We celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in true Rattler fashion over the weekend.
First at the MLK convocation, then at the Inter Civic Council – Southern Christian Leadership Council’s MLK celebration, and lastly Rattlers volunteered nationwide for the MLK Day of Service.
We celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. during the holiday weekend with a commitment to strike out injustice. Rattlers from all over the nation participated in the FAMU Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service. President Larry Robinson also delivered a powerful address at the Inter-Civic Council – Southern Christian Leadership Council’s MLK celebration.
“We had a myriad of meaningful Day of Service projects that our loyal Florida A&M University alumni were engaged in across the country commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe these activities spoke volumes about their commitment to focus on a ‘day on and not a day off,’ and underscore the ideals of volunteerism, social and civic activism and sincere service that were woven in the fabric of the incredible legacy of this civil rights icon and drum major for justice,” said Senior Executive Director of University Engagement/Alumni Affairs Carmen Cummings.
By Thaddaeus Watkins (The FAMUan)
Professional dress intact and resumes secured, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) students happily interacted with top-industry professionals as they provided opportunities for potential employment and internships during Wednesday’s Career Expo in the Lawson Center.
While the main floor grew congested, time eagerly passed as students from different FAMU colleges and schools exercised their professionalism and scholastic talents.
Students, preceding their arrival, had spent countless hours preparing a script and persona to captivate prospective employers. This was the moment they have anticipated all semester.
Third-year accounting student Shayla Lagree conducted mock interviews to practice her public speaking and interview skills.
“You want to practice speaking publically as much as possible,” Lagree said. “The more you practice, the more permanent your practices become.”
Although Lagree is more fascinated by the Fall Semester Career Expo, she never lets any opportunity pass. “Career fairs provide opportunities of growth,” said Lagree. “Not only do you build connections with industry professionals, but you’re given a chance to partake in a great experience.”
Lagree is currently undecided on a career path but wants to work in either Georgia or North Carolina.
Biannually, the Career Expo is presented to students as an opportunity to rehearse their professional skills. The preparation of public speaking, interviewing, networking and building relationships are considered most essential. The significance of these practices is in direct correlation to the regularity of usage in a career or professional setting.
A mass collection of Fortune 500 companies known across the globe, represented by their spokespersons, stood before their sectioned booth as students waited in line to make their pitch.
Recognized companies, including Apple, Geico, Intel Corporation, PepsiCo, PNC Financial Services, Teach for America, TEKsystems, Walgreens and Waffle House, Inc., to name a few, were all present. The variety of businesses included companies in a range of industries from K-12 education and legal and law enforcement to wholesale trade. More than 75 companies participated in the Career Expo as it continues to be one of the largest recruitment fairs at FAMU.
The employment job types available comprised of full-time, part-time and internship positions contingent on the services needed. Fellowships, assistantships, graduate school research and volunteer opportunities were also up for grabs.
As each company offered specific requirements to be qualified, the Career Expo is open to all majors. All students have been encouraged to attend. In addition, most professors require attendance, provide extra credit for attending and assign homework for students to complete preliminary research on the visiting companies.
Third-year accounting student Jamiel Shillingford researched many companies before attending.
“I conducted research specifically to see which companies were offering positions and opportunities tailored to my interests,” Shillingford said. Shillingford was most fascinated exploring company information and speaking to recruiters from Geico.
The goal of the Career Expo has always been for students to arrive prepared, on time, and leave satisfied with connections. A combination of recruiters, faculty and students look forward to meeting others. When asked what the favorite portion is, the responses included, the opportunity of networking, putting professional practices in action and the increased likelihoods of solidifying career paths.
Fourth-year computer science student Joseph Jones is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2019. Jones has completed four internships from leading companies known worldwide, such as Johnson & Johnson and NextEra Energy. Jones is striving for his fifth internship.
