Florida A&M University hosted its Town Hall Meeting on hazing in September toeducate students, faculty and members of the community on the history anddangers of hazing. The meeting was held in the Alfred L. Lawson, Jr., MultipurposeCenter and Teaching Gymnasium.

A distinguished panel of experts spoke on the history of hazing and gavestudents advice on how to speak up about any hazing. The panelists consisted ofthe following: clinical psychologist Na’im Akbar; professor Elizabeth Allan;executive director for The Harbor Institute Attorney Rasheed-Ali Cromwell;president of the Marching “100” Alumni Band Association Inc. Victor Gaines; hazingresearcher Hank Nuwer and Student Government Association (SGA) PresidentMarissa West.

“I’d be proud as can be if the next Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award for thecourage to end hazing in a group goes to a young man or young woman fromFlorida A&M,” said Hank Nuwer.

Three hundred clickers were passed out to people in the audience, which wereused to answer questions about hazing. They also held a question-and-answersegment where students could voice their concerns.

One question asked what are some ideas for student interaction into studentorganizations that might effectively replace hazing.

Cromwell suggested that FAMU implement an educational process that wouldteach conflict management, among other things, as a requirement before anyonecan join an organization.

“Set those educational settings and environment here at FAMU,” said Cromwell.Cromwell is one of the leading authorities on fraternity and sorority life on

college campuses. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and former vice-president of the Iota Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Inc. at NorthCarolina A&T State University.

Another question asked why it seems as if HBCUs are being targeted whenhazing happens at majority institutions statistically more often.

Akbar told the audience it was because African Americans are “much morevisible in anything negative.” He also related hazing to slavery and the need forblacks to always be accepted.

“They used to always tell us [blacks] back in my day,” Akbar started, “We can’t begood as, we got to be better.”

According to Allan, principal investigator for the National Study of StudentHazing in 2008 and author and co-author of numerous articles, essays, bookchapters and encyclopedia entries on the topic of hazing, 55 percent of collegestudents and 47 percent of high school students have been hazed.

Brandon Cunningham, president of the Marching “100,” told the audience thatthe “100” was present to show its commitment to end hazing.

He reminded the audience that the band has done a lot for the university, and“if they can suspend us for a year, what makes you think they wont do it to yourorganization?”

Anthony King, 24, a senior sociology student from Hollywood, Fla., said themeeting was informative.

“The point of the meeting was valid,” said King. “It was something that neededto happen.”

Former SGA Vice President James Bland, who served as the moderator,encouraged Twitter users to use the hash-tag #FAMUTownHall to ask questions andmake comments. It was a top trending topic in the United States.

Many students took to the social media website, where their tweets alsoappeared live during the town hall meeting.

Antoine Gibson, 19, a second-year music industry student from Atlanta, Ga.,tweeted that he felt the meeting was unnecessary.

“You don’t need a town hall meeting about hazing,” he tweeted. “It’s notbiomedical engineering, it’s simple. Just don’t do it.”

Reality star and FAMU alumna Royce Reed also tweeted about the meeting. “Every FAMU student and alumni in Tallahassee should be at the town hall

meeting,” she stated.At the end of the program when asked if students would report hazing after

witnessing it, more than 60 percent answered “likely.”When asked to rate the town hall meeting, 80 percent of the audience gave it a

score of “excellent” — the highest score attainable.

Town Hall Meeting Showcases a Diverse Panel

oceans and atmosphere at theNational Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration(NOAA); the vice president forresearch and a professor inthe Environmental SciencesInstitute (now School of theEnvironment) at FAMU; anddirector of the NOAAEnvironmental CooperativeScience Center (ECSC)headquartered at FAMU.

Between 1984 and 1997,Robinson served as a researchscientist and a group leader atOak Ridge NationalLaboratory. From 1997 to2003, Robinson directedFAMU’s EnvironmentalSciences Institute where heled efforts to establishbachelor and doctoral degreeprograms. In 2007, he becamethe first African American toserve as the science advisor tothe United States Departmentof Agriculture’s CooperativeState Research, Education andExtension Service.

According to Badger,Robinson will not seek thepermanent position as FAMUpresident and will earn asalary at a rate of $325,000annually.

