President Ammons Challenges the University to be Great

Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons delivered the state of the university address to a packed crowd with standing room only Jake Gaither Gymnasium for the first official convocation. His message was clear: “Dare to be Great.”

Larry Robinson, vice president for research, set the tone for the convocation by introducing Ammons.

Robinson mentioned that since Ammons’ arrival to FAMU, he has been successful in the reaffirmation of accreditation for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and full-accreditation of the College of Law. He also noted that during his first year, FAMU received its first unqualified audit in three years from the Auditor General’ Office, and admitted students to a new doctoral program in physical therapy.

Ammons opened his address with a warm welcome to the university community, and reminded the audience of the many accomplishments that have taken place at FAMU since his arrival in 2007 – restoring the public’s faith; rectifying business processes; completing the process for SACS accreditation; the start of the new Veterinarian Technology program; and student achievement across campus.

“But, truthfully, these were all fleeting headlines – merely mementoes in the big scheme of things,” Ammons said.

Ammons used four fading magazine covers that hang proudly in Lee Hall, which featured some of FAMU’s greatest achievements as an example. Each of those magazine covers were once bright, fresh, new and chronicled a time when FAMU conquered new territory.

“But, the stark reality is these images are fading and it’s time for a new era of greatness,” Ammons said. “ New trends in higher education are impacting the rankings that once made FAMU a leader.”

Ammons said that FAMU must adjust to meet the needs of a new generation, or like the images, FAMU will fade. In order to do that, FAMU must become concerned with the preservation process — those things that will sustain the institution over time.

“If we are concerned with the substance of preserving excellence in all things at the University, then it will stimulate progress in times such as these,” Ammons said. “It is time for FAMU to awake from the comfort of her great past and lead.”

Ammons urged faculty to use the “Stimulus Fund” link provided on the main page of the FAMU website to obtain funds to deliver additional services and programs that can sustain and preserve our vision of being a premier university. According to Ammons, this cannot happen if faculty and the administration do not collaborate and compete.

He also thanked President Barack Obama, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and the state legislature for providing FAMU with $8 million.

Ammons also mentioned U.S. healthcare reform and the absence of minority voices. He urged and challenged the FAMU School of Allied Health Sciences to inform the community about the issue.

“Hold campus forums on this issue, challenge your peers at other HBCUs to do the same, invite scholars from this campus and this community to speak,” he said. “Draft your solutions and text, tweet, or email them to elected officials here, in your hometowns, and in Washington. Remember, we must be the change we want to see. Likewise, rather than ranting and raving, our forum must be the voices of change that we want to hear!”

According to Ammons, strengthening the academic core values, and increasing our scholarship and research while inspiring students to become the change agents that the world needs and will stimulate and preserve FAMU’s greatness. His vision is to make FAMU one of the nation premier doctoral research institutions.

To do his part, Ammons said he will work to improve the student experience; develop distance-learning programs; increase private and research dollars; partner with major corporations; promote the university internationally; develop a School of Dentistry; and embark on a rigorous fundraiser for FAMU athletics.

Ammons asked the audience to review the updated FAMU strategic plan – which covers the next decade, 2020, with a long-range view to 2050 – and provide feedback. According to Ammons, the plan discusses how FAMU will create a 21st century living and learning community that produces global leaders and change agents. It also provides strategies for attaining excellence in processes and procedures; focuses on FAMU’s need to be efficient and effective in the management of fiscal resources; and promotes internationalism and inclusiveness.

Ammons also made sure the packed gym knew of the potential threat posed by the H1N1influenza virus. Ammons said that FAMU will provide regular updates and preventive measures on the campus website that students can access from the home page.

Ammons closed with words from the late Sen. Edward “Teddy” Kennedy: “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dreams shall never die.”

Gaither gym roared with excitement in response to Ammons words.

Following the keynote address, Robinson introduced the FAMU community to its new professors. Julian White, Ph.D. introduced the Marching “100” and the “Presidential Ten” drum majors. Joe Taylor, head football coach, introduced the coaching staff and the Rattler Football team to the university community. The convocation concluded with the singing of the alma mater.

Homecoming Gala Will Have Football Flavor

The centerpiece of any Homecoming weekend on most American college campuses is the football game when returning alumni pack the stadium next to faculty, students and boosters to cheer on the team.

This fall, Florida A&M University takes that time-worn tradition a step further, making its storied football program the centerpiece of the 2009 Homecoming Gala. The theme is “Blood, Sweat And Tears,” Great Moments in FAMU’s Gridiron History with Special Tribute to Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes.

Bob Hayes, the track and football legend who was enshrined in the National Football League’s Pro Football Hall of Fame, this summer, is the honoree with the coaches and players of five of FAMU’s outstanding football teams — 1959, 1969, 1977, 1978 and 1979 aggregations.

