FAMU Receives Unqualified Financial Audit With No Findings

Florida’s Auditor General David W. Martin released, today, the financial audit for Florida A&M University for 2007-2008 that shows no findings. The last time FAMU had a financial audit with no findings was in 2002.

University officials say the unqualified audit, the second since the tenure of FAMU President James H. Ammons, validates the work of FAMU’s administration and staff. Ammons said the unqualified audit also validates how the FAMU Board of Trustees is working to provide the kind of governance needed to make FAMU a world-class institution.

“We faced serious challenges in the area of finances that threatened our accreditation and the vitality and future of this university,” said Ammons. “Through the support and leadership of our Board of Trustees, the expertise and commitment of administrators and staff, and the support of alumni, we have been able to restore the public’s trust in our ability to handle our finances.”

The Chairman of the FAMU Board of Trustees C. William Jennings of Orlando said that he is very pleased about the progress that he sees at his alma mater.

“In 19 months we have seen tremendous progress,” said Jennings. “I believe that we have committed leadership at the top and administrators and staff who are professionals in every sense of the word. Florida A&M University is an institution that is critical to the survival of this state and nation. As a member of the Board, I am proud to see that we have been able to restore the public’s trust in our institution.”

According to Martin, the “results of our tests disclosed no instances of noncompliance or other matters that are required to be reported under Government Auditing Standards.”

Teresa Hardee, chief financial officer and vice president for Administrative and Financial Services, said the auditor general’s report is reflective of what is expected of a public institution of higher education and any other entity that requires an audit.

“There is no reason why FAMU should not be in compliance with government auditing standards,” said Hardee. “It is our job to strive for fiscal integrity in all of our operations that are validated by our financial statements.”

This is the second announcement this week, which sent a strong signal that FAMU has dealt with its financial challenges. This week the Florida Board of Governors dissolved the Task Force on FAMU Finance and Operational Control Issues. The Task Force was created by the Board to monitor the university’s corrective action plan.

In a recent report to the Board on Wednesday, January 28 Ammons said that FAMU has corrected all of the weaknesses that led to the creation of the task force in 2007.

Former Miss FAMU Kimberly Brown Selected to Participate in the 2009 Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant

Kimberly Brown, a Florida A&M University graduate and former Miss FAMU 2005-2006, was recently selected as the reigning Miss Black Alabama USA 2009. She will serve in the Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant in August 2009 in Washington, D.C. Competing in this National Pageant will give Kimberly an opportunity to vie for $20,000 in scholarship funds, which would be tremendously helpful toward her quest to enroll in a doctoral program in history in the fall of 2009.

“I’m so thankful to Florida A&M University for providing me with the academic training and unique experiences that have helped to prepare me for life as a young professional,” said Brown.

Brown, 24 and a Montgomery, Ala. native, obtained both her B.S. in public relations and master’s of applied social science in history at FAMU.

Brown’s platform as Miss Black Alabama is “A Map and A Compass: Using History Education as Tools to Guide and Inspire.” Her goal is to promote history education as a vehicle to motivate and move young people in a positive direction. Consequently, she will speak to a group of young teen-age girls as a part of a youth program at the Riley Museum in Tallahassee in December 2009 and make appearances at other youth centered educational programs throughout her reign.

Miss Black U.S.A. is a scholarship-based organization. It is the mission of the Miss Black U.S.A. Pageant to provide educational opportunities to outstanding young women of color and to develop the "whole woman mind, body, and spirit."

FAMU leads America’s Public Universities in Preparing Blacks for Ph.D.s

Florida A&M University has another number one ranking. It tops America’s public higher education institutions in preparing blacks for success in Ph.D. programs.

According to the National Science Foundation’s “Survey of Earned Doctorates,” 27 blacks who received baccalaureates from FAMU earned Ph.D.s in 2006, the largest number from any public college or university in the United States.

Howard University was first overall with 40.

FAMU’s performance stood out within the State University System of Florida. In 2006, Florida State University’s undergraduate program produced 9 blacks who earned Ph.D.s. The University of Miami and University of Florida both had 5.

“FAMU’s ‘Excellence with Caring’ approach is a winning formula,” said President James H. Ammons. “Our faculty and administration are dedicated to the goal of increasing the number of African Americans who earn their Ph.D.s. In addition, our faculty works to equip students with the discipline, knowledge, and research skills they need to become America’s top scholars.”

