FAMU Student Selected As Public Health Education Fellow

Florida A&M University Institute of Public Health MPH candidate Roxie Zarate was selected as one of the Society for Public Health Education/Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (SOPHE/ATSDR) Fellows. The fellowship is designed to support the training of a new generation of environmental health researchers and practioners in the behavioral sciences. The Institute of Public Health is housed within the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Zarate will work with the Florida Poison Control Information Network to evaluate data associated with chlorine injury. Additionally, she will develop an outreach program designed to reduce exposure and injury and will present her findings at the 2009 SOPHE meeting in Philadelphia, PA, November 5-7, 2009.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to participate in research and to translate that research into an outreach program that may help reduce chlorine associated morbidity in Florida,” said Zarate.

Zarate has also been invited to submit a manuscript to the peer-reviewed journals of Health Education and Behavior or Health Promotion Practice.

“We are so proud of Roxie and her diligence and commitment to public health research that will aid in the prevention of unnecessary illness and death related to chlorine exposures,” said Cynthia M. Harris, Ph.D., director and professor for the Institute of Public Health.

Henry Lewis, III, Ph.D., dean and professor said, “We commend Ms. Zarate for being selected as a SOPHE/ATSDR Fellow in Environmental Health Promotion. As a College, we motivate our students to be competitive nationally for these types of fellowships and research initiatives that can improve the health of all Floridians.”

FAMU Faculty Senate Offers Monetary Assistance in Advancing the Institution

In the midst of a struggling economy, the Florida A&M University Faculty Senate has pulled together to establish a source of monetary aid for FAMU faculty members for professional development.

The FAMU Faculty Senate Travel Grant (FFSTG) provides monetary assistance to support faculty members who help advance FAMU into the forefront of universities in the world.

“In this time of budgetary cuts, faculty members are still expected to bring excellence to the classroom and carry out the other duties pertaining to scholarship,” said Maurice Holder, faculty senate president and member of the FAMU Board of Trustees. “These travel awards are a small way to help deserving faculty attend meetings and present their scholarly work while bringing added recognition to FAMU.”

According to Roscoe Hightower, Ph.D., chair of the Faculty Senate Travel Grant Committee, funding for the grants came from a combination of the FAMU Faculty Senate, the Division of Academic Affairs and the Office of the President’s budgets. Hightower is also a professor of marketing for the FAMU School of Business and Industry.

“This was first time we implemented such an effort, but we hope and expect for it to become bigger as we move forward,” Hightower said. “It is tough in these financial times and this monetary amount is small, but it’s a great start.”

FFSTG provides support for faculty wishing to attend professional meetings, conferences or workshops that address research, teaching or institutional issues, and individual growth or professional development. The grants can only pay for travel, per diem, and fees for attending events in the faculty members’ discipline.

They may only be used to cover travel to a professional meeting where the faculty member will be presenting a paper or poster representing research conducted at FAMU. A maximum of $1,000 will be awarded per FAMU school, college or institute per semester.

To be eligible for the FFSTG the applicant must be tenured or tenure-track member of the FAMU faculty or a librarian and have not received a FF0STG in the previous 24 months.

For more information on the FFSTG or to obtain an application, call the Office of the Faculty Senate at (850) 599-3023 or visit www.FAMU.edu/FacultySenate.

Governor Crist Appoints FAMU Alumna to the Board of Pharmacy

Florida Governor Charlie Crist appointed Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS) alumna Cynthia R. Griffin, PharmD, FASHP, to the Florida Board of Pharmacy for a four-year term starting February 13, and ending October 31, 2012.

A member of the Class of 1983, Griffin is the director of Pharmacy Government Programs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.

The Florida Board of Pharmacy is the governing body responsible for pharmacy practice, regulations, licensure and certifications of Interns and Pharmacists. Additionally, the board responds to disciplinary actions, analyze changes in the practice of pharmacy, examine changing trends in pharmacy services, and continuing education monitoring, to name a few of the Board’s responsibilities

Griffin said, “I am elated to have been selected by Governor Crist to serve on the Florida Board of Pharmacy. The education and training I received at Florida A&M University’s College of Pharmacy has been a tremendous asset toward helping me excel in the pharmacy profession. I am excited and look forward to the opportunity this position will provide for me to continue to serve the pharmacy profession.

