FAMU President is the First to be Honored for Weathering the Storm by the Tallahassee Urban League

Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons, was recently honored by the Tallahassee Urban League with the “Weathering the Storm Award” for his continuous dedication to FAMU and ensuring its success.

Ammons was the first person ever to be honored with the award.

“Although my drive for a better FAMU is derived from a sincere love for an institution, and not from the desire of recognition, I am grateful for the Tallahassee Urban League’s notice of my dedication to FAMU,” said Ammons.

The award is intended to honor local religious leaders, political figures, a family or an individual that weathered a dangerous storm and survived to tell their stories.

“This is first time that this award has been initiated, and we wanted to award Dr. Ammons because of a strong comeback of university,” said Rev. Ernest Ferrell, president and CEO of the Tallahassee Urban League. “This was a very difficult challenge and storm, but under his leadership they were able to turn the university back in the right direction.”

Upon Ammons’ arrival to FAMU, a total of six accredited degree programs were in jeopardy of probation or conditional accreditation. Amazingly, 10 months later, all of these programs are either reaccredited or have had a positive site visit.

In addition to resuscitating academic programs at FAMU, under Ammons’ leadership the institution received the first unqualified audit it has had in three years from the State of Florida Auditor General’s Office. In the past two years, FAMU received qualified audits, which ultimately led to the University being placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

FAMU Student Government Vice President Named a Gubernatorial Fellow

Florida A&M University Student Government Association (SGA) vice president Mellori Lumpkin was chosen to be part of Gov. Charlie Crist’s fourth class of the Gubernatorial Fellowship program.

“I’m very excited, not only about opportunity but because there are only 11 students chosen throughout the state — undergrads, grads and even law school students — and I was one of them,” Lumpkin said. “Just for FAMU to have a seat at the table of this fellowship is a very good showing.”

Students were selected based on a competitive application process, which included the ability to show strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism, and a desire to serve the people of Florida. They will work in the Executive Office of the Governor or one of the Governor’s agencies, depending on their area of study. Fellows will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours each week and will receive an hourly wage for their time on the job. To broaden the Fellows’ exposure to state government and enhance their experience, they will also meet weekly as a group to participate in educational activities such as presentations, press conferences, budget briefings and policy briefings.

Lumpkin, a senior business administration student from Bainbrigde, Ga., first heard about the fellowship while browsing through the MyFlorida.gov website, and is the third FAMU student to be part of the Gubernatorial Fellowship. She is most excited about being able to bring a Rattlers standpoint to the fellowship and the experience she will gain from it.

“Because of some of the issues facing our student body, like budget cuts and tuition increases, I think it would be a great experience and learning opportunity,” said Lumpkin.

After graduating in spring 2009, Lumpkin plans on attending law school and returning to Tallahassee to pursue a career in public service.

FAMU College of Law Honors Gwendolyn Cherry with Lecture Hall

Culminating a project that began eight years ago, the Florida A&M University College of Law and members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, co-hosted the Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, Esquire Lecture Hall Dedication and Endowed Scholarship Fund Presentation at the school, naming a moot courtroom for the law school alumna, who was also an active member and legal advisor for the sorority.

Garth C. Reeves, Sr., publisher emeritus for The Miami Times, was the keynote speaker for the June 5, 2008 dedication event, during which he provided a history of the role Cherry and other lawyers played in obtaining civil rights and liberties in Florida. Other notable guests included Mynora Bryant, International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated; Leenette Morse Pennington, past interim president of Edward Waters College; the Honorable Ralph Flowers, Esquire, retired judge and FAMU College of Law Alumnus (1968); and, Henry Givens, board director, Southern Health Network, Incorporated.

The event also featured a $1,000 contribution from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and a $10,000 donation from BlueCross and BlueShield of Florida, which increased the Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry Scholarship Endowment to $25,000. More than 100 guests participated, including members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. from across the country. Reginald McGill, on behalf of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council, presented Bryant with the key to the city in recognition of the event.

