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History-Making Nuclear Scientist, FAMU Grad Mareena Robinson Snowden to Deliver Summer Commencement Speech

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This past year, Florida A&M University alumna Mareena Robinson Snowden, Ph.D., made national headlines after she became the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in nuclear science and engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). [Read more…] about History-Making Nuclear Scientist, FAMU Grad Mareena Robinson Snowden to Deliver Summer Commencement Speech

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 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.

Appointments by Governor Rick Scott for Friday, January 5, 2017

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Gov. Scott Announces Eight Appointments to Multiple State Boards

Governor Rick Scott today announced seven reappointments and one appointment to multiple state boards.
Florida Gateway College District Board of Trustees
Dr. Athena Randolph, 60, of Lake City, is co-owner of Randolph Medical Practices. Dr. Randolph is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2019.
Kathryn McInnis, 71, of Old Town, is a retired occupational specialist for the Dixie County School Board. She is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Florida Keys Community College District Board of Trustees
Kevin Madok, 55, of Big Pine Key, is the clerk of courts for Monroe County. Madok is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2020.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Lake-Sumter State College District Board of Trustees
Bryn Blaise, 29, of the Villages, is the construction manager for the Villages Commercial Property Management Blaise is appointed to fill a vacant seat for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2019.
Bret Jones, 38, of Clermont, is the principal attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Bret Jones, P.A. Jones is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
Marcia Butler, 73, of the Villages, previously taught in the Pinellas County school system. Butler is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
Tim Morris, 59, of Leesburg, is the vice president of Ernie Morris Enterprises, Inc. Morris is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending May 31, 2021.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
Board of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Daniel Calvo, 40, of Lakeland, is the regional consultant of clinical services for Accelerated Care Plus. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending October 31, 2021.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Robert “Blake” Gable
to Florida Gulf Coast District Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointment of Blake Gable to the Florida Gulf Coast University Board of Trustees.
Gable, 46, of Naples, is the chief executive officer at Barron Collier Companies. He has served as a board member of the Immokalee Foundation and as a trustee of the Greater Naples YMCA. Gable received his bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and his master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 6, 2018, and ending January 6, 2023.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Gov. Scott Reappoints Two to Florida A&M University Board of Trustees

Governor Rick Scott today announced the reappointments of Kelvin Lawson and Dr. Matthew Carter to the Florida A & M University Board of Trustees.
Lawson, 54, of Jacksonville, is a vice president at Acosta Sales and Marketing. He previously served as the director of national accounts for Johnson and Johnson. Lawson received his bachelor’s degree from Florida A & M University. He is reappointed for a term beginning January 5, 2018, and ending January 6, 2021.
Dr. Carter, 65, of Tallahassee, is an attorney and business consultant on energy, economic development, and education with Carter and Associates. He is a United States Army Veteran and previously served as a member of the Board of Governors of the State University System. Dr. Carter is reappointed for a term beginning January 6, 2018, and ending January 6, 2023.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.