Griffin, a native of Quincy, Fla., she is married to Pastor Mark L. Griffin. She has two daughters, Whitney D. Griffin, a P1 PharmD candidate, enrolled in the College of Pharmacy Program at FAMU and Crystal R. Griffin, a pre-pharmacy student, also enrolled at FAMU.

“We congratulate Dr. Griffin on this prestigious appointment,” said Henry Lewis III, dean and professor of FAMU’s COPPS. “I am confident that the health of the people of Florida will be better because of her service in this capacity.”

WANM Radio Named Best College Radio Station and Journey Magazine Named Best College Magazine

Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication has been recognized for excellence. WANM radio, Journey Magazine, and four journalism and graphic communication students have all been named “2008 Best of the South” contest winners by the Southeastern Journalism Conference (SEJC).

“I’m very proud of our staff for their hard work and dedication in keeping the station relevant and for consistently delivering high quality content to the FAMU and Tallahassee radio market,” said Keith Miles, station manager for WANM. “I’m thankful to our listeners who consistently tell us what’s working and what’s not. We’re proud to be a resource that our community counts on for news, sports, information and entertainment and are committed to continue excellence in broadcasting.”

The competition included students from 32 colleges and universities in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Brent Hatchett, a senior broadcast student from Detroit, Mich., was the first place winner in the “Best Television Journalist” category. Hatchett, who previously worked part-time at WTXL-TV, served as a FAMU TV 20 news anchor in the fall 2008 and regularly hosts a gospel program on WANM 90.5, also recently won a Hearst Award for one of his TV news packages.

Xion Lester, a senior broadcast student from Tallahassee who also is an anchor for FAMU TV 20 News at Five, won third place in the “Best Radio Journalist” category.

Leitoya Snelling, a junior arts education student from Tallahassee, won first place in the “Best Magazine Layout” category. Taylar Barrington, a freshman photography student from Stone Mountain, Ga., received an honorable mention in the Best Press Photographer category.

“We congratulate the winners,” said James Hawkins, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “We’re delighted that our students placed extremely well in this competition.”

FAMU Kicks Off Second Annual President’s Tour: FAMU Up Close and Personal

Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons will kick off his Second Annual President’s Tour beginning March 12 through March 14 in an effort to boost the university’s enrollment. Ammons will meet with students, parents, business executives and alumni in the Gainesville and south Florida areas as he works to continue building enrollment. This is a shortened tour in light of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) team campus visit. The team visit is a part of FAMU’s reaffirmation of accreditation process.

The President’s Tour is sponsored by Coca-Cola and NASCAR.

Two receptions have been planned. The first is in Gainesville at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 120 SE Williston Road, Gainesville, Fla. on Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m. The second is scheduled for Friday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Hotel located at 1617 SE 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additionally, the university will make a stop at Palm Beach Lakes High School.

High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend. Scholarships will be award on the spot. To qualify, a student must be a National Achievement Semifinalist majoring in one of the following STEM programs: biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, or mathematics who has an 1100 (R&M) SAT score or 23 ACT. Other students who have at least a 3.5 GPA and scores of 1300 (R&M) SAT score or 29 ACT are also eligible. Recipients of this scholarship will also receive a stipend each semester for miscellaneous expenses and internship opportunities. FAMU will also offer a full scholarship called the Distinguished Scholar Award to students who have 1200 on the SAT or 27 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA or better. Partial scholarships will be offered to incoming freshmen who have at least 1100 on the (R&M) SAT or 23 on the ACT and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

“During these dark and gloomy times, FAMU is on the road to reassure students and their families that education is key to realizing their dreams for bright futures,” said Ammons. “This tour is a personal reminder that college funding is available and that we are encouraging donors to support these students’ dreams.”

The FAMU Connection, the University’s recruitment/performing group, will provide entertainment. Several FAMU administrators, Presidential Ambassadors, members of the FAMU Royal Court, colleges and schools representatives and alumni will accompany President Ammons.

Last year, Ammons and a team of administrators, recruitment advisors, and students toured eight cities which included Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Miami, Pensacola, Dothan, Ala., Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach and Sarasota.

For more information, contact Sharon P. Saunders at (850) 599-3413.

FAMU Recognized for Outstanding Community Service

Florida A&M University was recognized for its outstanding community service by the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for its efforts in recruiting more than 400 African Americans onto the National Marrow Donor registry.

FAMU was one of the top three historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) to register students as bone marrow donors.