Located on the 2nd floor of the four-story law school, the Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, Esquire Lecture Hall is a popular classroom at the FAMU College of Law. In addition to being used for legal curriculum, the room serves as a small moot courtroom where students practice for moot court or mock trial competitions.

Cherry received both her undergraduate and juris doctor degree from FAMU, and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1965. Before attending FAMU’s law school, she was the first African-American woman law student to attend the University of Miami. She was also the first African-American woman to practice law in Dade County, Fla., and became one of the first nine attorneys who initially served at Legal Services in Greater Miami in 1966. She was elected as a state representative in 1970, becoming the first African-American woman to serve as a legislator for the State of Florida. She was elected to four terms and served until 1979.

Cherry died in an automobile accident while in Tallahassee, Fla. in February 1979. Former state governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham called her “a champion for the rights of all people and a voice of reason and concern” when he delivered her eulogy. She was honored posthumously in the State of Florida’s Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986.

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 reestablished FAMU College of Law opened its doors in 2002 and is now housed in a state-of-the-art facility at 201 Beggs Avenue in downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.

Photo Caption:
FAMU College of Law Dean LeRoy Pernell (center) accepts a check to the FAMU Foundation Inc. from members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Pictured with the dean are Katie L. Williams (left), chair of the Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry Endowed Scholarship Committee; Ruby T. Rayford, co-chair Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry Endowed Scholarship Committee; Evan Peoples, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida; Mynora J. Bryant, International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; and Jennifer A. Gunn, Southeast Regional Syntatkes, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE IN A NEW ERA - Official Inauguration of FAMU’s Tenth President Planned for Fall

On his first day in office, he graciously asked for 500 days. He needed five hundred days to resolve nagging fiscal matters, accreditation issues and personnel problems. Five hundred days were needed to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones to restore his beloved alma mater to the legacy that had made it great.

When Dr. James H. Ammons stepped into the spotlight on July 2nd of last year as Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) tenth president, he knew there was much work to be done. Instead, on his first day in office, James Ammons graciously asked for 500 days.

Today, just a few weeks shy of his 365th day in office, Ammons has accomplished much and has made impressive strides toward reducing the school’s vulnerability and moving it in a positive direction. Admittedly, there are major hurdles that remain, but the FAMU community is convinced that it is safe now to at least begin the planning for the official inauguration of Dr. James H. Ammons as the school’s tenth president. And, believe it or not, it will take place very close to the 500th day.

Scheduled for Friday, October 31, the installation ceremonies for Ammons will take place at 10:10 a.m. in the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center with all the pomp and circumstance befitting the return of a native son who many believe arrived just in the nick of time to save the institution from ruin. There will be no tricks or treats on that day. Instead, a steering committee comprised of administrators, faculty, staff, local business leaders, and even a few FAMU retirees, has been formed so that every detail for the occasion will happen without a glitch. FAMU Trustees R. B. Holmes and Pamela Duncan and Senator Alfred “Al” Lawson, Jr. have agreed to serve as honorary co-chairs.

“I am honored to serve as co-chair for this special occasion,” said Rev. R. B. Holmes. “Dr. Ammons has certainly accomplished many of the things that he outlined upon his arrival, and I am impressed with the energy and professionalism that he has brought forth.” Holmes believes that all stakeholders are ‘at the table’ and will benefit from the excitement that is generated on campus by Dr. Ammons.

“We are planning a festive and up beat celebration to honor Dr. Ammons who has made good on the promises made to students,

faculty, alumni and other stakeholders,” said Sharon Saunders, chief communications officer. “He said that he would restore the public’s faith in the university and over a nine-month period he has accomplished that task and more. We are excited about officially installing Dr. Ammons as the 10th president of FAMU.”