[TANYA GLOVER]

06// INSIDE FAMU

SEARCHCont’d from Page 1

DR. NA’IM AKBAR DR. ELIZABETHALLAN

ATTY. RASHEED-ALICROMWELL

PROF. HANK NUWER MR. VICTOR GAINES MR. JAMES BLAND

Mr. Torey AlstonMr. Corey Alston

Dr. James H. AmmonsMr. Gregory Anderson

Mr. Aaron P. ArnoldAtty. E. Belicia Ayers

Mrs. Alice BaconDr. Solomon L. Badger III

Gen. (Ret.) Leroy BellAtty. Alvin F. Benton

Dr. Alfreda BlackshearMr. Richard “Dick” Blake

Dr. Mirion P. BowersAtty. Joe Briggs

Ms. Charlie BrownSen. Corrine BrownDr. William J. BryantDr. Atira C. Charles

Maj. Gregory L. ClarkMrs. Yvonne Hayling ClarkeDr. Gwenesia Smith CollinsAtty. Alfonso N. Cornish, II

Mrs. Carmen Cummings MartinMrs. Clara DavisDr. Carol Davis

Mr. Richard DentMr. Seabon Dixon

Mayor Robert B. DonaldsonDr. Makeba S. Earst

Dr. Allesa Jackson EnglishDr. Donald E. Fennoy, II

Mr. Pearl Lindbergh FergusonMr. Charles L. FieldsDr. Tamara Foreman

Mrs. Emma James FountainDr. Shawnta Friday-Stroud

Mr. Roland GainesDr. Fred Gainous

Atty. Tamara GarrettComm. Andrew Gillum

Ms. Kim GodwinMrs. Lillian Granderson

Dr. Freddie Groomes-McLendonMs. Amber HallMr. Rob Hardy

Dr. Tracy HarmonMs. Cheryl A. Harris

Mrs. Jacquelyn HartleyCOL (Ret.) Brodes H. Hartley, Jr.

Atty. Joseph HatchettMr. John Haugabrook

Dr. Robert HaylingMrs. Doris HicksDr. Rosalie A. HillDr. Adriel HiltonMr. Eric Hinson

Atty. Bishop HolifieldMr. Earl Holmes

Dr. Marlon HoneywellDr. Frederick S. Humphries

Mr. Leonard IngeDr. David JacksonMr. Eddie Jackson

Atty. C. Sha’Ron JamesMr. Michael A. James

Mr. William “Bill” JenningsCOL (Ret.) Ronald JoeMr. Oscar A. Joyner

Sen. Arthenia JoynerMs. T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh

Dr. Bernard KinseyMrs. Shirley Kinsey

Sen. Alfred Lawson, Jr.Dr. Lasalle Leffall

Dr. Margaret LewisDr. Henry Lewis, III

Mr. Charles Lewis, IIIMr. Ray Long

Dr. Monroe MackMrs. Altha F. ManningMr. Clinton D. McGill

Mr. James “Skip” McLemoreDr. Spurgeon McWilliams

Sen. Carrie Meek

Ms. Mitzi MillerMr. Tommy MitchellDr. Paul B. Mohr, Sr.

Mr. Rufus MontgomeryMrs. Sonia Jackson Myles

Mr. Nick F. NelsonMr. William PackerAtty. Daryl Parks

LTC (Ret.) Maurice PickettLTC (Ret.)Robert PorterMr. Wesley S. PuryearMr. Jonathan Quarles

Dr. Tiffany Butler QuayeDr. George H. Rawls

Mr. Garth ReevesBishop Adam J. Richardson

Dr. William H. RobinsonMr. Vernell Ross

Mr. Leo P. Sam, Jr.Mrs. Sharon P. Saunders

Ms. Keisha L. SenterAtty. Belinda Reed ShannonCOL (Ret.) Jerry A. Simmons

Dr. Walter L. SmithMrs. Thrya Echols Starr

Atty. Theodore N. TaylorMr. Shundrawn A. Thomas

Mr. John W. ThompsonDr. Valencia P. Walker

Dr. Leila A. WalkerMs. Keisha Walker

Dr. Joseph WebsterMr. Nathaniel Wesley

Mr. Karl E. WhiteMr. Tirrell D. Whittley

Rep. Alan WilliamsMrs. Dorothy P. Williams

Rev. Ralph WilsonMr. Joe Womack, IIIDr. Arthur Woodard

Dr. Freddie Gilliam Young

CONGRATULATIONS

FAMU Honors125 Outstanding Alumni

ADVERTISEMENT

DR. LARRY ROBINSONINTERIM PRESIDENT

The Florida A&M University Board of Trustees (BOT) haslaunched its presidential search process. At the August 2012meeting, the BOT outlined its new process for conducting thepresidential search and appointed Trustees Karl White of Boston,chair and Dr. Spurgeon McWilliams of Tallahassee as vice chair ofthe search committee.