Saundra Inge, director of FAMU’s Student Activities said, “We have done a lot of work with Relay for Life and Big Bend Cares. We are broadening our reach and providing new experiences for our students.”

Coordinators for the FAMU Bone Marrow Drive were Alex DeJarnett, FAMU’s coordinator for Greek life and community involvement, and William Johnson, a FAMU residence director. They received an award for their efforts in organizing the campus-based campaign.

“It was a great opportunity for FAMU to rise to the challenge,” said DeJarnett. “I was glad the faculty, staff and students responded.”

According to the National Marrow Donor Program, on any given day, more than 6,000 men, women and children are searching the National Marrow Donor Program Registry for a life-saving donor.

“We are looking at dates this spring to do it again,” said DeJarnett. “We are already thinking of other ways to raise the number of donors.”

Office of Communications Establishes Street Team

The Florida A&M University Office of Communications has established a street team, the INFOrmants, to ensure the campus community – faculty, staff and students – is aware of official university activities.

“One of the Office of Communications priorities is to keep all of FAMU constituents and the campus community informed of activities, issues and opportunities,” said Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief of communications. “I’m confident these vibrant and energetic individuals will help us in this endeavor and at the same time gain valuable experience.”

Students that are part of the street team will work on a number of tasks within the Office of Communications such as volunteer at convocations or press conferences, conduct research, write press releases and copy for Web and develop publicity and promotion strategies for special projects.

The members of the street team are:

• Erica Baker, a sophomore broadcast journalism student from Atlanta, Ga.;

• Natasha Graddick, a senior public relations student from Macon, Ga.; and

• Marvin Newsome, a junior public relations student from Philadelphia, Pa.

Baker was anxious to get started and gain the “hands-on experience” that so many employers look for while promoting an institution she has grown to love. Her colleagues agree.

“I feel that I will benefit by gaining both experience and an education at the same time,” said Newsome.

Graddick looks forward to the overall experience.

“I’m excited about establishing relationships with new people, experiencing new challenges outside of my comfort zone and being part of something that will help my fellow Rattlers,” said Graddick.

CAPTION: Left to right: Erica Baker, Marvin Newsome and Natasha Graddick

FAMU Student Receives Scholarship to Study in Vienna

The Florida A&M University Office of International Agriculture Programs (OIAP) awarded a $4,000 scholarship to Joshua Green to participate in a European-USA Student Exchange program titled, “A Study in Vienna.”

Green is a FAMU junior, majoring in International Agriculture and Business in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA). As
part of this program, Green will study at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria, now through June 1. He will also participate in cultural and language programs and a supervised internship under the leadership of Rainer Haas, Ph.D., associate professor for the Institute of Marketing and Innovation at the University of BOKU.

A native of Redlands, Calif., Green is a member of the FAMU Marching 100 Band.

“I really welcome this opportunity to study in Vienna,” said Green. “The program at the University of BOKU is outstanding. I hope to be able to further develop my interest in organic farming, as well as the rich musical culture of Vienna.”

The Study in Vienna program builds on the European partnership and institutional relationship developed by the OIAP under a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) titled “Comparing European Union (EU) and United States Biotechnology, Food Safety,
International Trade & Regulatory Policies.” The international exchange, teaching and research program, under the FIPSE grant (2004-2008), was supported by three EU universities (University of Udine, University of Hohenheim, and University of BOKU) and achieved the following impacts:

• It supported the development of a new joint international course, the Global Seminar AGG 4420 001 3813;
• Seven CESTA students completed semester study programs in Europe;
• Three CESTA faculty exchanges for teaching and research were carried out to EU partner universities;
• Five EU students studied at FAMU for a semester; and
• Four EU faculty conducted teaching and research activities at FAMU.

Harriett Paul, director of the Office of International Agriculture at FAMU-CESTA and director of the FAMU EUUS Student and Faculty Exchange Program, is committed to designing international education programs to increase the participation of agriculture students in study abroad programs.

“Today, agriculture is a global enterprise,” said Paul. “Our students in agriculture and natural resources need to broaden their knowledge of other systems and methods, expand on their cultural experiences and second language skills, and improve their understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing America’s production, value-addition and trade in food and fiber products on the global market.”

FAMU students who participated in the FIPSE Exchange Program cited their semester study in Europe as “life-changing and a truly rewarding experience.”

For more information, contact Paul at (850) 599-8867 or via email at harriett.paul@famu.edu.

