FAMU General Counsel Featured Among Florida’s Legal Elite

Florida A&M University general counsel Avery D. McKnight, Esq. was selected out of approximately 61,500 active Florida Bar members that practice law to be feature in Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite.

“I am sincerely grateful to be recognized by my fellow colleagues for such a prestigious award,” said McKnight. “It is an extreme honor to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater and the state of Florida.”

After 18,051 votes cast by attorneys across the state of Florida, McKnight was recognized as one of Florida’s Legal Elite as part of the government attorney category.

As general counsel, McKnight is charged with the responsibility of providing legal advice and counsel to the FAMU Board of Trustees, president and administration. After graduating from the Florida State University College of Law as a Virgil Hawkins Fellow, he gained valuable litigation experience in the State Attorney’s Office in the Second Judicial Circuit for Leon County, Florida. From 1992 through 2005, he served in various capacities with the Office of the General Counsel at FAMU including acting general counsel. In 2005, McKnight transitioned to private practice as a senior associate with Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A., specializing in labor and employment law.

A native of Gainesville, Fla., McKnight has been recognized by the NAACP as a 2002 Achiever. McKnight is an ordained elder with the Church of God By Faith, Inc. and volunteers with Big Bend Hospice. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Character Center in Tallahassee, which focuses on the educational, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of young students.

FAMU’s Irene Edmonds Youth Theatre Summer Production Celebrates the 100th Birthday of its Namesake

The Florida A&M University Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre will honor its namesake on Edmonds’ 100th birthday with a performance of The ICE Patch written by Kimberly Kay.

The play is centered around a magic story quilt that records the cultural, historical and personal events of Edmonds’ life. Campers gain an appreciation for her contributions as they prepare to celebrate her 100th birthday. Show date and times are Saturday, July 12, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Charles Winter Wood Theatre located in Tucker Hall. Admission is $10 for adults; $7 for senior citizens; $5 for students and children.

Edmonds was an assistant professor of humanities and speech and drama at FAMU. She is perhaps best known for her work in children’s theatre. She established the first children’s theatre at Dillard University in 1935, where it flourished under her direction for 12 years. Under her artistic guidance, the Creative Children’s Theatre at FAMU grew to great prominence. However, she attained stature as well in the arenas of literary criticism and creative writing and as the director of the FAMU Playmakers Verse Choir, which reached wide national acclaim.

“Had she lived, Mrs. Edmonds would be celebrating her centennial birthday on October 31,” said Valencia E. Matthews, founder and artistic director of the children’s theatre named for Edmonds. “Even though she is not with us physically, her spirit of caring and excellence is a legacy that we honor through our production of The ICE Patch.

For more than 10 years, the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre has been a creative force in Tallahassee children’s theatre. This youth organization, whose participants range ages six through 16, strives to produce theatrical material that speaks to young people about their capacity to inspire and create change both socially and individually through the arts. Culminating a five-week summer camp filled with classes, workshops, and cultural excursions is a full-scale production.

Grant Funding for FAMU Mosquito Research Center

Just as the gas prices keep rising, grant funding to support educational programs for students majoring in agricultural sciences and engineering technology continues to increase significantly in the Florida A&M University College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA).

John Smith, director and professor at the FAMU John A. Mulrennan, Sr. Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center (PHEREC) in Panama City, reports that the center has received funding totaling $139,908 for research projects and educational programs related to entomology and mosquito control. Such funding provides excellent opportunities to engage FAMU students and faculty in meaningful research and outreach initiatives as an 1890 land-grant institution of higher learning. The following grants have been awarded funding during June, 2008.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS) funded three out of seven grant projects initiated by PHEREC scientists for a total of $98,908. The grants are as follows:

·“Discovery of New Mosquitocidal Bacteria Producing Toxins Different from Bti and Bs.” FDACS awarded $31,126 for research aimed at discovering new mosquitocidal bacteria that could reduce the reliance on chemical insecticides for mosquito. Hyun Woo Park is the principal investigator.