This inauguration won’t be just any inauguration. Themed “Preserving a Legacy of Excellence in a New Era,” this will be a seven-day celebration, and will highlight some of the major thrusts that are part of the Ammons ten-point plan: education, community service, health and the arts. On Sunday, October 26, Inaugural Week will kickoff with the unveiling of an art exhibition. A gospel concert featuring Pastor Shirley Caesar is scheduled for Monday of the inaugural week. This celebration of the arts will continue on the Wednesday night of Inaugural Week when students in the performing arts will showcase their talent in an evening tribute to Ammons.

“We want the community and local businesses to be a part of this event and they can play a major role by serving as sponsors of some of the events and activities,” said Saunders. “During these tough economic times we are being frugal planners while making sure the celebration is one that Dr. Ammons will be proud to claim.”

FAMU students will play an integral part in both the planning and promotion of the inaugural week and the activities that will take place. PRodigy, the university’s student-run public relations firm, has been retained to provide the publicity and promotional work for the week of activities. About ten student associates with the company have spent the spring semester brainstorming ideas and laying the plans to promote ten different activities for the week.

“We call him the talented tenth,” says Angelica Washington, a junior public relations student, referring to the school’s tenth president. “He’s a president that all of us feel we can relate to because he cares about students first and foremost.” Washington says she has had a lot of fun working on the inauguration account as an associate with PRodigy. The students working on the inauguration will begin implementation of the publicity plan at the onset of the fall semester.

On his first day in office, he graciously asked for 500 days — days committed to one of the most important races against time in his professional career, a race to make things right again. As far as FAMU’s stakeholders are concerned, if Ammons is willing to postpone the formalities of an inauguration while tackling the big issues and proving his long-term staying power, they are willing to meet him at the finish line with a well-planned and well-deserved week of celebration.

Inaugural Week will take place October 26- November 1, 2008. Planned activities include:
• Art Exhibit and Reception
• An Evening with the First Lady
• Gospel Concert
• Academic Forums for FAMU Students and Faculty
• A Night Celebrating the Arts
• Installation Ceremony and Reception
• Inaugural Ball
• President’s Inaugural Barbecue

For more information about the FAMU Presidential Inauguration and for regular updates, visit the official website at www.famu.edu/inauguration2008.

FAMU President Forms Council to Address Global Warming Solutions

In line with the commitment made during the spring’s Focus the Nation event, Florida A&M University President James H. Ammons has formed the FAMU Environmental and Sustainability Council to work on global warming solutions.

The council will work to develop and implement an environmental literacy and awareness program for the campus and work with the campus and community to integrate green campus initiatives. It will also serve as a source of support for Governor Charlie Crist as he executes his energy policy and establishes the Florida Action Team on Energy and Climate Change.

“As a result of Governor Crist’s initiatives, FAMU has determined the development of environmental literacy is necessary to the attainment of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that support sustainability,” said Ammons. “By working together, we can positively influence energy and policy programs throughout our state and nation.”

Richard Gragg, associate director of the FAMU Environmental Sciences Institute, was appointed as chair of the council. Other members include: Felicia Barnes; Johnnie Niles; Nancy Santiago; Aaron White; Ariana Marshall; Viniece Jennings; Michelle Williams; Jacqueline Hightower; Kendall Jones; Joseph Bakker; Calvin Haynes; Alex DeJarnett; Donald Palm; Alton Royal; Audrey Simmons; Joseph Richie, II; Robert Seniors; Pamela Tolson; Clinton Smith; Errick Farmer; Ray Mobley; Elizabeth Lewis; Marcia Owens; Jennifer Cherrier; Lambert Kanga; Anjaneyulu Krothapalli; and Ryan Mitchell.

FAMU Named Recipient of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Technology Initiative

Florida A&M University was named a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Technology Initiative and was awarded a suite of Microsoft software valued at $75,000.

“We are proud to have been selected as a recipient of a commodity in high demand at university campuses across the nation,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “We would like to thank the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for their valiant efforts in improving the technological advancement of historically black colleges and universities.”

According to Dwayne Ashley, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, FAMU was selected bases on the institutions specific technological needs, justification of the needs technology planning and how and where the software given will be utilized.