FAMU’s Graduate Feeder Scholars Program accounts for much of the university’s success. It serves as a pipeline that sends FAMU’s top-performing students on to advanced degree programs at more than 40 research universities. Participating institutions include the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, and Vanderbilt.

“The success of a university’s graduates is one of the best measures of its academic quality,” said Chanta Haywood, Ph.D. dean of FAMU’s School of Graduate Studies and Research. “This data shows that FAMU’s baccalaureates are regarded highly by Ph.D. program admissions committees across the nation. It also proves that FAMU’s students leave here ready to compete and excel anywhere.”

NSF has tracked earned doctorates since 1966 and its online records extend to 2006. Over those 40 years, FAMU graduated 599 black baccalaureate degree recipients who went on to complete Ph.D.s, the largest all-time number from any public higher education institution. Only Howard (1,285) and Hampton (628) managed to edge out FAMU during that time period.

2006 (USA)
Howard, 40
Spelman, 36
Hampton, 33
Morehouse, 28
Florida A&M University, 27

2006 (Florida)
FAMU, 27
FSU, 9
Miami, 5
UF, 5
FIU, 4

Overall, 1966-2006
Howard, 1,285
Hampton, 628
Florida A&M University, 599
Southern A&M, Baton Rouge, 594
Tuskegee, 564

School of Nursing Students Receive 100 Percent Passage Rate on Examination

Students at Florida A&M University in the School of Nursing received a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is used by state, commonwealth and territorial boards of nursing to assist in making licensure decisions.

“I am extremely happy,” said Ruena Norman, interim dean of the School of Nursing. “The results represent the hard work of our students and faculty.”

NCLEX-RN is required for entry into the practice of nursing in the United States and its territories is regulated by the licensing authorities within each jurisdiction. To ensure public protection, each jurisdiction requires a candidate for licensure to pass an examination that measures the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse. The Florida Board of Nursing regulates practice in the State of Florida.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), composed of member boards, provides leadership to advance regulatory excellence for public protection.

“I applaud and commend the outstanding job of our nursing students,” said Cynthia Hughes Harris, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This accomplishment demonstrates the hard work and the commitment of our faculty and the quality our students.”

FAMU Mourns the Death of Professor Colin Benjamin

Colin O. Benjamin, a professor of engineering management in the Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry, passed away on Saturday, January 3.

“We are absolutely devastated over the loss of our friend and colleague, Colin Benjamin,” said SBI Dean Lydia McKinley-Floyd. “He was one of the most positive, productive and supportive members of the faculty. He will be sorely missed.”

He received his B.Sc in mechanical engineering from the University of the West Indies, an MSc in engineering production and management from the University of Birmingham, UK, an MBA from the Cranfield Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering from the University of the West Indies. He had more than 20 years of international teaching and industrial and consulting experience. He held academic appointments at the University of Missouri-Rolla in the Department of Engineering Management and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Technology and Policy.

He served as principal/co-principal investigator on several research grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF); Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME); and the Small Business Association (SBA). His work had been presented at numerous international conferences and published in leading journals in industrial engineering, engineering management and management science. His research interests focused on the areas of electronic commerce, risk management, quality function deployment, supply chain management, applications software, and technology commercialization.

Benjamin had successfully directed numerous consulting projects in a variety of industrial settings including assignments with several Caribbean companies and U.S. companies such as Philip Morris, American Automobile Association, John Deere, Houston Chronicle, and NASA-Langley Research Center.

He was a member of IEEE; Institute of International Education; American Society for Engineering Education and American Society for Engineering Management.

Reverend Ernest Ferrell to Keynote Martin Luther King Convocation

Reverend Ernest Ferrell will keynote Florida A&M University’s Martin Luther King Convocation scheduled for Thursday, January 15, at 10:10 a.m. in Gaither Gymnasium. The general public is invited to attend.

Ferrell is the president of the Tallahassee Urban League and serves as pastor of Saint Mary Primitive Baptist Church in Tallahassee.

His church leadership began when he was a youth singing in the choir, the Lincoln High School Chorus, and a gospel group named the Walls of Zion. In 1972, he produced a recording album titled “The Ferrells in Concert,” with his brother and sister. The album was waxed in Nashville, Tennessee. From singing, he progressed to the church pulpit as a young gospel preacher. He became an ordained preacher, and in 1969, he was installed as pastor of his first church, Galilee Primitive Baptist Church.