Rattler Football – A Brief Overview

Football at Florida A&M University began in 1899 at the intramural level, reaching varsity status in 1906. It eventually blossomed into a veritable gridiron superpower which would win over 500 games, bringing back 12 national championships and 35 conference crowns to Tallahassee.

More than 100 Rattler football players have captured All-American honors. Most of them advanced to play in the various professional football leagues in the United States and Canada.

Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes – World Champion in Two Sports

One of those Rattler football professional alumni was Jacksonville, Fla. native Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes, a star athlete from Gilbert High School who used his world-class sprinter’s speed to become an enduring legend in not one, but two sports.

Hayes, who lettered in track and football at FAMU between 1961 and 1964, set world records in track in the sprints in 1962 and 1963. He turned in dazzling performances at 100 and 220 yards and later at 100 and 200 meters.

Hayes captured five national track sprint titles all between 1962 and 1964, setting four world records and tying one other during his scintillating career, which culminated on the ultimate stage – the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games – where he won two gold medals.

The powerfully-built Hayes sailed to victory in the 100 meter final in a badly chewed up lane one, winning in a record time 10.0 seconds – a record which stood for six years.

But it was his anchor leg in the 4x100 meter relay that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest single performances in Olympic history. Hayes took the baton several meters behind and outclassing the field to lead the Americans to victory with a split timed at between 8.6 and 8.8 seconds.

He went on to fashion a Pro Bowl, record-setting career in the National Football League as a receiver and return specialist, utilizing his blazing speed to account for 71 touchdowns and more than 7,100 yards receiving on 371 catches.

His speed helped revolutionize the staid old NFL, ushering in the zone defense era during his 11-year career (1965-75). His career was highlighted by a Super Bowl victory with the Dallas Cowboys in 1972.

Hayes, who died at age 59 after a long illness in 2002, was posthumously enshrined in the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 8.

He is the only sports performer to ever be crowned a world champion in two sports.

FAMU Football’s “Fab Five”

As mentioned earlier, five of FAMU’s football teams are being recognized for their singular achievements in a given year:

1959 – 10-0-0 • 50th Anniversary of their National Championship Season

The 1959 Rattler Football team, under the leadership of Hall of Fame legend coach Jake Gaither, compiled a perfect 10-0 record 50 years ago, outscoring their opponents by a wide margin, 411 to 71.

The Rattler Defense was so dominant, that they shutout the first three teams they played in 1959, and only three teams managed to score more than a touchdown in a game, resulting in a 7.1 point-per game allowed average.

Led by All-Americans Curtis Miranda and Clarence Childs, the Rattlers averaged 41.1 points per game, scoring 50 or more points four times, capping their championship run with a 28-7 win over Prairie View A&M (Tex.) University, in the Orange Blossom Classic.

1969 – 8-1-0 • Winners of First-Ever Interracial Deep South Game

The final season of the Jake Gaither Era was the 1969 campaign, and the Rattlers sent the-then future Hall of Fame coach out in style with an 8-1-0 record.

But the capstone of that farewell season came in the next-to-last game of the year, when the Rattlers trekked to Tampa, Florida to take on the University of Tampa in FAMU’s first-ever football game between a historically black college and a predominately white school in the Deep South.

Despite facing a Spartans’ team loaded with future NFL star players, many who had transferred from major schools, Gaither’s charges prevailed thanks to a talented crew, of their own, led by future pro stars Hubert Ginn and Glen Edwards, along with All-America linemen Horace Lovett and Jimmy McCaskill, in a 34-28 thriller in the old Tampa Stadium.

1977 – 11-0-0 • Nation’s Only Undefeated Team

The 1977 Rattlers finished the season as the nation’s only undefeated team – 11-0-0 – on any level of play in college football, earning them the Black College National championship, and jump-starting a winning streak, which would grow to 17 games the following season.

Even a snub from heralded ABC Television Network broadcaster Keith “Whoa Nelly” Jackson, who said the Rattlers’ season didn’t compare to the accomplishments of major college teams, couldn’t diminish the glow of the last perfect season in FAMU Football history.

Utilizing a rock-solid defense, which limited opponents to a little over 10 points per game, while their option offensive attack averaged nearly 30 points per game, FAMU turned in a dominating performance.

That 1977 season was the first year of a three-year run by the Rattlers under Rudy Hubbard, which would witness a scintillating 30-5 record compiled with two national titles and a pair of milestone victories.

1978 – 12-1-0 • Winners of First NCAA Division I FCS Championship

FAMU followed the undefeated season in 1977 with a near-perfect encore in 1978, as the Rattlers compiled a 12-1 record, capping off the campaign with a national championship.

The Rattlers rode a 12-game winning streak into the 1978 season and by Week Six, the run had become the nation’s longest string at 17 games, before longtime nemesis Tennessee State escaped Tallahassee with a controversial 24-21 victory.