“I participate biannually and converse with as many recruiters as possible,” Jones said. “FAMU provides the resources, however, it is the student body’s duty to maximize their efforts and secure opportunities for advancement.”
The FAMU Career and Professional Development Center have provided a semester full of networking opportunities through professional fairs all semester long. The career fairs to come include:
Allied Health Professions Fair | Wednesday, Feb. 21
Rattlers’ Last Strike Career Fair | Thursday, April 26
Florida Career Centers Career Fair | TBA
For additional information and updates, visit www.careercenter.famu.edu.
Originally published by:
Thaddaeus Watkins
The FAMUan
Read more stories from the FAMUan here: www.thefamuanonline.com
By Nichelle Cobb
Florida A&M University (FAMU) partnered with WFSU Public Media and Firelight Films to present a public screening of “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities,” by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning director Stanley Nelson.
The screening of the 90-minute film was held at 7 p.m. at FAMU’s Lee Hall and was followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the “Tell Them We Are Rising” team, university leaders, alumni, and other guest to talk about the issues explored in the documentary.
“Tell Them We Are Rising,” tells the story of black colleges and universities and their impact on the nation over the past 150 years. The documentary takes viewers through the journey of African-American history through the lens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
The film begins with Blacks rising from slavery. Showcasing the whippings and killings of Blacks for knowing how to read, but then showcases the journey to their overcoming of slavery and shaping a new destiny.
One audience member, Akua Kyereba, was enthused about seeing the display of Blacks rising through their adversities.
“It was great to see how far Blacks have come from fighting to now rising,” Kyereba said. The enthused audience member said “the black mind is very powerful” and people who don’t understand it will always try to attack it.
Nelson explained that as a people “we’re not done until everyone is connected to us” because Black people are still faced with racial injustice, lack of resources in communities, and several racially inflicted adversities.
Some individuals do not see a need for HBCUs since the education system is fully integrated now, but the documentary highlights that HBCUs are known to ignite social change in the Black community.
One of the layers of the documentary discusses how the institutions are now, how Black students attend every year, and how Black students are learning to be proud of who they are.
Business administration student Maridia Abdul, who attended the screening of “Tell Them We Are Rising,” said that the film gives viewers an understanding of the reasons why Black students attend HBCUs.
“The film really helps you grasp a deeper understanding of why Black students attend HBCUs,” Abdul said.
HBCUs continue to sustain young Blacks by providing a nurturing environment that does not put individuals in a box. “There have been few institutions that sustained African-Americans and the most constant one has been HBCUs,” Nelson said.
FAMU’s President, Dr. Larry Robinson, said that HBCUs are relevant because of history and that it is important to continue promoting HBCUs.
“The relevance of HBCUs are the relevance of Black people and their history,” Robinson said. “We have to continue to promote and market our HBCUs.”
Robinson also explained that continuous alumni support can help, not just financially but supporting events, causes, and movements the schools participate in.
In retrospect, Black institutions have impacted the nation through activism, service, and education.
As Nelson said during the discussion, “the story of HBCUs is evergreen” and there will always be something to tell about the significance and history of what these institutions have contributed.
“Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities” will air nationally on the acclaimed PBS series, “Independent Lens” on Monday, February 19, 2018, from 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. EST (check local listings). The film will also be available for online viewing on PBS.org beginning February 20, 2018.
The Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW) announced the election of its 2018 officers.
“We welcome these new officers, who make up our 2018 executive committee. Each brings valuable perspectives from the areas of education, business, and public service, as well as a commitment to our mission of improving the well-being of Florida women and girls – and by extension, all Floridians,” said Kelly S. Sciba, executive director.
The commission is a non-partisan body with a focus on raising awareness and celebrating the contributions and successes of all Floridians, along with providing a collaborative platform for those seeking information on issues that affect women, girls and their families in the state.
Among the officers elected for 2018 was Commissioner Lady Dhyana Ziegler DCJ, Ph.D., who was named the chair. Dr. Ziegler is interim dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at FAMU.