Reverend Ferrell has advanced through the ranks in the Primitive Baptist denomination. He held the positions of assistant secretary, secretary, vice president, and president of the Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention. In the National Primitive Baptist Convention of the United States of America, he held the position of vice president and served a successful three-year term as president. He was re-elected in August 2008 to serve another three-year term as president of the National Primitive Baptist Convention of the United States of America. This convention consists of more than 600,000 members located in 18 states in the United States.

His community leadership began as a volunteer with the Tallahassee Urban League in 1970. Because of his successful level of achievement as a volunteer, the Board of Directors appointed him to the position of acting chief executive officer (CEO) in 1973. Five years later, he was appointed president/CEO and has served with distinction. Through the leadership of Reverend Ferrell at the Tallahassee Urban League, thousands of individuals and families in the Tallahassee and surrounding communities have received many services. These services include housing, crime prevention, youth services, victims’ rights assistance, emergency food and shelter, and many more.

Ferrell has been the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award from FAMU, the City of Tallahassee Reginald L. Rolle Minority Business Leadership Award, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year Award, and was nominated by the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce for the Distinguished Citizen Service Award. Also, the City of Tallahassee presented him with the Reverend Ernest Ferrell Day Proclamation Award. He received the Florida House of Representatives Leadership Award and many others.

Reverend Ferrell is married to the former Mary E. Richardson.

Florida A&M University Receives Scholarship Support from Cracker Barrel

Florida A&M University announced the three-year commitment of scholarship support from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® to provide tuition assistance for students in the School of Business and Industry. Cracker Barrel will provide a total of $30,000 for six scholarships annually over a three-year period to assist students who have displayed an interest in the hospitality industry and who have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

“Since both of my parents never completed high school, they have struggled to provide a decent standard of living for my sibling and me,” said Giles Paul. “As the first in my family to attend college, I am determined to work hard to achieve my goals in life. Having adequate funds is essential to the completion of my college education. The scholarship that I received from Cracker Barrel will greatly assist in furthering my studies. My parents and I are most appreciative.”

“Words cannot express how grateful I am to be a recipient of the Cracker Barrel scholarship for Spring 2009,” said Jeremy D Mounticure.

“Cracker Barrel is very pleased to provide this scholarship support as part of our overall commitment to achieving business excellence by embracing diversity and inclusion,” said Diana S. Wynne, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Cracker Barrel. “We believe that welcoming diversity in our company, our retail stores, and our restaurants, is good for business and, more importantly, good for people.”

The six students who received scholarships this year are as follows:
- Cusheena A. Brown, a senior business administration major from New York, NY;
- Carletha M. Clemmons, a senior business administration major from Pompano Beach, Fla.;
- Melkevia Denisha Morris, a senior accounting major from Jacksonville, Fla.;
- Jeremy D. Mounticure, a senior business administration major from Birmingham, Ala.;
- Giles Dionne Paul, a junior business administration major from Miami, Fla.;
- Christopher Andre Wan, a senior business administration major from West Palm Beach, Fla.;

About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurants provide a friendly home-away-from-home in their old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplings as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the publicly held CBRL Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL). Cracker Barrel was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. operates 585 company-owned locations in 41 states. For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

Photo caption: From left to right: Dean Lydia McKinley-Floyd, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Business and Industry; Carla Willis, vice president of FAMU’s University Relations; FAMU students Carletha M. Clemmons; Giles Paul; Melkevia Morris; and Jeremy Mounticure are presented with a check from Roy Thombs, manager, Field Human Resources for Cracker Barrel.

FAMU Launches Fundraising Effort for Marching “100” Road to Washington Campaign

Florida A&M University is soliciting the help of its supporters to raise at least $100,000 for the Marching “100”’s “Road to Washington and Beyond Campaign.” One of the upcoming fundraisers is the “FAMU Band Sunday” scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2008. The University’s Division of University Relations is asking churches throughout the community to take up a special offering to support the band’s trip to Washington.

The university also is asking individuals who are interested in supporting the trip to make a donation online by logging onto http://www.famu.edu/GiveToThe100 or to provide a check payable to the FAMU Foundation with “Road to Washington” in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to FAMU Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 6562, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-6562.

The University was notified on Friday that the Marching “100” had been selected to participate in the President’s Inaugural Parade scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2009 in Washington, D.C.

University officials have set a deadline of December 31, 2008, to raise the required funding.