“Your [FAMU’s] proposal was accepted based on the professionalism and high caliber of work that the technological team invested in the proposal process,” said Ashley.

EMBARQ Donates Computer Equipment Valued at $500,000 to FAMU to use for Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering Program

EMBARQ made a significant donation of reclaimed and repurposed computer equipment valued at more than $500,000 to Florida A&M University’s electronic engineering technology program. The donation includes PCs, monitors, and various network equipment for use in the University's engineering lab.

Makola Abdullah, dean of FAMU’s College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA), expressed the importance of the donation.

“This is not a donation,” said Abdullah. “This is an investment in FAMU. Our students will now be trained using some of the latest technology.”

Archie Wesley, director of EMBARQ’s workplace technology and sciences, stated that EMBARQ will definitely continue their partnership with FAMU.

“This donation is just a stepping stone to a long partnership,” said Wesley.

“This donation at Florida A&M University follows EMBARQ’s company-wide Green plan to reclaim and repurpose our assets,” said Vercie Lark, vice president of Infrastructure Services at EMBARQ. “We are committed to helping the communities that we serve and this is just one of the ways that we can do that.”

FAMU's engineering technology program also has an association with the non-profit organization AMIE (Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering); an organization that EMBARQ also supports.

Photo caption: (left to right) Derrick Blathers, network engineer for EMBARQ and a FAMU alum; G. Thomas Bellarmine, program coordinator for FAMU’s electronic engineering technology program; Makola Abdullah, dean for FAMU’s CESTA; Lou Carrion, chief diversity officer for EMBARQ; Vercie Lark, vice president for infrastructure services for EMBARQ; and Archie Wesley, director for workplace technology and sciences for EMBARQ take moment for a photo after EMBARQ announced its donation to FAMU.

FAMU Law Associate Dean Lectures to Students in Pretoria, South Africa

As part of a new international focus at the Florida A&M University College of Law, Jeremy Levitt, incoming associate dean for international programs and distinguished professor of international law, recently taught a course, “Humanitarian Intervention in Africa,” to 32 graduate law students and lawyers from the Center for Human Rights, Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The Center for Human Rights is a global leader in human rights education and was the recipient of the 2006 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Prize for Human Rights Education.

Levitt’s lecture, which also was attended by FAMU law students and faculty, was presented via international videoconferencing from a classroom at the College of Law, 201 Beggs Avenue in downtown Orlando. His presentation focused on Africa's incessant deadly conflicts and the trials and tribulations of international peacekeeping efforts in the continent by the United Nations as well as African regional institutions such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

Levitt argued that because of international apathy and neglect, Africa has been forced to forge African solutions to African problems. Consequently, he states that African states have developed the world's most advanced legal frameworks and intervention mechanisms aimed at stopping genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The lecture was very well received by participants and Levitt -- whose areas of expertise include Public International Law of the Use of Force and Armed Conflict, International Human Rights Law and African Politics – indicated that similar programs are planned as part of the FAMU College of Law’s new international law program, which will commence this summer.

Leroy Pernell, dean of the FAMU College of Law, echoed Levitt’s comments, “This is a critically important topic and FAMU College of Law has an important role to play in global legal education. We look forward to working with more institutions of higher education in Africa.”

HP Technology for Teaching Grant awarded to FAMU

Chao Li, Ph.D., a faculty member in the Florida A&M University Electronics Engineering Technology program, has been awarded the 2008 HP Technology for Teaching grant by the Hewlett Packard Corporation.

Professor Li was notified that his proposal entitled, “Enhancing Students’ Learning in Electronics Engineering Technology Courses by Using Mobile Tablet PC Technology” would be funded for a total value of more than $77,000.

FAMU is one of three higher education institutions in the state and one of only 44 institutions in North America selected by HP to receive funding through this grant. The company received more than 370 proposal requests.

The grant is designed to support innovative and effective uses of technology in higher education. It includes $20,000 in cash and HP technology valued at approximately $57,000. As a recipient, the electronic engineering program will receive free software from Microsoft valued at $6,720. Technology supported through the grant includes: HP Compaq notebooks and accessories for faculty and classroom, a Hewlett Packard printer and digital camera and multimedia projector.