“I’m pleased and honored to have been selected as chair of this dynamic group of Florida women who care deeply about improving the lives of women and girls. Throughout our 25-year history, the Florida Commission on the Status of Women has been an agent of positive change, bringing the voice, needs, and conditions of women to the forefront,” said Ziegler. “With the energy and skills of our commissioners, we’ll continue to capitalize on the momentum to advance the opportunities for women and girls in our state.”
The 2018 officers will be installed by Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson in a special ceremony on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., at the Historic Capitol in Tallahassee. The event is free and open to the public.
On Thursday, February 8, 2018, advocates for Florida A&M University (FAMU) will come together for FAMU Day at the Capitol to solicit support for the 130-year old institution of higher learning, which is a viable component and contributing member of the State University System of Florida.
The FAMU National Alumni Association, a sponsor of the annual day of advocacy for FAMU, is encouraging all alumni, students, faculty, administration, friends, and supporters to participate by highlighting the excellent academic programs and services offered at FAMU to the legislators of their respective districts.
FAMU advocates will visit Florida legislators throughout the day. FAMUans and friends are encouraged to display Rattler pride by adorning orange and green colors.
A brief schedule of alumni activities for the day is as follows:
Lt. Col. Gregory Clark, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, is excited about FAMU’s presence at the pinnacle of state government.
“What an incredible opportunity FAMU Day at the Capitol presents for me serving in my role on behalf of alumni and my alma mater,” Clark said. “As FAMU Rattlers, we come together on many occasions; FAMU Day creates an awesome atmosphere of advocacy in support of our historic institution. Our alumni take great pride in meeting with legislators to reinforce the importance of funding initiatives that strengthen FAMU’s capability to provide quality academic programs to produce professionals in a global workforce and economy.”
A graduate of the class of 1993, Clark adds, “I am calling for all FAMU Rattlers to support FAMU in some way on this special day. Contact your elected legislators (senators and representatives) of your local areas by personal visits, telephone calls or by letter/emails with reasons for supporting FAMU and its programs.”
Clark expressed that the FAMU NAA supports the 2018 legislative priorities presented by Larry Robinson, Ph.D., 12th university president, and feels that, given state funding, FAMU can make even more significant impacts on students and the community.
Over the past year, FAMU NAA Governmental Relations Committee (GRC) members from around the United States have been involved in monthly meetings and in-depth discussions on key issues related to the University’s Legislative Budget Request (LBR) in order to prepare for legislative visits, said Carolyn Hepburn Collins, FAMU NAA GRC chair.
Chair Collins has encouraged this annual activity as a FAMU undertaking, which involves alumni chapters from all five regions of the national association, SGA, students, Faculty Senate members, deans, administrators, staff from various colleges and schools and campus units, community supporters, and the FAMU Board of Trustees.
“This is the one time of the year that FAMUans come together to give legislators thanks and pursue legislative support to increase student success by enhancing retention and graduation rates among other entities, such as advocating for the Center for Access and Student Success,” Collins said.
For more information about FAMU Day at the Capitol, please contact Carolyn Collins at (813) 679-3268 or carcollins1@aol.com; Lt. Col. Greg Clark, at (205) 223-5770 or gregclark06@hotmail.com; or Alexia Clark, FAMU NAA journalism intern at (941) 456-9244 or AAlexiaClark@gmail.com.
To the creators, the innovators, and the leaders. If you share original content about fashion, tech, health/wellness, food, and travel/lifestyle on your social media pages we’re looking for you.
As a FAMU influencer, you’ll manage:
Send your bio, area of expertise, and links to your social media accounts to FAMU.pr@gmail.com by Friday, February 23.
