Morgan State University’s M.K. Asante Jr. is an accomplished author, filmmaker and educator. Born in Zimbabwe to American parents and raised in the United States, Asante is a professor of creative writing and film at Morgan. At age 29, he is a noted authority on hip-hop culture with several books and documentaries to his credit, including Beautiful and Ugly Too; It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop; and Like Water Running off My Back.” Professor Asante has been featured on the CBS Early Show, NBC News, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, NPR and, most recently, CNN. He has an interesting story to tell of his work, his life’s ups and downs as well as a little of his personal journey. The Morgan State University family congratulates Professor Asante on his remarkable achievements and his passion for leading the world to a better place.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. – After two years at the helm of Kentucky State University’s (KSU) men’s basketball program, Head Coach Clarence Moore, Jr. announced today his resignation from the program. KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks also announced that Assistant Coach Antwain Banks will serve as Interim Head Coach for the 2011-12 season. The announcement comes after Moore led the Thorobreds to their first winning season (15-13, 13-11 SIAC) since their 16-13 record under Winston Bennett during the 2000-01 campaign.

“I’m saddened to leave KSU. It was my first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level after coming in as an assistant and then made interim head coach halfway through the season and for the following year, then promoted to head coach this past season,” said Moore. “I’m sad because I’ve grown here as a coach and have bonded with my team and others on campus. I’m grateful for the opportunity I had here. It’s an experience I will never forget or take for granted. I want to thank Dr. Sias, Dr. Hendricks and the entire KSU family for welcoming me and my family here and for giving me such a great opportunity at a young age.”

In two-and-a-half years, Moore amassed a record of 34-42. He also coached six Dean’s List student-athletes (Julian Brown, Carlos Carter, John Gaston, Jarrod Gay, William Marsh and Austin Rich) and one student-athlete who scored over 1,000 career points (Tony Johnson). Under Moore’s leadership, Johnson was also named to the 2010 SIAC All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 Preseason All-Conference Second Team, 2010-11 All-Conference First Team and the 2011 SIAC All-Tournament Team.

“We are very sad that Coach Moore is leaving us,” stated KSU Director of Athletics, Dr. Denisha L. Hendricks. “He has done a great job here at KSU. He will be greatly missed, but we are really excited about the opportunity for Coach Moore and his family.”

Moore leaves KSU to assume a senior executive position at Edison Chouest Offshore in New Orleans, La. but is confident in the leadership skills of his assistant coach, Antwain Banks. “He’s a great fit for the program,” affirmed Moore. “Coach Banks and I had the same vision and passion for the program. When I first spoke with him about the state of the program when I was named interim head coach, he was willing to assist me with getting things turned around. He was willing to come to KSU and start over. He is a major piece of the foundation laid here a couple years ago, and I did not feel comfortable leaving the program to anyone else.”

Over the last two years, Banks assisted with recruiting, scouting and practice planning, and community engagement planning for the Thorobreds. Prior to coming to KSU, he was a member of the Indiana University Southeast basketball program (two years as a player and five years as a coach). Banks helped IU Southeast reach 166 victories (71.2 win percentage) and five appearances at the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship in Point Lookout, Missouri. He also helped lead the Grenadiers to the KIAC Tournament Championship in six out of seven years.

Three international students will make history Saturday, May 7 as the first graduates of ASU’s microbiology Ph.D. program.

Alabama State University will award its first doctorate degrees in microbiology during its 283rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 7.

International students Praseetha Subbarayan (Chennai Tamilnadu, India), Seyhan Boyoglu-Barnum (Istanbul, Turkey) and Murtada Taha (Elgeniena, Sudan) completed requirements to receive a Ph.D. in microbiology. They conducted original scientific research under the supervision of the program’s faculty, developed strong experimental design and scientific writing skills, and built a “contemporary microbiological studies knowledge base” that has prepared them to compete across the microbiology fields.

“These three talented new scientists have been rigorously prepared and highly trained through the execution of their original research studies at ASU,” said Dr. Karyn Scissum Gunn, chair, Department of Biological Sciences and graduate program officer/coordinator of the College of Science, Mathematics and Technology graduate programs. “They have tested new vaccine systems, examined ways to use new nanomaterials to deliver drug molecules within the body, and applied cutting-edge technology toward reducing childhood respiratory viruses.”