“We are optimistic that the community, our alumni and supporters will help us to reach this goal,” said Carla Willis, vice president for University Relations. “We began our fundraising efforts this weekend with an email blast and already we’re seeing the results. We are going to need the collective support of all of our stakeholders to reach our goal.”

If additional information is needed about the fundraising effort, please call (850) 599-3491 or (850) 224-6093.

Marching “100” will Participate in President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade

Florida A&M University’s Marching “100” has been selected to participate in the President's Inaugural parade on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, in

A telephone call on Friday to Dr. Julian White, director of bands and chair of FAMU's Department of Music, was unexpected and changed the course of the band’s practice session.

December 5, was a typical band rehearsal for FAMU Marching “100” as they created unique formations with high-stepping techniques. According to White, he received a telephone call during rehearsal congratulating him that the Marching “100” had been selected to participate in the inaugural parade.

“When I heard that we were selected, I immediately asked them to repeat it again,” said White. “I put them on speakerphone and put the phone to the microphone so that the entire band could hear the invite. As soon as the band members heard the invitation, they went berserk. They were screaming and shouting. They started calling and sending text messages to their family and friends informing them of the wonderful news.”

This is not the first time the Marching “100” has been invited to participate in a Presidential Inaugural Parade. This appearance will be the third time for the Marching “100”. The band participated in both of the inaugural parades for former President William “Bill” Clinton.

“For Florida A&M University to be a part of such a historical occasion is truly an honor,” said James H. Ammons, FAMU's president. “This nation will have an opportunity to see once again what we all know — the Marching “100” is this nation’s most talented, dynamic and innovative university band.”

White is also proud of the band.

“I am proud and elated that the 420 piece Florida A&M University Marching Band has been invited to participate in the historic Presidential Inaugural Parade,” said White. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to represent the university, the City of Tallahassee, and the State of Florida. The invitation to Present-elect Obama’s Inaugural Parade is by far what we are most proud of. We would like to thank our President Dr. James H. Ammons who has supported us every step of the way.”

Ralph Jean-Paul, student president of the Marching "100," echoed White’s sentiments.

“Words can not express how we feel,” said Paul, a senior from Miami majoring in music education with a concentration in performance. “We consider this to a great privilege for the band to be part of this historical event.”

To be considered to participate in the inaugural parade, the band had to submit an extensive application. White stated they sent a DVD of the band’s marching performance as well as audio clips. A 50-page media kit also was sent highlighting the numerous accomplishments of the band over the years.

“It was a hard job to condense some many years of accomplishments into just 50-pages,” said White.

Now the challenge is funding. According to White, he estimates that the cost for three nights of lodging and the travel expenses to and from Washington, D.C. could cost from $90,000 to $100,000.

“We are really going to need the help from our supporters, the FAMU community, our alumni, and the local community,” said White.

FAMU Student Honored by Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta

Mark Taylor II, vice president of the Florida A&M University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), was recently honored as the 2008 Beacon Award recipient during the Sixth Annual PR Summit hosted by the Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta (BPRS/Atlanta).

“Although I was confident in my accomplishments and what was submitted for the award, I was shocked when they announced me as the recipient,” said Taylor, a senior public relations student from Toledo, Ohio. “I had to work hard. I did my research, wrote and re-edited my submission using what I’ve learned from FAMU and work experience.”

Taylor’s press release on the recent academic achievements and social highlights at FAMU was a key component in his receiving the award. According to Taylor, he wrote the press release so that it would appeal to journalists.

“BPRS/Atlanta was pleased to award Mark the 2008 Beacon Award because of his quality work,” said Keith Aikens, president of BPRS/Atlanta.

According to the BPRS/Atlanta Web site, Taylor will also receive a scholarship that is given annually to an African-American undergraduate student who demonstrates leadership qualities and a commitment to achieving excellence as a future public relations professional. In fact, several panelists at the PR Summit lauded FAMU students for demonstrating professionalism and leadership.

“Mark is a very hard-working student who has a passion for public relations,” said Dr. LaRae Donnellan, professor and former PRSSA faculty advisor.

The BPRS/Atlanta PR Summit is an opportunity for students to network with several middle and senior-level PR professionals through panel discussions, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops. Students also discuss important issues with professionals from the black perspective, like how to make career choices and how to successfully transition from college into the workforce.