Determined to erase the bitter taste of that setback, the Rattlers would regroup and embark on a seven-game victory march, which resulted in an NCAA title.

Led by the nation’s top-ranked defense and a punishing ground attack, FAMU pulled off a thrilling comeback win against Bethune-Cookman University, 27-17 in the first Florida Classic; a smashing 31-7 romp past Eddie Robinson’s Grambling Tigers in the Orange Blossom Classic; a 15-10 first round playoff escape against SWAC champion Jackson (Miss.) State; and the climatic 35-28 title game win over Massachusetts in the Pioneer Bowl.

1979 – 7-4-0 • Upset University of Miami, 16-13

In 1979, injuries spoiled a potential championship season, as the defending national champs bolted to a 5-0 start before finishing 7-4.

FAMU came into the season armed with a boatload of veterans off their 1978 team, including future College Hall of Fame guard Tyrone McGriff, a three-time All-American (1977, 1978, 1979), and were ranked No. 1 for most of the first month of the season.

However, the singular highlight of this campaign came in week four, when the University of Miami came into Doak Campbell Stadium thinking the Rattlers would be an easy mark.

Instead, the Hurricanes found themselves in a battle as the Rattlers dueled them toe-to-toe for four quarters, using a hard-hitting defense and the option ground game to keep the Boys from Coral Gables off balance all day.

Vince Coleman’s 34-yard field goal with three minutes and 49 seconds left staked FAMU to a 16-13 lead, but the defense saved the day, slamming the door on UM after the ‘Canes had driven inside the 10-yard line, forcing a game-tying field goal try on fourth down which missed, igniting a celebration for the ages.

FAMU Alum Honored by the National Bar Association

Florida A&M University (FAMU) alum and State of Florida Senator (D-Tampa) Arthenia Joyner was inducted into the National Bar Association’s (NBA) Hall of Fame.

“It’s a singular honor to have been recognized by your peers for this milestone,” said Senator Joyner. “But there’s much work left to be done. This honor inspires me to continue the fight for equality.”

Senator Joyner was honored at the organization’s 23rd Annual Hall of Fame luncheon in San Diego, Calif. She is also the second woman to serve as president of the NBA.

John Crump, the National Bar’s executive director, said Sen. Joyner is being added to the Hall of Fame’s ranks “in recognition of her many years of services in the practice of law, contributions to the African-American community and the significant contributions that she has made to the cause of justice.”

About Senator Joyner
Joyner was elected to the Florida Legislature in 2000 where she served six years in the Florida House of Representatives and is currently serving in the Florida Senate. She is a shareholder in the law firm of Stiles, Taylor & Grace, P.A. where her primary areas of practice are probate, guardianship and public finance.

Senator Joyner has been a groundbreaker and leader in her profession. She received her bachelor of science and juris doctor degrees from FAMU. She was the first African-American female attorney in Polk and Hillsborough Counties, and she has been in private practice for 40 years – longer than any other black woman in the State of Florida.

Senator Joyner is a fighter for civil rights, and has always stood up for what she believes. Facing segregation and discrimination, she participated, while in high school, in one of the first civil rights demonstrations in her hometown of Tampa, Fla. She was active in the effort to desegregate movie theaters and churches in Tallahassee, Fla. and was arrested twice while attending FAMU. In 1985, her commitment was demonstrated again while serving as president of the National Bar Association as she protested apartheid outside the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Senator Joyner has received numerous awards. Counted among her most prestigious awards are appointments by former President William “Bill” Clinton to the U.S. Delegation to the Population Conference in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994; the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995; to the Federal Aviation Management Advisory Council, in 1999; and a Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Stetson University in 1991.

About the NBA
The NBA, founded in 1925, has been at the forefront of legal battles waged on behalf of equality, especially on behalf of the African-American community. The NBA is the nation's oldest and largest national association of predominately African-American lawyers and judges. It has 84 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and affiliations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Africa and the Caribbean. It represents a professional network of more than 20,000 lawyers, judges, educators and law students.

Office of Counseling Services Re-Accredited

The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Office of Counseling Services has been re-accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc., (IACS) an Alexandria, Va. based organization of United States, Canadian and Australian counseling agencies.

IACS found the Office of Counseling Services to offer competent and reliable professional services while being evaluated against high standards of counseling practice.

“Re-accreditation validates the consistently high standards that our professional and support staff apply to the delivery of mental health services to FAMU students in counseling, community outreach, consultation and crisis intervention,” said Yolanda K. Bogan, Ph.D., director of counseling services.

According to Bogan, re-accreditation is in part due to ongoing collaborations with the Offices of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, partners in the administration of external grants and student support programs to underscore and advance the importance of mental health care for FAMU students.

