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College of Law Hires Assistant Dean for Admissions

Lisa Taylor, who previously served as associate director of Law Admissions for Ohio Northern University College of Law for four years, has joined the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law as assistant dean for Admissions.

Taylor, who has more than six years of experience in law school admissions, was responsible for the nationwide recruiting efforts at Ohio Northern, and coordinated the college’s minority recruitment program. She also assisted with the development and international admissions for the LLM program. She most recently served as Ohio Northern’s Director of Law Development.

“Ms. Taylor was selected from a strong pool of experienced applicants after a national search, and she carries outstanding recommendations from within the national law school admissions community,” said Dean LeRoy Pernell.

Taylor is a graduate of Howard University School of Law. She previously served as a staff attorney/campaign finance coordinator for the Office of the Election Administration for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and as a judicial intern for the Honorable Anita Josey-Herring. She is a member of the Florida Bar.




The FAMU College of Law was founded in 1949 on the main campus in Tallahassee. After graduating 57 lawyers, the law school was closed by the state of Florida in 1968. The Florida Legislature voted to reopen the law school in 2000 and Orlando was selected as the location. The re-established FAMU College of Law opened its doors in 2002 and is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. The FAMU College of Law received full accreditation from the American Bar Association in July 2009, and is ranked number one in the nation for Diversity by U.S. News & World Report.

College of Law Hires Director of Information Technology

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law recently announced the hiring of Shashi Persaud as the new director of Information Technology (IT) after a national search.

Persaud has more than 11 years of experience as a director of IT in both Tallahassee and Central Florida, and carries extensive technical and management experience specializing in software, hardware and network connectivity issues. He has served as a senior IT administrator for both the Department of Homeland Security and the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee. He most recently served as director of IT for the Osceola County Department of Health.

“Mr. Persaud emerged as the top-ranked candidate in a pool of strong applicants,” said Dean LeRoy Pernell. “I am pleased that he has agreed to share our vision for the FAMU College of Law where he is already making a difference.”

Persaud is a graduate of Flagler College and holds an M.B.A. from Florida State University.


The FAMU College of Law was founded in 1949 on the main campus in Tallahassee. After graduating 57 lawyers, the law school was closed by the state of Florida in 1968. The Florida Legislature voted to reopen the law school in 2000 and Orlando was selected as the location. The re-established FAMU College of Law opened its doors in 2002 and is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. The FAMU College of Law received full accreditation from the American Bar Association in July 2009, and is ranked number one in the nation for Diversity by U.S. News & World Report.

President Ammons Takes the Hot Seat to Raise Money for Scholarships

Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons' sense of humor will be tested next Thursday evening as a few of his closest friends and colleagues will good-naturedly 'roast' him with humorous quips and wisecracks for a good cause. Dr. Ammons is the honoree during Roast & Toast, the annual scholarship fundraiser for the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA- Capital Chapter) scheduled for July 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the Alfred Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. (Silent auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.)

Roast & Toast, now in its 13th year, serves as the FPRA Capital Chapter's signature event and fundraiser. Money raised provides scholarships for public relations students at FAMU and Florida State University. "This year's Roast & Toast serves two purposes," said FPRA Capital Chapter President Heidi Otway, APR. "First, it gives this community an opportunity to honor Dr. Ammons for his work to provide a quality education for individuals matriculating at a historically black university, and second it raises scholarship dollars for students who are the future of the PR profession."

Otway, who is a 1992 graduate of FAMU also noted, "We get to have a little good-natured fun at his expense!" The lineup of roasters this year includes Dr. Frederick S. Humphries (past president of Florida A&M University), Ken Armstrong (CEO for United Way of the Big Bend), and Marjorie Turnbull (Florida A&M University Trustee) and the Honorable Alfred "Al" Lawson (State Senator).

Educational Excellence Defined: Dr. James H. Ammons, a Scholar & a Gentleman, is the theme for this collegiate-focused event that will include an elegant and sumptuous menu, live music by the FAMU Jazz Ensemble and performances by the world-renowned FAMU Marching "100." In addition, FPRA-Capital Chapter will acknowledge the 2010 Communicator of the Year. Attendees are encouraged to wear the "College Couture" of their alma maters or favorite colleges/universities-school spirit with an upscale twist. Doors open and the silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m.; dinner and program start at 7:30 p.m.