Three FAMU Alums Elected to the Florida House of Representatives

Three Florida A&M University alumni have been elected to the Florida House of Representatives — Representative Dwight M. Bullard, District 118, Miami; Representative Mia L. Jones, District 14, Jacksonville; and Representative Alan B. Williams, District 8, Tallahassee.

Bullard, a teacher in Miami, received his bachelor’s degree in history in 1999.

His father, Edward B. “Ed” Bullard, was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2008 and his mother, Larcenia J. Bullard, was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1992-2000 and has been a member of the Florida Senate since 2002.

Bullard is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Richmond-Perrine Alumni; Redlands Democrats; Richmond Heights Homeowners Association; Ron Brown Democratic Caucus; and the South Dade Democrats. He is also a life member of the NAACP.

The former director for Minority Business Affairs for the Duval County Public Schools, Representative Jones received her bachelor’s degree in 1991 and a MBA in 1992.

Jones’ affiliations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Leadership Florida, and Leadership Jacksonville. She is a board member for the Essential Capital Board of Directors and the Healthy Start Coalition Advisory Board. She is a life member of the FAMU National Alumni Association.

In 2003 and 2007, Jones was elected to the Jacksonville City Council.

Williams, a marketing and business consultant, received his bachelor’s degree in 1998 and his MBA in 2003.

His public service includes the City of Tallahassee Airport Advisory Board; a community relations aide to Mayor John Marks; the Florida Selective Service Board; and the Florida Advisory Committee for the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

Some of Williams’ affiliations are as follows: chair of the Board of Governors for
Leadership Tallahassee; current member for the Council of Advisors for Leadership Florida; life member and chapter president for the FAMU Alumni Association; a member for the board of directors for the Challenger Learning Center and the United Way of the Big Bend; a board member for the Florida Advisory Committee, United States Commission on Civil Rights; and a board member for Tallahassee Boys Choir.

Williams’ accomplishments include Brother of the Year and past Polemarch for alumni for the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; founded FAMU Campus Venom Shuttle Service; Leadership Tallahassee Distinguished Leadership Awards Finalist; recipient of the Rattler Pride Award in 2007; and from 1993 through 1998, a student senator for the FAMU Student Government Association. In 2003, he was featured in Ebony Magazine’s “30 Future Leaders under 30.”

From left to right: Representative Dwight M. Bullard, District 118, Miami; Representative Mia L. Jones, District 14, Jacksonville; and Representative Alan B. Williams, District 8, Tallahassee.

Judge Glenda Hatchett to Keynote FAMU’s 2008 Fall Commencement

Glenda Hatchett will keynote Florida A&M University’s 2008 fall commencement scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center at 6 p.m. Hatchett presides over the syndicated show “Judge Hatchett” now in its 8th season.

After graduating from Emory University School of Law and completing a coveted clerkship in the U.S. Federal Courts, Hatchett accepted a position at Delta Air Lines as the company’s highest-ranking African-American woman. She served in dual roles as a senior attorney for Delta, litigating cases in federal courts throughout the country, and manager of public relations, supervising global crisis management, and media relations for all of Europe, Asia and the United States. In fact, her outstanding contributions were recognized by Ebony Magazine, which named Hatchett one of the “100 Best and Brightest Women in Corporate America.” She made the difficult decision to leave Delta Air Lines to accept an appointment as Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County, Georgia Juvenile Court. Upon accepting the position, she became Georgia’s first African-American Chief Presiding Judge of a state court and the department head of one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country.

Hatchett is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College and has been recognized as a distinguished alumna and awarded an honorary degree by the college. She also attended Emory University School of Law and because of her commitment to excellence and service within the community, she was awarded the Emory Medal, the highest award given to an alum by the university.

She is the author of the national bestseller, “Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say” (HarperCollins). She has previously served on the Board of Directors of Gap, Inc., the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), and the Service Master Company.

Hatchett is a board member of the Atlanta Falcons Football Organization and serves on the Board of Advisors for Play Pumps International. She also serves on the Boys and Girls Clubs of America National Board of Governors.

She resides in Atlanta, Ga. with her two sons.

FAMU Student Designs Program Cover for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic Presented By State Farm

Florida A&M University (FAMU) student Roderic Edwards is the design contest winner for the Walt Disney World Florida Classic XXIX football game and the State Farm Battle of the Bands program covers.

This makes the second consecutive year a FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) student has won the contest.

“We applaud Roderic for this recognition,” said Dean James Hawkins, SJGC. “This award reflects the caliber of our students and will motivate other students to continue to set the standard of excellence in the graphics industry.”