After receiving their degree, the graduates will continue their research and education, as well as work in the community. Barnum, who has been featured in several prominent ASU advertisements, has accepted an appointment at Emory University as a postdoctoral research fellow. Subbarayan will continue her research on vaccine development against respiratory viruses in collaboration with Dr. Shree Singh and his ASU research team. Murtada is pursuing his interest to serve as a state public health scientist.

“We have been most richly fortunate to have had the opportunity to help prepare them for their futures,” Gunn said.

In the fall of 2008, ASU began offering the Ph.D. program in microbiology. It serves as the University’s first science-based research doctoral program. The ultimate vision of the program is to make essential scientific and societal advancements for the benefit of the state of Alabama, southeast region, nation and global science arena through the operation of a unique new doctoral research and training program. Through the courageous efforts of the plaintiffs in the now landmark Knight v. Alabama decision, ASU was awarded the rightful opportunity to develop high-level academic programs like the Ph.D. in microbiology, the Ed.D. in educational leadership, policy and law, and the clinical doctorate in physical therapy.

Gunn said the doctoral program in microbiology will serve as an important step in the evolution of the University as it thrusts forward as a globally competitive graduate education and research institution of higher learning.

“Every commencement, ASU advances its mission by producing graduates prepared to make meaningful professional contributions within their fields of study,” Gunn said. “On Saturday, May 7, 2011, we will witness a powerful example of the transformation of Alabama State University – this is indeed a great time to be a Hornet.”

An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the Campus Plaza at Alcorn State University on April 28, 2011, at 12 noon to launch the Always Alcorn Annual Fund Campaign. This year’s campaign marks the start of new expectations for students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University.

Alcorn State University 18th President M. Christopher Brown II reiterated the importance of financially supporting the University. “We {Alcorn State University} are engaging possibilities and pursuing excellence. Philanthropy must be an institutional priority. At the start of this academic semester, 78 students could not pay their final tuition balance– every Alcorn student deserves to graduate. Giving to the annual fund helps us seize educational opportunities and achieve excellence.”

President Brown has set the overall campaign goal at $1.1 million. Last fiscal year, which ended June 30, the annual fund closed with $1,090,836, a record-breaking increase of 18.3 percent over the previous year. SGA President Corey Cooper understands that the campaign provides the chance for all to contribute to Alcorn at any giving level. “I only have $5 in my pocket and today, I proudly give it to my University. Every dollar makes a real difference in the life of a student.”

Dr. Alpha L. Morris, honorary chairperson says, “I came to Alcorn with my late husband, Dr. Jesse Morris and graduated in 1952. I have worked as an assistant and associate professor and now serve as the chair of the Department of Social Sciences. This is not about me – it is about Alcorn. Every graduate must give back to the University that has given us so much. Let us stand behind our young and energetic, new president – give today.”

Public gifts and pledges were made during the kickoff with several attendees giving $1000, including the Always Alcorn Annual Fund General Chairperson Ms. Exie T. Griggs Williamson ’55, Rev. Edgar Lewis ’09, Judge Cedric Bush ’03, and Dr. Cassandra Vaughn ’84 who encouraged fellow employees to use her method of giving to the University through payroll deductions, “Have your gift deducted from your check monthly!”

Roman Caple said he went to get his information packet for graduation on Wednesday and was told by school officials that he would not be allowed to attend Sunday’s ceremony due to something he wrote on Facebook in the days following the April 16 tornadoes.

The university reopened three days after the storms amid the hum of chainsaws and the roar of heavy machinery.

Some students balked at the quick turnaround, saying trees, power lines and broken glass still littered the campus, and some dormitories were without power. School leaders said power had been restored to all campus buildings.

College spokeswoman LaToya Sutton said in a press release Friday that Caple made comments on the school’s Facebook page in an effort to disrupt a meeting on campus where Progress Energy representatives planned to speak with students. The college also planned to discuss storm recovery details at the meeting.

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Fire breaks out on Bowie States Campus at 3pm on the 1st floor of resident building Christa McAuliffe Residential Community. Students were asked to evacuate the resident building by  alarm. Thanks to the Residents staff at (CMRC) informing students of the fire, no students were hurt, although there were privious fire drills in the past which raised questions of it being an actual fire or a fire drill.

No news on how the fire started but Its be explained that the fire started on the first floor of one of the resident halls close to the lobby.

By HBCUBuzz Staff