Obama Campaign and Inaugural Mementos Bestowed to FAMU

Less than a month after the historic inauguration of the country’s first African-American president, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson donated his personal keepsakes from President Barack Obama’s campaign and inauguration to Florida A&M University.

Senator Nelson donated two unpublished photographs of Obama on the campaign trail, his own tickets to the Inaugural Parade and the Presidential Inaugural Southern Ball and his formal Inauguration Program.

“On behalf of Florida A&M University, I want to thank Senator Nelson for donating these valuable pieces of American and world history,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons.

The items are on public display at FAMU’s Carrie Meek-James N. Eaton, Sr. Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum.

“Knowing how much the election of Barack Obama means to America – and to the students, faculty and alumni of FAMU, it’s my hope these mementos might offer future students and Floridians a reminder of the hope instilled in all of us on Inauguration Day 2009,” said Nelson.

With an Increase in National Achievement Scholars, FAMU Continues to Attract the Best and Brightest

Mellori Lumpkin, Florida A&M University's Student Government Association vice president, was recruiting a National Achievement Scholar and she did not even know it. Through her effort and the effort of others, FAMU is currently ranked No. 2 in the state of Florida, No. 2 among Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) and No.17 in the United States in recruiting National Achievement Scholars. The university’s goal is to be No. 1.

“Through our aggressive recruitment campaigns, we were able to show prospective students that FAMU is an institution that provides an enlightening academic experience and faculty that cares about student development,” said Roland Gaines, vice president for student affairs.

Lumpkin and Shirelle Clark were next-door neighbors and grew up together in Bainbridge, Ga. Lumpkin’s success at FAMU is what sparked Clark’s initial interest in the institution.

“Seeing how happy she was made me take note of what FAMU had to offer,” said Clark, a FAMU freshman majoring in nursing.

As it would turn out, Clark followed in the footsteps of Lumpkin, who was the only National Achievement Scholar of her freshmen class in 2005.

Clark is one of the 11 National Achievement Scholars that enrolled at FAMU for the 2008-2009 school year. There are a total of 815 scholars enrolled at 173 institutions in the United States.

Increasing from six students in 2007-2008 to 11, FAMU continues to attract excellence by almost doubling the number of National Achievement Scholars for this academic school year.

Among the National Achievement Scholars enrolled at FAMU for the 2008-2009 school year are:

- Tyler Calhoun from Waukegan, Ill.
- Christon Byrd from Penfield, N.Y.
- Samuel Cawley from Atlanta, Ga.
- Dominique Chesteen from Jonesboro, Ga.
- Shirelle Clark from Bainbridge, Ga.
- Alexis Cooke from Tampa, Fla.
- Porscha Council from Loxahatchee, Fla.

National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding African-American high school students. Students are required to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, as well as meeting other requirements to be considered.

CAPTION: FAMU's Student Government Association Vice President Mellori Lumpkin’s (left) success at FAMU is what sparked Shirelle Clark’s initial interest in FAMU. Clark is one of the 11 National Achievement Scholars that enrolled at FAMU for the 2008-2009 school year.

FAMU Student Featured in the College Preview

Amari Jones, 19, a third year environmental science student at Florida A&M University, was featured in the College Preview magazine.

The article “Saving our Planet” examined the opportunities for environmental scientists, highlighted the variation of salaries and focused on several students, who are vastly excelling in science programs.

Jones, a native of Houston, Texas, expressed her passion for making a difference. “I chose my major after Hurricane Katrina,” said Jones. “When I traveled with FAMU to help, I saw the real impact.”

Since Jones’ initial visit to Louisiana, she completed her tour in five trips to help rebuild homes.

Jones plans to complete her master’s degree in meteorology. One of Jones goals is to research ways to advance the prediction of storms.

Despite her accomplishments, Jones remains humble.

“It is a great honor, especially being an African American,” said Jones. “Not many minorities are featured in a magazine regarding environmental science.

Jones wants to work with other scientists and conduct individual research.

Although Jones has worked hard in her studies, she credits FAMU for instilling professional development into its students.

“FAMU taught me how to better myself, how to interact with people and prepared me for the real world,” said Jones.

College PreView is a publication that targets college-bound juniors and seniors.

FAMU Professor Co-authors New Book Published by Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Charles Magee, Ph.D., Florida A&M University professor of the Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering (BASE) program, is a co-author of a new book published by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) titled “Models for Success: Successful Academic Models for Increasing the Pipeline of Blacks and Hispanics Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Areas.”

