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FAMU’s President Selected To Serve On National STEM Advisory Panel

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Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has been appointed to serve on a new national advisory panel created to encourage U.S. scientific and technological innovations in education.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), in consultation with the Department of Education, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today announced the appointment of 18 members to the panel, which was authorized by the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act. [Read more…] about FAMU’s President Selected To Serve On National STEM Advisory Panel

Hollywood’s Rob Hardy and Wall Street Executive Shundrawn Thomas to Deliver FAMU’s Spring Commencement Addresses

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Two distinguished Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumni will return to their alma mater in May to deliver inspirational addresses to graduates during the 2018 spring commencement exercises. The ceremonies will be held May 4-5 at the Alfred L. Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium.

Northern Trust Asset Management President Shundrawn Thomas, who received his degree in accounting from FAMU, will address students on Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m.

Filmmaker Rob Hardy, who received his degree in mechanical engineering from FAMU, will address students on Saturday, May 5 at both 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. An Army ROTC commissioning ceremony will be held during the 9 a.m. event.

As president of Northern Trust Asset Management, Thomas’ responsibilities include developing long-term strategy, executing operating plans, cultivating client relationships, managing vendor relationships and developing talented professionals. He also serves as a member of the Management Group for Northern Trust Corporation. Previously, Thomas served as executive vice president and head of Funds and Managed Accounts at Northern, and president and chief executive of its subsidiary Northern Trust Securities, Inc.

Thomas, who received an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, was recognized by Diversity MBA Magazine as one of the nation’s “Top 50 Diverse Executives Under 50” and by Black Enterprise as one of the “75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street.”

Hardy is a producer, director and CEO of Rainforest Entertainment, a full-scale production company. He is a driving force behind many of today’s popular television and film productions including the “The Quad,” a critically-acclaimed show focused on a fictional historically Black college.

As an executive producer, Hardy’s credits include “No Good Deed,” “ Stomp The Yard,” “Think Like a Man,” “Think Like a Man Too” and “Alpha Man: The Brotherhood of MLK.” His credits as a director include “Black’ish” “Being Mary Jane,” “Empire,” “Power,” “ How to Get Away with Murder,” “Criminal Minds,” “ER,” and “The Flash.”

The Hollywood Reporter celebrated Hardy as one of the leading African-American “Power Brokers” and Black Enterprise listed him among the “Top 25 Money Makers in Entertainment.” In 2014 he was nominated for the prestigious NAACP Image Award. Hardy, who also graduated from the New York Film Academy, launched his career in the early 90’s while a student at FAMU, when he teamed up with fellow Rattler and filmmaker Will Packer. The two would go on to develop some of the most popular African-American films in the history of Hollywood.

FAMU Launches Search for Candidates for Five Key Academic Leadership Posts

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) is seeking exemplary candidates for several deans’ positions as well as the superintendent of the FAMU Developmental Research School.

A national search is underway for the deans of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication; College of Education; College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and College of Science and Technology.

Interim Provost Rodner Wright encourages FAMU alumni and stakeholders to recommend candidates who will help FAMU achieve its strategic goals. Attracting and retaining world-class faculty is one of the six priorities in the University’s new five-year strategic plan, “FAMU Rising.”

“We are in search of candidates with visionary leadership,” said Wright. “We want executives who are highly qualified and academically respected in their fields. We are seeking individuals who are student-centered and driven to ensure their success.”

The journalism, pharmacy and education deanships were filled with interims in May 2017 and the science and technology deanship with an interim in February 2017. The superintendent of FAMU DRS position has had an interim since June 2016.

Wright said the goal is to have permanent leadership in place before the start of the fall 2018 semester. The deadline to apply is April 20, 2018, but candidates are encouraged to apply early.

In each of the deans’ positions, a terminal degree in the disciplines represented by the college is required as well as fundraising experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills and a focus on best educational practices.

Information about the search process for all positions, qualifications, and other details are available on FAMU’s Human Resources portal by clicking here.

FAMU has partnered with the Greenwood/Asher & Associates firm to conduct the searches.

FAMU’s First Lady Hosts Empowerment Health Fair in Honor of Women’s History Month

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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:

  • A health promotion fair featuring healthcare professionals and students from FAMU and across the Big Bend, community partners, movement stations, health screenings and giveaways (1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • A health awareness session and activewear fashion showcase (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
  • Zumba fitness activities (3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.)

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 famuwhm.eventbrite.com.

For more information, contact vernon.bryant@famu.edu or call (850) 599-3413.

FAMU President Announces Statewide Recruitment Tour

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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 on Monday, March 12 at Miami Jackson High School.