·“Adulticide New Product Comparisons for Mosquito Adultcides” was funded for $42,903. Jane Barber is the principal investigator of this study aimed at comparing the toxicity of insecticides used to control adult mosquitoes. Findings from the study will help mosquito control programs in selecting effective insecticides.

·“Efficacy of 25(b) Commercial Products in Automatic Misting Systems for the Control of Adult Mosquitoes” was funded for $24,879. James Cilek is the principal investigator. This study evaluates the efficacy of botanical oils as possible non-toxic alternatives for conventional chemical insecticides.

The National Science Foundation, through the Entomological Society of America, funded a grant titled, “Group Travel Proposal – International Congress of Entomology 2008,” for $40,000. Jack Peterson is the principal investigator. The grant provides funding for students to compete for travel funds to attend and present papers at the International Congress of Entomology meeting, which will be held in Durban, South Africa.

“The College is proud of the continued contributions of the center faculty and staff,” said Makola Abdullah, dean and director of Land-Grants Programs in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture. “The Mulrennan Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center continues to fulfill an important need for the state of Florida.”

Abdullah indicated that the PHEREC funding increased the level of support for CESTA through external funding sources to more than $2 million for the months of May and June.

Third-Generation Rattler Travels to Ghana, Africa in Hopes of Leaving a Positive Mark on the African Diaspora

This fall, Florida A&M University MBA candidate, accomplished scholar and third-generation Rattler Renita Canady will be continuing her studies abroad.

In August, she will be traveling to Legon, Ghana to participate in the Global Elevation International Business Leadership Program. Canady hopes to gain the experience necessary to achieve her goal of working with entrepreneurs to help bring their visions into fruition and to work in the field of investments and consulting in emerging markets. She is particularly interested in Pan-African opportunities and Diaspora markets.

“I am delighted that Renita is extending her international exposure to Ghana,” said Lydia McKinley-Floyd, dean of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI). “The experience will be truly an enriching one, where she and the ideas she brings will be valued and rewarding. This initiative, made possible through the creative genius of the founders of Global Elevation, Melissa Howell and Kandace Jones--both SBI alums, is yet another positive link in the chain of global opportunities available to SBI students.”

The FAMU SBI, among other entities, has partnered with Global Evaluations to increase the number of African and African-American college and high school students who participate in international education programs to expand the global awareness of this student population and maximize their preparedness for successful careers in the current era of globalization.

“This mission is significant because the ability of African people to manage and reap the benefits of all their resources (natural as well as human) is so crucial for their progress at this time,” said Canady.

While in Ghana, Canady will be involved in an intensive cross-cultural study abroad program based on the needs of the hosting institution, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. The focus of the program is to challenge students to think strategically, while connecting them to business mentors and preparing them for global leadership and entrepreneurship.

Canady, who has made the Dean’s List from 2001 through 2005, placed first at the Ford Motor Company HBCU Business Plan Competition in 2005 and was the national champion at the Deloitte Case Study Competition in 2005. No stranger to the international field of study, in 2007, she held a year-long internship as an investment analyst with a New York based hedge fund, which stationed her in Manila, Philippines and Hanoi, Vietnam. Earlier this year, she earned certification in advanced financial analysis and financial modeling from a respected training firm that caters to Wall Street.

FAMU’s Pamela Zackery Honored by the National Urban League Black Executive Exchange Program

Pamela C. Zackery, program assistant for the Florida A&M University Division of University Relations office, was named the Campus Liaison Rookie of the Year by the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP).

BEEP, now entering its 40th year of service to students at historically black colleges and universities, has reached more than 750,000 students to-date, with participation from more than 1,000 companies throughout its history. The Rookie of the Year Award, now in its second year, is given to those campus liaisons that have taken the lead in implementing BEEP on their campuses for the first time.