When asked why he decided to submit the proposal for the grant funding, Li responded: “Along with the faculty members in Electronic Engineering Technology, we face the challenge of using new instructional technology to help improve and strengthen the students’ learning experiences. The HP mobile tablet PC technology provides an innovative way to create a more interactive class environment. It is expected that with these classroom practices in place, student success will increase measurably. We also hope that the technological enhancements afforded by this grant will help produce more African-American engineering technologists.”

FAMU Graduate Receives National Achievement Award

Denisha Carty, a 2008 Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate from St. Maarten, Virgin Islands, was selected as a recipient of the 2008 Pharmacy (RX) portfolio National Achievement Award.

“I am very excited and honored to have received the RX portfolio National Achievement award,” said Carty. “I feel extremely grateful to have been selected among the other students and proud to represent the best of what Florida A&M University Pharmacy Division has to offer. It goes to show with hard work and perseverance anything is possible.”

According to Gregory Cianfarani, R.Ph., CEO/Founder of RX Insider LTD, Carty was selected based on her exceptional RX portfolio submission and outstanding academic achievements. Carty was selected among 3,000 applicants nationwide by the RX portfolio Selection Committee, which consisted of pharmacy industry professionals from the Walgreens Company; CVS CareMark; SuperValu; Belmont University’s College of Pharmacy (COP); Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital; and the University of the Incarnate Word COP.

David Trang, RPh, University of the Incarnate Word’s COP, and RX portfolio selection committee member said, “It was truly a pleasure to review the portfolios of outstanding pharmacy students across the nation and the schools they represent.”

As the 2008 award recipient, Carty’s portfolio will be honored with extensive recognition and exposure sent to pharmacy industry professionals and will gain national recognition on the RX portfolios website.

“We are proud that a FAMU graduate’s portfolio was selected as one of the best in the U.S. This exemplifies the quality of students that FAMU produces,” said Henry Lewis III, dean and professor of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

RX portfolios, RX Insider, LTD, located in West Warwick, R.I., is a communications and software development firm focused on the development of portfolios for the pharmacy profession and schools of pharmacy. RX portfolios are professional, detailed and lifelong portfolios used to organize one’s entire professional history from their first professional year until retirement.

Tallahassee Delegation Travel To Ghana, West Africa

A delegation comprised of Florida A&M University Dean Henry Lewis III, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dean Lydia McKinley-Floyd, FAMU School of Business and Industry (SBI), Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, and 12 FAMU students will travel Monday, June 2, through Sunday, June 8, to Ghana, West Africa.

The delegation’s purpose is two fold. The Mayor and the Deans will explore areas of potential economic and developmental collaborations, explore business relationships that can be cultivated between Tallahassee and Ghana, and areas where the State of Florida may benefit from technology transfer.

While there, Mayor Marks will meet with Nana Ababio, Ghana’s President of the House of Chiefs, the Minister of Finance, and two members of the Ghana Assembly (Congress). In addition, the Mayor will make a number of diplomatic visits including to Tallahassee’s own Sister City, Konongo-Odumasi, where he will meet with Mayor George Frimpong. The Tallahassee City Commission approved the Sister City partnership with Konongo-Odumasi in 2001.

Dean Henry Lewis is taking 12 FAMU students to Ghana where the students will spend 10 weeks conducting research on health disparities that adversely impact the health of the people of Ghana. This National Institute of Health Program called Minority Health International Research Training (MHIRT) is designed for minority graduate and undergraduate students with health research training in an international venue.

“The MHIRT grant will facilitate student awareness of minority and international health problems, stress the importance and opportunities of international collaboration in research, as well as, address health disparities from a global health perspective,” said Lewis.

In previous years, the MHIRT grant at FAMU has provided training for student research in Egypt, Peru and the Czech Republic. Currently, FAMU is in the second year of a three-year grant that is sponsoring all of the delegation on the trip.

