RW News: FAMU Professor to Join Commission for Association of Teacher Educators

Marian W. Smith, a professor in Florida A&M University’s College of Education, has been invited to be a member of the Commission on the Development and Preparation for Teaching the Whole Child of the Association of Teacher Educators, (ATE).

“I am excited about having Dr. Smith as a member of this commission,” said Paul Paese, president elect of the ATE.

Founded in 1920, ATE is an individual membership organization and with a primary mission devoted to the improvement of teacher education, both for school-based and post secondary teacher educators.

“I am ecstatic of the possibility of serving on such a commission,” Smith said. “It is an honor to have been invited and the idea that others think that the contributions you have make in education are worthy for consideration makes all the years I have given to education worth while.”

Smith is a member of the Florida Association of Teacher Educators (FATE) a chapter of FTA. As a member she made presentations such as “It takes a village to teach a child,” and "Benjamin Banneker: The Man, the Mathematician, The Scientist" both in Florida and nationally.

Smith has been a FAMU faculty member since 1991. She has previously served as chair of the Department of Elementary Education and as the assistant dean of administrative services in the College of Education.

Congrats Dr. Smith!

RW News: FAMU Hosts Student Art Competition and Art Auction

The Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery at Florida A&M University (FAMU) will host the First Annual Student Art Competition and Art Auction from October 22 to November 2, 2007. The competition is open to all FAMU students and a minimum of $250 will be awarded. Students can enter up to five artworks for a $5.00 entry fee. Professor Joe Roache, a 1974 FAMU graduate of fine art, will be the juror for the competition.

The art auction will feature alumni, faculty and contemporary South African artwork to raise funds to support student art scholarships. It will be a silent art auction in which potential buyers will have approximately two weeks to bid on their favorite work of art.

A reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and at that time the art auction will close. The winner(s) of the student art competition will be announced.

For more information, contact Professor Harris Wiltsher, director of the FAMU Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, at (850) 599-3161.

RW Sports: IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN RATTLERS!!!!

Florida A&M University will take Bethune-Cookman University at the 28th Annual Walt Disney World® Florida Classic presented by State Farm Saturday, November 17, at 3:30 p.m. in Orlando, Florida.

Keeping with tradition, the game will be the final regular-season contest for both FAMU and B-CU, (and hopefully we'll beat them!).

Events include a symposium, sponsored by FAMU, Bethune-Cookman University and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference regarding the impact of society on black athletes; a fanfare, a family friendly free interactive area featuring vendors, climb rock walls, etc; battle of the bands; a step show; a comedy jam; and much more.

A complete listed of the events are as follows:

Wednesday, November 14 through Friday, November 16
Scholastic Symposium
At the International Plaza Resort and Spa
$150 for professionals, $50 for students

Thursday, November 15
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Corporate Scholarship Luncheon
11:30 a.m. reception, 12 noon luncheon
At the The Ballroom at Church Street
$150 per person

Friday, November 16
Coaches Luncheon (Luncheon for coaches and players)
12 noon, at Tinker Field
Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium



AARP presents an Evening of Stars
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Rosen Centre
$100 per person and $1250 reserved table (10)
Featuring . . .Midnight Star

State Farm Battle of the Bands
7 p.m. at the Amway Arena
$26 for premium seating and $15 for general admission

The Classic Step Show and Comedy Jam
At the Orange County Convention Center

Saturday, November 17
Hospitality Village
Pre-game, at the Tinker Field

AT&T Fanfare
Pre-game, Lot C

The 11th Annual Grown Folks Classic After Party
At the House of Blues
$45 for general admission

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the FAMU ticket office or at www.floridaclassic.org. Ticket prices for the classic are $50 for sideline, $40 for general admission and $25 for students with ID. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets through the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

For more information, contact FAMU’s Athletics at (850) 599-3200.

RW News: USDA Undersecretary Buchanan to speak at FAMU Research Forum

On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) will sponsor the 2007 CESTA Research Forum on FAMU’s campus in the Perry Paige Auditorium, located at 1740 Martin Luther King Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Honorable Dr. Gale Buchanan, Undersecretary for Research, Education and Economics, for the United States Department of Agriculture, will be the keynote speaker at the forum’s opening session at 8:45 a.m.