FAMU Professor Awarded Stevens Initiative Grant
Victor Eno, Ph.D., associate professor of political science in the Department of History and Political Science at Florida A&M University (FAMU), is part of a team that has been awarded a grant through the Stevens Initiative. The Stevens Initiative honors the legacy of late Ambassador Christopher Stevens and is an international effort to build global competence and career readiness for young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa while growing and enhancing the field of virtual exchange – online, international, and collaborative learning. It is funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Bezos Family Foundation, among other donors.
Dr. Eno will be working with partners in a project supporting cross-cultural civic education among students called PAYCE (Palestinian American Youth Civic Engagement). Partners include Al Quds University and An-Najah National University in the Palestinian territories and Drake University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, and the University of New Hampshire in the United States.
As a part of the project, two FAMU students, Alexis Jones, a recent graduate from the Master in Applied Social Sciences (MASS) program with a concentration in public administration, and Jeffrey Simmons, a graduating senior political science student, were awarded PAYCE Civic Podcasting Fellowships. They will collaborate with Dr. Eno to lead students in using digital media to learn about civics and share their results cross-culturally with students abroad.
FAMU Participates in the All-American Bowl
Valencia Matthews, Ph.D., dean of the FAMU College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and Army ROTC Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Escobar, traveled to San Antonio, Texas in support of the United States Cadet Command and to attend the All-American Bowl. As the nation’s premier high school football game, the All-American Bowl serves as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college football stars and an outreach program recognizing the talent of America’s best and brightest band members.
Dean Matthews was selected for the opportunity to jump with the World Champion U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. Cadets Elijah Casey and Joshua Engram, both FAMU football players and enrolled as cadets in the Army ROTC program, also went to San Antonio for the AAB activities to serve as cadet marshals.
FAMU Alumna to Be Honored with at Black Engineer of the Year Awards
During the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Conference on February 8-10 in Washington, D.C. at the HBCU Dean’s Breakfast on Saturday, February 10, FAMU alumna Tokiwa Smith will be receiving the Educational Leadership Award for K-12 Promotion of Education through the work of her nonprofit SEM Link, which is an
organization that promotes K-12 student career exploration and academic achievement in STEM by connecting them with the STEM community to engage them in hands-on STEM and career exploration activities in their classrooms, communities and out of school.
Today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., announced the promotion of John Eason, Ph.D. to Director of Athletics. The FAMU alumnus has served as interim director of Athletics since December 2017.
“It’s an extreme honor to have the opportunity to continue to move FAMU Athletics forward within the scope of the excellence of this great university,” Eason said. “I do not take it lightly and will use all resources available to me to better equip our student-athletes, coaches, and staff to be successful in the classroom and on the fields of competition.”
During his brief tenure, Eason has made several leadership changes in FAMU Athletics, including securing Willie Simmons as the Rattlers’ new head football coach. Keith Miles, former general manager of the University’s radio station moved to Athletics in January to become deputy athletic director. His voice was a familiar one to fans for more than 30 years as the play-by-play announcer and executive producer of the Rattler Sports Radio Network.
Eason also recently hired Kendra Greene to serve as associate athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator. Prior to arriving at FAMU, she worked at Alabama State University as senior athletic director for internal operations.
Considered one of FAMU’s favorite sons, Eason brings an impressive resume replete with experience from a long and successful career in coaching and administration in collegiate and professional athletics.
“I am excited that Dr. Eason has accepted this position and will become part of my senior leadership team for the long haul,” said President Robinson. “I have been pleased with his ability to make critical and timely decisions in Athletics. He has a vision for working with staff, faculty, students, alumni and stakeholders to reinvigorate the program, improve facilities and ensure the continued success of student-athletes in the classroom and on the field.”
Rattler Boosters Board of Directors President Selvin Cobb was pleased to hear about Eason’s promotion.
“What we need at this point is stability,” said Cobb. “This appointment provides just that. We look forward to working with him in any manner that will benefit the Athletics Department.”