Approval by IACS is also dependent upon evidence of continuing professional development as well as demonstration of excellence of counseling performance.
The FAMU Office of Counseling Services serves registered students. The office offers individual and group counseling, couples counseling, psycho-educational workshops, academic support services, psychiatric consultation and self-help information.

About IACS
The basic purposes of IACS are to encourage and aid counseling services throughout the U.S. and internationally to meet high professional standards, to inform the public about those which are competent and reliable, and to foster communication among counseling services operating in a variety of settings.

Accreditation is open to universities and four-year college counseling services.

IACS is committed to furthering the visibility of the counseling profession and improving its quality. IACS has evolved standards that define professional quality and has established criteria for accreditation, which reflect these standards. IACS accreditation also acts as a stimulus to counseling centers to upgrade their professional services to meet accreditation standards. The Association also provides the profession and the public with information about those services, which it has accredited.

FAMU Announces the Rebirth of the Lyceum Series

Florida A&M University (FAMU) proudly announces the “Rebirth” of its Lyceum Series. Launched more that 80 years ago, the Lyceum Series hosted premier cultural events on the University campus for students and local and surrounding community members.

“The reintroduction of the Lyceum Series will rekindle the excitement and expectation of rich educational and cultural experiences for students, faculty and the community,” said FAMU Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris, who chairs the Lyceum Committee. “Rendering this kind of service in diverse ways has long been a part of the philosophy and practices of FAMU since its inception.”

The 2009-2010 season will feature an impressive line-up of renowned vocalists, dance groups and theatrical performances. Students will also participate in master classes conducted by the guest performers. Additionally, the University will host its first Media and Entertainment Conference as a featured Lyceum event.

The first performance is September 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium with the 3 Mo’ Divas. The 3 Mo’ Divas will present a concert that smashes musical barriers. The concert is a thrilling evening of entertainment wrapped around a unique and proven concept. The three women are all classically trained vocalists, who possess class, sass and style. The concert delivers some stupefying genre jumping feats that continue to amaze audiences, which includes opera, Broadway, jazz, blues, soul, R&B, rock and roll, spirituals and gospel.

During the early Lyceum Series, FAMU hosted outstanding and internationally notable participants such as Marian Anderson; pianist Etta Moten; Count Basie Orchestra; poets Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes; and W. E. B. Du Bois.

The Lyceum Series events for the 2009-2010 academic year are as follows:

September 10 & 11, 2009
3 Mo’Divas
7:30 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium

November 12, 13 and 14, 2009
Media and Entertainment Conference

February 5, 2010
Highwaymen Exhibition
Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery
Reception: 5:30 p.m. and Lecture: 7:30 p.m.
FAMU Grand Ballroom

February 26-28, 2010
FAMU Essential Theatre
“Crowns”
8 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium

March 29, 2010
Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
7:30 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium

April 10, 2010
Dance Brazil
7:30 p.m., Lee Hall Auditorium

For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (850) 599-3413 or click here.

Photo Caption: 3 'Mo Divas

FAMU Ranks No. 1 Among HBCUs

Florida A&M University (FAMU) ranks first among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in selling licensed merchandise, according to information released this week by the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).

The FAMU licensing program generated $79,007 in gross royalties during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. This represents the largest royalty collection in the history of the FAMU program.

“We are excited to know that FAMU is at the top of the list in selling apparel and other merchandise,” said Sabrina Thompson, coordinator of licensing at FAMU. “This is only an indicator of the success that we can have with this program. My goal is to increase sales by 25 percent in the upcoming year. We hope to continue to soar and bring revenue to the institution during these tough economic times.”

Royalties from the licensing program fund athletic scholarships at FAMU.

The primary factor for the increase is due to FAMU’s Victoria Secret PINK Collegiate Collection. This collection generated $7,764 in royalties for FAMU licensing program. The FAMU’s PINK collection had a significant impact on the women’s apparel category by growing it 187 percent.

Team Beans, a leading marketer and manufacturer of collectibles, novelty and promotional products for the sports industry, also contributed to FAMU’s record year. They reported $5,721 in royalties for the fiscal year.

FAMU currently has 120 licensees.

As part of the preparations for the 2008 Rattler Football season, officials at FAMU, CLC and local law enforcement made preparations to rid the marketplace of counterfeit and unlicensed merchandise. Since August 2008, CLC, the university and local law enforcement officials, have patrolled the Tallahassee marketplace in search of counterfeiters selling “knock-off” merchandise. All counterfeit merchandise is subject to seizure. FAMU benefits monetarily from the sale of licensed merchandise, receiving 7.5 percent of the purchase price.

“Florida A&M University has been extremely proactive in growing its licensing program, and their hard work as paid off,” said Brian White, CLC’s vice president of University Services. “FAMU’s rich tradition, combined with the innovative licensing programs the University has developed over the last couple of years have helped grow its retail product sales among its loyal constituents across a variety of product categories.”