Dean McKinley-Floyd will explore collaborations between the University of Ghana, Cape Coast University and the University of Science and Technology. In addition, she will meet with women in the Micro-Business Enterprises and Entrepreneurial and Business Leaders from throughout Ghana.

“We hope to establish business and academic linkages for our students and faculty from SBI,” said McKinley-Floyd.

FAMU Held Groundbreaking Ceremony for its Animal Healthcare Facility

Florida A&M University broke ground yesterday on a $1.2 million Animal Healthcare Facility that will support its veterinary technology program.

FAMU will become one of only 11 other major universities in the nation that will offer a four-year degree in veterinary technology, and it will be the only institution in the country with a program that places emphasis on regulatory education and training. The first classes in the new discipline will begin in the fall 2008. The new facility is scheduled to be completed in April, 2009.

According to statistics, there is a critical shortage of adequately trained minorities in the field of veterinary medicine and related disciplines. African Americans represent only 1.9 percent of the veterinary medicine profession. The total representation of minorities in the profession is 7.7 percent.

“As a result of these statistics, this new animal healthcare facility will impact FAMU’s ability to help address a critical nation shortage of minorities in the field of veterinary medicine, and related disciplines,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.

Kevin Shea, deputy administrator for the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, echoed Ammons’ comments stating that they [USDA] want to see more minorities in the field of veterinary medicine.

“We had some wonderful FAMU graduates that worked for the USDA,” said Shea. “That is why we [USDA] are donating $50,000 for the library. Our partnership with FAMU has been excellent.”

The plans for the new multi-functional complex are designed to enhance instructional delivery and learning of students enrolled in the various animal science academic options in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture. The educational and experiential training of the program will encompass vital aspects of food safety and biosecurity through the most up-to-date instructional, research, teaching, and service programs. The facility will also aid in maintaining proper herd health measures required by the Animal Welfare Act for those animals currently residing at the FAMU Research and Extension Center.

Funding was appropriated for the new facility through grants from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service and the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). The state-of-the-art complex will house an animal science clinical laboratory, research facilities, upgraded technology and conference center, and custom designed small ruminant and cattle facilities. Academic, research and extension educational activities will take place interchangeably at the facility.

This facility will be very important in the successful training of students enrolled in the veterinary technology program, which will be offered by the University for the first time in the fall 2008. Students will be exposed to laboratory and field experiences, as well as hands-on instruction that are necessary to prepare for professional careers in veterinary medicine and related career paths. The animal health facility will impact the university’s ability to help address a critical nation shortage of minorities in the field of veterinary medicine, and related disciplines.

Photo caption:
From left to right: The following individuals broke ground for Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Animal Healthcare Facility: Harold Mikell, agriculture liaison for the Honorable F. Allen Boyd, Jr., 2nd District; Melissa Durham, legislative assistant for Senator Al Lawson; FAMU President James H. Ammons, Rev. R. B. Holmes, Jr., vice chairman for FAMU Board of Trustees; FAMU Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris; and Makola Abdullah, dean for FAMU’s College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA).

Women ROCC Shakes FAMU with Facts about Cervical Cancer

Florida A&M University School of Allied Health Sciences has been chosen by the Academy for Education Development (AED) as one of five colleges or universities in the Southeastern region to participate in Women ROCC! (Women Reaching Out Against Cervical Cancer) program.

The goal of Women ROCC! is to increase the number of minority college women (ages 18 to 25) attending historically black colleges or universities who need to know about human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer prevention and screening; who have the behavioral intention to get a Pap test; and who follow through and get a regular Pap test. The school also utilizes college women as peer educators.

Barbara Mosley, interim dean for the School of Allied Health Sciences, will serve as the project director for the program. Under her direction, the school will implement education and training about cervical cancer prevention and screening.