The 'roasting' tradition has become a popular way for the FPRA-Capital Chapter to recognize some of the city's most celebrated leaders. An illustrious list of previous roast-ees recognized by the FPRA Capital City chapter includes City of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, Leon County Sherriff Larry Campbell and Past Superintendent of Leon County Schools Bill Montford.

"Planning this event has been an absolute honor," said Cecka Rose Green, chairperson of the 2010 Roast & Toast, and a 1991 FAMU graduate. "This is the signature event and major fundraiser for the Capital Chapter. The silent auction and dinner program will be the best ever, due in large part to the unwavering support of our sponsors, roasters, FPRA members and the community, at-large. "You don't want to miss a minute of the fun and excitement!"

General tickets to the 2010 FPRA "Roast & Toast" are $75 ($50 for FPRA members). Private tables (seating for 8) are $1,000 ($500 for FPRA members). The ticket includes a buffet dinner and dessert, access to the silent auction, a cash bar, and a full evening of entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online through the Capital Chapter's website at http://fpra-capital.org/events/upcoming-events/?event_id=130.

Tickets will be mailed same day as purchase. Tickets purchased after July 16 can be picked up at the on-site registration desk on the evening of the event. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, July 21. (Tickets will not be sold on-site the evening of the event.)

To date, event sponsors are the Florida A&M University Foundation (Presenting Sponsor), FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (Printing Production and FAMU TV-20), the Tallahassee Democrat, Taproot Creative, TREW Media and WCTV Channel 6, Lamar Advertising and Bowman Promotional Specialties.

Roast & Toast is the largest annual event hosted by the Capital Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Tickets purchased for this event help the association reach their goal as they cultivate the future leaders of Leon County and the Big Bend area through student scholarships.

Questions about this event should be directed to Roast & Toast event chair Cecka Rose Green at (850) 570-8482, or (850) 488-4198 extension 1240, or ceckagreen@embarqmail.com.

Florida A&M University Student Vincent Evans Featured in Lessons Magazine

Florida A&M University (FAMU) student leader Vincent Evans was featured in the spring 2010 edition of Lessons magazine, a Lumina Foundation publication. Evans, 22, a senior political science student from Jacksonville, Fla., said he was taken aback when he discovered that he would also be displayed on the cover of the magazine.

“I didn't expect to make the cover, but I must say it was pretty neat,” said Evans. “I was honored that both the Lumina Foundation and ENLACE Florida demonstrated such confidence in me.”

In the article, titled “Leadership’s Fresh Face: Young Policy Advocate Sees Education Conference as Springboard,” Evans discuss what he believes is his life’s calling — leadership.

Evans, who serves as the president for the FAMU Chapter of College Democrats, said his leadership on and off FAMU’s campus has always been rooted in the belief that service is leadership.

“I’m convinced that service to others is one of the last noble callings there is,” said Evans. “I’ve had the opportunity to participate and do so much during my time on ‘The Hill.’ I’ve met President Barack Obama, dined with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, lobbied members of Congress countless numbers of times, and traveled the country representing the greatest institution on earth. You never know what history will say of you; however, I’m perhaps most proud of the work we did in 2008 with the registering, educating and mobilizing of nearly 4,000 students on the campus of Florida A&M University to get out and vote. That was a special time.”

The ambitious Evans says working in Congress or at a non-profit organization has always peaked his interest, and at some point, he hopes to return to Jacksonville and run for office.


“Wherever I go, and whatever I do, I know it will be in service to others,” Evans said. “I have an old-fashioned conviction that public service is about helping people solve their problems and live out their dreams. I've had every opportunity and blessing in life, and I want the same for every person. That’s what drives me, and that’s why I became involved.”

Marching "100" to Perform at 2010 ESPYs Post Party Celebration

Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Marching “100” and two Greek organizations, the Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Upsilon Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc., will perform at The 2010 ESPYs post party. The Marching "100" will perform on Wednesday, July 14, at the L.A. LIVE complex in downtown Los Angeles. The post-party celebration is scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The Marching “100” and the Greek organizations will perform on stage with rapper Gucci Mane. Other headliners include Robin Thicke and Flo-Rida, who will take the stage throughout the night, and emceed by Doug E. Fresh and deejayed by Biz Markie, DJ Ebron and DJ Steve Powers. Athletes, celebrities and VIPs will view the Marching “100” and Greek organizations’ performance.

“The band is very excited to perform at The ESPYs post-party celebration,” said Julian White, director of bands. “We are proud to represent Florida A&M University.”

The ESPYs gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances