let anything get in his way,” said Stephen. “Not once would he let go of a project that was less than perfect.”

William Patrick Belin was born in Jacksonville, Fla. on June 11, 1987, but grew up in Valrico, Fla. After graduating from Joe E. Newsome High School in Lithia, Fla. in 2005, he entered the University of South Florida and graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s of science in biomedical sciences with a minor in public health. Also in 2009, he married his high school sweetheart, Lauren Rhyce, who is currently enrolled in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.  Patrick was scheduled to attend the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the fall 2010 semester before he became a victim of a fatal car accident.

Patrick’s many interests included basketball, karate, piano, drums, guitar and music recording. He served the local community through his volunteer work at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, tutored students in the Urban Scholars Outreach Program and assisted at the Emergency Care Health Organization in Brandon, Fla.

“I didn’t know William Patrick Belin personally, but I did know him on paper and I remember the most impressive thing on his application was the amount of community service he engaged,” said Henry Lewis III, former dean of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Everyone that knows me knows that I pride myself on community service.”

The William Patrick Belin Memorial Endowed Scholarship will allow others to walk in Patrick’s shoes while continuing his legacy.

Photo caption: From left to right: Seth Ablordeppey, interim dean of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Lynn and Steve Belin, parents of Patrick Belin; Stephen Belin Jr., brother of Patrick; and Lauren Belin, wife of Patrick, stand in front of the William Patrick Belin Memorial Endowed Scholarship plaque.

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Educators at Bowie State University & U.S. Education Secretary Encourages Students to Teach

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U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan praised teachers from around the state and country during a town hall meeting Tuesday afternoon at Bowie State University where local leaders, teachers, and students discussed the role of educators in America.

“I want to thank teachers for the extraordinary things that they do,” Duncan said. “I can’t overstate how critical great teachers are to society.”

The event was part of the Department of Education’s national teacher’s recruitment initiative, TEACH, which focuses on finding quality teachers for the next generation of students. An issue which will need to be addressed soon, according to Duncan. “[The Department of Education] thinks that in the next 4 to 5 years, we are going to need over 1 million teachers in this country,” he said. Congressman Steny Hoyer, (D-MD), Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, and Bowie State University President Mikey L. Burnim, as well as some prominent educators joined Duncan on the discussion panel. Sixteen universities and colleges in the state have received over $400,000 TEACH grant funds during the 2009-2010 academic school year, including Bowie State University and the University of Maryland-College Park. Prospective teachers must commit to serving as a full-time teacher for 4 years in a high-need field and at an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. Brown said that while Maryland is the number one ranked public school system in the country, there is still progress to be made.

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