“My receipt of this award is both an honor and a privilege for me and on behalf of FAMU,” said Zackery, who recently hosted the program in conjunction with the school’s industry cluster activities this past spring. “FAMU has produced some of this nation’s leading business executives and I’m proud to assist in the endeavor. BEEP allows these executives to give back to their communities and other college campuses in order to make a real difference in the lives of many young people who are aspiring to become executives.”

“BEEP Central is proud to recognize Ms. Zackery -- and by extension Florida A&M University -- for her hard work in not only bringing BEEP back to campus, but also ensuring that it was a quality program,” said Mark V. Monteverdi, vice president of BEEP and Volunteer Initiatives for the League. “Partnerships like the one we have with FAMU define BEEP’s mission, which is to help our student leaders reach their potential by realizing that anything is possible.”

Preserving the Legacy: The Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Removes Florida A&M University from Probation

There were shouts of joy and the hisses from more than 300 Rattlers, board of trustees members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, legislators, friends of the university, and the community as Florida A&M University’s Tenth President James H. Ammons announced that the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (SACS) voted to continue FAMU’s accreditation and remove the university from probation. SACS has requested no further reports.

“We are very proud of and excited for FAMU for all of their hard work to come into compliance with the commission’s standards; and therefore, get off of probation,” said SACS President Belle S. Wheelan.

During its 112th SACS Summer Meeting, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (COC) announced its decision to remove FAMU from probation.

“This is a great day for FAMU and the state of Florida,” said Ammons. “We have been able to solve and address the critical issues that threatened the very existence of this university. Through our success, we have preserved this institution’s legacy for generations to come. Our intent was to restore the public’s trust in the university’s ability to handle its finances and I believe this entire process has sent a strong and clear message to the state and our stakeholders that FAMU is in good hands.”

Shortly before Ammons began his first workday, he learned that the SACS-COC had placed the university on probation for six months. Ammons quickly pulled his leadership team together to develop an action plan to address not only the SACS issues of non-compliance, but also the 35 findings in the 2005-2006 operational audit and the 13 findings in the 2005-2006 financial audit. For two years, FAMU had received qualified audits by state officials. During the first months of his administration, Ammons spent most of his time managing the implementation of the corrective action plan and trouble shooting university issues and concerns.

“Today is a remarkable day in the life of the University,” said Bill Jennings, chair of FAMU’s Board of Trustees. “It completes a great first year for President Ammons and his remarkable leadership team.”

Maurice Holder, president of FAMU’s faculty senate, applauded the faculty and administration for their efforts.

“The faculty has not lost sight of its responsibility to protect and advance the academic environment here at FAMU,” said Holder. “This is on the top of our commitments.”

In October 2007, SACS made its first site visit to review the status of the university’s financial affairs. At that time, the university had implemented the corrective action plan and prepared for a visit by the state auditor’s office in November. The weekend before the SACS Commission on Colleges (COC) was scheduled to make its recommendation, the final audit report was completed; however, there was not enough time for it to be considered by SACS. On December 11, 2007, the SACS-COC voted to continue to accredit Florida A&M University, but extended the university’s probation for six months.

The second SAC-COC monitoring report, which outlined FAMU’s progress in implementing the action plan, was submitted March 15, 2008. The SACS-COC sent a team to visit the campus to verify the work March 25-27, 2008.

In addition, the Board of Governor’s Task Force on FAMU Finances was established to provide oversight regarding the implementation of the corrective action plan. The task force hired Accretive Solutions, Inc. to validate and verify the work outlined in FAMU’s corrective action plan. The corrective action plan was designed to address the audit findings in the operational and financial audits as well as the SACS concerns.

In a meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, the task force concluded that FAMU has implemented adequate and effective controls. The task force found that 72 corrective actions put into place by FAMU satisfactorily addressed 92 percent of the findings noted by the task force earlier. The task force found that FAMU had processes in place to address the remaining eight percent of the findings.