About the CLC
CLC is a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG. Founded in 1981, CLC is the oldest and largest collegiate licensing agency in the U.S. and represents nearly 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, the Heisman Trophy and the NCAA. Its mission is to be the guiding force in collegiate trademark licensing and one of the top sports licensing firms in the country. Headquartered in Atlanta, CLC provides full-service capabilities in brand protection, brand management and brand development. For more information, visit www.clc.com or www.imgworld.com.

Photo Caption: Sabrina Thompson, coordinator of licensing at FAMU, is pictured in FAMU’s bookstore, which sells an array of licensed FAMU merchandise.

Rattler Football Host Hotels

Authors of The Pact to Visit FAMU as Part of the Freshman Summer Reading Program

Drs. Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, fondly known as The Three Doctors, will visit Florida A&M University (FAMU) on Thursday, August 20, as part of FAMU’s Freshman Summer Reading Program. The three doctors will speak at noon in the Multipurpose Center Teaching Gymnasium.

The book selection for the 2009-2010 academic year is The Pact, which is an inspirational story about Drs. Davis, Hunt and Jenkins, who grew up together in the inner city of Newark, N.J.

The Freshman Summer Reading Program is a new University initiative that is designed to provide students with a common academic learning experience during the freshman year. All FAMU freshmen are required to read an assigned book and complete a writing assignment before arriving on campus this month. Students will participate in small book discussion groups and attend a campus-wide book forum. During the academic year, students will be given assignments in various courses based on the assigned reading.

The purpose of the Freshman Summer Reading Program is:
- To promote the development and enhancement of critical thinking skills
through written and oral communication;
- To provide freshmen with a common academic learning experience;
- To expose freshmen to the academic expectations of the University;
- To promote the integration of academic and social experiences; and
- To develop a sense of community by increasing interactions between
students, staff, and faculty.

As teenage boys, these three kindred spirits made a pact: they would stick together, go to college, graduate and become doctors. Surrounded by negative influences and having few positive role models, made this a not so easy feat. Now several years later, these three men have overcome countless obstacles and proudly bear the title of doctor and serve as the face of health and education for youth and families across the country.

Today, Dr. Hunt is a board certified internist at University Medical Center at Princeton and assistant professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Jenkins serves as assistant professor of Clinical Dentistry at Columbia University. Dr. Davis is a board certified emergency medicine physician at St. Michael's Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center and Easton Hospital.

The doctors have additionally authored two inspiring books about their lives: The Pact, for adults, and We Beat the Streets, for children. A third book The Bond, highlighting fatherhood relationships was immediately recognized as an exceptional guide for those struggling with fatherlessness by Essence magazine and the National Fatherhood Initiative Organization.

The general public is invited to attend. Admission is free. For more information, call (850) 412-5759.

FAMU Schedules Annual President’s Convocation

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has scheduled the annual President’s Convocation for 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at the Jake Gaither Gymnasium. All classes will be canceled until noon for this convocation.

FAMU President James H. Ammons is slated to deliver the State of the University address at the convocation. This convocation will also serve as an introduction to the 2009 Rattler football team and head coaches, as well as the 2009-2010 Marching “100” drum majors.

Other convocations scheduled for the 2009-2010 academic year are:

• Founder’s Day Convocation: Friday, October 2, from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at the Lee Hall Auditorium
• Homecoming Convocation: Friday, October 23, from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at the Gaither Gymnasium. All classes will be suspended until noon.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation: Thursday, January 14, 2010 from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at the Gaither Gymnasium. All classes will be suspended until noon.
• Black History Month Convocation: Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at Gaither Gymnasium. All classes will be suspended until noon.
• Honors Convocation: Thursday, April 1, 2010 from 10:10 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. at the Perry-Paige Auditorium

For more information about FAMU’s convocation schedule, call (850) 599-3413.

Bob Hayes Joins NFL Hall of Fame

On a cool, crisp Saturday evening, the late FAMU sports great Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes finally had his dream of football immortality realized, as he joined five others in the National Football League (NFL) Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hayes’ 2009 enshrinement classmates included Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson, Jr., defensive back Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Oakland, Baltimore), guard Randall McDaniel (Minnesota), defensive tackle Bruce Smith (Buffalo and Washington) and linebacker Derrick Thomas (Kansas City), who like Hayes, was inducted posthumously.

Both Hayes and Thomas were represented by their sons, Bob Jr. and Darrien.

Hayes’ son during his acceptance speech on behalf of his father, said: “When I'm watching my dad on film, it’s just mind blowing. Because somebody that fast can’t be human. He got the name Bullet Bob because of his speed, because he was fast like a bullet. He was so fast they didn’t have an answer for him.”