The Honorable Charles Bronson, Commissioner for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and FAMU President James H. Ammons will also be on the program. Several USDA agency representatives, state partners and industry collaborators will also be present.

“CESTA’s research projects are interdisciplinary initiatives that address some of the serious challenges facing Florida and the nation as related to issues such as small farm productivity, water and air quality, expansion of viticulture production, biosecurity, management of invasive species and disease vectors,” said Moses Kairo, forum planning chairperson and director of the FAMU Center for Biological Control.

FAMU is the state’s 1890 land-grant institution, and CESTA is the college that has served historically as the land-grant component of the university with programs emphasizing the integration of academics, research and outreach in agriculture and natural resources. Programs in the college include 13 degree programs and options in agricultural sciences, engineering technology and naval science.

RW News: FAMU President Back On Campus!

Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons was back on campus last week after being sick for nearly a week and a half after suffering from a viral-like illness.

According to his physician, Dr. Joseph Webster, he is pleased to report that “Dr. Ammons is doing well and is in excellent condition.” Ammons said that he began to feel a little sick after a trip to Tampa at the end of September and believes that it was something he ate.

He was out sick beginning September 25, 2007, and returned to the campus on October 3, 2007, for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Monitoring Report visit, working under an abbreviated schedule. Even during his illness, he was working from home.

“I’m feeling much better now,” said Ammons today. “I am feeling fine and I’m back at work. I feel 100%.”

RW News: FAMU Professor Valerie White will receive the Distinguished Adviser Award

Valerie White, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication at Florida A&M University will receive the Distinguished Adviser Award and conduct two workshops during the College Media Advisers Annual Convention from October 24 to October 28 in Washington, D.C.

“We congratulate Professor White on this prestigious award,” said James Hawkins, dean of FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.

“Under her leadership, The Famuan went to a three-times-a-week publication cycle in the fall of 2002, instituted a Survival Guide and students have won numerous awards including Hearst medallions,” said Dorothy Bland, director of the Division of Journalism. “Professor White is an outstanding and energetic teacher, who was named FAMU Teacher of the Year in 2006,” said Bland.

In 2004, The Famuan was named the “Best Newspaper” by the Black College Communication Association. In February 2007, White orchestrated and hosted the nation’s Ninth Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ National Newspaper Conference in Tallahassee.

White serves as chair for the Black College Communication Association. Recently, she received the Barry Bingham Award during the National Conference of Editorial Writers Conference in Kansas City, MO.

Hawkins, by the way, was the FIRST recipient of the Barry Bingham Award in 1990!

RW News: FAMU Law Student Bar Association Encourages Jones High Students!

Orlando, FL. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law Student Bar Association (SBA) partnered with Jones High School to establish a scholarship center on their school’s campus with the intent of preparing and encouraging students to enter the college and postsecondary education arena.

Third-year law student LaDray Gilbert, who serves as the professional development chair for the SBA Career Services, views the center as an obvious involvement for FAMU law students.

“Given both the individual and collective histories of FAMU and Jones High, we felt we owed a duty to go to the high school and help the students strive toward higher education,” Gilbert said.

The center’s focus of diverting Jones students from entering the workforce and into undergraduate and vocational studies encompasses personal mentoring, registration for ACT and SAT exams, and exposure and correspondence with institutions of higher learning.

As part of this partnership, the scholarship center recognizes a student each month for their commitment and effort to utilize the center’s services in their pursuit towards a college education.

The FAMU College of Law Scholarship Center recognized Jones High senior Brittney King as the first ever Student of the Month during the halftime of a Jones High football game and recognized senior Gilbert Laracuente during Jones’ homecoming football game at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

“If we convince just one student to go to college that may have been otherwise leaning toward not attending, then we would have more than accomplished our goals,” said Gilbert.

PHOTO CAPTION: Third-year law student LaDray Gilbert (far left) presents Jones High Senior Brittany King with the FAMU College of Law Student Bar Association Scholarship Center Student of the Month Award as Jones High Principal Dr. Bridget Williams (third from left) receives a plaque from third-year law student Willie Huntley.

SACS Committee Complete Visit of FAMU

In the exit conference meeting, members of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Monitoring Committee presented its recommendations. The committee commended the university for the remarkable progress that has been made since the university was placed on probation by SACS.