“After completing this process, FAMU is in a stronger financial position and has restored its fiscal integrity,” said Ammons. “Campus morale is high, sound financial planning and accounting practices are in effect, and policies and procedures governing finances are operating effectively. Additionally, qualified leadership is in place among the administration and the Board of Trustees.”

“We are thankful for this day and the leadership that President Ammons and his administrative team have provided,” said Alvin Bryant, president of FAMU’s National Alumni Association. “We also are thankful for the leadership Trustee Bill Jennings has provided as chair of our board of trustees through these turbulent times. Working collectively, the board and President Ammons have removed the last obstacle from FAMU's most recent darkest days. The National Alumni Association is grateful for their excellent leadership and competence.”

About the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degrees. The Commission on Colleges is the representative body of the College Delegate Assembly and is charged with carrying out the accreditation process.

Photo caption: President James H. Ammons (at the podium); board of trustees members; members of the leadership team; student government association; and alumni give the “Rattler” strike in celebration of the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (SACS) voting to continue FAMU’s accreditation and remove the university from probation.

FAMU Rattlers Continue to Make Significant Contributions to the U.S. Marshals

Florida A&M University student Carl Brown recently graduated from the Centralized Student Career Experience Program (CSCEP) with the U.S. Department of Justice following in the footsteps of many before him.

FAMU places more students in CSCEP than any other historically black college or university (HBCU) in the nation, and first became a host site for the program through the efforts of FAMU’s Assistant Chief of Police James Lockley, Jr., the first U.S. Marshal to serve in Florida.

“I always knew I wanted to be a federal agent, and I knew this program was for me,” said Brown, a criminal justice student from Ocala, Fla. “What you see on TV and what the media portray is totally different from the actual thing. The program teaches a lot before you actually step into your career. If I could do it all over again, I would have it no other way.”

CSCEP is a cooperative education program within the U.S. Marshal Service used to fill deputy U.S. Marshal positions. The program is designed to provide a wide range of work experience so that students will become familiar with both administrative and performance duties of U.S. Marshals.

Program participants will act as deputy trainees and gain hands-on experience with warrants, courts support, criminal and civil issues and firearm familiarization.

Brown is currently employed by the U.S. Marshals, performing administrative tasks, and will start in the U.S. Marshals Academy on July 11.

FAMU Alum Elected as the First Black Mayor of Lancaster, Texas

Florida A&M University alum Marcus Knight, 33, was recently elected the first black mayor of Lancaster, Texas, following in the footsteps of his father, Richard Knight Jr., who was appointed Dallas' first black city manager 22 years ago.

Although Knight did not plan on having a career in politics, after moving to Lancaster, Knight served on several boards and commissions in the city, which prepared him to run for mayor. He was a member of the Lancaster Economic Development Corporation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission and Charter Review committee.

Knight, a 1996 honor graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI), began his professional career at Toyota Motor Sales USA after graduation. After moving back to Texas, Knight eventually joined his family’s business, Knight Waste Services, Ltd., which is a residential waste hauling company. He currently serves as the vice-president and chief operating officer.

Knight and his wife Tengemana have three children: Avery, 8; Sanaa, 5; and Mia, 19 months.

FAMU Alum will serve as SC State University’s 10th President

Florida A&M University alum George Cooper was recently elected as the 10th president of South Carolina State University (SC State University), after a unanimous vote by the university’s Board of Trustees.

“I am honored to be selected as the 10th President of SC State University,” said Cooper. “I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders as we together move towards academic excellence.”

Cooper, a 1967 graduate with a bachelor’s in animal husbandry, was selected from among three others to serve in the top position at South Carolina’s only public historically black college or university (HBCU).

Before returning to higher education as SC State University’s 10th president, Cooper served as a professor and dean at Tuskegee University; a professor and vice president for academic affairs at Alabama A&M University; a principal animal nutritionist and coordinator of strategic planning; national program leader in cooperative state research; and deputy administrator in the partnerships unit at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Cooper earned his Ph.D. in animal nutrition from the University of Illinois, Urbana and master’s degree in animal science from Tuskegee University.