“He revolutionized the game of football because of his world-class speed as a sprinter…
In his last days, he used to talk about the Hall of Fame. It hurts because he should have been here to witness this special occasion.

“But, unfortunately, he didn't make it to see it. I know wherever he is, he’s smiling. He’s happy. He knows what’s going on. And he’ll be with us in our spirits, in our hearts and our minds. For us he’s always been a Hall of Famer.

“I knew one day it was going to happen. He was always going to be a big joker. So maybe he would say ‘It's about time, y'all. I've been waiting 30 something years.’”

For Hayes, his family and his legion of fans, which included Florida A&M University alumni and friends, this day was a long time coming, and tinged a bit with sadness that the legendary sports great could not be here to experience this defining moment in person, due to his death in 2002 at age 59, after a long illness.

From the moment the NFL announced in January that he would be part of the 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class, Hayes’ many accomplishments came to light again as the enshrinement weekend drew near thanks to the Internet and media outlets including ESPN and NFL Network.

His many great sports moments from his days at FAMU in both football and track; his Hall of Fame track career which culminated in the two Olympic gold medals he won in the 1964 Tokyo Games; to his pro football performance during an 11-year career (Dallas and San Francisco), which many credit with revolutionizing the staid old NFL of the 1960s, left many in awe of this singular personality.

In support of Hayes in Canton were members of his family, classmates and friends from old Matthew Gilbert High School in his native Jacksonville, Fla., along with FAMU classmates, teammates and coaches.

FAMU President James H. Ammons headed the official FAMU supporters, which included former presidents Walter L. Smith, Ph.D., Frederick S. Humphries, Ph.D. and Fred Gainous, Ph.D., along with Athletic Director Bill Hayes, and Joseph P. Ramsey, II, Ph.D.,chairman of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Steering Committee.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival in Canton, Ohio, birthplace of the NFL, is a week-long event, which culminates with the induction and the Hall of Fame Football Game at Fawcett Stadium.

On Friday evening at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, Hayes and his 2009 classmates were formally introduced and regaled with a video highlights presentation at the Enshrinees Dinner. The dinner also featured recognition of more than 50 living members of the Hall of Fame.

On Saturday evening, the three-hour long enshrinement ceremony at Fawcett Stadium featured video highlights, stirring introductions and acceptance speeches from the honorees, as well as the unveiling of the fabled bronze busts that will be housed in the fabulous Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum.

Hall of Fame legend quarterback Roger Staubach, who was not only a teammate of Hayes with Dallas, but also a close, personal friend, served as the presenter, reflecting on his memories of Hayes both on and off the field.

Before the unveiling of the bust, Staubach made a presentation to the audience. Staubach said of Hayes: “He was so impactful …. And you look at the league, and back then it was a lot of you ran more because the passing game was a little bit more difficult because of the ability to hit receivers.

“But Bob really had an impact on the kind of coverage they use in the National Football League. And that's what the Hall of Fame is about, is having an impact. And a great player like Bob Hayes truly had an impact on the NFL, and he had a tremendous impact on the Dallas Cowboys.

Staubach along with Bob Hayes, Jr., unveiled the bronze bust of the former Rattler great, officially enshrining him into the hallowed Hall.

“Bob worked with me in the '80s, and Bob faced some challenges. And everyone was there to help him through the challenges, because he was there when you needed Bob Hayes.

“He was almost generous to a fault. But Bob Hayes was really, really a decent, caring human being that had extraordinary skills. And old Speedo (his Cowboy nickname) was one humble son of a gun. I don’t know if he ever showed me his gold medals from the Olympics.

“He just was a big guy. A great athlete, who faced some challenges. Some a little bit more than most of us go through. And his family was always there for him. He was always there for them.... So it's a real privilege for me to say thank you, Canton… Thank you NFL and thank you to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for making sure that this great athlete that had an impact on the NFL is in the Hall of Fame.”

Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes, once known as “The World’s Fastest Human,” and still known as the only man to be a world champion in two sports (track and football) will now be forever known by everyone as one of the greatest professional football players of all time.

Journalism Alumna and Student Win NABJ Elections

For the first time in history, two Florida A&M University (FAMU) Rattlers will serve on the board for the National Association of Black Journalists, which represents more than 3,200 journalists across the nation. Kathy Times, an alumna of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, and Georgia Dawkins, a current broadcast journalism student, have been elected as NABJ president and student representative respectively.

“For Kathy, it’s a tremendous honor,” said Rod Carter, FAMU alum and anchor for NBC 13 in Birmingham, Ala. “For the Rattler nation, we’ve got an incredible advocate for journalists…and students.”

James Hawkins, FAMU SJGC dean, said, “Kathy is simply impressive. Her commitment to journalism and diversity is unwavering. NABJ is in good hands with Kathy as its president.”