Eason is a native of Ocala, Florida, who played football at FAMU from 1964 to 1967, under Hall of Fame coaching legend A.S. “Jake” Gaither. Eason blossomed into an All-America tight end and punter. He was inducted into the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
After graduating from Florida A&M, Eason played one year in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders (1968), one season with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1969, and later returned to the CFL in 1972 with the Montreal Alouettes.
Eason holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Florida A&M University and earned a doctorate from Florida State University (FSU) in educational administration in 1987. His coaching stops included 12 years (1981-1992) as receivers coach at FSU and four years as offensive coordinator and receivers coach at South Carolina (1995-98).
In 2001, Eason joined the coaching staff for the University of Georgia Bulldogs (UGA) and moved up to become director of football operations. Eason came to UGA with Mark Richt as wide receivers coach and assistant head coach in 2001.
He also served as an associate head coach at UGA from 2005-08. He moved in 2009 to director of football operations and to director of player development in 2010.
Following his 14 years at FSU from 1981-1994, Eason served as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at South Carolina from 1995-1998. While at FSU, Eason also served as an assistant to the athletic director for academic and student affairs.
During his tenure at FSU, the Seminoles won one national championship (1993) and eight bowl games. In his 14 seasons, Eason coached seven wide receivers who received All-America recognition including three first-team selections.
At UGA, among others, he coached receivers Terrence Edwards, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, Mohamed Massaquoi and A.J. Green.
Eason has also served as an assistant professor in the Department of Human Service and Wellness at the University of Central Florida in 1999-2000.
In addition, he has held positions as offensive coordinator and associate head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League during the 2000 season while on leave from UCF.
Eason is married to the former Virginia Long of Tallahassee. They have two children, Amanda and Michael.
After participating in a national qualifying tournament, Florida A&M University (FAMU) will compete against fellow historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) at the 29th annual Honda Campus All‐Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament. Teams from 48 HBCUs will go head‐to‐head in the National Championship of America’s premier academic quiz for top HBCU scholars on the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. campus in Torrance, California. Florida A&M University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
FAMU will be represented by Travian Davonte Marquis Albert, a junior majoring in political science and psychology from Milton, Fla.; Bryan Walters Anderson, a junior majoring in industrial engineering from Coral Springs, Fla.; Darryl Eugene Williams, Jr., a junior majoring in political science and pre‐law from Bradenton, Fla.; and David O. Kadiri, a senior majoring in biology from Benin, West Africa. Vivian L. Hobbs, Ph.D., will coach the team.
The Honda Campus All‐Star Challenge is a year‐round program that includes campus engagement, intramural play, qualifying tournaments and culminates with the national championship. The fast‐paced competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. As a result, students expand their scope of knowledge; learn teamwork and sportsmanship; travel to California to represent their schools at the national championship tournament; and develop a bond with their fellow competitors. HCASC’s active alumni group also supports students with networking and mentorship opportunities post‐graduation.
“Honda congratulates Florida A&M University for advancing to the ‘Great 48,’ a group that represents some of the brightest HBCU students across the country,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president for corporate relations and social responsibility of the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Beyond the impressive academic competition, Honda Campus All‐Star Challenge has fostered a network of ‘friends for life’ that champions students as they pursue their professional dreams. We look forward to hosting an exciting HCASC National Championship Tournament in April.”
In 1989, Honda established HCASC to highlight and recognize the academic achievements of HBCU students. More than $8.5 million in grants from Honda have provided support for scholarships, facility upgrades and other investments to improve the student experience. Now in its 29th year, more than 125,000 students have participated in HCASC.
The 2018 HCASC finals will be live‐streamed on Tuesday, April 10 starting at 12 p.m. ET at HCASC.com. For more information on HCASC, including a full list of the 48 qualifying teams, visit www.hcasc.com.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., will launch his first statewide recruitment tour as the University’s 12th president on Friday, March 9.
“The President’s Tour” is part of the University’s strategic enrollment management plan to attract the state’s top scholars by exposing them to the life-changing educational experiences provided by FAMU’s faculty and staff.