Interim President Leonard A. McIntyre, Ph.D., will remain in office until July 2008 when Cooper arrives.

FAMU Student Sidney Wright IV named NABJ Student Journalist of the Year and FAMU ABJ Chapter is finalist for NABJ Student Chapter of the Year

Sidney Wright IV, an award-winning senior broadcast journalism student at Florida A&M University, will be honored as the Student Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists on July 24 in Chicago as part of the NABJ Hall of Fame Banquet.

FAMU’s ABJ Chapter also is a finalist for the Student Chapter of the Year and will be honored during the banquet. FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication Dean James Hawkins will host a July 24 reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Mississippi Room in the Sheraton Chicago Hotel to celebrate Wright, the FAMU ABJ chapter, students and alumni during the UNITY Journalists of Color Convention.

“We salute Sidney and our ABJ chapter for the fine work they’ve done and will continue to do,” said Hawkins. “The reception is an opportunity to recognize some of the talent in our program plus reconnect with alumni and industry leaders.”

Wright, who is from Tampa, Fla., has shown exemplary leadership by spearheading the first live newscast for FAMU-TV 20 in 2007 and serving as editor for “The Famuan” newspaper in 2006.

Wright also has served as host of the weekly radio show “SGA Talks” on WANM FM 90.5 and correspondent for the school's campus magazine “Journey.” While juggling all of his school activities and classes, he also serves as the weekend producer for the 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts for WTXL, Tallahassee's ABC affiliate. He continues to mentor and lend his support to student journalists.

After graduation in August, Wright will work full-time for ABC News in New York City. Samples of his work can be found online at www.sidneywrightiv.com.

“I'm extremely proud of Sidney; it's a well-deserved honor,” said Valerie White, one of Wright’s journalism professors and mentors. “He is a true newsman, which is becoming an anomaly for his generation. But he is a true standout and is committed to his profession. I am happy that he is receiving this recognition, and

I'm looking forward to seeing him accomplish many more milestones in the future."

“Under the leadership of President Georgia Dawkins, FAMU’s ABJ chapter, has become one of the most active student groups in the SJGC,” said Dorothy Bland, director of FAMU’s division of journalism. “Membership in the ABJ chapter has tripled from about 15 to more than 50 active members in the last year.”

FAMU Students Selected to Participate in CFO Alex Sink’s 2008 Academy of Leadership Excellence Program

Thirteen Florida A&M University students were part of the 2008 inaugural class of Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s A.L.Ex.” Academy of Leadership Excellence Program. CFO Sink, FAMU President James H. Ammons, and Florida State University (FSU) President T.K. Wetherell today announced the launch of the A.L.Ex., the Academy of Leadership Excellence program within the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The inaugural class of 2008 consists of 18 university students from FSU and FAMU within 11 divisions of the Department of Financial Services.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to gain experience that will help give them a competitive edge,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “The students recognized today by CFO Sink are some of our best and brightest. We are hoping that they will seriously consider careers in Florida and in state government. These are students who have the potential to become the future leaders of our state.”

The FAMU students who were selected included the following:

•Rodney Dean Adair, Jr., a business administration major from Chicago, Ill., who will work in the agent and agency services;
•Kyesha Austin, a health information management major from Lauderhill, Fla. will work in the workers’ compensation division;
•Dariaen Brown, from Tallahassee will work in the accounting and auditing division;
•Tiffaine Cash, a criminal justice/biology major from St. Louis, Mo. will work in the fraud division;
•Latrese Cherry, from Hollywood, Fla. will work in the agent and agency services;
•James Harden, Jr., majoring public relations with a minor Spanish from Miami, Fla. will work in the consumer services division;
•Kendra Lee, from San Antonio, Texas will work in the accounting and auditing division;
•Geena Lewis, a business administration major from Jacksonville, Fla. will work in the accounting and auditing division;
•Manuel Moody, a business administration major from Canton, Miss. will work in the rehabilitation and liquidation division;
•LaToya Russell, a public relations major from Charlotte, NC will work in the Office of Communications;
•LaToya Sheals, a graduate student from Lakeland, Fla. will work in the fraud division;
•Kaili Walker, an accounting major from Thomson Georgia will work in the accounting and auditing division; and
•William Wiggins, an accounting major from Tallahassee will work in the accounting and auditing division.