During the tour, Dr. 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, Florida

March 10
12 p.m. EST
Springhill Missionary Baptist Church
120 S.E. Williston Road
Gainesville, Florida

March 11
3:30 p.m. EST
Palm Beach State College
4200 Congress Avenue
Lake Worth, Florida

March 12
9:30 a.m. EST
Broward College
3501 Davie Road
Davie, Florida

March 12
6:30 p.m. EST
Miami Jackson High School
1751 NW 36th St.
Miami, Florida

FAMU President Names New Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has named Rica Calhoun the University’s new chief ethics and compliance officer. Her appointment is effective today, March 1.

In her new role at FAMU, Calhoun will be responsible for providing leadership in offering guidance and communicating with the campus community about compliance risks. She will also advise the president and senior administrators on matters of compliance and ethics.

Calhoun’s responsibilities also include exercising the authority and autonomy necessary to impartially review, evaluate and report compliance issues across the University. She will also design, implement or enhance programs that identify and avert compliance issues or unethical behavior.

“Mrs. Calhoun comes to FAMU with a wealth of experiences that will serve us well as we continue our focus on strengthening and enhancing the performance of the University through the implementation of our new ‘FAMU Rising’ Strategic Plan,” said Robinson. “We welcome her expertise and wealth of knowledge in law, ethics, and compliance.”

Calhoun comes to FAMU from Western Illinois University (WIU), where she served in a number of roles over her seven-year tenure. She began her career at WIU in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access as assistant director. She also contributed to the Student Services Division as interim associate vice president before becoming the first internal general counsel for the university.

As general counsel and the ethics and freedom of information officer at WIU, Calhoun represented the university in a wide range of legal matters. She advised the Board of Trustees, president and executive leadership team as well as administrative offices throughout campus to ensure compliance in many areas.

“Every member of the University community plays a role in ensuring compliance, thereby, creating an environment where every stakeholder can thrive,” Calhoun said. “I look forward to joining the team and positively contributing to Florida A&M University’s mission of excellence.”

Calhoun has also served as a member of the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity, the National Association of College and University Attorneys and is an Association of Title IX Administrators certified campus investigator.

Calhoun received her juris doctor from the College of William and Mary Marshall Wythe School of Law. She graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in international affairs. She lives in Tallahassee with her husband and their three children.

FAMU to Close Out Black History Month with Annual Harambee Festival

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Florida A&M University (FAMU) will conclude its celebration of Black History Month with its annual Harambee Festival on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Tallahassee’s Cascades Park, located at 1001 S. Gadsden St., from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

A cultural celebration designed to inspire unity in the community; this year’s festivities will include live entertainment by a variety of local artists and the nationally acclaimed performance group Tallahassee Nights Live.

Attendees will also enjoy African drum and dance performances, spoken word, cultural art displays, eclectic jewelry, African design showcases, international food, presentations from the University’s colleges and schools, and educational classes focused on health, food, and empowerment.

The celebration will kick off with greetings from FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and include remarks from County Commissioner Nick Maddox, Mayor Pro Tempore Curtis Richardson, Council on Culture and Arts Director Audra Pittman, Visit Tallahassee Director Kerri Post, and Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Chair Heidi Otway.

FAMU employees, students, and other Tallahassee community members founded the original Harambee festival in Tallahassee more than 20 years ago. Since it’s resurgence in 2016, the annual festival has drawn thousands of attendees from as far as South Carolina and Miami to celebrate the contributions of African-American culture.

The FAMU Harambee Festival is free to the public.  For more information and a schedule of performances and classes, visit FAMU.edu/Harambee.

FAMU, WFSU Public Media, and Firelight Partner to Premiere PBS Film “Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities”

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Film by Preeminent Storyteller Stanley Nelson
Showcases Florida A&M University’s National Impact