The BOT also officially appointed Dr. Larry Robinson as interimpresident.

Other board members appointed to the search committeeinclude: Narayan Persaud, president of the Faculty Senate; MarissaWest, president of the FAMU Student Government Association;Torey Alston of Fort Lauderdale; Belinda Reed-Shannon of Raleigh;and Marjorie Turnbull of Tallahassee. Tommy Mitchell, president ofthe National Alumni Association, and the Honorable ElizabethWebster, member of the Florida Board of Governors, were alsoappointed to the committee. Chairman Solomon Badger will

serve as an ex-officio member.Chairman Badger also appointed an advisory committee to the

search committee which includes Trustee C. William Jennings ofOrlando; Chairman of the Board of Governors Dean Colson; andFrederick S. Humphries, former president of FAMU.

Badger welcomed Robinson as interim president and has askedthe search committee to consider:

• Developing a process that begins with soliciting input fromthe board, alumni, faculty, administrators, staff and students,as well as other university supporters that will result in aleadership statement;

• Making a recommendation about securing a search firm;• Developing a timeline for the search process which includes

the screening, interviewing and a short list of candidates forthe board to interview; and

• Developing a communication strategy for keeping the boardand the public informed about the process.

“I would ask the committee to keep this process as transparentas possible, while also balancing the need to permit the process towork effectively,”said Badger. “Please know that this board and theuniversity are committed to an open process that abides by thePublic Meetings and Public Records laws.”

Robinson’s appointment as interim president was confirmed bythe Florida Board of Governors in September.

In outlining his plan as interim president, Robinson said thatthe foundation has been established for his work.

“As I assume this post, I do not have to start from scratch,” saidRobinson. “Over the past 125 years, the framework has beenestablished and the future direction for the university is clearlyarticulated in our 2010-2020 strategic plan, which is appropriatelytitled FAMU 2020 Vision With Courage. Considering all that hashappened, we continue to do remarkable things at FAMU. I wouldlike to contribute this success to the dedication, commitment andperseverance of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supportersnear and far.”

Robinson was appointed chief executive officer on July 16,2012, and was confirmed at the Aug. 16 BOT meeting. Robinson,who has served twice as university provost, has served in variousleadership posts. He was assistant secretary of commerce for

3Trustee Karl White, Chair of thePresidential Search Committee

Four new deans Appointed in 2012— the dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences; the dean of the School ofJournalism and Graphic Communication; the dean of the College of Pharmacy andPharmaceutical Sciences; and the dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

ROBERT W. TAYLORCollege of Agriculture andFood Sciences

Robert W. Taylor formerlyserved as dean of the Schoolof Agricultural andEnvironmental Science atAlabama A&M Universitywhere he led the schoolthrough three successfulaccreditations. During histenure as dean, he also helpedfaculty acquire grants whichresulted in a significantincrease in competitive grantsawarded to the school.

Taylor has served in variouscapacities such as the director of NSF/CREST Center for ForestEcosystems Assessment; professor of soil and environmentalchemistry and director of the Center for Environmental Researchand Training at Alabama A&M University; and acting deputydivision director for Biological Infrastructure, Division of BiologicalInfrastructure at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Va.He currently serves on the National Agricultural Research,Education, Extension and Economics Advisory Board.

As a faculty member, Taylor has taught various undergraduate,graduate, and dual-level courses. He also has published morethan 50 papers in professional journals.

He received his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from theTuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Ala. and a master’s degree in soilmicrobiology and a doctorate in soil chemistry from MichiganState University in East Lansing, Mich.

ANN L. WEAD KIMBROUGH School of Journalism and Graphic Communication

Ann L. Wead Kimbrough formerly served as the senioradministrator of Webster University’s two largest Arkansasgraduate campuses. Webster University is an accredited, 97-year-old non-profit, top-tier global university. She is also a visitingprofessor at the Arkansas Baptist College instructing students inthe areas of global communications, entrepreneurship,marketing, ethics, and sustainability strategies.