The tour will begin in Pensacola on March 9 at Booker T. Washington High School and end in Miami, Fla. on Monday, March 12 at Miami Jackson High School.
During the tour, Robinson, will give a special presentation to high school students and their families about why they should choose FAMU, and accomplished alumni in their respective fields will give personal testimonials about how FAMU impacted their lives. They will be joined by other alumni, student representatives, faculty, deans, administrators, and recruiters who will interact with potential students as well as admit top scholars on the spot.
FAMU’s renowned student song and dance ensemble, “The FAMU Connection,” will “bring down the house” with performances at each stop.
“FAMU is a place that provides students a nurturing and supportive environment to excel academically, grow personally and develop professionally by exposure to quality academic programs, meaningful extracurricular activities, and career-expanding access to research and internship opportunities. Through the efforts of our outstanding faculty and staff, we prepare our students to be leaders committed to making impacts in their local, national and global communities,” Robinson said. “We look forward to meeting with some of Florida’s top students, introducing them to our tradition of ‘Excellence With Caring,’ and welcoming them to the FAMU family.”
In preparation for the tour, FAMU is launching three new online platforms for incoming students, including a new virtual reality tour, a customized social media network for admitted students, and an admissions landing portal.
Students and parents can RSVP for the tour stops by calling the Division of Student Affairs at 850-599-3183.
A schedule of events is as follows:
March 9
6:30 p.m. CST
Booker T. Washington High School
6000 College Parkway
Pensacola, Fla.
March 10
12 p.m. EST
Springhill Missionary Baptist Church
120 S.E. Williston Road
Gainesville, Fla.
March 11
3:30 p.m. EST
Palm Beach State College
4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, Fla.
March 12
9:30 a.m. EST
Broward College
3501 Davie Road
Davie, Fla.
March 12
6:30 p.m. EST
Miami Jackson High School
1751 NW 36th Street
Miami, Fla.
The next leader of Palm Beach County’s public school system will be Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Donald Fennoy. This is the first time an African-American will hold the position of superintendent for the South Florida county.
A self-described military “brat” who grew up moving from state to state and lived for a time in England, Fennoy graduated in 1999 from Florida A&M University and began his educational career as a third-grade reading teacher in an Orlando public school.
After five years in elementary and middle schools he was promoted to assistant principal, then was tapped in 2006 to be a high school principal in Charlotte, N.C.
He spent four years in that role before leaving public schools to lead a Maryland nonprofit that trained school leaders. He returned to public education when the current Palm Beach County superintendent Robert Avossa, Ph.D., tapped him to be an area superintendent in Fulton County’s public school system.
As superintendent, Fennoy will oversee roughly 180 schools, educating more than 172,000 students. The school system is also Palm Beach County’s largest employer.
This story was originally published by myPalmBeachPost.
We celebrated the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. during the holiday weekend with a commitment to strike out injustice. Rattlers from all over the nation participated in the FAMU Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service. President Larry Robinson also delivered a powerful address at the Inter-Civic Council – Southern Christian Leadership Council’s MLK celebration.
“We had a myriad of meaningful Day of Service projects that our loyal Florida A&M University alumni were engaged in across the country commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I believe these activities spoke volumes about their commitment to focus on a ‘day on and not a day off,’ and underscore the ideals of volunteerism, social and civic activism and sincere service that were woven in the fabric of the incredible legacy of this civil rights icon and drum major for justice,” said Senior Executive Director of University Engagement/Alumni Affairs Carmen Cummings.
Sandy beaches, warm water and lots of parties beckon hundreds of thousands of college students to destinations across the world each year. The combination of partying and relaxing associated with this annual tradition can lead to increased safety risks. Make spring break memorable by having fun and helping yourself, your friends and others stay safe and healthy with these tips.
Tips Courtesy of FAMU PD.