The committee developed draft recommendations related to fiscal management. Dr. Joseph Silver, the SACS liaison, said the committee chair will submit the draft report to FAMU President James H. Ammons to review for accuracy. The final report will then be sent to the Compliance and Review Committee that will recommend action to the Commission on Colleges of SACS. A decision about the university’s probationary status will be made at SACS’ December meeting in New Orleans.

“In the three months since receipt of the notification, FAMU has made remarkable progress,” said Dr. Robert Gratz, chair of the on-site monitoring committee. “There has been taken a broad range of corrective action. The university has assembled a strong management team and there is also a strong campuswide commitment to addressing the concerns. Now the new system only needs time to show its effectiveness.”

The SACS committee reported that based on their review, the issues of board oversight and competent administrators are “moot.” The recommendations centered around finance and receipt of an audit and management letters.

“I am pleased with the effort of the campus leadership, faculty, staff and students who participated in the interview process,” said President James H. Ammons at the exit conference. “The accolades we received are not normal coming from a visiting team. The team, however, saw the intense amount of work and effort we put into making sure that we complied with SACS’s core requirements and comprehensive standards.”

RW Soul: An Ode to Those Who Bleed Orange and Green

The spirit of a Rattler is complex at best, yet still evident. While those other college co-eds across the tracks paint their bodies and fill Doak Campbell with garnet and gold, we Rattlers strut into Bragg Stadium as if it were New York City fashion week, wearing strategically placed orange and green.

Those unfamiliar with how we do things on the highest of seven hills may think of our practices as a lack of spirit, when really it’s the opposite. Our spirit isn’t measured by how long we sit through a football game or how many students attend convocation, our spirit is in the pride that we have for our school. It is what keeps our alumni coming back and prospective students wanting to one day be considered a Rattler.

We love our school, through the good and the bad. We stood by our school during presidential changes, financial woes, and negative media coverage. Through it all, FAMU has emerged with flying colors, orange and green of course.

This school year is a fresh start. With a new president and financial aid getting things done in a timely fashion, what more of a reason do you need to show your Rattler spirit? With that being said, enjoy your sausage, rock your stilettos and “do whatcha wanna.” True Rattlers—we know you bleed orange and green.

By RattlerWIRE contributing student, Anitra Ellison

RW News: Get your FAMU Tags Here!

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is pleased to inform you of an exciting new opportunity for Florida A&M University students, staff, faculty, administrators and friends.

The department offers specialty license plate gifts certificates. This new program allows anyone to purchase a specialty license plate as a gift for a motor vehicle registrant.

What does this mean? Individuals can purchase a FAMU license plate for anyone! (Well actually any Florida motorist, but it’s still cool!)

This new gift certificate program works much like any gift certificate. Upon payment of the annual use fee, a gift certificate may be purchased at an authorized motor vehicle office for any of the 104 specialty license plates currently available in Florida. At the time of purchase, a receipt will be provided and a credit will be issued in the name of the gift recipient, which can then be redeemed by the recipient at the time the specialty license plate is purchased. You do not have to purchase and redeem the certificate at the same office.

Proceeds from the FAMU tag go to the FAMU Foundation, Inc. The foundation was established with the specific mandate to serve as a custodian of contributions from the private sector, alumni, friends, and industry. The Foundation receives, invests and administers funds. In addition, the Foundation acts as a trustee and exercises in general the powers of a not-for-profit organization under the laws of Florida.

By RattlerWIRE contributing student, Matthew Richardson

RW News: FAMU Athletics' Response To The 2007 NCAA Graduation Rate Report

By ALVIN HOLLINS JR.
Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs

Florida A&M University Intercollegiate Athletics has made great strides in the past several years in addressing all aspects of the academic performance of its student-athletes in the past decade.

A concerted effort on the part of the FAMU administration, coaches, staff and student-athletes, in partnership with the university's various academic departments, has been largely responsible for the positive turnaround over the past several years.

Wednesday's release by the NCAA, which covered graduation rates from the period 1997-2001, may have been disheartening to some, however fans, alumni and the general public should be aware of the true academic state of the union in Florida A&M Athletics in 2007:

Improved Academic Performance
- In the past three years (2004-2005 to 2006-2007), 130 FAMU student-athletes have been named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner's All-Academic Team (for persons with 3.0 grade point averages or higher) - 66 women and 64 men.