Kimbrough has been an advisor to a student newspaper,

faculty sponsor, grant writer,fundraiser, faculty liaison tothe university’s president’soffice, internship coordinator,limited time manager ofuniversity relations, and atutor. As a faculty member,Kimbrough has taughtcourses in basic journalism,financial journalism, publicrelations, strategic communi-cations, international businessand cross-cultural communi-cations. She has served as thechief of staff to the chiefexecutive officer of DeKalbCounty Government (Ga.)where she successfully

launched a countywide public awareness and educationalcampaign for successful passage of a $250 million bondreferendum. In addition, she is a veteran, award-winningjournalist who has served as president of the Atlanta Associationof Black Journalists.

Kimbrough has completed numerous financial journalismassignments for organizations including Georgia Public Television,The New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AtlantaBusiness Chronicle, Business Week, Time, U.S. News and WorldReport, Fortune, Essence, Black Enterprise, MarketingManagement, Advertising Age, Chicago Tribune, Ebony Jr!, andTwins.

She received her bachelor’s degree in mass communicationsfrom Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga.; a master’s degree infinancial journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.;and a doctor of business administration (DBA) in internationalbusiness from Argosy University in Atlanta, Ga.

MICHAEL THOMPSONCollege of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Michael Thompson formerly served as assistant dean forClinical Affairs and professor of pharmacy practice in the Collegeof Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (COPPS).

Thompson has worked in COPPS since 1981 when he was hiredas an assistant professor of pharmacy practice. He was promotedto associate professor in 1987 and became a full professor in 2001.

In 1996, he became assistantdean for Clinical Affairs. In thisposition, Thompson providedleadership and administrativeoversight for the pharmacypractice division instructionalcenters in Tampa, Miami,Crestview and Tallahassee.

Thompson’s research hasfocused on HIV therapeuticmanagement and he has mademore than 100 presentations atprofessional meetings on thetopic.

He has received severalawards including the 2005Clinician of the Year award fromthe Florida Pharmacy

Association. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan wherehe earned the bachelor’s and doctorate degree in pharmacy.

YAW D. YEBOAHFAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Yaw D. Yeboah was selectedto succeed Ching-Jen “Marty”Chen, the college’s dean from1992-2011. He is the fifth leaderof the engineering college,which enrolls approximately2,250 undergraduate and 300graduate students annually.

Yeboah began his career atthe General Electric CorporateResearch and DevelopmentCenter in Schenectady, N.Y. Hethen joined Clark AtlantaUniversity, building anengineering program asassociate dean for science andengineering. While there, hewas the technical director of

the Research Center for Science and Technology from 1995 to 2004.At Penn State, Yeboah led the John and Willie Leone Family

Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, where headministered the engineering degree programs in energy,environmental systems, mining, petroleum and natural gas.

In 2008, Yeboah received the Black Achiever in ChemicalEngineering Award from the American Institute of ChemicalEngineers. In 1975, Yeboah was the first Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology student to ever earn four degrees in four years —bachelor’s degrees in management, chemistry and chemicalengineering, and a master’s degree in chemical engineeringpractice. He earned a doctorate in chemical engineering in 1979,also from MIT.

UniversityLaunches

Search forEleventh

President

Robert W. Taylor Ann L. Wead Kimbrough

Michael Thompson

Yaw D. Yeboah

OC

TOBER

2012•

VOL.01

4SEARCH FOR NEW PRESIDENT

4FOUR NEW DEANS IN 2012

4INCREASING RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES

4TOWN HALL MEETING

413M RECEIVED FOR STEM AREAS AND RESEARCH

4MR. AND MISS FAMU 2012

INSIDE FAMU //01

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Inside FAMU vol01 C 10/24/12 5:54 PM Page 1

Mr. and Miss FAMU Inspired to‘Reach Beyond Their Dreams’

Hardwork, dedication and a love for FloridaA&M University are just a few things that Mr. andMiss FAMU have in common.

Miss FAMU 2012-2013 Jasmine Yates, a fourthyear health management student from Atlanta,and Mr. FAMU 2012-2013 Larry Polynice, a fourthyear psychology student from Sarasota, Fla.,serve as a major tool for recruitment andretention for the university.

“I did not necessarily come to FAMU tobecome Miss FAMU,” said Yates. “But it’s atestament of how FAMU can inspire you to reachbeyond your wildest dreams. After seeingprevious campus leaders serve the university, Ifelt a sense of responsibility to do my best incontinuing to uplift FAMU.”

