Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for FAMU

FAMU

Attorney Benjamin Crump Will Deliver Keynote at FAMU MLK Day Convocation

Posted on

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

Posted on

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. 

Moody’s: FAMU’s Outlook Upgraded to Stable

Posted on

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. 

Two Women of Power Will Deliver FAMU’s Fall Commencement Speeches

Posted on

The first female and 117th bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Vashti McKenzie and alumna and Allstate Insurance Executive Cheryl Harris will address Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) fall 2017 graduates. Approximately 630 FAMU graduates will be cheered on by family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and other guests during two ceremonies.

Harris will speak on Friday, December 15 at 6 p.m., at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. McKenzie will deliver her message in the Lawson Center on Saturday, December 16 at 9 a.m.

Described as an “electrifying preacher,” McKenzie’s historic election in 2000 was the first time in the A.M.E. Church’s 213-year history that a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office. McKenzie is an author, documentary producer and the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District.

Harris is a graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry and serves on the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors.  She oversees Allstate’s Supplier Diversity Program and was recently named one of Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” in 2017.
On December 15, the following schools and colleges will confer degrees upon 274 graduates: 

  • FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 
  • School of Allied Health 
  • School of Architecture and Engineering Technology 
  • School of Business and Industry 
  • School of the Environment 
  • School of Nursing 
  • School of Journalism & Graphic Communication 

On December 16, the following colleges will confer degrees upon 357 graduates: 

  • College of Agriculture and Food Sciences 
  • College of Education 
  • College of Law 
  • College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 
  • College of Science and Technology 
  • College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Larry Robinson Named FAMU’s 12th President by Board of Trustees

Posted on

Today, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously voted to name Larry Robinson, Ph.D., the 12th university president, subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
“I am humbled and overjoyed to have this opportunity to help move this University forward. I understand the awesomeness of this responsibility,” Robinson said, accepting the nomination. “I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of your team. I want to emphasize that our No. 1 priority will be student success – fully understanding that a key element of our student success is the great work of our faculty and staff.”
Board Chair Kelvin Lawson underscored the collective support from the BOT and FAMU community to name Robinson FAMU’s next permanent leader.
“We based our decision on data and followed our process thoroughly,” Lawson said. “We all, collectively, feel good about where we are, and we feel extremely well about our new leader – President Robinson.”
Robinson has served as the University’s interim president since September 2016. He also serves as a distinguished professor and principal investigator in the School of the Environment. He previously served as interim president from July 2012 to April 2014, director of FAMU’s Environmental Sciences Institute from 1997 to 2003, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2003 to 2005, interim president in 2007, and vice president for Research in 2009.

Florida A&M University Announces Football Coach Search Committee

Posted on

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton, Jr., announced Wednesday the formation of a committee that will help identify candidates for FAMU’s next head football coach. The committee will review candidates’ applications, conduct interviews and recommend finalists. Tallahassee physician and former University Trustee Spurgeon McWilliams, MD, will serve as chair of the search committee.
Other committee members include: Emmitt Alexander, Sr., FAMU Boosters member; Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark, president of the FAMU National Alumni Association; Keith Clinkscales, FAMU Foundation Board member; Selven Cobb, Rattler Boosters treasurer; John Eason, incoming interim director of Athletics; Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Industry; Eddie Jackson, president of the 220 Quarterback Club (a group that supports FAMU Athletics programs); Darlene Moore, Ed.D., director of Track and Field; Ebenezer Oriaku, Ph.D., Athletics faculty representative; and Elijah Richardson, FAMU football player.
FAMU has a rich football history and faithful fans. Among historically Black colleges and universities, FAMU finished first in average home attendance in the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly Division 1-AA. The 2016 home attendance was 19,710. The football team also led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in both total and average home attendance.

FAMU Mourns the Loss of Journalism Student Emojah Mullings

Posted on

The Florida A&M University community is mourning the loss of 19-year-old School of Journalism & Graphic Communication student Emojah Mullings, who succumbed yesterday afternoon to injuries sustained in a car crash on Sunday. Mullings was a sophomore broadcast journalism student.
The University has made contact with Ms. Mullings’ family to offer support and extend its prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. This week, the University will offer grief counseling to students and FAMU faculty and staff who knew Mullings.
Ms. Mullings, a Central Florida resident, was one of four students traveling together in a car on I-10 on Sunday when the vehicle traveled off the roadway causing it to overturn and strike several stumps and a wire fence before coming to a stop. Mullings was ejected from the vehicle. Two passengers have minor injuries and one was able to return to class.
“Ms. Mullings was a very engaged student and very full of life. She was active in the student body in several organizations and displayed promise for success in the journalism industry,” said Dhyana Ziegler, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
The University extends prayers and thoughts to all of the passengers and families involved in the crash as they recover from the impact of the incident.
Students are planning a vigil to honor Mullings’ life and contributions to the campus community.