During a news conference announcing the election results, Times shared her love for FAMU.

“I was editor of The Famuan, and I got leadership training through that,” said Times. “I learned accuracy counts. If you made one fact error you got an F (grade)…and that made me a better journalist.”

Times said she plans to implement “NABJ 360.”

“It is a great initiative to help our members get online training and entrepreneurial training,” said Times. She also plans to work on an aggressive strategic plan for fundraising and will continue to hold industry leaders accountable.

Times is an Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and co-anchor of Fox 40 News at 9 in Jackson, Miss. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in journalism and computer information systems from FAMU and was the 2008 recipient of the FAMU SJGC Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumnus Award. She is the former NABJ vice president of broadcast.

Dawkins, who was named one of the top 100 student journalists in the nation earlier this year by UWire, said, “I’m humbled by this opportunity. I will work to increase student retention and student member activity.”

“Georgia rules!” said FAMU SJGC Dean Hawkins. “Last year, her work led to our chapter’s selection as the NABJ chapter of the year. Now she’s the NABJ student representative.”

Dawkins is a senior broadcast journalism student from Sebring, Fla., and the former FAMU-ABJ chapter president who worked this summer at ABC News in New York City. The FAMU-ABJ chapter was a finalist for the NABJ Student Chapter of the Year.

Caption: (From left to right) Kathy Times and Georgia Dawkins.

College of Law Receives Full Accreditation from ABA

The American Bar Association (ABA) Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar granted full approval to Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law during its meeting in Chicago on July 30, 2009, according to FAMU President James H. Ammons.

“I applaud Dean Pernell, his administration, faculty, and students for reaching this milestone,” said FAMU President James H. Ammons. “This achievement speaks volumes about their hard work, dedication and commitment.”

Ammons announced the Council’s decision regarding accreditation during a press conference held in the ceremonial moot courtroom of the FAMU College of Law in downtown Orlando. He was joined by FAMU Board of Trustees Chairman C. William Jennings, Law School Dean LeRoy Pernell, Former FAMU President Frederick Humphries, dozens of university administrations, law school alumni, friends and supporters.

“Critics of our school once said that the mountain was too steep to climb,” said Dean Pernell. “When faced with a mountain you have to cross, the slope is irrelevant. The Council’s decision is a reflection of the resilience, perseverance and commitment of the university, our students, faculty and staff to the mission of the FAMU College of Law.”



Under the rules of the ABA, the Council’s decision is final and effective immediately, subject to review by the ABA House of Delegates. While the House of Delegates may request reconsideration of the Council’s decision, the group has never done so in the history of the ABA.

“Full accreditation by the ABA ensures that the 500-plus FAMU College of Law graduates can continue to sit for the Bar exam in any state in the nation and it reaffirms what we have always known: that we have and will continue to provide our students with a great legal education,” Pernell said.

The FAMU College of Law becomes one of only 189 law schools fully approved by the ABA. To remain in compliance with ABA standards, the FAMU College of Law will undergo its next full site evaluation in three years then reviews every seven years thereafter.

The FAMU College of Law was reestablished in 2000 and opened its doors to 89 students in 2002. The ABA granted the law school provisional accreditation in August 2004. Since that time, the FAMU College of Law continued to grow and pursue its mission.

With the arrival of Ammons from North Carolina Central University in July 2007, and Pernell from Northern Illinois University's College of Law in January 2008, sweeping changes and improvements followed at the law school. The changes included the addition of 16 nationally-recognized faculty members and a new Center for International Law and Justice (CILJ) at the start of the Fall 2008 semester. Law faculty publication and scholarship output increased; the law school was recognized as the most diverse law school in the nation by U.S. News and World Report; and was ranked seventh nationally for providing clinical opportunities by National Jurist magazine. The campus was enhanced also with the opening of the FAMU Café in December 2008 and the FAMU Bookstore in January 2009.



"This is a significant milestone for FAMU,” Ammons said. "But it’s just the beginning of a long journey to make the College of Law a premiere institution of legal education, committed to its history of making an indelible mark on the community and the world.”

The law school was created with a specific mission — to “meet the educational needs of African Americans and other ethnic minorities, while maintaining its leadership in racial diversity.”



To view the press conference, you can visit http://www.famu.edu/famcast and click on "On Demand", and then click on "Law School Accreditation Press Conference".

CAPTION: LeRoy Pernell, dean of Florida A&M University’s College of Law (at the podium), along with FAMU President James H. Ammons (far left) and former FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries, gives remarks regarding the American Bar Association granting full approval to Florida A&M University’s College of Law.

FAMU Law Strengthens Bar Preparation Program

LeRoy Pernell, dean of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law, has announced the appointment of a new director and coordinator of its emergent Academic Success and Bar Preparation program.