- In the 2006-2007 school year, 26 FAMU student-athletes received their undergraduate degrees, including five football players - all of whom finished within five years.

- The Academic Progress Rate (APR), a method instituted by the NCAA four years ago, evaluates the performance of student-athletes at each member school in the classroom, taking into account retention and progress toward a degree.

- During the 2005-2006 school year, 17 of 18 sports met or exceeded the baseline 925 rating.

- In 2006-2007, 10 of the 18 sports at Florida A&M achieved a perfect 1000 rating in the report released by the NCAA in February of this year.


Athletic Academic Support Center
In the 1997-1998 school year, Athletics employed just one (1) person responsible for academic advisement.

- Since 2003-2004, the University has partnered with Athletics to create an Academic Support Center dedicated specifically to all student-athletes.

This Support Center is supervised by an Associate Athletic Director for Academic Advisement Services, who in turn directs a staff of four full-time academic advisors responsible for the monitoring and counseling of all student-athletes.

Additionally, this Support Center provides tutoring services; a computer lab where student-athletes can do on-line research and complete class assignments; and sponsors a Life Skills program, which helps student-athletes prepare for life after sports.

Florida A&M University Athletics has been in operation since 1899 and its 13 national championships and 164 conference crowns are just the most visible part of a golden legacy which has as its foundation an emphasis on the academic excellence of its student-athletes as well.

Mr. Hollins works in the FAMU Department of Athletics. He has provided information on athletics at FAMU for more than 28 years.

RW News: Associate Dean of FAMU’s School of Nursing, Named Certified Nurse Educator

Jaibun K. Earp, associate dean of FAMU’s School of Nursing undergraduate program, has earned the designation Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the New York City-based National League for Nursing (NLN).

“Certification in any field is a mark of distinguish and professionalism,” Earp said. “This certification means that FAMU’s School of Nursing houses a senior level faculty that can serve as a role model for both students and faculty.”

As of September 2007, a total of 762 nurse educators have earned the CNE credential with an overall pass rate of 84 percent. Of those 762, Earp is of the 27 in the state of Florida.

FAMU's School of Nursing is still on top!

Alumni Strike: Andrew Gillum

Florida A&M University alum and City of Tallahassee Commissioner Andrew Gillum was named “Emerging Leader of the Year” by IMPACT, a national organization based on recognizing and training emerging leaders ages 21 through 40.

Gillum is currently the national director of the Young Elected Officials Network with People for the American Way Foundation (PFAWF). In May 2006, the program evolved into a national network linking young elected officials in the nation and helping identify solutions to challenges facing their communities.

“I am overjoyed and humbled by the amazing support that I received from close friends, supporters, and ‘new friends’ near and far,” Gillum said. “It was a magical process to observe and be a part of. Although deeply honored and humbled by this recognition, I am most inspired by the fact that I can share this experience with family, friends and colleagues.”

Gillum was honored at a reception in Washington D.C. that he co-hosted with U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate, Barak Obama.

Each month IMPACT highlights a new Emerging Leader. They solicit nominations from their readers and the directors make the determination as to who they honor each month. The Emerging Leader of the Year is voted on by the community at large.

Congrats Mr. Gillum!

RW News: Nikki Giovanni is Coming to The Hill!

“I will be attending fall commencement,” said Florida A&M University staff member Brandi Milton. “I am so excited because Nikki Giovanni will be gracing FAMU with her presence,” she said. A poet, author, educator and activist, Giovanni is expected speak to FAMU’s 2007 fall graduating class. The commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, Dec. 14, 2007 at 6 p.m. in the Leon County Civic Center.

“I am excited to see what she has to say,” said Helen-Alexis Thomas, senior public relations student from Hampton, VA. Thomas usually does not like attending graduation due to its lengthy time. However, with Giovanni as the speaker she is excited not only to be attending but to be graduating as well. “I believe that Nikki Giovanni and I have the same belief, that change is necessary for growth,” Thomas said based on the things she has learned about Giovanni in the past.

Giovanni received her degree from Fisk University. Currently Giovanni is Virginia Tech’s University Distinguished Professor.