Polynice, who decided to attend FAMU after acollege tour in 11th grade, said the university’sculture, tradition and many differentbaccalaureate programs sparked his interestwhen he was scouting colleges.

“I ran for Mr. FAMU because I wanted to makea difference in the university; I wanted to recruitstudents such as myself,” said Polynice.

Yates admits that she has very little down

time since being elected as Miss FAMU. She is amember of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., andmember of New Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, and PhiSigma Theta National Honor Society.

Polynice’s schedule is equally busy. He is amember of Alpha Kappa Psi ProfessionalBusiness Fraternity, Psi Chi International Societyof Psychologists and Collegiate 100 Men ofTallahassee. He also mentors at Rickards HighSchool and FAMU DRS.

Yates describes the relationship with Polyniceand the Royal Court as “one big happy family.”

One thing the duo said they are excited aboutis the Mr. & Miss FAMU Coronation andCoronation Ball, which is scheduled for Sunday,Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in Lee Hall Auditorium and theGrand Ballroom, respectively.

“I’m ready to celebrate toward being electedand serving the university,” said Polynice.

Miss FAMU is experiencing mixed feelingsbefore the big day.

“I am very excited but nervous at the sametime,” she said. “During the Coronation, I am sureI will be reflecting on the journey, and while itwas not all easy, I persevered.”

Students Among First Time Voters

Christopher Watson, 18, a Florida A&MUniversity freshman architecture student fromGeorgia, is looking forward to voting for the firsttime during the United States PresidentialElection.

FAMU freshmen are amongst millions of first-time registered voters in Florida, according tothe Florida Division of Elections. Representativeson FAMU’s campus have been working tirelesslyto encourage students to get out and vote.

“Before I came to college, no one consistentlyasked if I was registered,” Watson said.

Democratic President Barack Obama and VicePresident Joe Biden are running for a secondterm against the Republican nominee MittRomney, with Paul Ryan as his running mate. Thisyear’s election has sparked global attentiontargeting first-time voters with the promise oftwo different campaign platforms.

FAMU students have had a long history ofparticipating in presidential elections. Frommarches to the courthouse on voting day, topresidential watch parties in the quadrangle, theUnited States Presidential Elections is a mainevent on campus every four years.

Tashaunda Johnson, 19, a nursing student,said she had a graduate student come into herpsychology class to talk about how important itwas for potential first-time voters to get

registered. Johnson and Watson said events,such as watching the presidential debate oncampus, got them enthused about the election.

With Florida being one of the states with newvoting identification requirements, FAMU HeadFootball Coach Joe Taylor has ensured that hisplayers are registered to vote and aware of thechanges.

“I want my players to put themselves in theposition to vote,” he said. “Not only for this criticalcampaign season, but for life.”

Taylor issued a team voter registration daywith members of the Rattler football team toensure all 95 players are registered to vote.

“The ability to choose leadership is anawesome privilege we have in this country,” saidBrandon Hepburn, a senior linebacker fromPomona, N.Y. “The privilege to vote needs to becapitalized on. We have a voice and it needs tobe heard.”

Hepburn, a member of the team’s leadershipcommittee, has plans on driving his teammatesto the designated voting poles on Nov. 6.

According to the Florida Division of Elections,as of the ninth of October, 11,795,458 people inFlorida had registered to vote. Watson andJohnson are two of 7,202 new registered votersin Leon County, according to the Leon CountySupervisor’s Office of Election.

This fall, Florida A&M University wasawarded more than $13 million in funding fromvarious agencies to provide education andtraining for underrepresented minority studentspursuing the Ph.D. in science, technology,engineering and mathematics (STEM), andprofessional disciplines to strengthen ongoingresearch in plant and animal sciences.

The funding agencies, amounts andprograms are as follows:

• National Institute of Food andAgriculture/USDA $1,067,323

• U.S. Department of Education $1,435,075

• Health Resources and ServicesAdministration $6,400,000

• National Science Foundation $4,587,000

From the College of Agriculture and FoodSciences to the Institute of Public Health, FAMUwill conduct research and provide services thatwill impact the future of the state of Florida andthe nation by providing the resources and skillsfor students pursuing careers in the healthprofession fields and STEM disciplines.

The National Science Foundation awardedprincipal investigator Ralph Turner, 3MDistinguished Professor of Chemistry in theCollege of Science and Technology, $3.6 millionfor a five-year project titled “Florida- Georgia LSAMP.”