“I will have the opportunity to travel to various counties in the state of Florida to review their budgets to make sure their agency is following Florida statutes,” said Brown. “This experience will help me because I plan to be a CPA.”

The Academy of Leadership and Excellence program will provide real-world work experience, professional development, and career opportunities in public service for Florida’s best and brightest university students. Students will receive substantive and challenging work assignments from their assigned mentor and have their work evaluated on a professional level.

“I commend the 2008 inaugural class of the A.L.Ex. program for their academic achievement and their commitment to public service,” said CFO Alex Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. “As a state, we need to do everything we can to encourage and mentor our young people, providing a pathway for public service and a lifetime of success.”

Students have paid positions and are required to work at least 20 hours a week. All students must maintain above a 3.0 GPA and be a junior, senior or a graduate student. This class’s average GPA is 3.5. Future classes will be open to all state university students.

As a token, Sink presented each student with a nameplate for his or her desk.

FAMU is Ranked No. 1 in Production of Black Baccalaureate Degree Holders

Florida A&M University was recently cited as the number one producer of African American baccalaureate degree holders in a report issued by Diverse Issues in Higher Education.

With a total of 1,256 graduates in the 2006-07 academic year, FAMU tops the magazine’s list of America’s top 100 undergraduate degree producers in its June 2008 issue. All institutions appearing on the list were ranked according to the total number of degrees awarded to minority students across all disciplines. FAMU has been consistently ranked as a number one baccalaureate degree producer for several years in various categories. The University also leads the nation in the production of African American pharmacists and African American PhD graduates in physics.

James H. Ammons, president of FAMU, said the recognition received from the recently published report validates the valued role FAMU plays in American and global higher education.

“This announcement by Diverse Issues in Higher Education speaks volumes concerning FAMU’s unique contributions to the nation and the international community at large,” he said. “I am pleased to learn of our ranking as we make enormous strides in our daily pursuit of excellence in everything we do.”

Located in Tallahassee, FAMU has a long tradition of achievements. In 1997, the institution was selected by Time Magazine and the Princeton Review as the “College of the Year” when it beat out most Ivy League Institutions in the recruitment of National Merit finalists. In 2000 FAMU tied Harvard in its recruitment of National Merit Scholars, bringing the nation’s brightest and most promising students to its campus. The university was also recognized as the number one institution for African Americans in 2006 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

Acclaimed Author, Dennis Kimbro to Keynote FAMU Summer 2008 Commencement

Dennis P. Kimbro, Ph.D., acclaimed author and professor, will keynote Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Summer 2008 commencement scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, August 8, at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center.

Kimbro has interviewed some of America’s most notable achievers with one question in mind: How can impoverished black Americans pull themselves out of poverty and reach their full potential? Kimbro decided to study, and use as a reference, Napoleon Hill’s bestseller “Think and Grow Rich.” He also developed an open survey to use among black Americans much like Hill did in the 1930s.

Two years later, Kimbro learned from the Napoleon Hill Foundation, that Hill himself had drafted a book in 1970 that explored his same question. After a personal meeting with the president of the foundation, Kimbro was commissioned to update and complete Hill’s original manuscript. The end result was “Think and Grow: A Black Choice,” which delves into the secrets of success contained in the lives of peak performing men and women, and reveals how readers can utilize these keys to make their dreams come true.