The book highlights successful STEM programs at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The BASE program in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture (CESTA) has been identified by the TMCF as a successful STEM program.

Magee is the author of Chapter 5 of the book, “Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering (BASE): A Success in STEM at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.” The chapter includes statistical data that supports the need for developing a pipeline to help increase minority representation in STEM areas, as well as an in-depth perspective of the history and implementation of the biological and agricultural systems engineering program at Florida A&M University.

“This recognition is very significant for our BASE program, as it will help us attract more students, especially among minorities, to train for STEM professions that offer tremendous opportunities for young people to excel in life,” said Makola Abdullah, Ph.D., dean and director of Land-Grant Programs, FAMU College of Engineering Sciences Technology and Agriculture. “Being identified in this book as a “model of success” in STEM is a testament to the excellence of the BASE program and the commitment of Dr. Magee, the faculty and our staff.”

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund selected FAMU’s BASE program because during its short 13-year history, two Ph.D. graduates have been produced in biological engineering and molecular biology, and there are five BASE graduates presently pursuing Ph.D.s in STEM fields. The program began at FAMU in 1996. Since May 2000, 38 students have graduated from the BASE program. Out of the 38 students, 18 have gone to graduate school at 14 different universities.

Magee’s own story is one of a STEM professional. A 1970 graduate of Alcorn State University majoring in general agriculture, Magee earned the master of science in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota (1973) and his Ph.D. in agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell /university in 1980. He was the third African American to receive a doctorate degree in this field. During his career, Magee has received recognition for significant “firsts” including being the first African American hired as an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville; and he received the first United States patent in the history of Fort Valley State University.

The TMCF publication will be shared with libraries and directors of STEM programs at other universities. Through this academic network, it is anticipated that more BASE graduates will be recruited by universities for graduate study in STEM fields.

FAMU Research Center offers Introduction to Enology

The Florida A&M University Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research is offering an enrichment course titled “Intro Enology/Art and Science of Wine Appreciation” beginning February 24 through April 30.

This is a structured course of study, designed to introduce the participants to enology, the science dealing with winemaking and wine understanding, and in the art of “knowing wine” as related to human tradition and culture.

The course is open to the general public. Interested individuals must be 21 years old or older. The Center offers this as an outreach and extension activity of the Center for Viticulture Science and Small Fruit Research, which is a component in the FAMU College of Engineering Sciences, Technology and Agriculture.

Classes for the 10-week course will take place every Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the FAMU/CESTA Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research located at 6505 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32317. Each class will consist of two 45-minute sessions with 10-minute breaks. Instruction for the sessions includes a combination of lecture, video presentation and 30-minute wine tasting and evaluation discussion. Course requirements include a final examination, a field trip to one of Florida’s leading wineries and a discussion of the different wines sampled during the visit.

Participants who successfully complete 70 percent of the course requirements (lectures, discussion forums, field trip and final examination) will graduate with the certificate of completion and two credit units from the University Outreach Program.

The enrollment fees for the course include the cost for the field trip to the winery. The fee categories are as follows: general public is $255 per person; FAMU faculty/staff is $205 per person and students is $165 per person. The enrollment deadline is February 24, as seating is limited to 20 students.

To register or for more information, contact Violetka Colova, Ph.D., FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, at (850) 599-3996 or via email at Violetka.Colova@famu.edu.

FAMU Installs Defibrillators in Buildings Throughout Campus

Florida A&M University wants to do what it can to protect the hearts of its nearly 12,000 students and 3,000 employees. The university has installed automated external defibrillators (AED) in buildings throughout the campus as part of its on-going commitment to health.

University officials say that the 114 defibrillators that are installed in 70 buildings across the campus will make FAMU a leader nationwide in the number of devices in place on a single college campus to treat the victims of cardiac arrest.

“As women all over this country join forces tomorrow with the American Red Cross to bring attention to the fight against heart disease through National Wear Red Day, we are confident in knowing FAMU has launched an initiative that has the potential to save lives,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “Our thinking was to be effective. Students, faculty, and staff must have easy access to a defibrillator wherever they are on campus. That is the situation that we have now created – a defibrillator in every occupied campus building.”

Research shows that early defibrillation is critical in sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, for every minute without defibrillation, the odds of survival drop 7-10 percent.

According to FAMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cynthia Hughes Harris, it is not enough just to have defibrillators, but important to have personnel trained to use them.