Twenty students from the School of Allied Health were chosen and trained by representatives from AED and Women ROCC! to be peer educators. After training, the peer educators were responsible for conducting formal outreach and education presentations to smaller groups of students, and informal discussions to larger groups of students around FAMU’s campus.

AED is a nonprofit organization working globally to improve education, health, civil society and economic development—the foundation of thriving societies.

In collaboration with local and national partners, AED fosters sustainable results through practical, comprehensive approaches to social and economic challenges. AED implements more than 250 programs serving people in all 50 states and more than 150 countries.

FAMU is First HBCU in Florida to Charter Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society

Florida A&M University is the first historically black college or university (HBCU) in Florida to house a chapter, or circle as it in referred to in the organization, of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.

The circle is composed of 42 charter members, which include students, faculty and administrators displaying leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.

The new members of Omicron Delta Kappa are James H. Ammons; James R. Bland; Tallie Louis Brinson III; Isaac Bernard Brundage III; Denisha Tabitha Carty; Audrey Chisholm; Andrew M. Collins; Alex DeJarnett; Gallop Franklin; Yadhira Galdon; Herron Keyon Gaston; Keneshia Nicole Grant; André D. Green; Ashley N. Green; Morris Hawkins; Jacqueline D. Hightower; Larry Hunt; David H. Jackson, Jr.; Eric James; Ashley Simone Johnson; Brenda L. Johnson; Bethany S. Jones; Jillian Maurissa Jones; Henry L. Kirby; Mellori E. Lumpkin; Latoria Michelle Lundy; Ashley D. Milton; William Lee Phillip Oliver; Eric G. O’Rear; Donald E. Palm III; Judith Sarkodee-Adoo; Sherise Lavonda Simms; Clarence L. Sirmons; Kashif E. Smiley-Clark; Ashley R. Smith; Joyia T. Smith; Michael J.L. Smith; Randi S. Smith; Annie Nicole Speights; Brian A. Waritay; Julian E. White; and Magalie Yacinthe.

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded December 3, 1914 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. ODK® was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage development of general campus citizenship. Chapters, which are called Circles, are located on more than 300 campuses throughout the nation.

The Society recognizes achievement in scholarship; athletics; campus/community service, social/religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and creative and performing arts.

FAMU’s CIS Program Seeks to Resolve the Digital Divide Between African-American Women with New Grant

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Computer Information Sciences (CIS) Program, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant valued at $552,000 dedicated to recruiting minority women to computer science and information technology disciplines.

“The numbers are staggering,” said Jason T. Black, Ph. D., assistant professor in CIS. “The latest data shows that out of all U.S. entering freshmen declaring a major in computer science, African-American women made up only 3.3 percent. The fact is that women are not choosing technology, and this is a dangerous predicament. When you couple that with the fact that it is estimated that 75 percent of all jobs by the year 2020 will require a technology background, it becomes a crisis call.”

The program, entitled African-American Women in Computer Science, (AAWCS), is a four-year program that provides scholarships and other assistance to women who express a financial need and an interest in computer science or information technology.

AAWCS, created by Black, also the principal investigator for the program, and Edward L. Jones, Ph. D., chair of the CIS program, will directly address the dismal number of minority women, particularly African-American women that pursue degrees in computer science or information technology.

Women who apply to AAWCS will be accepted based on financial need, and will be awarded a scholarship of between $3,000 and $5,000 per semester. In addition to the funding, the women will participate in CIS departmental clubs and organizations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Club, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the CIS Mentoring Organization (CISMO). AAWCS scholars will also be involved in other STEM programs, such as the Florida/Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (FGLSAMP) scholarship program, and the Students and Technology in Academia, Research and Service (STARS) Alliance, both NSF-funded programs.

An added benefit to the students is the conference participation, where selected AAWCS scholars will be chosen to attend two national conferences, paid for by the grant, each year, such as the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing and the National Conference of Women in Information Technology (NCWIT).

The AAWCS program begins operation on July 1 and will run until June 30, 2012. Applications for the program can be requested by contacting Black at jblack@cis.famu.edu or (850) 412-7354.