He has been awarded the Dale Carnegie Personal Achievement Award, and in 1996 he served as one of the eight national judges for the prestigious Ernst and Young USA Today Entrepreneur of the Year. The National Black MBA Association presented him with the 2005 H. Naylor Fitzhugh Award, emblematic of the top business professor in the nation. Kimbro has been featured on the Today Show and Larry King Live, and in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today.

Kimbro is the author of several books including his bestseller “What Keeps Me Standing: A Black Grandmother’s Guide to Peace, Hope and Inspiration.”

Kimbro received his B.A. and M.S. degrees from the University of Oklahoma, and his doctorate from Northwestern University, where he studied wealth and poverty among underdeveloped countries. He is currently a professor at the Clark Atlanta University School of Business Administration. He is married, and is the father to three daughters; Kelli, Kimberli and MacKenzie.

From Facebook Profile to Page, FAMU Makes the Switch to Keep Students Involved in the Digital Era

In an effort to creatively and effectively maintain open lines of communication and constant flow of information to one of its most important stakeholders, students, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is reestablishing its Facebook page.

“The Office of Communications is committed to making sure we keep our students and other stakeholders informed about the events, achievements and activities occurring at FAMU,” said Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief of communications and executive assistant to the president. “Facebook is one way to ensure that students are made aware of activities, issues and opportunities.”

Recently, FAMU received notification from the Facebook’s customer operations department that the FAMU Facebook “profile” would be disabled because organizations are not permitted to utilize a profile. FAMU will start to rebuild its list through a Facebook page it has been given permission to establish.

“This page will give the office the opportunity to rebuild its list of interested students and send key messages to them,” said Saunders. “The FAMU profile had generated more than 1,000 friends.”

The new FAMU Facebook page will feature up-to-date news on the institution; photo galleries showcasing campus activities; alumni and student achievements; and promotional videos. Also, “fans” of the FAMU Facebook page will receive alerts and reminders via a mass email blast.

Angel Suri, a FAMU information and communications specialist who is responsible for maintaining FAMU’s official MySpace page (MySpace.com/FAMU1887), YouTube channel (YouTube.com/FAMUTube1887) and blog (RattlerWIRE.blogspot.com), will maintain the FAMU Facebook page.

To view the FAMU Facebook page, visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tallahassee-FL/Florida-AM-University/16502236883.

FAMU President to Serve on Two National Committees to Develop Policy

James H. Ammons, president of Florida A&M University, has been selected to serve on two national committees that will develop policy used by officials in government and education.

As a member of the Committee on Underrepresented Groups and the Expansion of the Science and Engineering Workforce Pipeline, President Ammons will help develop resolutions to increase studies in the fields of math, science and engineering. The committee is scheduled to conduct a 12-month congressionally-mandated study to examine ways to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in various education programs in preparation for the science and engineering workforce.

In a second committee Ammons will serve as an educational associate member of the Conference Board. Since 1916, the board has been delivered data and analysis on the economy and fast-changing management practices. Nearly 2,000 companies, colleges, and universities worldwide rely on The Conference Board. In past years the board has created the first cost of living index in the U.S. and currently produces indices such as the Consumer Confidence Index, Consumer Internet Barometer, and the Leading Economic Indicators.

In an effort to help establish and enhance the plight of minority institutions, Ammons will also serve as a board member on the National Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Title III Administration. The mission of the board is to strengthen the resource development capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in order to move them into the mainstream of American Higher Education.

Ammons expressed great pride and joy in his nomination and appointments to these prestigious boards.

“It is a distinct honor for me to serve as a board member with these important and dynamic organizations. I look forward to having an opportunity to help develop policies that will enhance the higher education community and help inform the general public on what is needed to keep America as the world’s leader in research and cutting-edge technology.” Ammons said.

Ammons will begin his second year as president of FAMU on July 2. An official installation ceremony will take place on October 31.