Capital Soup

Florida News Straight From the Source

You are here: Home / Archives for Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University

FAMU Launches Search for Candidates for Five Key Academic Leadership Posts

Posted on

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

Posted on

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 [email protected] or call (850) 599-3413.

FAMU President Names New Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

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 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.

FAMU Athletic Director Milton Overton Announces Resignation, New Role at Kennesaw State University

Posted on

Earlier today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletic Director Milton Overton notified Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., of his plans to accept a position at Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia as athletic director. Overton will assume his new position on December 1, 2017. He began his tenure at FAMU in August 2015.
“We are highly appreciative of the work AD Overton has done during his tenure at FAMU and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Robinson said. “This opportunity moves him closer to his family.”
Overton thanked Dr. Robinson, Board of Trustees Chair Kelvin Lawson, and the FAMU community “for embracing our department’s effort to build champions in the classroom, on the field and in life with academic excellence and integrity.”
Robinson has named FAMU graduate John Eason as the interim athletic director. He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FAMU and served as a member of the Rattler football team. He retired at the end of 2015 from the University of Georgia as its director of player development.
“Mr. Eason is well-equipped to help keep our program moving forward,” said Robinson, who announced that he would immediately launch a national search for Overton’s permanent replacement.