“If we are forced to use them, that means an unfortunate crisis has occurred,” said Harris. “The true objective is to create a campus climate that focuses on our own health and the health of our hearts; a campus climate that is focused on prevention through healthy lifestyles and behaviors.”

The installation of the AED devices marks the beginning of a campus-wide initiative to improve the overall health of students, faculty and staff on campus through the “Heart Safe Campus Community Initiative.”

This project involves using health as a tool to strengthen the FAMU community. The campaign will also focus on proper screening, such as blood pressure because high blood pressure can be an indicator for cardiac arrest.

“Through these initiatives and campaigns, we will become a Heart Safe Campus Community,” said Provost Harris. “As proud as we are to have the security of defibrillators on our campus, we will be more proud that we will never have to use them.”

The university will officially begin to offer training classes next week. To augment the defibrillator training, the university will also offer CPR training campus-wide.

FAMU Police and parking services vehicles also have defibrillators. In addition, the university has installed defibrillators at the FAMU College of Law, and plans are underway to install the AED devices at the Panama City campus.

This project was supported by a $1.5 million grant the university received in 2003 funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

CAPTION: FAMU announced it has installed automated external defibrillators in buildings throughout the campus as part of its on-going commitment to health. President James H. Ammons (second from right) holds one of the defibrillators. Other participants included (from left to right) Errick Farmer, FAMU’s Office for Academic Affairs; Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris; Michael Castleman, Cardiac Science; Jorge Olaves, FAMU’s Division of Health, PE and Recreation; Mary Simmons, FAMU’s School of Allied Health; and Helen Michel, director of health and safety service, American Red Cross.

Office of Communications Awarded for Excellence

The Florida A&M University Office of Communications will receive an Award of Excellence and a Special Merit Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III for its work in media relations and graphic design.

“This recognition from CASE is significant,” said Sharon Saunders, FAMU’s chief communications officer and special assistant to the president. “It is symbolic of our strategic effort as a university community to positively promote and market FAMU. This award recognizes the commitment and dedication of my staff toward a common goal.”

In the category of Media Relations Programs, Division B, Total Programs, the FAMU Office of Communications submitted news articles, editorials and the Office of Communications strategic plan which included as one of its goals to reverse the trend of negative news coverage. The office received an “Award of Excellence” in this category.

According to Edwina Harris Hamby, Ph. D., judging coordinator for the media relations programs, the initiative was “right on the mark.”

“Your goal was a very unique one, but one that many institutions often face yet do not tackle effectively,” said Hamby.

Hamby also suggested that the FAMU Office of Communications develop its strategic initiatives into a workshop and present it at an international CASE and Association for Fundraising Professional (AFP) conferences.

“You have a viable ‘best practice’ from which other institutions could benefit immeasurably,” she said.

In the category of Direct Mail, the Office of Communications submitted the invitation for FAMU President James H. Ammons’ inauguration, which included an interactive DVD. For this submission, the office received a “Special Merit Award.”

During 2008-2009, the office took advantage of new media establishing MySpace, Facebook and blog pages. The office increased the number of press releases that were distributed worked to promote university achievements through special events, and developed strategies to keep FAMU stakeholders informed. Alumni also received releases and helped in the effort to spread the word about university events and achievements.

The cut off for the submission were activities ending November 5, 2008. During that period, FAMU had articles published in the New York Times, USA Today, Ebony, Diverse Issues in Higher Education and publications throughout the state and nation. In addition, the university received exposure through ESPN Game Day and TV One coverage during the presidential election.

CASE District III holds an annual conference where institutions of higher learning in Southeast region of the United States participate in various workshops, roundtable discussions and professional development seminars, in addition to the awards ceremony. This year, CASE will hold its annual conference in February in Atlanta, Ga., where the Office of Communications will be presented with the awards.


CAPTION: FAMU's Office of Communications received an Award of Excellence and a Special Merit Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III. Units in the Office of Communications include: media relations, publications and special events. (First row left to right) Angel Suri; Sharon P. Saunders, who manages the Office of Communications and serves as the special assistant to the president; and Pamela Tolson, director of Media Relations. (Second row left to right) Tawanda Green; Charles Collins, III; Sabrina Thompson; Brian Lucas; Tammy Hamlet, director of Special Events; Veronica Scott; Keith Pope; Lawana King; and Glyndell Presley, director of Publications.