FAMU Head Football Coach Announces Resignation

Posted on

Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletics Director Milton Overton, Jr., announced Coach Alex Wood has resigned his position as head football coach and will step down today.
Overton said, “Wood has served FAMU Athletics with honor as he worked to help rebuild the Rattler football program during the past three seasons. We thank him for his dedication and service.”
Offensive Line Coach Edwin Pata, a two-time FAMU alumnus and former FSU football player, will serve as interim head football coach.
FAMU will work diligently to identify the next head football coach under the leadership of Interim Athletics Director John Eason.

Florida Board of Governors Gives FAMU Option to Forego National Presidential Search

Posted on

The Florida State University System Board of Governors (BOG) voted to confirm the reappointment of Larry Robinson, Ph.D. as the interim president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and also opened the door for the University’s Board of Trustees to appoint him as permanent president.
During its regular meeting, the State University System’s governing body unanimously approved a waiver of its presidential search process in response to a request from FAMU’s BOT Chairman Kelvin Lawson and the board of trustees. The waiver was requested in August after FAMU trustees voted 11-0 in favor of the move.
Lawson said, “I look forward to a healthy discussion with FAMU’s trustees when we meet November 29-30 in Tallahassee. We will take the next step at our meeting and make a firm decision to either appoint Dr. Robinson as permanent president or conduct a national search.”
Lawson added, “We are appreciative of the support of the Board of Governors. Their vote speaks to the quality leadership team that we’ve assembled.”
Robinson has served as FAMU’s interim president since September 15, 2016 and also served in the capacity from July 2012 to April 2014 and in 2007.
FAMU’s National Alumni Association President Lt. Col. Gregory L. Clark and FAMU Foundation Vice Chair Hosetta Coleman appeared before the BOG to elaborate on their respective boards’ decisions to support Robinson for permanent president.
Coleman said, “Dr. Robinson has demonstrated through his leadership the ability to put action behind his vision to strengthen FAMU’s intellectual capacity by focusing on student success, enriching academic programs and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, which is in line with the Board of Governors’ Performance Metrics.”
Clark said “The energy at Florida A&M University is high. We have a highly functioning Board of Trustees, an engaged Foundation Board and a committed National Alumni Association, which are all energized by Dr. Robinson’s leadership style.”
Governor Alan Levine was among board members who commended Robinson’s leadership and track record.
Levine said, “I think he’s brought a lot of vision to the campus.”
Tallahassee attorney and governor Tim Cerio is a new appointee to the board.
“I think he’s (Robinson) done amazing things in a short amount of time. I have a lot of confidence in Dr. Robinson and what he’s going to do in the future.”
The BOG also reappointed FAMU Trustee and Board Vice Chair Kimberly Moore to FAMU’s BOT. She has served on the board since 2013.

FAMU Community Mourns the Loss of Founding Allied Health Dean Jacqueline Beck

Posted on

The founding dean of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Allied Health Sciences Jacqueline Beck, Ph.D., is being remembered as a strong, kind and steadfast leader and national trailblazer. Beck passed on October 31. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 10 at 11 a.m., at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church located at 224 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Tallahassee.
To commemorate her many contributions and dedication to the University, in 2007, the building that houses FAMU’s Allied Health Sciences programs (Lewis-Beck Building) was named in her honor along with the late nursing school dean Margaret Lewis, Ph.D.
FAMU’s Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., recalled Beck’s unique qualities that led to the establishment of Allied Health programs at FAMU.
“Dean Beck’s keen intellect and administrative skills established her as a national leader in higher education and propelled our Allied Health Sciences program to be among the best in the nation,” said Robinson. “Her dedication and commitment to her students, faculty and staff were exceeded only by her love of her family, FAMU, and the Tallahassee community.”
Beck began her career at FAMU in 1958 as a nursing instructor and eventually became an associate professor and acting dean of the School of Nursing. In 1978, FAMU’s former president, Walter L. Smith, Ph.D., entrusted Beck with developing the proposal that led to the creation of the School of Allied Health Sciences in 1982. Beck served as dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences until 2000.
The school evolved from two divisions, the Division of Medical Records Administration and Physical Therapy to five divisions, offering bachelor’s degrees in cardiopulmonary science, healthcare management, health information management, occupational therapy and physical therapy and a master’s in physical therapy by 2000.
An article chronicling the 2007 Allied Health building naming ceremony captured Beck’s passion for her profession in this quote: “If you see Webster’s dictionary, it tells you that a citadel holds precious commodities. That is just perfect for what we are doing today. We are not naming a building but a citadel.”
Dean Cynthia Hughes Harris, Ph.D., succeeded Beck and described her as a savvy and sophisticated leader.
“I’ve stood on her shoulders,” Harris said. “She laid the groundwork and foundation, and all we had to do was build on it.”
As she built her team, physical therapist and FAMU assistant professor Bernard Smothers said Beck was meticulous, personable and accessible.
“She got to know if you were a caring person, and that’s how she got the right people in the right positions. She will be sorely missed,” said Smothers.
Harris said Beck filled a void as a co-founder of the National Society of Allied Health Professions, an organization for historically Black colleges and universities with schools or programs of allied health.
Beck was a native of Gulfport, Mississippi. She lived in Tallahassee for more than 50 years and earned her Doctorate of Education from the University of Florida in 1976. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Dillard University and a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana University.