FAMU proposes toserve as the host and lead institution forthe 2012-2017 Florida Georgia Louis StokesAlliance for Minority Participation project(FGLSAMP). FGLSAMP is comprised of 14institutions: Albany State University, Bethune-Cookman University; Florida InternationalUniversity; Florida Memorial College; FloridaState University; University of Florida; Universityof South Florida; University of Central Florida:University of Miami; Tallahassee CommunityCollege; Miami Dade College; Florida StateCollege at Jacksonville; and Florida Gulf CoastUniversity. FGLSAMP is seeking to continue toemploy its current program model whileenhancing and focusing upon critical juncturesfor successful matriculation through the STEMacademic pipeline.

Cynthia Hughes Harris, dean of the School ofAllied Health Sciences, received fundingtotaling $2.6 million for four years from the U.S.Health Resources and Services Administration,to provide scholarships for disadvantagedstudents in occupational therapy.

Dean of the College of Pharmacy andPharmaceutical Sciences Michael Thompsonreceived more than $2.6 million for four years tohelp disadvantaged students pursuing bacheloror graduate degrees in pharmacy. The programwill provide needed scholarship tuition, otherreasonable educational expenses (i.e. books),and reasonable living expenses per year basedon need and other financial awards.

Cynthia M. Harris, director of the Institute ofPublic Health, is the principal investigator for aproject titled “Scholarship for DisadvantagedStudents Graduate degree in Public Health,”which received more than $1.2 million for fouryears. The program will provide support forprofessional degree-seeking students in theInstitute of Public Health graduate program.This program will provide needed scholarshiptuition, other reasonable educational expenses(i.e. books), and reasonable living expenses per

year based on need and other financial awards.Other FAMU faculty that have received

funding awards are as follows:MEHBOB B. SHEIKH, College of Agriculture

and Food SciencesProject Title: An Integrative Transcriptome,

Proteome and Metabolome Approach for BetterUnderstanding Plant - Pathogen Interactions inGrape

Description: This research will providehands-on experiential learning to African-American students and help build capacity andcompetency at FAMU in disease research tostrengthen ongoing research in plant andanimal sciences.

STEPHEN LEONG, College of Agricultureand Food Sciences

Project Title: Youth Development SummerInst. Phase II: Enhancement of Research andExtension Learning Lab in Search of NextGeorge Washington Carver

Description: The purpose of this Phase IIproject is to expand and enhance the teaching,research and extension learning laboratoriesthroughout the college by converting them intoenvironments that will enable students torecognize the relationship between FASTEMcoursework and their hands-on experientialactivities, and to eradicate fear of the STEMs.

MUHAMMADHASEEB, College of Agriculture

and Food SciencesProject Title: Enhancing the Capacity of

Urban Agriculture in North Florida Using BestManagement of Farming Practices

Description: The proposed project is criticalto strengthen the capacity of FAMU inrecruitment, training, extension and outreachactivities. This will certainly enhance thecapacity of urban agriculture in North Florida.

VONDA RICHARDSON, College ofAgriculture and Food Sciences

Project Title: Reaching a New Generation ofAgro-Entrepreneurs Through EnhancedProgram Delivery Strategies

Description: This grant will provideeducational opportunities and technicalassistance that improve the likelihood ofsuccess for the next generation of small farmersby equipping new and beginning farmers withrelevant knowledge and skills.

WILLIAM HUDSON, Student ServicesProject Title: Reaching Upward Bound Math

and Science ProgramDescription: This project proposes to

conduct an Upward Bound Regional Institute ofMath and Science to serve participants duringthe academic and summer year. This program isdesigned to contribute to the successfulcompletion of the students overallpostsecondary education leading to careers inthe fields of math and science.

RALPH TURNER, 3M Distinguished Professorof Chemistry in the College of Science andTechnology

Project Title: Getting the Ph.D.Description: This program aims to provide

support for the education and training ofunderrepresented minorities pursuing thedoctorate in STEM disciplines who met thecriteria of the LSAMP Bridge to the doctorateunder the Alliances for Broadening Participationsolicitation, and accepted for admission into theUniversity of Florida.

$13 Million Secured to SupportSTEM Areas and Research

Legacy Torch Tour

The legacy of Florida A&M University wasrevived with the Legacy Torch Tour, which kickedoff in February in Tallahassee. The torch, a replicaof the Eternal Flame, was the talk of the town. Ittraveled from city-to-city, serving as a symbol forraising university awareness, increasing alumniinvolvement, raising funds for the university andencouraging voter registration.