Giovanni is world-renowned for her many contributions to the American literature society. She is a Grammy-Nominated poet and author. Beyond her nomination, Giovanni has received numerous of honors and awards throughout her lifetime.

Faculty, staff and students look forward to hearing from Giovanni.

“I am elated that FAMU can bring someone of this caliber to speak at commencement especially at a December graduation,” Thomas said.

By RattlerWIRE contributing student, Ashley Felder

RW News: Homecoming 2007, Bringing Back the Old with the New

Florida A&M University plans to bring back the “Old Rattler Pride,” this year for homecoming. With the theme “The Rattler Renaissance: A Rebirth of Rattler Pride & Spirit,” Saundra Inge, chair of homecoming committee wants FAMU faculty, staff, students and alumni to go back to the old traditions of FAMU.

“Homecoming is a remembrance celebration,” Inge said. “It is a remembrance for those that have graduated. It is about holding strong to the beliefs that helped establish FAMU.”

Office of Student Union Activities Coordinator Ralph Coleman explains how FAMU’s homecomings use to be years ago.

“I’ve known FAMU Homecomings since I was a child,” Coleman said. “It used to be a barn fire on Fridays with fireworks that started the Rattler Strike at the stadium.”

According to Inge, this year’s homecoming events will cater to everyone.

“Homecoming consists of the same events that have proved to be a tradition for FAMU,” Inge said. “Recent homecomings at FAMU are not exactly the same from the past. A lot of little things have been added.”

Events include the fashion, comedy, dorm step and Greek step, gospel showcase, parade and the Battle of the Bands.

While homecoming is usually for alumni, students are looking forward to the festivities as well. “I am excited about attending the fashion show,” said Aundrea James, a 19-year-old sophomore nursing student. “I expect lots of school spirit and alumni participation during homecoming.”

Homecoming events will begin Sunday, October 8, 2007 through Sunday, November 4, 2007. The events are as follows.

Sunday, October 28
• 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Homecoming Worship Service, Perry Paige Auditorium
• 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Homecoming Fashion Show, Gaither Gym

Monday, October 29
• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Sprit Run/Walk, “The Set”
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Spirit Day, “The Set”
• 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Essence College Tour, FAMU Track
• 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Kick Off Bash, FAMU Track

Tuesday, October 30
• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Homecoming Health Fair, FAMU Track
• Noon – 2 p.m. Royal Luncheon, Grand Ballroom (Invitation Only)
• 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Dorm Step Show, Gaither Gym

Wednesday, October 31 Orange Day
• 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fashion Fair Total Makeover Madness, Grand Ballroom or “The Set”
• Noon – 4 p.m. SGA Barbeque, FAMU Park
• Noon – 4 p.m. BET College Tour, FAMU Park
• 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Comedy/Talent Showcase, Gaither Gym

Thursday, November 1 Green Day
• 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Industry Cluster Meeting (Invitation only)
• 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. SGI 25th Year Alumni Forum and Luncheon, Lee Hall/447 North Wing SBI
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Judging of the Buildings Decorations
• 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Coronation, Lee Hall
• 9 p.m. – Midnight Coronation Ball, Grand Ballroom

Friday, November 2 Orange and Green Day
• 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Industry Cluster Meeting (Invitation only)
• 10:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Convocation with Will Packer, Gaither Gym
• Noon – 2 p.m. Young Alumni Giving Luncheon, Doubletree Hotel Downtown
• 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. VIBE Block Party, FAMU Park
• 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Alumni Reception and Gala, Civic Center
• 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. National Pan-Hellenic Step Show, Civic Center

Saturday, November 3
• 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Parade/Judging of Floats
• Noon – 3 p.m. Pre-Game Reception, Employee Club House
• 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Football Game, FAMU vs. North Carolina A & T, Bragg Stadium
• 6 p.m. – Until Post-Game Barbecue, Employee Clubhouse
• 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. SGA Concert, Civic Center
• 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. Gospel Concert, Lee Hall
• 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Old School Jam, Gaither Gym

Sunday, November 4
• 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Rattler Fever Campus Clean Up, Bragg Stadium/”The Set”
• 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Rattler Fever Campus Clean Up, Rattlers Den

For more information call (850) 599-3400 or visit www.famu.edu/homecoming

By RattlerWIRE contributing student, Ashley Felder