Edwards, a 23-year-old senior graphic design student and Pensacola, Fla. native, said a classmate told him about the contest.

“I am elated to win and thankful for the opportunity to demonstrate my God-given talent,” said Edwards.

In addition to having his work featured on thousands of programs, Edwards will receive two tickets to the Florida Classic

XXIX football game (BCC vs. FAMU) in Orlando on November 22 and two tickets to the Battle of the Bands.

Edwards’ career goal is to eventually own a graphic design company.

Music Is My Business CEO and Former Sean “Diddy” Combs Exec. at FAMU

Aaron Arnold, chief executive officer for Music Is My Business, will speak to Florida A&M University (FAMU) journalism students on Thursday, October 9, at 11 a.m. in FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) Lecture Hall. His presentation is part of the fall journalism colloquium series. The presentation is open to the public.

“The music, entertainment, television and multi-media industries are of high interest to many students,” said Dorothy Bland, journalism division director. “We’re delighted that Mr. Arnold will share some of the lessons he’s learned about the business of music production, television/film and multi-media with our students.”

Arnold, a former member of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ executive team, has appeared on Cable News Network for being a “Young Person Who Rocks.” The show honored people under the age of 30 who impact and inspire the world. He is also on VH1’s new show “I Want to Work for Diddy.”

Arnold’s firm is based in Atlanta and houses several divisions including:

•MIMB Music (houses artists, producers and writers)
•MIMB TV & Film
•MIMB Marketing & Brand Development

MIMB is home to the Million Dollar DJs and has consulted for brands such as ESPN, Heineken, Billboard Magazine, The United Nations’ World Food Organization, Grammy Winner Bryan-Michael Cox and MTV’s Making The Band and platinum-selling artist Danity Kane.

Prior to working at Bad Boy Records, Arnold was an executive at Hill & Knowlton in New York.
Arnold graduated from the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.

For more information on colloquium and upcoming guest speakers, contact Dorothy Bland (850) 599-3719.

Victoria’s Secret PINK and FAMU Combine to Strike PINK!

With a little Rattler spirit from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a touch of style from Victoria’s Secret (VS) PINK, FAMU President James H. Ammons, VS PINK chief operating officer, FAMU alum and Board of Trustees member, Richard Dent, announced the extension of VS PINK Collegiate Collection.

“This is a day when my past and my present meet; a day when two important elements in my life converge; a day when I feel like the broker, of sorts, for a very powerful partnership,” said Dent. “I can’t think of a better place to roll out this new line than right here on the Rattler Yard.”

The PINK collection will incorporate some Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), including FAMU, Howard, North Carolina A&T State, and Southern Universities, and is slated to launch in mid-December.

“This year we have been working to expand our licensed products and this new partnership with Victoria Secret PINK will place merchandise with our logos and marks in area stores and provide access to a broader audience through on-line purchases,” said Ammons. “This will generate revenue for the university that we can use to enhance operations.”

Ammons spoke about how FAMU students can benefit from this historic partnership. Students from FAMU’s student-run public relations firm, PRodigy were able to get to practice basic integrated marketing and communication skills by working on the Strike PINK account, taking what is learned in the classroom and putting it to use with a real life client.

Three FAMU students will also be selected as VS PINK brand ambassadors, gaining valuable experience promoting the company on the campus and receiving compensation for their work.

In recognition of the occasion PRodigy hosted, alongside VS PINK, a “Recycle Your Sweats” clothing drive. A total of 1,100 clothing items have been collected so far and will be donated to Mothers in Crisis.

According to Dent, FAMU set the record for collecting the most clothing items by any group VS PINK has work with.

Pastor Rosalind Tompkins, founder and Executive Director for the Mothers In Crisis charity, was on hand to accept the donation.

“I am very grateful for this generous donation,” said Tompkins. “I assure you that every article of clothing donation will be put to good use.”

The clothing drive continued throughout the day at the VS Pop-Up Store. This weekend PRodigy students will deliver all of the collected items to Mothers In Crisis.

Lindsey Johnson, a junior pubic relations student and the PRodigy associate that presided over today’s event, introduced FAMU student models showing off VS PINK Collegiate Collection designs for FAMU, Howard and Southern Universities.

As the program came to a close, Johnson reminded the crowd that the VS Pop-Up Store, full of VS merchandise, was also on campus for the FAMU community to enjoy.