Alumni lined up to represent their respectivecities, displaying the devotion FAMUans carry fortheir alma mater.

“The torch raised awareness about FAMU andits contributions to the state and country, andhelped to build membership for the FAMUNational Alumni Association,” said Sharon

Saunders, chief communications officer.In total, the “Legacy Torch Tour” visited 19

cities ranging from the east and west coast to thenorth and the south of the United States.

“This light of the torch shines for thebrightness of the minds at FAMU,” FAMUAlumnus Darryl Jones said at the kick-off event.“It shines for the passion of our foot soldiers thatwill never be extinguished. This torch representsour strong roots and unwavering commitmentto education. This little light of FAMU shines forthe spirit of discovery, guiding us to where weneed to be. This fire burns for FAMU yesterday,FAMU Today, FAMU Forever.”

[LANISE HARRIS]

[AHJAH ROBERT] [LANISE HARRIS]

U.S. Department of Education$1,435,075

National Institute of Food and Agriculture/USDA$1,067,323

Health Resources and Services Administration$6,400,000

National ScienceFoundation$4,587,000

Total:$13,489,398

OCTOBER 2012 //05

3Jasmine Yates, Miss FAMU and Larry Polynice, Mr. FAMU 2012-2013

University Focuses onIncreasing Retentionand Graduation Rates

Numbers clearly do not tell the whole story ofsuccess or failure. Just ask Gesnyr (pronounced JustNear) Ocean. Ocean's SAT scores and grade pointaverage made it nearly impossible for him to beaccepted to a public four-year university in Florida.Florida’s public university admissions’ standards areamong the highest on the east coast.

"When I came to FAMU, I definitely knew I had towork," Ocean said. "I was the first in my family to go tocollege." Because of his standardized test scores,Ocean, now 23-years-old, found himself in the middleof a hot debate raging among Florida's publicuniversities. He was deemed a "profile admit" - astudent who does not meet the standard entrancerequirements. Questions, however, have been raised bythose inside and outside the State University System asto whether students who fall below theserequirements should be accepted. An issue focusedprimarily on FAMU due to its high number of profileadmits and low graduation scores.

FAMU enrolled 1,380 such students in fall 2010.Meanwhile, the university graduates 39 percent of itsstudents in six years. "We give individuals anopportunity to achieve an education," William Hudson,Jr., vice president for Student Affairs said. "We're theonly (state public) institution designated to offercollege preparatory courses." Those courses helpstudents get their footing in a college setting to betterprepare them for college-level classes, Hudson said.

HOW DOES FAMU COMPARE?

The six-year graduation rate at Florida Atlantic andFlorida International universities is 41 percent.Florida Gulf Coast University graduates 44 percent ofits students in six years. University of West Floridagraduates 46.4 percent. University of North Florida'sgraduation rate in six years rests at 49 percent.Graduation rates at University of South Florida,University of Central Florida, New College andFlorida State University range from 51.6 percent to74 percent. University of Florida has the highestgraduation rate of 83.5 percent in six years. Butthese comparisons may not be the best way togauge a university's success. Marybeth Gasman,a University of Pennsylvania professor whosearea of expertise is in historically black collegesand universities (HBCUs) and minority-servinginstitutions says, "We're comparing applesand oranges here," when drawing parallelsbetween the graduation rates of differentinstitutions in the State University System.

"HBCUs tend to enroll more low-income, first-generation and often under-

something FAMU does not have, Gasman said. "They aremore selective, especially Spelman. In addition, they havefewer students receiving Pell Grants," she said.

Gasman admits, universities like those two have manylow-income students compared to majority institutions.But an HBCU like a Spelman College also has anotherfeature that HBCUs and minority-serving institutions, likeFAU or FIU, do not have.

"Institutions like Spelman and Howard also have many,many support systems in place for a student, which iseasier for them because they have larger endowments. Alarger endowment equals more resources to supportstudents, Gasman said. "Majority institutions have beenbuilding endowments for decades, even centuries aswhites have had significantly more access to wealth."

RETENTION EFFORTS

FAMU, however, does have one person who helpedFlorida State University gain a 74 percent graduation rateamong African-American students in six years. Hudsonworked at FSU and helped the institution earn nationalattention with the high graduation rate for AfricanAmericans, before coming to FAMU two years ago.