Jendayi Saada, former critical skills program instructor for Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center, will serve as director with Kristy D’ Angelo-Corker as coordinator. D’Angelo-Corker has served as a visiting instructor with the College of Law since January, teaching Florida Practice II and organizing workshops in Bar preparation.

“I am excited by the dynamic combination that both these individuals bring to our academic success and bar preparation program,” Dean Pernell said. “They will strengthen our efforts to assess student academic skills early on and then develop a support mechanism that enhances their writing and analytical skills for classroom and Bar exam performance.’’

Jendayi Saada, director for Academic Success and Bar Preparation
During her five years as a critical skills instructor for Nova, Saada is credited with developing a program design for Florida Bar tutoring adopted as the law center’s Florida Bar Auxiliary Program – a program credited with helping to significantly increase Nova’s bar passage. She also published an article in the area of bar preparation titled When Failure Is Not an Option, Conquering the Bar Exam: Personal Stories & Practical Advice for Overcoming the Final Hurdle to Becoming a Full-Fledged Licensed Lawyer. Saada received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force with the rank E5-Staff Sergeant. She holds a B.A. and J.D. from Wayne State University, and is a member of both the Florida and Michigan Bars.

Kristy D’ Angelo-Corker, coordinator for Academic Success and Bar Preparation
Prior to joining the FAMU College of Law, D’Angelo-Corker worked at the University of Central Florida in the area of faculty research contract and grant management, as well as in private practice in New York. As a visiting instructor, she taught Florida Practice II and conducted a comprehensive Academic Success and Bar Preparation workshop schedule aimed at reinforcing analytical, writing, and test-taking skills appealing to students in their first, second, and third years of law school. She is also a former attorney with Rivkin Radler, LLP, New York. She received a B.A. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. She is a member of Florida, New York and New Jersey Bars.

FAMU Director to Serve on International Board of Trustees

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Association of Minority Health Professions Schools, Inc. (AMHPS) has appointed Tanise L. Jackson, DVM, director, Office of Animal Welfare and Research Integrity in the Division of Research at Florida A&M University (FAMU) as the new AMHPS’ representative to the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International Board of Trustees. Her first Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for September 2009, according to Phyllis R. Champion, president and chief executive officer for AMHPS. FAMU is an AMHPS member institution.

Henry Lewis, PharmD., professor and dean of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS) nominated Jackson.

Jackson has more than 23 years of experience in animal laboratory animal care and more than 20 years of administrative experience in managing laboratory animal facilities. She totally revamped the laboratory animal programs at FAMU and successfully secured both initial AAALAC accreditation and has had this accreditation reaffirmed since 2003. Since 1997, Jackson has served as the director of the Animal Welfare and Research Integrity and assistant professor at FAMU’s COPPS. She also serves as administrator for the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

“This appointment is of tremendous significance,” said Larry Robinson, Ph.D., vice president for Research at FAMU. “The AMHPS recognizes the stellar career of Dr. Jackson and acknowledges her ability to contribute to the integrity of laboratory animal care on a national level.”

Jackson holds the B.S. degree in animal science from Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and the doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tuskegee University. She has received Animal Facilities Improvement Grants from the National Center for Research Resources. She has professional membership in the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science, and has served as consultant for Xavier University Animal Care Program in New Orleans, La.; Jackson State University Animal Care Programs; and as a site visitor with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Bethesda, MD.

Alumnus Receives National RXPortfolio Award

Michael Bandy, a 2009 Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate from Winter Haven, Fla. is the selected as a recipient of the 2009 Pharmacy (RX) Portfolio National Achievement Award.

According to RX Insider, winners are carefully selected by a RXportfolio Selection Committee and Bandy was selected based on his exceptional RXportfolio submission as well as his outstanding achievements. As a recipient, Bandy will be honored by receiving extensive recognition and exposure with pharmacy industry professionals as well as national recognition on the RXportfolios website.

Bandy was selected to receive this award out of more than 9,000 RXportfolio applicants, based on his content, quality of writing and overall achievements professionally displayed within his RXportfolio.

Bandy said, “When I was notified that I was selected as a recipient of the 2009 RXportolios National Achievement Award, I was ecstatic! I view this as one of my most notable professional accomplishments to be chosen from a pool of some 9,000 candidates nationwide to receive this prestigious award. I humbly receive this award, and I give recognition to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am very excited to represent FAMU on such an esteemed platform. I will use this recognition to encourage others to be diligent in all that they do throughout their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. I am grateful to FAMU for giving me this highly visible opportunity to put my talents and gifts on display.”

“We are proud that a FAMU graduate’s portfolio was selected as one of the best in the U.S. two years in a row. Just last year in 2008, we recognized alumnus Denisha Carty for winning the same award. This exemplifies the consistent quality of students that FAMU produces,” said Henry Lewis III, dean and professor of FAMU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

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