On January 26, 2018, Florida A&M University (FAMU) will partner 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,” the latest film from Emmy and Peabody Award-winning director Stanley Nelson. The screening is part of a national HBCU Tour and a collaboration between public media stations and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The screening will be held at 7 p.m., in FAMU’s Lee Hall Auditorium, located at 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the creative team, University leaders, prominent alumni, and other invited guests to talk about the important issues explored in the documentary.
FAMU, WFSU Public Media, and Firelight Media want the community to be a part of the discussion. To participate, interested attendees must RSVP at wfsu.org/ttwarscreening. Media availability with filmmakers and FAMU leaders will be held prior to the start of the film screening.
As a leading HBCU, FAMU’s students, faculty, and leaders play a prominent role in the film, showcasing the valuable impact of the University.
“Florida A&M University has had a tremendous impact on our community. It has provided opportunity and access for many to fulfill their dreams of an education,” said Kim Kelling, Director of Content and Community Partnerships.  “There are FAMU graduates in many leadership positions throughout the area and nation. It is our hope here at WFSU Public Media that this film, ‘Tell Them We Are Rising,’ will help inform our audiences of the value of historically Black colleges and universities. It is so critical to understand the history and legacies of these schools including FAMU.”
The 90-minute film 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.
FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., commended Nelson, Firelight Media, PBS, WFSU, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for recognizing and honoring FAMU’s impact and the contributions of all HBCUs by producing and showing the film to local, regional and national audiences. 
“FAMU, and our sister HBCUs, have a rich and dynamic legacy. FAMU alone has provided life-changing educational experiences for more than 75,000 alumni that have gone on to become leaders and innovators who have strengthened our society and affected positive change in places near and far,” said Robinson. “We look forward to sharing our story with the world as we celebrate the life and legacy of HBCU graduate, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this January and pay homage to African Americans in February in honor of Black History Month.”
The screening and tour are a major part of “HBCU Rising,” the yearlong, multi-platform engagement project designed to drive dialogue sparked by the film among a variety of audiences.
Written, directed and produced by Nelson (“The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution”) and produced by Firelight Films, “Tell Them We Are Rising” reveals for the first time the complex history of how HBCUs – havens for Black intellectuals, artists and trailblazers – offered a path of promise toward the American dream, educated the architects of freedom movements throughout the decades, and cultivated leaders in every field.
The film also examines the impact HBCUs have had on American history, culture and national identity for more than 150 years.
“We felt it was very important to showcase the film to students on HBCU campuses because this is a vital part of our African-American and American history,” said director Stanley Nelson. “Many students and even alumni are not aware of the deep history of how and why HBCUs were created and the foundation for success they provided for African Americans. We appreciate the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s support and the partnership on the ground with local public television and radio stations to make this tour possible.”

Attorney Benjamin Crump Will Deliver Keynote at FAMU MLK Day Convocation

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: On Friday, January 12, Benjamin L. Crump, civil rights attorney and the host of the A&E series “Who Killed Tupac?,” will be the keynote speaker during Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) 2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.

Benjamin Crump

WHAT: FAMU invites prolific speakers and notable figures in Black history, human rights and civil rights to deliver the annual address before students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community. Crump will reflect on King’s famous “Letter From Birmingham City Jail” and use the message to empower students and people of all ages to use “what they have” to stand up for justice.
WHY: Crump and his Tallahassee-based law firm’s representation of victims of gun violence sparked national outcry and ongoing protests over the murders of unarmed Black men, primarily at the hands of police.
WHERE: The convocation begins at 10:10 a.m., at FAMU’s Jake Gaither Gymnasium, located at 1835 Wahnish Way in Tallahassee. The public is invited to attend the free event and is encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited.

Moody’s: FAMU’s Outlook Upgraded to Stable

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NEW YORK, NY – Moody’s Investors Service announced that it has revised the outlook of Florida A&M University (FAMU) to stable from negative. The outlook revision incorporates anticipated improvement in operating performance and revenue growth with reduced enrollment volatility combined with gains in base state funding. FAMU is closing out 2017 with an increase in fundraising and its highest enrollment increase since 2014 at 9,913 students.

“Through the collective efforts of the Board of Trustees, FAMU Foundation, University administrators, staff, faculty, student leaders, and, of course, our committed alumni and friends, we are working tirelessly to ensure the financial well-being and continued growth of this great institution,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We are grateful that Moody’s recognizes our efforts and grateful to everyone who has played a role in this positive outcome for FAMU.”

According to Moody’s, the stable outlook incorporates expectations of stabilizing enrollment, management’s commitment to maintaining operating equilibrium, and stable to growing state support. The stable outlook also reflects the absence of future borrowing plans or plans to reduce flexible reserves and is also predicated on a strong demand for the University’s “dormitory system.” Moody’s also indicates that the University has a reasonable cushion of flexible reserves relative to expenses, as well as relatively low debt. 

“The elevation in the Moody’s Outlook Rating illustrates the University’s commitment to sustaining enrollment growth as well as improving our operational and financial performance,” said Wanda Ford, DM, CFO and interim vice president for Finance and Administration. “We are excited about the University’s improvement in its rating of creditworthiness as it allows for greater opportunities to support our students in academic achievement and success.” 

Moody’s Investors Service is a leading provider of credit ratings, research, and risk analysis.   

According to Moody’s factors that lead to an outlook upgrade, include: 

 ·      Sustained revenue growth combined with more effective enrollment management and enhanced student demand 

·      Improved operating performance with reduced volatility and operating cash flow margins 

·      Marked increase in flexible reserves with spendable cash and investments to operating expenses sustainably  

 

For more information, visit www.moodys.com.