The CARE Program, which focused on mentoring andadvisement of minority students, was key in increasing thegraduation rate of minorities at FSU. Now, he says, he isdedicated to increasing the graduation rate at FAMU. Thefirst step, he said, is to "streamline all of our services underone umbrella of retention."

"You can't react," Hudson said about the graduationrate. "You've got to be proactive."

Many of those proactive steps initiated under theuniversity's retention office will impact all incoming

prepared students. It is much harder to graduate thesestudents. The majority of universities with highgraduation rates enroll students that are wellprepared, are middle class to affluent and are oftenone of many in their family that has gone to college,"Gasman added. "The secret is to look at the number of PellGrant students -- high Pell, low graduation rates - typically."

More than 80 percent of FAMU's students are onfinancial aid. "Seventy-five percent of our students' parentsmake less than $60,000 a year," Hudson said.

According to U.S. News and World Report only about 40percent of African American, Hispanic and AmericanIndian students receive bachelor's degrees in six years. Astatistic that falls in line with the graduation rates at FAMU,Florida Atlantic and Florida International universities.FAMU and FIU enrollment is made up of more than 80percent minorities. FAU's student population is made up ofabout 40 percent minorities. Spelman College andHoward University are two HBCUs with high graduationrates. Both are private institutions and both have

Florida A&Mhelps bring outthe best instudents

These certainly aretrying times for FloridaA&M University alumni.It’s not easy to see theinstitution that helpedshape you as an adult inthe news every day, forevery reason but the rightone. While the hazingissue is heartbreaking, itis also difficult to read

and watch the criticism that FAMU is takingconcerning graduation rates. The truth is thenumbers paint a misleading portrait of our almamater.

Yes, it is easy to be startled that only 40 percentof those who enroll at FAMU as freshmen graduatewithin six years. A deeper look, however, would showthat FAMU takes chances on students whom mostfour-year universities would not even consider, letalone admit. Roughly half of FAMU students havestandardized test scores that would have kept themout of many schools, but FAMU accepts theresponsibility of giving these students a chance —and nurtures them into adulthood and their careers.

To this, I’m a witness. As the first in my family toattend college, I was one of those students whosestandardized test scores would have kept me out ofmost colleges, but FAMU took a chance on me. It wasnever a question whether I would attend college, butrather which one.

As a child of a military family, I was always eagerto return to Florida to attend college. After spendingmonths researching Florida’s top colleges anduniversities, it became very evident that there wasonly one school for me — Florida A&M University,primarily because of its rich heritage and provenrecord of educating African Americans. I knew thatthe options FAMU provided through its School ofJournalism and Graphic Communication, School ofBusiness and Industry and College of Educationwould not only provide a variety of opportunities butalso ensure my success.

Still, my road to graduation was everything buttraditional. Many times during my journey, I wasunable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Withtoo many bumps, bruises and scrapes to count, myroad was more a series of valleys with an occasionalmountaintop.

However, through the tripping and falling, eachtime I reached up for a helping hand, Rattlers werethere. When I became hopeless and desperate, whenI needed inspiration and encouragement, the loveand support of FAMU faculty, staff and alumni stayedwith me through the strife. When I didn’t believe inmyself, the faculty, staff and alumni of FAMU believedin me. I believe in FAMU because FAMU first believedin me.

While at FAMU, I stood on the shoulders ofgiants. The tireless efforts to build and sustain FAMU’srich legacy will never be forgotten. I recognize andhonor the sacrifices and hardships of the Rattlers whocame before me, and to them I’m eternally grateful. Itwas because of the price they paid that I now can callmyself a graduate of the “College of Love andCharity.”

That is why we must look past the statistics andrealize FAMU has been there to help so manystudents — from straight-A scholars to those who arestruggling to get a passing grade, and everyone inbetween.

I am the mother of three young boys, and it isvital that my children receive a stellar education. It isimperative that my children attend an institution ofhigher learning where they not only will be known bya nine-digit, government-issued number, but also willbe known by their name. I believe in the Scripturethat says, “train up a child in the way that he shouldgo, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

I have no doubt as to where I would like themto study. I’m training future Rattlers who will, liketheir mother, proudly carry the legacy and heritageof The Hill.

Johnitta Richards

Fall 2009 Fall 2010 Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Fall 2013 Fall 2014 Fall 2015

Actual Projected

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