Photo courtesy of @shinecity37 via @RattlersUnited.
Cheryl Harris, senior vice president of sourcing and procurement solutions at Allstate Insurance Company, FAMU Industry Cluster chair, and FAMU Foundation board member, was honored as the MEAC’s “Distinguished Alumna of the Year” during the conference’s recent championship basketball tournament in Norfolk, Virginia.
Harris is a proud FAMU graduate and serves as the senior executive sponsor for Allstate’s relationship with the University. Committed to supporting underserved youth and historically Black colleges and universities, Harris is also the proud spokesperson for Allstate’s Quotes for Education program which has raised more than $500,000 for scholarships.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., launched his first statewide recruitment tour as the University’s 12th president on Friday, March 9.
Students, parents, alumni, and supporters met the President at five tour stops across the state of Florida in five days: Pensacola, Gainesville, Lake Worth, Davie, and Miami. Tour guests experienced one-on-one talks with FAMU representatives, staff, and leadership; performances from the University’s touring company, “The FAMU Connection;” and the opportunity to hear from student leadership and the President about what makes FAMU the No.1 Public HBCU.
The tour began in Pensacola on March 9 at Booker T. Washington High School and ended in Miami, Fla. on Monday, March 12 at Miami Jackson High School. Local students that were accepted into FAMU were announced at the tour stops and more students applied to attend the University at each location.
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) First Lady Sharon Robinson, who is a healthcare practitioner, is launching her first initiative since her husband, Larry Robinson, Ph.D., became the permanent president of FAMU.
Mrs. Robinson is hosting “Sound the Alarm: Empowering Women Through Healthy Life Choices,” on Friday, March 23, 2018, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the FAMU Hansel E. Tookes Recreation Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The health fair is designed to raise awareness about the health issues that are impacting women.
“I continue to be alarmed by the increasing number of women suffering from preventable chronic diseases associated with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stress, all of which are high-risk factors for heart disease — the leading cause of death among women in the United States,” she said, adding that the event was inspired by the 2018 National Women’s History Month theme, “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”
“(It) brought to my mind that we must be physically and mentally fit to take on the challenges of each day,” said Mrs. Robinson.
The event will include:
Throughout the event, community leaders and medical experts will enlighten, encourage and empower women, while offering simple solutions to help them take small steps to stay healthy or start on a journey to healthier lives.
Mrs. Robinson is encouraging participants to donate women’s beauty and hygiene products for distribution to the Refuge House and Tallahassee Homeless Shelter.
Community members can RSVP for the event at www.famuwhm.eventbrite.com.
For more information, contact vernon.bryant@famu.edu or call (850) 599-3413.
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., joined a distinguished panel on March 20 on Capitol Hill for the first HBCU STEAM Day of Action. The Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Caucus and the Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Caucus hosted the event.
HBCU presidents and administrators from 34 schools and industry leaders met with congressmen and senior staff from both parties and in both chambers. The meetings focused on advocacy for bipartisan priorities impacting HBCUs and increased efforts to diversify their workforce.
During a panel hosted by Intel, Dr. Robinson shared his perspective on the significant investments that public and private partners should be prepared to make to impact HBCUs.
Intel is among corporate partners contributing more than $500,000 to FAMU for scholarships and training students majoring in STEM disciplines. Barbara Whye, vice president of Human Resources and chief diversity and inclusion officer for Intel Corporation was also on the panel.
“Florida A&M University and our HBCU partners have been in the business of producing outstanding graduates in STEM disciplines throughout our history,” said Dr. Robinson. “The fact that HBCUs produce more than 40 percent of African-American engineers while constituting only three percent of colleges and universities in this nation is a remarkable achievement, in and of itself, but when you consider that only about 10 percent of all HBCUs have engineering programs, our productivity would suggest to anyone that these are the places to invest in and partner with for those private sector and federal entities interested in diversifying their workforce.”
Robinson summarized several insights provided at the event. Including:
