SUMMER2013 WINTER2013 Virtual Instruments CEO and Microsoft Chair

John W. Thompson Cover Photo: Courtesy Virtual Instruments Inside Cover Photo: Courtesy of Microsoft Corporation THE FORCE SBI Celebrates 40 Years 06 SUMMER2015

COVER STORY: FAMU ALUM UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT 10 Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. JOHN THOMPSON’S HISTORIC DONATION VICE PRESIDENT FOR The Gift That Keeps on Giving COMMUNICATIONS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS Jimmy Miller

THE RATTLER REACH EDITOR 16 Young Alumni Celebrate the Kanya Stewart Gift of FAMU COPY EDITORS Mary Turner, Ph.D. Sabrina Thompson Brian Lucas, Ph.D. MICHELLE LOCKETT Dee Gamble 18 Head, Heart, Hand, and Field Charlene Balewa

LAYOUT AND DESIGN Charles R. Collins, III THE GREEN EFFECT 22 How FAMU is Growing a PHOTOGRAPHY Generation for Global Change Macork Solutions Vaughn Wilson Mashael Binmugbel

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT GENERATION NEXT: Tawanda Green 26 NEMMI COLE Student is Emerging Leader in ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Environmental Studies Lawana King

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Courtney Green MISS FAMU Vanity Duran 28 DOMINIQUE JAMES Her Passion for Reaching Back EVENTS Vernon Bryant

EXTERNAL RELATIONS Tola Thompson FAMU MUSIC DEPARTMENT Anthony Hopson 30 Making History, Setting New Standards

FOR MORE INFORMATION INAUGURATION RECAP (850) 599-3413 34 The Installation of the 11th President of FAMU Twitter: twitter.com/FAMU_1887 Facebook Search: Florida A&M University YouTube: YouTube.com/FAMUTube1887

The A&M Magazine is the official magazine 04 President’s Message of Florida A&M University, and is designed to inform alumni, supporters, and friends 36 Alumni Applause about issues of importance about the University. This public document was 40 From the Bookshelf promulgated at a total cost of $5,260 or $2.10 per copy. FAMU is an Equal 42 Campus Notes Opportunity/Equal Access University. SECTIONS 46 Fallen Rattlers www.famu.edu Dear Alumni and FAMU Supporters:

I am pleased to present to you the summer 2015 edition of the award-winning A&M Magazine. Before I introduce this special issue, I’d like to congratulate the Office of Com- munications and External Relations, the producers of this magazine, for continuing to set the standard in higher education advancement and communications. The Office recently received two Council for Advancement and Support of Education Special Merit Awards. Prior to that, it received the Florida Public Relations Association’s Golden Image Award.

This issue is especially unique as each story creatively captures the legacy of what FAMUans do best—innovating in our communities and giving back to others. From the largest gift given in the University’s history by alumnus John W. Thompson and his wife, Sandi, to the University’s growing culture of sustainability, the heart of FAMU is truly beating throughout these pages.

In this edition, you will also find inspiring stories about the work of students like Miss FAMU Dominique James, who recently completed a literacy tour for youth, and alumni like Michelle Lockett, who is travelling around the world to provide care and encouragement to those in need.

This issue also pays homage to the FAMU staff, faculty, alumni, and supporters who impact the lives of our students in a profound way each day. The stories you will find on the pages of this magazine reveal that giving back – whether to the community, the student body, or to the environment – is indeed the soul of FAMU.

It is my hope that the words you read and the images you see in this edition of the A&M Magazine will leave you inspired to give back not only to our beloved FAMU and to the unique students we serve, but also to your respective communities. Enjoy this issue as we celebrate the beautiful impact of the “College of Love and Charity.”

With Rattler Regard,

Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. President

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The A&M Magazine welcomes letters to the editor about stories in its issues. We reserve the right to edit emails and letters for clarity or spacing. Emails may be sent to: [email protected] or letters may be mailed to the Office of Communications, Florida A&M University, 1601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 203 Lee Hall, Tallahassee, Florida 32307-3100.

4 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE ALUMNUS AND FILMMAKER WILL PACKER5 Packer was honored by President Mangum with the President’s Award after delivering an inspiring address during the spring 2015 commencement. More than 1,200 Rattlers became alumni during the May commencement ceremonies.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 5 BY [Thomas L.K. SIMS]

In today’s society, it’s hard to imagine a world where little Black boys and girls couldn’t grow up and pursue the career of their dreams. However, for Sybil Collins Mobley, dean emerita of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Business and Industry (SBI), that world existed just 40 years ago. That is when Mobley realized that the accounting students she trained were only being employed as bookkeepers and were overlooked for the more lucrative positions that their educational backgrounds qualified them to pursue.

Determined to change corporate America, Mobley set forth on a path to pursue her doctorate degree, and later return to FAMU to We were expected to create a business school that would produce students who would become a force to be reckoned with. “The Force,” as she called her excel no matter what. students, would permeate every corner of the business industry, The motto is: ‘No excuse creating a network of alumni to continue the cycle of outreach, mentorship, and recruitment for future generations. Forty years is acceptable. No amount later, her vision for business education continues. “Sybil Collins Mobley was a pioneering Black woman during her of effort is adequate until time,” said Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., SBI dean. “When you think about how she’s been honored by the Wharton School of Business proven effective.’ for the contributions she’s made to business education and how

- Annette Singleton Jackson, Ph.D. she sat on multiple corporate boards, you can see she’s had a major impact nationally on business through her work at FAMU and beyond.” Friday-Stroud was a student under Mobley’s tenure during the ‘80s and recalls when the legendary Big Board was first introduced at the entrance of the building. Major Fortune 500 companies, such as General Motors, 3M, Rockwell, Johnson & Johnson, Lilly, and Ford Motor Company paid generous sponsorships to be listed on the wall and to recruit Mobley’s business students for internships and employment. Today, many of the same brands still rely on FAMU to strengthen their workforce. Annette Singleton Jackson, Ph.D., is the co-author of “FAMU SBI:

The Sybil Collins Mobley Years,” a historical perspective on how DEAN EMERITA SYBIL MOBLEY, PH.D. 4 Mobley built SBI. Jackson had the pleasure of being recruited by Mobley’s vision has been actualized Mobley as both a student and later a professor. She fondly recalls 4 into a business school model that is admired across the nation.

6 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 7 8 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE SBI SUPERSTARS: 2014 Distinguished Alumni Honorees how the dean elevated her teenage self-image by declaring that she was a “superstar.” // CLINTON BYRD, “For many of us, our first contact with Dean Mobley was when she called wealth advisor, us on the phone and said, ‘Did you know you’re a superstar?’ I was 17 and I Cantella & Co., Inc. remember I thought to myself, ‘Well, I guess I am,” exclaimed Jackson. “She set the tone at the beginning of the relationship. She set the bar at superstar.” // GEORGE W. CLARK JR., Mobley explained to Jackson that she was a big fish in a small pond, but that retired educator there were 500 other like-minded students in Tallahassee, and if she’d come to FAMU, she would be nurtured by world-class faculty and have internships to help her reach her full potential. Jackson had never even heard of FAMU, but after // JEMAL GIBSON, that call, she was sold. Today, she is a marketing professor in the SBI program author, motivational speaker, and she tells her students they are superstars daily. corporate executive, and philanthropist “We were expected to excel no matter what. The motto is: ‘No excuse is acceptable. No amount of effort is adequate until proven effective.’ I’m sure my // CHERYL HARRIS, students get tired of my saying that,” Jackson chuckled. senior vice president, Forty years into its storied legacy, the School of Business and Industry Allstate Insurance Company continues to produce superstars who are developing the business acumen that Dean Mobley and her staff worked so tirelessly to provide. New attributes of the // NORMAN JOHNSON, school include an online MBA program, which produced its first graduating class vice president, Alisias in Fall 2011. The distinctive program offers a brief on-campus residency and concludes with an international residency in global business centers in locations such as Brazil and Africa. // THE HONORABLE MIA JONES, Additionally, today’s SBI program has added a special accreditation Florida House of Representatives to its belt. In Mobley’s era, the need for a standardized program seemed unnecessary because she never had an issue placing her students in Fortune 500 companies. However, times have changed and accreditation has become // AUDREY REID (posthumously) another mark of distinction that symbolizes credibility for a business school. and MICHAEL REID, Thus, Dean Friday-Stroud formed a committee to pursue accreditation from founders of MLR Entertainment, Inc. the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). SBI was awarded accreditation in 2013 and was named best-in-class among those // MICHAEL A. ROBINSON, programs accepted that year. president, “FAMU’s business degrees have always been accredited, but SBI did not have ICON Holdings Group, LLC a special accreditation before now,” said Friday-Stroud. “We pursued the ACBSP // BELINDA REED SHANNON, accreditation to be more competitive.” vice president of compliance, What’s next for SBI? Friday-Stroud says there is still work to be done in order GlaxoSmithKline and FAMU Trustee to achieve Mobley’s vision for placing an SBIan in every company in corporate America. // SHUNDRAWN THOMAS, “While we have more diversity at higher positions than we have ever seen, we executive vice president, still don’t have many African-Americans on boards of directors or CEOs,” said Northern Trust Asset Management Friday-Stroud, about the next barrier-breaking feat that she and The Force are already undertaking. // KESHIA WALKER, Similarly, there is still a need for FAMU to continue to educate the next president, Insights Marketing & Promotions generation of The Force: Mobley’s SBI superstars. “If I hadn’t got that phone call that day, I probably would be at Brown [University],” said Jackson. “I don’t for one second regret the choice I made to // TIRRELL WHITTLEY, come to FAMU. It benefited me to be recruited as both a student and a faculty CEO, Liquid Soul Media member by Dean Mobley. I truly appreciate the love and support that FAMU has given me.” // THE HONORABLE ALAN WILLIAMS, Florida House of Representatives

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 9 The Gift that Keep$ on Giving

BY [Thomas L.K. SIMS]

10 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE COVER STORY

How John W. Thompson’s FAMU Experience Led to the Largest Gift in University History

During his storied career, John W. Thompson has held several distinguished titles, including IBM vice president, Symantec CEO, and currently, Virtual Instruments CEO and chairman of the Microsoft Corporation. However, it was his life as a student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) that played a significant role in launching his career. It was here as a young business student at FAMU that Thompson found the nurturing environment and mentorship that would mold him into the accomplished leader and philanthropist that he is today. In October 2014, Thompson and his wife, Sandi, returned to his alma mater to donate a gift of $5 million to help a new generation of students have that same life-changing college experience.

never thought that FAMU would have such a profound impact in my awards for global studies and awards “I life as it did,” said Thompson, recently honored with the BET Honors to assist high-performing students Technology and Business Award. “Ironically enough, I went to college initially on from low-wealth families. Thirty percent a music scholarship to Lincoln University and I hated it. I ended up coming to of the gift will be used to create the FAMU and it was the best default of my life, because it set the foundation for Interdisciplinary Center for Creativity me that became a wonderful career at IBM, followed by many other things to and Innovation, which will be housed come.” in the School of Business and Industry The Thompsons’ gift sets the record as the largest single donation in (SBI). the University’s 127-year history. President Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., publicly “We are thankful to John and Sandi thanked the couple during a press conference held at the Meek-Eaton Black Thompson for this generous gift, Archives on campus. which we will use to create innovative “We are extremely grateful to Sandi and John Thompson for this gift, as it programming,” said SBI Dean Shawnta is highly indicative of the passion, sacrifice, and support that is needed from Friday-Stroud, who is actively working each of us as members of this University family,” said Mangum. “Their actions with her team to launch the first support the strategic initiatives that I’ve established with regards to innovation offerings in the coming year. “The and creativity for our students.” Center will be an incubator for students Over the next five years, the Thompsons’ gift will support several initiatives and alumni where they can attend that will have an immediate impact on FAMU students, such as merit-based classes, seminars, and workshops on business development and entrepreneurship. We are also working 3 JOHN W. THOMPSON to develop an outreach summer camp Inspired by the care and instruction he received as a student at FAMU, Thompson considers his historic gift to FAMU an for K–12 students.” 4 investment in the future.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 11 THE GIFT OF A STRONG FINISH

A portion of the John and Sandi Thompson donation Finish award recipient during commencement. The is also earmarked to help President Mangum fulfill Greenwood, Fla. native described the recognition as her vision for an awards program to help graduating “icing on the cake” that completed a long journey. seniors get a head start upon successful completion Receiving the debt-forgiveness award was the extra help of their degree program. Named the “President’s she needed to have peace of mind that she could apply Strong Finish Award,” President Mangum said the to graduate school without a pile of debt looming over funds provide financial assistance to high-performing, her head. low-income students who came to FAMU without any “A lot of people get scholarships when they come talent-based grants, helping them to lower their debt to school, but no one really thinks about you after after graduation. that,” said Pride. “Even though I had a little Pell Grant “Student debt has been a hot topic across the nation money, I racked up $18,000 in loans. I wanted to go for several years and students typically leave FAMU to grad school, but it seemed out of reach. It seemed owing $29,000 on average,” said Mangum. “The debt impossible.” burden hampers our students’ ability to transition from Thanks to the assistance provided by John and Sandi college to the workforce. An important part of starting Thompson and its alignment with President Mangum’s a career is not getting out there with your hand tied vision, Pride will apply to FAMU’s occupational therapy behind your back due to financial obligations. We want master’s degree program, which takes three years to to ensure that our students are not just ready for the complete. workplace, but ready for life.” “Knowing that there are people out there who are The inaugural group of awards was presented to 28 willing to help you is really great,” said Pride. “It gave me deserving graduates during FAMU’s fall commencement that extra push!” ceremony in December 2014. In recognition of their President Mangum believes the Strong Finish academic achievements and completion of school in program will make a significant difference in the lives four years, each scholar received a $1,000 stipend of several young alumni recipients and provide them to assist in their transition from school to work. An with the inspiration to give back to others, just as the additional $219,068 in loan payment awards was Thompsons have. distributed among the recipients upon confirmation of “We want our students to leave FAMU with less debt their graduation verification. The award amounts ranged and understand that part of their responsibility, because from 10–40 percent of the graduates’ debts depending of the gift that was given to them by the Thompsons, is on their family income. In May 2015, 17 additional that they, too, will be motivated to give back to help other students received the award. students just like themselves. After all, one graduate Ashley Pride, who received a bachelor’s degree taking the time to give back is what made these awards in health science, was pleasantly surprised to hear possible,” Mangum said. President Mangum call her name as a Strong

12 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE COVER STORY

ONE PERSON, ONE GIFT CAN IMPACT NUMEROUS LIVES

Thompson had no idea what the future would hold for him when he was first introduced to FAMU. However, he believes strongly that the skills and the support he obtained as a student made all the difference. He recalls that his first visit to campus was around 10 years of age when his mother received her master’s degree in education at FAMU. Later in the spring of 1967, fate would bring him back to “the Highest of Seven Hills” where his path would cross with Professor Sybil Collins Mobley in the Department of Business, just a few years shy of the creation of the School of Business and Industry. After this encounter, Thompson worked to hone his sales skills and put his craft to use while working for a local stereo store. “My passion was sales and I had a philosophy that nothing happens in an organization until somebody sells it,” said Thompson. “I would not have had that view had it not been for a director of placement here at FAMU who saw me as a student working as a sales person at a stereo store. He convinced me that I should go apply for a job at IBM. The rest is history. I had a wonderful career at IBM and I abandoned the thought of ever becoming a lawyer, which was one of my childhood aspirations.”

Thompson became the first African-American salesman for IBM in Tampa, Fla. He was later promoted to positions in IBM’s Atlanta and Boston offices. The opportunity to relocate for promotions taught him the value in choosing to live in a city where he could not only work, but also grow. “In the ‘70s it was really exciting if you were an African American to be able to migrate to Atlanta. Atlanta was 4

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 13 the mecca, and it was the place where all of us wanted to be,” Thompson John W. Thompson’s reminisced. “The antithesis of that was Boston. Not a single one of us wanted to be in Boston, but were it not for my willingness to move from Words of Wisdom Atlanta to Boston, my career clearly would not be what it became.” Thompson’s leap of faith led to many successful career steps that Forty-three years after his own graduation, resulted in his rise through the ranks of IBM. One day, he received a call Virtual Instruments CEO and Microsoft from the CFO to ask him to become the No. 2 financial analyst for the Corporation Chairman John W. Thompson company in the Americas. returned to his alma mater to serve as “All I had as a background was one year at MIT and four years at FAMU,” the commencement speaker for the Class recalls Thompson. “But they had enough confidence in me that they were of 2014. His heartfelt message inspired willing to allow me to take that risk.” the graduates to pursue passion, stay Thompson’s gifts were making room for him. A few years later, the open-minded and take risks. The following bosses came back and invited him to take another risk and run a software are words of wisdom from his profound development organization. message. “I had never written a line of code that worked,” exclaimed Thompson. “Then, lo and behold, 27 years, 9 months, and 13 days later, I decided that • Find something that you truly have a I would take a big risk: leave the comforts of IBM to go run a little company passion about—something that gets called Symantec. That risk was incredible and it certainly paid off well for you excited every day to get up and go my family and the investors in our company.” to work. As a result of that calculated risk many years ago, today Thompson said • Find mentors who have great that it is his honor to share the fruits of his labor. experiences and are willing to share Former Vice President for University Advancement Thomas Haynes, those experiences with you. Ph.D., expressed his appreciation to the Thompson family for their • Launch yourself on a platform that generous gift, which, coupled with the President’s ongoing friend and can showcase your talents and fundraising efforts, has already helped to inspire ripples of increased accomplishments. You want to push the alumni giving across the nation. The number of individual gifts has edge of the envelope and have someone increased from 2,100 donors last fiscal year to more than 5,000 donors help you calibrate how much farther you to date. can push. “Donations are integral to the functionality of every university. The • Be realistic about your own performance. Thompsons have set a new tone for the University in terms of giving and Remember, achievers have a strong we’ve experienced an increase in gifts overall,” said Haynes. “All of this is track record of success, so when they great news, because the increased giving will have a positive impact on the make a mistake they get another shot. University’s rankings, as well as our ability to serve our students.” • Always be open-minded. A successful Haynes said every donation, no matter the size, has a significant impact career is about a long journey. Be on the health of the University and the educational path of a deserving prepared to change roles every 18–24 student. For the Thompsons, the sacrifice is a labor of love and it is given months. When you do, you are growing out of a desire to help FAMU students achieve success despite their and demonstrating that you are making obstacles. a contribution to the broader team. “It’s with great pride and honor that I come back and its with great • Always find excitement in new risks and empathy that Sandi and I make our contribution to FAMU to help in the opportunities. areas of entrepreneurship and creativity, and more importantly, to help the • Execute precisely and greatly with students across the University who will leave here with a college degree passion every day. There’s always and with no debt,” said Thompson. “To the extent that we can help in that someone watching, so show them just regard, we are honored and grateful to do so.” how good you really, truly are.

14 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE COVER STORY

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 15 The Rattler Reach: Young Alumni Celebrate the Gift of FAMU

BY [Domonique DAVIS]

Addressing a crowd of administrators, faculty, took him under her wings after learning of his circumstance, Lee’s story has a happy ending. staff, students, alumni, and supporters Scott, who Lee affectionately calls a “FAMU during the annual Homecoming Convocation, Angel” rented a car and personally drove him to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University campus and taught him how to navigate through the financial aid and room and board processes. alumnus John Michael Lee Jr. told a powerful From there, Scott’s sorority sisters, and many story of generosity that left the crowd in other faculty, staff, and alumni, served as a support system throughout his time at FAMU. attentive silence. In 2003, Lee graduated from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering well prepared to take on the world. He went on to earn his master’s degree in public administration and his doctorate He shared the journey of a student degree in higher education administration from who thought he would have missed the Georgia State University and New York University, opportunity to receive his education from FAMU— respectively. He said that without his “Rattler not because he wasn’t a high-performing student, Angels” he might not have been able to realize his not because he wasn’t eligible for scholarships, true purpose. but because he was the first person in his family Because of the impact of his FAMU experience, to attend college. The young man simply did Lee received training and nurturing that helped not have the knowledge or means to make it him become a leading expert and proponent of to campus to participate in the first day of HBCUs. He recently served as a vice president classes. at the Association of Public and Land-Grant It was a story of a first-generation Universities and in May he began his tenure as college student who was so unaware of FAMU’s new assistant vice president for Alumni the financial aid and college admittance Affairs and University Relations. processes, that he did not know how to “FAMU helped me to find my passion and my JOHN LEE JR. acquire housing or even a meal plan. purpose and helped me to provide opportunities 2003 Graduate The student in this story was Lee himself. to students who were just like me,” said Lee, a FAMU-FSU College of Engineering And the story, although bleak at first sight, former member of the Marching “100” and of ends as a testament to the power of Rattler the Student Government Association. “My FAMU hospitality—the key that opened the door of experience developed me into the leader that I am opportunity for a young man with a bright future. today. I am truly excited about the opportunity to “What I really want you to know is that as a serve my alma mater.” poor little Black boy from Atlanta, Ga.— whose His desire to give back and help others the way mother was on drugs, whose father was absent—I alumni, faculty, and staff helped him is something would never have thought I would be where I am he said all FAMU alumni should do. today,” Lee said to the crowd. Alumna Keneshia Grant has answered that call However, because of the welcoming and and strives each day to pay it forward. attentive arms of alumni like Brenda Scott, who Grant, a Howard University political science met Lee at an NAACP youth competition and professor and former FAMU student body

16 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE It’s important to define giving as more than financial contributions . . . the greatest gift I got while at FAMU was the gift of time.

- Keneshia Grant

president, said the gift alumni, faculty, staff, and her peers gave her thing she received that helped lead her down a path of success. The at FAMU was greater than any monetary possession. nurturing environment and all of the unique things that make FAMU “I think it’s important to define giving as more than financial the university she loves, Jackson explained, were her gifts. contributions,” Grant said. “The greatest gift I got while at FAMU was “I think that all of the opportunities, all of the obstacles, all of the the gift of time.” people were gifts,” Jackson said. “If you choose to accept those After earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in political experiences and learn to use them, then you will have the benefits. science and public administration from FAMU, Grant said the I don’t know if it’s just one thing that FAMU gives you; I think it’s mentoring she received from faculty, alumni, and peers was everything that FAMU gives you. You have everything there.” invaluable. “I was very impacted by the people who mentored me,” Grant said. “People like Mayor Andrew Gillum, activist and strategist Sharon Lettman-Hicks, and attorney Daryl Parks taught me everything from how to wear appropriate business attire to finding a safe restroom at a travel stop.” Grant, who was also a first-generation college student, said she would have never thought of pursuing her doctorate had it not been for professors at FAMU, who helped her maximize her potential. “It’s important that people give back and stay in touch because the gains are real. After attending FAMU, I am changed and as such, the potential I have to give the world changed. I don’t think that’s a 5 RALLYING THE TROOPS story that’s unique to me. It’s the story of many FAMUans,” she said. Keneshia Grant inspires other young alumni Grant’s FAMU experience inspired her to join the FAMU Young to give back at a recent fundraising event. Alumni Giving (YAG) organization, which focuses on educating young graduates on the importance of continued support for their alma mater. Alumna Ricquel Jackson serves alongside Grant in YAG, and she too has a plethora of stories about the support she received while attending FAMU. Jackson said that one of the greatest gifts FAMU gave her came after graduation, as post-grad job searches would have been exponentially more difficult for her had it not been for the Rattler Family. “After FAMU, finding a job would not have been possible without the help of the FAMU network,” said Jackson, a marketing executive at The NuDay Group. “Every job that I secured after graduation came because of a connection with another FAMU graduate.” As for her time on campus, Jackson said she can’t just name one

5 GIVING BACK IN THE CLASSROOM Grant uses teaching as a way to pay it forward. 4 NETWORKING WITH PURPOSE Ricquel Jackson greets Mayor Andrew Gillum at YAG fundraiser.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 17 18 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE ALUMNI PROFILE BY [Domonique DAVIS]

Michelle Lockett: Head, Heart, Hand & Field Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University alumna Michelle Lockett knew what she wanted to do at a very young age: save the world. While this aspiration is often the quickly rattled-off dream of many, Lockett is literally making her dream come true one patient at a time through her nonprofit organization, the Health Exposure and Longevity Project, Inc., or H.E.L.P.

ockett, a 2006 graduate of FAMU’s School of L Nursing, founded the nonprofit organization There is no amount of money in 2010. Though she knew she wanted to be a nurse that can replace the deep by the age of 12, Lockett said she never envisioned herself starting an organization that would lead to her satisfaction I feel from helping becoming a global missionary and health activist. Growing up in Philadelphia, Pa., Lockett said she was another live a better and always a leader. So, after serving those in need in five different South African villages and seeing a need to healthier life... train caregivers to care properly and passionately for - Michelle Lockett the sick in those villages, she knew creating H.E.L.P. was something she had to do. “My experiences in those villages sparked an interest in me to start something to help my own community with an emphasis on prevention and education through providing unique opportunities for exposure to what it truly means to be healthy,” Lockett said. “Within my profession, I have seen my community dying at higher rates from many ailments. I wanted to do something to help stop that vicious cycle.” H.E.L.P. focuses on improving the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of minorities and urban youth. The organization also fights the morbidity and mortality rates of diseases prevalent in the urban youth community through an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and exposure to major health professions. In addition to her work with H.E.L.P., Lockett is a traveling nurse who has worked with numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities around the globe to help ensure that underserved patients are receiving the care that they need. In 2014, she traveled to 11 countries in an 11-month time span to help serve “broken, poor 5 THE GIFT OF HOPE and sick” individuals in various insolvent villages. She says this Michelle Lockett is passionate about inspiring children. experience has had an extreme impact on her life. 4

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 19 ALUMNI PROFILE

“As an adult and a professional registered nurse, working with those who are by definition underprivileged has transformed me significantly, especially after staying in remote and impoverished villages in other countries around the world,” she said. Lockett said working with people from the various countries to which she has traveled has taught her one important lesson: in many ways we are all the same, and our similarities outweigh our differences. “We all are seeking to be healthy—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. I believe it is all interconnected and that is everyone’s common goal. If one aspect of health is infected, it affects one’s entire being,” Lockett said. Knowing that she’s making a difference is what keeps Lockett going. She said her favorite part of her work is the genuine appreciation she receives from all of her patients, ranging from the huge grin on the face of a 57-year-old client who is approved for dentures after years of battling a crack cocaine addiction, to the silent exchange of appreciation from an AIDS patient in a hospice in Zambia. “There is no amount of money that can replace the deep satisfaction I feel from helping another live a better and healthier life, and even more special is knowing how others feel when they know that you are truly genuine in your attempt to love and support them no matter what their circumstance,” Lockett said.

5 LOVE FELT AROUND THE WORLD Alumna Michelle Lockett has lent her talents in nursing and health care promotion to organizations and individuals in Africa, Asia, and India.

20 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 21 The GreenHow FAMU is Growing Effect: a Generation of Global Change Agents Through a Culture of Sustainability

BY [Duresny NEMORIN]

In July 2014, President Elmira ast forward to February 2015, President F Mangum’s vision to make FAMU a leader in Mangum, Ph.D., launched sustainability is unfolding as the University celebrates one of her first initiatives the grand opening of the FAMU Recycling Center. as president of Florida The Center, a component of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety, is the first of its kind on Agricultural and Mechanical FAMU’s campus and is abuzz with students, staff, and University — the FAMU volunteers dedicated to environmental stewardship and determined to advance the President’s goal to make Sustainability Institute. Since FAMU a zero-waste campus. then, the Institute has made a The activities of the Recycling Center embody significant impact on campus, the concept of sustainability—being conscious and responsible for our resources to ensure economic in the community, and abroad, prosperity, environmental health, and social equity. helping various entities to Today, the world’s most complex issues involve adopt and execute sustainable salvaging our limited resources, dealing with climate change, enhancing and protecting water quality, and practices. growing and distributing food—proof that the University is on target with its focus on sustainability. “Our goal is to provide real solutions to some of the world’s greatest and immediate environmental sustainability needs,” Mangum said. “Advancing the research, teaching, and application of innovative solutions to global socio-economic, ecological, and energy sustainability issues here at the University is a primary objective of my administration. More specifically, it is critical to achieving our goal of becoming a best- in-class, internationally recognized doctoral research institution.” Upon launching the Sustainability Institute, President Mangum appointed Abena Sackey Ojetayo as the chief sustainability officer and its executive director. Ojetayo is a civil engineer groomed at Cornell University and is also accredited as a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) professional. Ojetayo emphasized the importance of FAMU joining the growing number of colleges and universities that

22 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE have decided to prepare their students to address global needs 5 A PROMISE TO LIVE SMART President Mangum joins students in signing a “Live Smart” that can only be answered by commitment at the grand opening of the Recycling Center. sustainability. “Having a sustainability initiative and institute at FAMU positions us A GLOBAL IMPACT to be contributors to solving those problems, and to create a platform Within just two months of its inception, the FAMU Sustainability Institute had already for our students to be leaders,” she helped the University to garner a national presence as a leader in sustainability. In said. September 2014, FAMU students and faculty participated in the Climate Leadership Ojetayo was instrumental in Summit and gained the support of SecondNature, an international leader in moving higher FAMU’s recent national recognition education toward sustainability. SecondNature is working closely with FAMU to help it as a partner with the U.S. advance its sustainability program and position it as a model university. Department of Energy’s Better Within its first months of Buildings Challenge. As a partner, operation, the Institute also the University has committed ushered in the University’s to making all of its buildings 20 move to become a signatory percent more energy efficient of the American Colleges & within the next 10 years. The University Presidents’ Climate University’s participation in the Commitment, solidifying its challenge will help save money, vow to reduce greenhouse gas energy, and reduce its carbon emissions and prepare students footprint. through research and education “FAMU’s participation in to solve the challenges of the the Better Buildings Challenge 21st century. The Institute also is a perfect example of our made history, as it helped to commitment to embed a culture support 25 students who took of sustainability into our campus,” FAMU’s sustainability message Ojetayo said. “Pursuing this goal to the streets of New York City not only improves our building as participants in the world’s 5 TOGETHER WE CAN performance, it opens the door for largest climate march, The Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members unite to prepare FAMU’s GreenCo Park. innovation in our facility services, People’s Climate March. The frees up real dollars to advance opportunity exposed students other mission-critical work, and firsthand to the effect of climate change and the important role FAMU plays in sustainability. causes us to practice what we “I think the experience really inspired the students to think about what’s happening in teach and research.” the world in terms of climate change, and especially as it relates to justice for underserved communities, because climate change does disproportionally impact them,” Ojetayo said. By its fifth month in operation, the Institute had already begun to make an international impact, as it helped to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with India’s National Council for Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Public Leadership. The objective of the partnership is to facilitate and carry out planned programs of action4

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 23 that target climate change mitigation GREEN INNOVATIONS and adaptation within agriculture, sustainability and rural development. The myriad of the Institute’s influential activities over such a short period The University will partner with India represents the quickly evolving culture of sustainability at FAMU. Students, faculty, on research opportunities, exchange and staff alike are adapting daily to the newfound culture. As a result of the new programs, and collaborate on climate- Recycling Center, alumni guests visiting “the Hill” will not only see recycling bins smart agriculture. Ojetayo explained that placed around the campus – whether on the steps of Lee Hall, in office cubicles, or this MOU has great significance because on the “Set” – but more importantly, they will see people using them. of FAMU’s strength in agriculture and its And in the laboratories of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, the history of working hands-on with farmers. College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the School of the Environment, “This MOU will help to advance India’s and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering you will find FAMU doing what it does farmers with the tools and knowledge best—creating innovative solutions. that will equip them to deal with the For instance, researchers at the FAMU School of Environment have created climate change that is occurring in India,” a green technology called “eco-WEIR.” This technology effectively treats water she said. pollution and allows for water storage and reuse. Education and awareness programs The concept of this green infrastructure began with Jennifer Cherrier, Ph.D., such as the one taking place in India a specialist in aquatic biogeochemistry, who was approached by the City of are key components of the Institute’s Tallahassee to create a “rain garden,” which is a growing sustainability practice to mission, and although it has quickly made collect run-off water in order to hold the water in the soil and ensure the water is its presence known around the globe, released in a much cleaner state. staff are focused on ensuring that the Cherrier oversaw the creation of this garden behind the USDA Teleconference first beneficiaries of its work are FAMU’s Center building on FAMU’s campus. After observing the success of this new students. technology, Cherrier’s interest was piqued, and she worked to determine the In March 2015, the Institute next steps for this innovation. She collaborated with fellow researchers Alejandro supported the FAMU School of the Bolques, Ph.D., an expert on agricultural waste and doctoral student at the time, Environment’s first international and Michael Abazinge, Ph.D., director of the NOAA Environmental Cooperative EnergyWaterFoodNexus Summit. Some Science Center, to take her concept for “eco-WEIR” to the next level. of the world’s most respected experts After additional research, the team found out that the best clean water results and innovators in sustainability came to depend on how long the water is held. FAMU’s campus to enlighten students, “So what we did is, we slightly engineered how the water is held in the green faculty, staff, and community members. infrastructure so that we can maximize pollutant removal naturally,” Cherrier said. Presenters included Will Allen, The University encouraged Cherrier to commercialize the group’s discovery so former pro basketball player and CEO of she formed Waterways Ecologics, LLC. This green technology can be used in urban Growing Power, Inc.; Charles Fishman, areas, and agriculture systems, and can be used to intercept septic flows from New York Times best-selling author houses. of “The Wal-Mart Effect” and “The Big On the surface, eco-WEIR appears like a garden with native plants, but a few Thirst;” Bridgette Bell, alumna and senior feet underneath lies the unique eco-WEIR blue technology (patent pending) that manager of Global Sustainability for Yum! activates specialized pipes and valves that are set to control soil conditions, Brands, Inc.; and Istvan Kenyeres, CEO water retention, and the amount of water that gets to the plant root to maximize and co-founder of Biopolus, Hungary. The contaminant removal efficiencies. According to Cherrier, eco-WEIR users have event drew participants from around the had 80 percent nitrate-removal efficiency and 100 percent phosphate-removal country and from as far as Africa, Asia, efficiency. In addition to pollutant removal, the water can be stored for reuse, thus and Europe. aiding in conservation. As the Summit took place, students Currently, Cherrier is working with community organizations and urban and professors representing the Institute developers in New York City to install eco-WEIR systems in local communities. She’s were also working to impact the world hoping to start similar projects here in Florida. nearly 400 miles away in New Orleans. Her goal is to continue to market this technology to the masses as a hybrid They presented FAMU’s sustainability green alternative for storm water management, as well as an energy- and cost- approaches to hundreds of attendees at efficient technology for developers and municipalities. the 2015 HBCU Student Climate Change Conference.

24 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE PROMOTING ECO-INTELLIGENCE

According to the Sustainability Institute’s Faculty Director students, faculty, alumni, and community members united Odemari Mbuya, Ph.D., and Richard Gragg, Ph.D., an associate to create the University’s new environmentally focused professor of environmental science who is passionate about park. promoting sustainability among youth, the University is also diligently The green haven, supported by a $25,000 grant working to infuse sustainability into its curriculum development and from Siemens Corporation, features a garden with into the day-to-day activities of the campus. beautiful native plants that are well adapted to the “We are working with all of the colleges and schools not only to local environment and can thrive with minimal water stimulate sustainability, but to also encourage the synergy needed consumption—making it a true expression of sustainability. to inspire professors to incorporate sustainability into their course The garden also boasts a unique and exemplary attribute subject matter,” Mbuya said. of the University’s sustainability efforts—a rain-fed Gragg added, “Through this initiative our goal is that our students irrigation system that captures rain falling on the roof of leave FAMU, regardless of their major, as literate and contributing Jackson Davis Hall. This feature allows the garden to be citizens in the areas of sustainability and environmental issues.” watered primarily by rainwater, making it nearly self- The Institute and professors like Gragg and Mbuya have already sustaining for water use. begun to see their efforts pay off. In April, the University celebrated According to Ojetayo, the GreenCo Park is certainly the grand opening of the GreenCo Park. The park is located between a picturesque example of President Mangum’s vision of Lee Hall and Jackson-Davis Hall, and is a collaboration between the University’s role in fostering the next generation of the Institute, FAMU Royal Court, FAMU Facilities Planning, FAMU thought leaders and innovators in sustainability. alumnus and landscape architect David Cowles, Baker Landscaping, “This park illustrates the willingness of students to Conrad Design & Landscape, the Green Coalition, and students engage in hands-on efforts to spur the evolution of FAMU representing various programs across campus. More than 100 as a living laboratory of sustainability,” she said.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 25 G

26 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE STUDENT PROFILE BY [Courtney GREEN]

GENERATION NEXT: FAMU DOCTORAL STUDENT EMERGING AS LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH

As a child, Nemmi N. Cole knew that engineering was going to be her call to greatness. Recently recognized as a finalist at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Regional 3MT Competition for her research on landfill emissions, Cole has always been fascinated with how and why things work together in our world.

Growing up, Cole became very astute about how things around us work and impact our environment. She excelled in math and science, and wanted to be able to use her creativity and problem-solving skills to benefit the world. “I learned that the simple aspects of our daily lives had been conceptualized, designed, and developed by engineers in some way,” said Cole, 26, a native of San Bernardino, Calif. “I’ve always been interested and intrigued about what I can do to help.” Her talents and curiosity helped her to navigate successfully through FAMU’s rigorous civil and environmental engineering undergraduate and The project ties into her previous award-winning master’s degree programs. Now in her first year research project, “Using Surface Ambient Air as a civil and environmental engineering doctoral Concentrations to Quantify Methane Emissions student in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Cole from Landfills,” which explores methane, a potent is already making an impact as a future leader in greenhouse gas, as it relates to landfill collection environmental engineering. systems. As a result of her research, Cole created an Her latest research involves developing a automated tool to estimate methane emissions from mechanism inspired by the life cycle assessment landfills and hopes that her research will allow people (LCA) of integrated municipal solid waste to identify other solutions to achieve greenhouse gas management to aid public policy-makers in and co-pollutant reductions from landfills. understanding the impact of their decision-making. Cole is a Department of Environmental Protection GLCA is an evaluation process designed to help people Gubernatorial Fellow and 2014 McKnight Doctoral make more informed decisions on how products, Fellow. She plans to establish a career that centers processes, and activities impact the environment and on the preservation and protection of nature and the human health. environment. “My goal is to create an instrument that will show “My research can positively impact policies all decision-makers at the political level the benefits over the world,” she said. “No matter how hard the obtainable with the use of LCA in terms of the task, I am motivated to contribute new and innovative potential environmental impacts of different waste ideas that will have a positive impact on our society management strategies,” she said. and future generations to come.”

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 27 28 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE BY [Kanya STEWART]

SERVICE WITH A SMILE:

Miss FAMU and Her Passion for Reaching Back DOMINIQUE L. JAMES sits poised with a smile that could compete with the shine of the sun. Her eyes are wide with excitement as she recites her plans for the coming weeks as if she had won a prize. The exhilaration that is beaming from the face of the 108th Miss Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is attributed to her opportunity to participate in her most cherished activity—serving and supporting underserved youth. She is just days away from completing one of her biggest service projects, the On the Run Reading Tour, which promotes literacy among preschool, elementary, and middle school-aged students.

ames, a fourth-year public relations student center she visited. She J who proudly touts wherever she goes that outpoured her passion for she hails from the “City Where Dreams Come True” service with each word she (Orlando, Fla.), knows first-hand the value of having read and left them inspired that encouragement when the odds are stacked against they too could see their dreams you. come true. As a first-generation college student preparing “Hope is one of the greatest for graduation, she finds herself overwhelmed by gifts we can give to others,” the opportunity to touch young lives by sharing the James said. “It was the gift that importance of education with others. To James, was given to me the first time I education is a force that can break down even the stepped foot on this campus.” toughest barrier. She proudly explains that the Although her reign as Miss 5 SERVANT-LEADER opportunity afforded to her to attend FAMU was FAMU is just a few months James has served organizations such as the Army ROTC, Kinship of Big Sister, Littler just the leap she needed to overcome the hurdles of from concluding, James is Sister Mentoring Program, FAMU Peer uncertainty that she faced about her future. certainly not finished making Mentoring Program and Green Coalition. “FAMU gave me hope,” James said. “Without the an impact. She is joining forces opportunity to come here I would not have realized with the queens of several campus organizations my full potential. I didn’t know how to get where my to hold a drive to collect blankets and jackets for dreams wanted to take me—but FAMU was the the homeless, and is launching an essay contest bridge.” that will provide a high school senior in need with She continued, “The care provided to me by prom attire and limo service. And this is what the FAMU community encouraged me, and here she loves about being a Rattler, about being Miss I am today, as Miss FAMU, representing a great FAMU—having the platform to live out her dream of University with a rich legacy of service, a legacy that becoming a philanthropist and servant-leader. I aspire to continue throughout my life’s work.” “When I stand before God at the end of my life, With each stop on her reading tour in Leon I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent County, James ensured that she gave equal left in me and could say, ‘I used everything you gave enthusiasm to each classroom and community me,’” she said.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 29 History Made: FAMU Wind Symphony Plays Carnegie Hall

BY [Cyril Josh BARKER] Special from the Amsterdam News + [Thomas L.K. SIMS]

It’s official. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s Wind Symphony made history this spring by becoming the first classical ensemble from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to perform at Carnegie Hall and has been invited to the Kennedy Center.

he ensemble performed to a mostly full house “It’s overwhelming,” said FAMU senior and flute player T at Carnegie Hall in March under the direction of Geralda Ambroise on the day of the performance. “It’s Shelby Chipman, Ph.D., associate professor and director one of the most overwhelming feelings I’ve ever felt. Just of Symphonic Bands at FAMU. to know that I get to say that ‘I performed at Carnegie “This was an opportunity for us to perform on a main Hall’ on the same stage as people like Dizzy Gillespie and stage that’s incomparable to any stage in the world,” Leonard Bernstein.” Chipman said just before taking the famous stage. St. Albans, Queens native Asa Gayle plays trumpet “The students have been working very diligently the last in the Wind Symphony and said coming back to his couple of months leading up to this moment.” hometown to play at Carnegie Hall was an honor. Performing a 40-minute set featuring five pieces, “To know where I came from musically before I came the nearly 60-member ensemble played Donald to Florida A&M University and to see myself excel to this Hunberger’s arrangement of John Williams’ “Star Wars point, it’s like something I never experienced before,” he Trilogy,” the powerful composition “Cloudburst,” and said. Bob Lowden’s rousing “Dixieland Jam,” which featured Prior to the concert, alumni, family, supporters, and several soloists in the band and audience participation. school officials attended a reception at Carnegie Hall The highlight of the concert was the finale, David honoring the historic occasion, and the students and Maslanka’s “Symphony No. 7, Mvt. III.” To prepare for the educators who made it possible. The gathering was performance, Maslanka “Skyped” in during rehearsals to sponsored by the FAMU Foundation and alumni, raising help the band with the intricate piece. more than $30,000. Proceeds from the event provided

30 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE funds for scholarships, new equipment, and other performance needs for FAMU’s Department of Music. We are innovators. A lot of President Elmira Magnum, Ph.D., said the Symphony is representative of the school’s highest level of excellence. other bands look to us for “The University is extremely proud of the great work of the students, faculty, and staff who have made this inspiration. Then as others performance possible,” said President Mangum. “This historic invitation is reflective of FAMU’s legacy of imitate us, our techniques excellence in music education and reveals the integral role the arts play in providing opportunities for our students. become a standard. This performance was a wonderful opportunity to expand - Sylvester Young, Ph.D. our brand and show that we are best-in-class. Our mission is to provide opportunities to the underserved, and we do it very well.” Also in attendance was FAMU alum and Tallahassee A Tradition of Innovation Mayor Andrew Gillum, who traveled to New York to The Wind Symphony’s accomplishments reflect attend the concert. He expressed his pride and support a matchless history of innovation within FAMU’s of the student musicians after witnessing the historic Department of Music, a story that has been told around performance. the world. But the Department is certainly not resting on “Florida A&M University should be proud, Tallahassee its legacy of quality and artistry, as it continues to yield a should be proud. This was an amazing evening. The new generation of administrators and students dedicated musicianship was on another level,” he said. to advancing the performance needle. The result of this During the concert, Chipman announced to a perseverance can be seen in the news headlines and captivated audience that the FAMU Wind Symphony was consistent social media praise that the Department has invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in the near received over the last year, especially surrounding its future. performance at the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic. Director of Bands Sylvester Young, Ph.D., lists the Classic 4

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 31 as one of the most anticipated Department of Music performances of the year. At this fall’s event, the Marching “100” created an “animated show” where the formations were set in motion to enhance the difficulty level of execution. The band formed a roller coaster while playing renowned composer Lindsey Sarjeant’s arrangement of “Roller Coaster of Love.” They also formed a dancing man illustrating the popular dance known as the “Nae Nae.” The show highlight, however, occurred when the band made the image of the loveable Kermit the Frog meme, which has become an Internet staple used to make statements on topics of the day. In an instant, the band’s Kermit image was creating a buzz all over the Internet. Videos of the performance were picked up by numerous media outlets, including Sports Illustrated, and the Washington Post, and the group’s showmanship went viral. “Our motto is, ‘better than the best ever,’ and we are constantly creating with that in mind,” said Young, who credits the students for the successful idea. “We are innovators. A lot of other bands look to us for inspiration. Then as others imitate us, our techniques become a standard for all bands.” The FAMU Marching “100” has been credited with developing more than 30 innovative techniques that have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs. But the Department of Music wants the world to know that its talented students and faculty have even more to offer. Both Young and Chipman say supporters and fans can look forward to an outstanding year of performance both on the stage and on the field. According to Chipman, the education and classical training each student-musician receives under the care of the Department is best-in-class, so it’s only natural that these attributes are reflected in performance. “The Marching ‘100’ has been the face of the program for many years, but we’ve also always strived to have a well-balanced, world-class classical program. Our unforgettable experience at Carnegie Hall has surely set the tone for FAMU to be known as a mecca in terms of classical music performance,” Chipman said.

32 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 33 IT’S A NEW SEASON: The Inauguration of President Elmira Mangum

BY [Kanya STEWART ]

easons come and go, but one season that will reign eternally at S FAMU is the “New Season” ushered in through the inauguration of the University’s 11th and first permanent female president, Elmira Mangum, Ph.D. “It’s A New Season” was the perfect theme for President Mangum’s inaugu- ration week celebration held Sept. 28 - Oct. 4, 2014. Rattlers and supporters TITLE SPONSOR from far and near converged on the University’s beautiful campus to celebrate The Terrell Family Student Bridge Fund the historical moment and to reignite the flame of its rich and storied legacy. From university presidents from across the nation and diehard alumni to EVENT SPONSORS corporate sponsors and community members, hundreds of participants came Barnes & Noble eagerly to declare their support for FAMU and its new Rattler-in-Chief. The week’s activities not only celebrated the influence of FAMU as a CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS facilitator of programs that impact the quality of life around the globe, but it also Wells Fargo showcased the talents of students, encouraged health and wellness, promoted Data Set Ready sustainability, raised funds for scholarships, and celebrated the power of Rattler Parks & Crump, LLC unity. Rattlers on the Hill (D.C.) The celebration of the inauguration of President Mangum, a respected change-agent and servant-leader, was the perfect kick-off for the installation of her vision to make FAMU a best-in-class, doctoral research institution with an international presence.

34 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

1. President Mangum expresses her gratitude to all supporters at the Inauguration Gala. 2. The children of President Mangum stood near as their mother was installed. 3. President Mangum celebrated with students at the Founder’s Day celebration. 4. The Tallahassee Democrat, Leon County Commission, and the City of Tallahassee showed great support for the President’s Inaugural Run/Walk. 5. Hitmaker Brian McKnight delivered a stellar performance at the Inauguration Gala. 6. Creator of the 10 for $10 Challenge, Cecka Rose Green, addressed the crowd at the Gala. 7. Mayor Andrew Gillum and First Lady R. Jai Gillum beamed with Rattler Pride during the Gala. 8. Young alumni and student leaders stepped out in style to celebrate with President Mangum.

INVESTOR SPONSORS

Allen Norton and Blue, P.A. Honda Campus All-Stars Allstate Insurance Company Leon County Government City of Tallahassee MetLife DAG Architects Redwire FAMU Foundation, Inc. Regions Bank FASTSIGNS of Tallahassee The Tallahassee Democrat Florida Blue Foundation

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

Community Health of South Florida Hughes Capital Doubletree Hotel Management Moore Communications NBC 40 Dyntek Signal House Communications First Commerce/Six Pillars The Boeing Company Heavenly Catering Tri-Eagle Sales

SUPPORTERS

21st Century Research & Evaluation Rogers, Gunter & Vaughn Insurance Florida Conference of FAMU Athletics Black State Legislators FAMU Division of Research Dr. Jacqueline Beck FAMU Provost & Vice Presidents Metz Culinary Management

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 35 applause

Cecka Rose Green Creates Challenge Kim Godwin Garners Top Producer Spot that Reignites FAMU Giving at CBS News

After only 48 hours of posting a simple challenge on Kim Godwin has distinguished herself as an able social media to FAMU alumni, students, faculty, staff, and journalist who can develop compelling angles and supporters to give $10 each to the University, more than approaches to storytelling, lead newsrooms, and inspire $10,000 was raised. her fellow journalists to give their very best. These are The challenge had been issued by FAMU alumna the words of National Association of Black Journalists Cecka Rose Green, the creator of the 10 for $10 Alumni (NABJ) President Bob Butler after announcing that Giving Challenge, which she says was inspired by her FAMU alumna Kimberly Godwin was promoted to senior deep love and concern for her alma mater. broadcast producer for the CBS Evening News with Scott Green is a 1991 graduate whose English degree Pelley. and involvement in FAMU student media organizations Godwin, a 1984 graduate and 30-year journalism led her to a successful career in communications and veteran, has had a long and distinguished career in provided her with the marketing know-how that helped both local and network television news. At the local level the campaign to go viral. she has been a producer, senior producer, executive According to Green, the unique giving campaign was producer, assistant news director, and news director. born out of simply observing the current trends on social At the network level she has been a senior producer and media. Weeks of watching Facebook friends, groups, now, senior broadcast producer. and even celebrities dump buckets of ice water on their Godwin previously served her alma mater as interim heads to raise money for charity compelled Green to find director of journalism in the FAMU School of Journalism a way to channel the social media momentum to benefit & Graphic Communication, where she continues service her beloved FAMU. to the University as a member of the Board of Visitors. Green explained that the challenge, which she said Active in NABJ, Godwin continues to serve as a mentor has brought in more than $177,000 to date, has been for NABJ’s Multimedia Short Course held each year at so successful because it allows donors who cannot make FAMU. large contributions to feel included. “I graduated from FAMU’s School of Journalism fully “If we keep pouring back into FAMU we don’t have prepared to enter a working newsroom and had no to worry about FAMU going away. If we continue to doubts about my ability to perform,” said Godwin about make FAMU relevant we don’t have to worry about that the role FAMU played in her success. “I knew that the happening,” Green said. totality of my college experiences had given me a solid springboard from which to launch my career.”

36 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE World Economic Forum Obama Appoints Alphonso Kendra Mitchell Selected Names Farai Gundan Young Maldon to Military as a Fulbright Scholar Global Leader Compensation Commission

Farai Gundan, FAMU alumna Alumnus Alphonso Maldon, Kendra Mitchell was awarded and co-founder of AfricaTripDeals, Jr., was recently appointed by a grant from the Fulbright U.S. FaraiMedia, and a contributor for President Barack Obama to Scholar Program. She was both Forbes U.S. and Forbes Africa serve as a member and chair selected as one of 10 U.S. has been named a Class of 2015 of the Military Compensation students in the English Teaching Young Global Leader by the World and Retirement Modernization Assistantship Program. The core Economic Forum (WEF). The Commission. Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Young Global Leader (YGL) honor is Maldon is the founder and provides approximately 800 bestowed by the World Economic president/CEO of Partnership teaching and research grants Forum each year to recognize the Strategies Consulting. He is also to U.S. faculty and experienced most distinguished leaders under a founding partner of the Major professionals in a variety of fields. the age of 40, nominated from League’s Washington Nationals Mitchell is a graduate of the around the world. Baseball Club, having led and FAMU Department of English and Gundan was appointed by managed a group of investors Modern Languages. Currently, she the WEF Selection Committee, that developed and helped finance is a doctoral candidate at Florida chaired by Her Majesty Queen the bid to purchase the franchise. State University. Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite He was responsible for public For a period of nine months, she Kingdom of Jordan, which relations, governmental affairs, will represent the U.S. as a cultural screened thousands of potential and community relations as the ambassador to South Africa, young leaders from every region Nationals’ senior vice president of while providing assistance to local of the world and from a myriad of External Affairs and also served as English teachers. During Mitchell’s disciplines and sectors. Gundan is president of the Dream Foundation, tenure overseas, she will help the only Zimbabwean national to be the team’s philanthropic arm. enhance mutual understanding named a Young Global Leader for Maldon served as the assistant between Americans and South 2015. secretary of Defense for Force Africans. Gundan has been listed as the Management and Policy from “Without the care and nurturing No.1 top Forbes writer amongst 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, he I received while at FAMU, I never top 10 writers for Forbes. She served as deputy assistant to the would have been able to fulfill my tracks Africa’s wealthy, industry president and director of the White dream of getting a college degree captains, entrepreneurs, and rising House Military Office, responsible or dared to pursue a Fulbright,” stars. She produced and wrote the for operations, logistics and said Mitchell. inaugural Forbes Life Africa cover communications, and managing During Mitchell’s tenure at the story with Sudanese supermodel and directing a staff of over 2,200 University, she struggled financially and National Goodwill Ambassador employees. Maldon was appointed similarly to more than 65 percent Alek Wek. special assistant to the president of FAMU students. Gundan compiles the popular for Legislative Affairs in 1993. Mitchell says she hopes that her Forbes annual list “The 10 Most He entered active duty service story will inspire others to take full Powerful Men in Africa” and assists as a commissioned officer in the advantage of opportunities given with “The 20 Young Power Women U.S. Army in 1972, with tours of to them. in Africa.” She is the recipient of the duty in Europe, Southeast Asia, 2014 “Emerging Leader Award,” Hawaii, and various other posts. bestowed by Temple University.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 37 Nikki Lewis Simon is One of Kenneth Jones Appointed Taylor Barrington Florida’s “Most Powerful CEO of St. Joseph Hospital Recognized in Black Black Professionals” Enterprise Magazine Kenneth Jones was appointed Alumna Nikki Lewis Simon, the chief executive officer of St. Joseph Taylor Barrington owner of director of Client Development and Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Taylor Barrington Creative Corporate Social Responsibility at St. Joseph is a 191-bed full Agency (TBCA) and founder of the Miami office of international service hospital. empowerment brand, MaverickHill, law firm Greenberg Traurig, was Jones earned a bachelor’s was recently recognized as an named one of the “Most Powerful degree from FAMU in 2000. He outstanding female entrepreneur in Black Professionals in Business later earned a master’s degree Black Enterprise Magazine. and Industry for 2014” by Legacy in healthcare administration and Barrington is a 27-year-old Orlando Magazine and Legacy business administration from the alumna of FAMU, who is currently Miami Magazine, respectively. University of Minnesota in 2003. working towards her master’s in Simon is listed among “FAMU prepared me to go to business administration from the distinguished business professionals graduate school,” said Jones, “STEM University as well. who are making great strides provides the foundation for a lot of Her creative agency, TBCA, is a to positively impact their local opportunities.” full-service marketing agency that communities. The lists, published Previously, he served as the utilizes the creative skills of young annually by Legacy Orlando CEO of The Orthopedic Hospital in women to provide a multitude of Magazine and Legacy Miami Fort Wayne, Ind. and the CEO of services to clients. Magazine, include corporate Heekin Orthopedic Specialists in She began her brand as an directors, community leaders, Jacksonville. inspirational portal for collegiate top attorneys, public officials, and He also served in administrative women. MaverickHill tags the successful entrepreneurs. and leadership positions at saying “Well Behaved Women As the director of client hospitals in Florida and Georgia, Seldom Make History.” development and corporate social where he was responsible for “My personal mission statement responsibility of Greenberg Traurig’s overseeing multiple areas, including is to creatively elevate young Miami office, Simon works to neurosciences, surgical services, women in order to cultivate more strategically align the firm’s diversity orthopedics, and ambulatory care. motivators, leaders, and history- and inclusion programming and At the beginning of his professional makes,” said Barrington. initiatives with clients’ needs. career, Jones was administrator of Through MaverickHill, Simon’s professional and the ambulatory surgery center at Barrington says she is able to fulfill community involvement includes Duke University Hospital, where he her mission. In one year, the brand serving as a fellow for the Wm. was also part of the administrative has reached more than 15,000 Reece Smith, Jr. Florida Bar fellowship program. people by establishing a campus Leadership Academy Fellowship, His professional development representative program and participating in Leadership and community involvement includes hosting its first annual charitable Broward-Class XXXII, serving earning a Six Sigma Green Belt event. as an adjunct professor in the certification, being a member of Litigation Externship Program at the the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, University of Miami School of Law, Inc., and board membership with serving as a member of the National Big Brothers Big Sisters, Science Association of Women Lawyers, and Central, Turnstone and Fort Wayne serving with the Florida Bar. Urban League.

38 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE Will Packer Inducted into Geisha Stevens Signs Deal Christopher West the National Black College With Superstore to Inspire Promoted to Director at Alumni Hall of Fame Girls MCCA

Hollywood producer Will Packer Faithwalk, an inspirational brand Christopher West, a graduate of was inducted into the 2014 founded by FAMU alumna Geisha the FAMU business administration National Black College Alumni Hall Stevens, recently signed a historic program, was promoted to of Fame. retail deal with Meijer Superstores. director of Product Strategy at the Packer has established himself The Midwestern superstore Massachusetts Convention Center as one of Hollywood’s blockbuster powerhouse carries Faithwalk’s Authority. hit makers with seven of his films youth apparel, books, journals, pens, In his new role, West is opening No. 1 at the box office. and cosmetics in select stores. responsible for managing a pipeline In 2013, Packer signed first-look A proud broadcast journalism of new and emerging product production deals with Universal grad, Giesha Stevens serves as concepts. He also leads a product Pictures and Universal Television. CEO of Faithwalk and oversees the development team in generating, Under both deals, he develops new historical partnership. In addition, screening, and prioritizing new projects for the studios under his Stevens works diligently to use the ideas. His work directly impacts Will Packer Productions banner. Faithwalk retail line, interactive thousands of travelers each year In 2014, he became one of the workshops, and special events to who come to the area from around only African-American producers positively impact young girls. the globe. to have seven films debut at No.1 “The importance of inspiring West currently serves as vice during opening weekend. His most others was engrained in me at president of the FAMU National successful film to date is Universal’s FAMU,” Stevens said. “FAMU gave Alumni Massachusetts Chapter. “Ride Along” starring Ice Cube and me the resilience to handle the He received his MBA from Sawyer Kevin Hart. “Ride Along” debuted ambiguity of entrepreneurship, but Business School at Suffolk University No. 1 at the box office in 2014 with also the adoration of my communal and additional professional record-breaking receipts totaling responsibility to be a positive development at the University of over $48 million during the Dr. influence for girls.” Massachusetts Boston Center for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday In addition to the Meijer Collaborative Leadership, Emerging weekend, making it one of the retail deal, Stevens is currently Leaders Program. biggest January opening box office negotiating deals with three other tallies of all time. notable retail chains, and offering The film also went on to be Faithwalk University workshops, No. 1 at the box office for three while developing a TV pilot to help consecutive weeks and grossed other budding entrepreneurs. over $153 million worldwide. Faithwalk is an inspirational Packer’s No. 1 films also include brand that encourages young ladies “No Good Deed,” “Think Like A Man and ladies young at heart to live a Too,” “Think Like A Man,” “Takers,” purpose driven life. “Obsessed,” and “Stomp The Yard.” Packer graduated magna cum laude from FAMU in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 39 From The Bookshelf

Former Miss FAMU Releases “Queen Like Me” Children’s Book

When Kimberly Brown, Ph.D., set out to write a children’s book that explores the courageous stories of women leaders of the past and present, she never imagined that it would spark a movement. Today, “Queen Like Me: The True story of Girls Who Changed the World” is impacting girls and women of all ages, as it provides an adventurous learning experience that builds self-esteem, teaches history, and develops leadership skills. The book is for children ages 5–12 and captures the contributions of outstanding African-American women in history, such as Queen Nefertiti, Coretta Scott King, and First Lady Michelle Obama. Brown gained inspiration to write “Queen Like Me” from abolitionist Frederick 5KIMBERLY BROWN, PH.D. Douglass. His idea of building strong children ignited a flame in Brown to write an adventurous tale that invites young readers to investigate the valiant lives and contributions of 15 influential women in history. “I hope it will spark an interest in our girls to learn more,” said Brown. “I hope they will see that intelligence, leadership, and ‘Queen Like Me’ courage are vital parts of the total beauty package.” profoundly illustrates Former Miss America Erica Dunlap is one of Brown’s greatest supporters and explains the power behind the direct correlation the book. “‘Queen Like Me’ profoundly illustrates the direct between strong correlation between strong queens of the past with queens of the past our present potential to achieve greatness,” said Dunlap. “It belongs in the libraries of families and with our present schools interested in creating enjoyable avenues potential to achieve to education, providing multicultural exposure, and nurturing successful children.” greatness. Brown served as the 2005–2006 Miss FAMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations - Former Miss America Erica Dunlap from the School of Journalism & Graphic Commu- nication and a master’s in social science/history from the Department of History and Political Science. Brown also earned a doctorate degree in United States history with a specialization in 20th century women from Howard University. “Queen Like Me” can be purchased at www.amazon.com.

40 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE Shanley McCray Offers Tools for Decision Making in New Series

Shanley McCray recently published a concise guide on a new and improved way to make decisions. The book, “Choosing to Decide,” was written to help people make successful decisions, no matter how big or small. The book offers tips, suggestions, and real-life examples to guide readers through the decision- making process. “I didn’t want to write a book that would feel like a lecture,” said McCray. “This is more of a conversation piece from a friend.” According to McCray, the book serves as a quick reference guide in times where making the right choice can be difficult; it can even provide reassurance 5SHANLEY MCCRAY that the right decision has been made. “‘Choosing to Decide’ is a guide for anyone facing a decision who needs a little advice to ensure they’re making the right choices,” said McCray. “In everyday life there’s so much going on that even the small decisions can seem like a huge process that you just can’t be bothered with. So rather than not doing anything at all choose to decide.” According to McCray, the book is the first of a small series of short books. McCray’s next book is “A Little About A Lot,” which is inspired by her world travels. McCray is a 2011 graduate of FAMU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. McCray currently lives in Houston and operates a writing company that serves start-up and small businesses. “Choosing to Decide” can be purchased at www.shanleywrites.com/choosingtodecide.

Raevyn McLaughlin Celebrates the Beauty of Life Obstacles in New Book

Raevyn McLaughlin shares her life’s testimony in her newly released book, “What Almost Killed Me Made Me.” The book is a true story of how she says God demonstrated his love in her life despite the many obstacles she faced. “Your past has prepared you for your future,” said McLaughlin, “This book talks about allowing God to propel you into your destiny.” According to McLaughlin, the book will take readers on an emotional journey through the painful years of her life to her experiences with forgiveness, deliverance, and love. “People will journey within themselves and discover situations that were designed to kill them, but ultimately made them stronger, wiser, better, and even more qualified for their God-given purpose,” said McLaughlin. In the book, McLaughlin reveals to readers how she was able to find her purpose in life through her painful and unfortunate experiences. “I wanted to encourage others to know that they will make it too,” she said. Her mission is to help those who are hurting, and to invest in the underprivileged. McLaughlin is a 2009 graduate of FAMU’s School of Business and Industry. She lives in Jacksonville with her husband. “What Almost Killed Me Made Me” can be purchased at www.raevyn.org.

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 41 Campus Notes

Spring 2015 “Extraordinary Reach,” to showcase college-wide careers in fields related a roundtable discussion research, extension services, to science, technology, Agribusiness Student Places and celebration of women and outreach activities in engineering, and mathematics Second in National Research who display excellence in support of the College’s (STEM), namely the biomedical Competition leadership across diverse mission of teaching, research, sciences. sectors and industries. and outreach. The Bridges program is Kendall Strickland, a senior Participants included U.S. Special guests included already making a national agribusiness major at Florida Representative Gwen Graham, Adam Putnam, Florida impact. David Perez, a Agricultural and Mechanical Dr. Heavenly Kimes, award- commissioner of Agriculture student from the 2014 University (FAMU) placed winning entrepreneur, dentist, and Consumer Services and cohort, and a sophomore second on a research project and reality TV personality Chavonda Jacobs-Young, environmental engineering presented at the 30th Annual (“Married to Medicine”); Ph.D., administrator for the major at TCC, recently Minorities in Agriculture, Lenora P. Gant, senior USDA’s Division of Research received the top Microbiology Natural Resources, and executive at the National Service. Research Award for his Related Sciences Career Fair Geospatial-Intelligence National leaders in poster presentation at the and Training Conference held Agency; Chesley Maddox attendance observed students Annual Biomedical Conference in Houston in March. Dorsey, president and CEO of and faculty presentations for Minority Students in Strickland received national Access 1 Communications on research taking place at San Antonio, Texas. Perez recognition in the poster Corporation; and Mary the College through oral and was among 1,700 student category of the competition Breaux Wright, international poster presentations. participants who competed for a project titled “The president of Zeta Phi Beta nationally in 12 different Economic Value of Palm Trees Sorority, Inc. FAMU Biomedical Science disciplines including molecular in Hotel Landscaping.” Bridge Program Produces sciences, cell biology, The primary focus of the National Leaders in Award-winning Results microbiology, and engineering. research is to determine the Agriculture Attend FAMU value of palm trees at hotels Research Forum The FAMU Bridges to FAMU Breaks Record in areas such as Aruba. the Baccalaureate in the with Annual United Way Since visitors travel to places FAMU’s College of Biomedical Sciences Program Fundraising Drive like Aruba for its tropical Agriculture and Food Sciences is preparing to open its environment, Strickland’s (CAFS) hosted an impactful doors to 20 students from President Elmira Mangum, study addresses whether a research forum in March. Tallahassee Community Ph.D., announced that the low amount of palm trees More than 200 College (TCC) who are University’s annual United could ultimately mean fewer participants representing poised to become the next Way fundraising drive raised visitors for hotels. the agriculture research generation of leaders in more than $44,400 for the Strickland is a scholarship community, farming industry, biomedical sciences. organization, outpacing last recipient of the U.S. government agencies, and the In its second year, year’s total of $20,875 by Department of Agriculture’s private sector attended the the Bridges program 112 percent. The increase 1890 National Scholars event. The forum took place in is housed in the FAMU represents a growth in Program. Strickland will commemoration of the 125th College of Pharmacy and campus participation by 122 complete a two and a half anniversary of the Second Pharmaceutical Sciences. It is percent. year employment stint at the Morrill Act, which established a 10-week summer research According to United Way USDA. FAMU as an 1890 land-grant experience partnership of the Big Bend officials, university. between FAMU and TCC that the University’s efforts FAMU Honors International With the theme “A New provides students with the represent the largest giving Women in Leadership Season for Agriculture academic skills, research increase among participating In observance of Women’s Research,” the forum also training, and support network organizations. History Month, FAMU hosted presented an opportunity necessary for successful President Mangum

42 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE applauded the United Way of Industry, BET’s Rap-It-Up, the aluminum cans. FAMU joins a diverse the Big Bend for its invaluable Black AIDS Institute, and the The facility plays an integral set of more than 20 other service to North Florida’s Magic Johnson Foundation. role in helping the University to new partners. These new citizens and its commitment Rucker, who has served in become a zero-waste campus. partners bring with them fresh to making stronger, safer, and several educational capacities The Center houses a cardboard perspectives and leadership healthier communities. in the areas of arts and baler and provides workspace in newly represented sectors She explained that the theatre and entrepreneurship, for interns and volunteers. totaling more than 70 million University community will provided the students with square feet of fast-food, continue to participate in nuggets of wisdom and tools FAMU Joins U.S. Department restaurant, manufacturing, additional initiatives, such as for success both on the of Energy’s Better Buildings university, and government the United Way fundraiser, stage and in service to the Challenge facilities. which coincides with the community. University’s focus on ensuring The Presidential Lecture Building on President Barack FAMU Awarded $6 Million in upward social and economic Series brings to FAMU’s Obama’s Climate Action Plan Grants from National Nuclear mobility for low-wealth citizens. campus global leaders from and his administration’s Better Security Agency various sectors to inspire, Buildings Challenge, the U.S. Actor Lamman Rucker Kicks enlighten, and educate Department of Energy (DOE) President Elmira Mangum, Off Presidential Lecture students, faculty, staff, alumni, announced that FAMU has Ph.D., announced that the U.S. Series and the community at-large. committed to making its entire Department of Energy’s National portfolio of buildings 20 percent Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) President Elmira Mangum, University Celebrates Grand more energy efficient within awarded the University two Ph.D., launched her Opening of Recycling Center 10 years by joining the Better grants totaling $6 million over Presidential Lecture Series Buildings Challenge. FAMU will three years. in February with a master FAMU President Elmira work with the DOE to share its The grants will support the class for theatre students Mangum,Ph.D., joined the successful efficiency models Consortium on Materials and and other related majors. FAMU Environmental Health and help pave the way for other Energy Studies (CMES) and the The master class featured and Safety Department, organizations to follow. Consortium for Research on actor, educator, activist, FAMU Sustainability Institute, FAMU will soon complete an the Science and Engineering and entrepreneur Lamman community leaders, faculty, expansive energy performance of Signatures (ROSES). The Rucker. staff, and students for a contract that is slated to yield principal investigators for the Rucker is the star of the ribbon-cutting ceremony millions of dollars in energy-cost grants are FAMU Associate Vice film “The Man in 3B,” and his in February to celebrate savings. In addition, FAMU will President for Research Charles previous credits include “Why the official opening of the undergo an assessment and A. Weatherford, Ph.D., and Did I Get Married?,” “Why University’s first recycling planning process in the next Assistant Dean of the College of Did I Get Married, Too?,” “The center. six months to identify strategic Science and Technology Lewis E. Undershepherd,” “Meet the The opening of the Center opportunities to achieve energy Johnson, Ph.D., respectively. Browns,” “The Temptations,” on campus marks another efficiency goals. As the lead university on “Half & Half,” “As The World milestone in the University’s The Sustainability Institute, both grants, FAMU will provide Turns,” and “All My Children.” sustainability initiatives working directly with the leadership for the consortia’s He is a passionate activist and serves to encourage University’s Office of Facilities, research efforts, including the and spokesperson for several environmental stewardship. Planning, Construction, and investigation, characterization, nonprofit organizations and The FAMU Recycling Safety, will steward this and improvement of novel community action initiatives, Center manages and commitment and develop a plan. energy materials in science including Tied To Greatness, encourages the collection, Faculty and students will also be and engineering. In addition to Art Creates Life, Green For sorting, and processing of involved in creating new learning the faculty and STEM (science, All, Good Ground-Good Life, recyclables, such as paper, experiences designed around technology, engineering, and A.H.E.A.D., Inc., Inner City cardboard, plastic bottles, and this commitment. math) majors participating in 4

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 43 Campus Notes

the consortia, FAMU will “Community Crusader” for his Mangum, the “Purple Heart are counter-productive provide leadership to 13 work as the executive director HBCU” designation not only to their educational and participating historically Black of the Dream Defenders, Inc., displays the University’s professional goals. colleges and universities and filmmaker and producer appreciation for the sacrifice The grant supports a (HBCUs) and four Department Will Packer was honored as a our combat-wounded curriculum for undergraduate of Energy laboratories. “Cultural Influencer.” veterans, but also celebrates students enrolled in FAMU’s These laboratories include: Each year, the magazine FAMU’s commitment to First-Year Experience the Lawrence Livermore selects leaders from a variety military service. Program, which allows the National Laboratory, Los of fields (including business, To date, FAMU has University to directly reach Alamos National Laboratory, medicine, sports, media, trained more than 1,000 and impact students as they Pacific Northwest National religion, and the creative arts), senior cadets who went on to begin their college experience. Laboratory, and the Y-12 who have made noteworthy become colonels and general The First-Year Experience National Security Complex. accomplishments and are officers, some of whom were Program assists students The consortia will also changing the course of wounded in combat and with making a successful serve to provide solutions history through their work, received the Purple Heart transition, academically and to the improvised explosive while making an enduring Medal. socially, from high school devices (IEDs) that have and lasting impact in their to college. In addition, the emerged in Iraq, Afghanistan, communities and the world. FAMU Awarded Grant for program reinforces critical and other locations A gala celebration for the Unique Substance Abuse and thinking and behaviors that throughout the world, as an honorees took place in Los HIV Prevention Program lead to academic success, unanticipated and deadly Angeles in November 2014. and assists students with threat to U.S. and Allied Comedian Kevin Hart, FAMU was awarded an understanding how to make military forces. Bishop T.D. Jakes, television $864,041 grant that focuses informed decisions. producer Shonda Rhimes, on substance-abuse education FALL 2014 ballerina Misty Copeland, and the prevention of HIV and Social Mobility Index Ranks Xavier University President Hepatitis C. FAMU as No. 3 Institution FAMU President and Alumni Norman Francis, NBA player FAMU Director of in the Nation for Facilitating Make Prestigious EBONY Kevin Durant, and music Counseling Services Yolanda Economic Opportunity for Power 100 List producer Dr. Dre were also Bogan, Ph.D., is directing Underserved Students among the honorees. the three-year grant from President Elmira Mangum, the Substance Abuse and The Social Mobility Index Ph.D., was named among FAMU President Declares Mental Health Services (SMI) ranked FAMU the No. the nation’s most influential University First ‘Purple Administration (SAMHSA). 3 university in the nation African Americans on the Heart HBCU’ According to Bogan, one for facilitating economic EBONY “Power 100” list. of the objectives of the grant opportunity for underserved President Mangum was In observance of Military is to create a campus culture students. The University featured in the December Appreciation Day in November that encourages students to outpaced the nation’s leading 2014 issue of EBONY 2014, President Elmira learn and practice alternative Ivy League institutions such as magazine under the list’s Mangum, Ph.D., officially ways of dealing with stress Princeton, Harvard, and Yale, “First” category for making declared the University the as a method of drug abuse which placed 360th, 438th history as the University’s first first “Purple Heart HBCU.” prevention. and 440th, respectively, on permanent female president The declaration is a part Bogan explained that the rankings list. in its 127-year history. of the University’s ongoing drug abuse often opens the The SMI is a new, Two FAMU alums joined commitment to celebrating door for life-altering and life- data-driven ranking system, President Mangum on the and supporting military threatening diseases. She focused on the problem of “Power 100” list. Phillip veterans. wants students to understand economic mobility in the Agnew was honored as a According to President that developing such habits United States. Rankings

44 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE are based upon tuition rate, Law’s bar passage rate has for more effective treatments the right direction towards student economic profile, improved by more than 20 for cancers that often impact fulfilling its vision to be a best- graduation rate, average percentage points. minority and underserved in-class, land-grant institution, early career salary, and In addition to the recent communities and are more and accomplishing its mission endowment. performance on the bar exam, difficult to detect. These to meet the educational According to SMI data the FAMU College of Law also include pancreatic, prostate, demands of 21st century. analyses, FAMU ranks high saw its applications increase and triple negative breast Mangum explained that in its contributions toward by 16 percent for the cancers. FAMU is committed to narrowing socio-economic 2014–2015 academic year, Nazarius Saah Lamango, ensuring that FAMU is a gaps by graduating more while other law schools saw a Ph.D., professor of medicinal global leader in science, low-income students at lower decrease in applications. chemistry in the FAMU technology, research, tuition rates, yet with better The National Jurist College of Pharmacy and engineering, agriculture, and economic outcomes following magazine recently ranked the Pharmaceutical Sciences mathematics (STREAM), while graduation. The University is FAMU College of Law on its (COPPS), is the principal continuing to build upon its noted on the SMI as having “Top 10 for Diversity” list. The investigator on the research legacy of excellence in the one of the lowest annual College has also been named project titled “Disrupting arts, humanities, business, tuition rates in the nation. No.1 among the “10 Best Polyisoprenylated Protein journalism, education, and Nearly 92 percent Bargain Law Schools” by the Function for Lung Cancer health sciences. of FAMU students are media company On Being a Therapy.” To qualify for the “2015 considered low-income, Black Lawyer. The law school Joining Dr. Lamango as Best Colleges” rankings, according to SMI data. was recently notified that it co-investigators are Gebre- institutions must offer a full However, graduates are was listed as a “Best Bargain” Egziabher Kiros, Ph.D., range of undergraduate leaving the University earning Law School for Latina/o Law associate professor of majors, in addition to master’s an average salary of nearly Students in the 2015 edition epidemiology and biostatistics and doctoral programs. These $45,000 a year. of the Latina/o Student’s in the FAMU COPPS, and institutions must also display Guide to Law Schools. Offiong F. Ikpatt, M.D., Ph.D., a commitment to producing FAMU College of Law assistant professor of groundbreaking research. Exceeds State Overall FAMU Receives $1.3M NIH pathology at the University of FAMU was also named Average For Second Time in Grant To Support Innovative Miami. one of the best colleges in the Florida Bar Exams Cancer Treatment Research Southeast by The Princeton FAMU ReceivesTop National Review. It is one of 138 The FAMU College of Law FAMU received a Rankings by U.S. News & institutions The Princeton achieved a 73.6 percent $1,351,400 grant from the Princeton Review Review recommends in passage rate on a recent National Cancer Institute (NCI) its “Best in the Southeast” Florida Bar Exam, besting the and the National Institute of The U.S. News & World section of its website feature, overall average for the second General Medical Sciences Report has recognized FAMU “2015 Best Colleges: Region time within two years. (NIGMS) of the National as one of its “2015 Best by Region.” FAMU’s 73.6 percent Institutes of Health (NIH) Colleges.” The report lists From several hundred passage rate was higher than to support groundbreaking FAMU as the nation’s top schools in each region, The the overall average of 71.8 research that is poised to public historically Black college Princeton Review narrowed percent. uncover a more direct and or university (HBCU), and as its list based on institutional This is FAMU’s highest bar effective method for treating the No. 8 HBCU among both data, visits to schools over the passage rate to date, second lung cancer. private and public universities. years, and the opinions of its only to its highest first-time The lung cancer research According to President staff and students. bar passage rate of 82.6 supported by the four-year Elmira Mangum, Ph.D., percent in February 2013. grant is also expected to this report is proof that Since 2009, the College of provide insight and solutions the University is headed in

A&M MAGAZINE // SUMMER 2015 // 45 Fa ll e n

RNelson E. a Townsend, tt January l 2015 e r s Townsend served two terms as athletic director at FAMU and at the time of his death was serving as interim athletic director. He also served as the athletic director of Delaware State University, the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, and as the first African-American athletic director at the University at Buffalo. He served as an active member of the United States Olympic Committee from 1991-1993. As a well-respected administrator, he was responsible for leading the athletic departments of Delaware State University and the University at Buffalo to NCAA Division I status.

Eva C. Wanton, Eileen Shaw Meshach Taylor, September 2014 Warner, June 2014 June 2014

Wanton was a retired FAMU Warner served as an Taylor was an alumnus who administrator who served as the founding English teacher at FAMU earned international acclaim dean of the School of General Studies, Developmental Research for his talent and life’s work. He associate vice president of academic affairs, School (DRS) for 32 years. As was an award-winning actor and as special assistant to the president. a teacher at the school, she who appeared in numerous She was also responsible for establishing was a multiple recipient of the productions from Broadway to FAMU’s Office of International Services and Teacher of the Year Award Hollywood. Among his most Summer Sessions, currently recognized and served as an advisor in celebrated performances as the Office of International Education and several areas to include the included roles in the CBS sitcom Development. Additionally, Wanton served senior class and Royal Court. “Designing Women” and the as the National President of Jack and Jill She earned her bachelor’s and box office hit “Mannequin.” of America, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s master’s degrees in English Taylor graduated from FAMU in degree with honors from Savannah State education from FAMU. She was 1993 with a bachelor’s degree University, and a master’s degree and a dedicated leader and member in theatre. In 2011, he was doctorate degree in Spanish from the of the A.M.E. Connectional Lay enshrined in FAMU’s College Interamericana University in Satillo, Mexico. Organization, the Phi Delta of Social Sciences, Arts, and She also earned a second doctoral degree Kappa Chapter of AKA Sorority, Humanities’ Thomas DeSaille in Educational Leadership from Florida State Inc., National Council of English Tucker Gallery of Distinction. University. Teachers, and the National Association of University Women.

46 // FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY // A&M MAGAZINE James W. Haskins, June 2014 employed at various companies including John P. Swilley, October 2014 Haskins was a retired professor of Yokogawa in Greenville, S.C., Lockheed Swilley was an alumnus who served as an journalism at FAMU, where he was honored Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, and McDonnell industrial arts instructor at Stone High as teacher of the year for the 1992-93 Douglas in Orlando, Fla. School in Melbourne. He was also a United academic year. States Army Korean War Veteran. He The Rev. Evelyn J. Corbin, March 2014 earned a bachelor’s degree from FAMU. Tarra M. Beach, August 2014 The Rev. Evelyn J. Corbin earned a bachelor’s Beach earned a doctorate degree in civil degree from FAMU in 1949. As a student, Rodney A. Roberts, December 2014 engineering posthumously from FAMU. She she lettered as an electrifying player on Roberts was an alumnus who served as a also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry the Women’s Basketball team, while also professor of photography in the School of and a master’s degree in chemistry and playing tennis. A retired educator, she Journalism and Graphic Communication environmental engineering from Tennessee served with great distinction in the field of at FAMU. He earned a bachelor’s degree State University. physical education and science. She served from FAMU and a master’s degree from the as a staff minister at Bethel A.M.E. Church University of Michigan. Minnie L. Williams, August 2014 in Tallahassee, retiring after 20 years of Williams earned her bachelor’s and master’s ministry Augustine Nwabuzor, December 2014 degrees from FAMU. She also received Nwabuzor was a FAMU retiree who served a specialist degree from Florida State Robert J. Newkirk, September 2014 as a professor of management in the School University. Newkirk was an alumnus and State of Florida of Business and Industry. He earned a retiree. He was also a United States Army bachelor’s degree in business administration Edna Hall Henry, August 2014 Veteran and a dedicated member of the from New York University and a master’s Henry was an alumna who received a 220 Quarterback Club. degree and doctorate degree in business bachelor’s degree in library science with a administration from Harvard University. minor in English from FAMU. She served as Owusu-Ansah Agyapong, a school librarian and retired as a budget September 2014 Theodore Roberts, December 2014 analyst for the Florida Division of Forestry. Agyapong served as a professor and former Roberts was a FAMU retiree who served chair of the FAMU Department of Sociology for more than 30 years in the Plant Lenard Bowie, August 2014 and Criminal Justice. He earned his Operations and Maintenance Division as a Bowie was an alumnus who retired after 24 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees groundskeeper. years of service as an associate professor from the College of Criminology and Criminal of music for the University of North Florida. Justice at Florida State University. Henry James, January 2015 Prior to that, he served as associate director James was a FAMU retiree who served as of bands and chairman of instrumental Arthur E. Woodard, October 2014 an employee in the Plant Operations and music for 22 years at FAMU. He earned Woodard was an alumnus of FAMU and a Maintenance Division of FAMU for more than a bachelor’s degree from FAMU and a retired educator from Miami-Dade Public 40 years. master’s degree from the Manhattan School Schools. After serving as a football coach at of Music. Carver-Hill and Tivoli High Schools, he served Mary D. Williams, January 2015 as an assistant football coach and athletic Williams retired as a supervisory accountant David L. Daniels, August 2014 director at Miami Central High School. He in the Comptroller’s Office at FAMU after 38 Daniels is an alumnus who played went on to serve as an assistant principal years of service. professional football for the Oakland Raiders. at Miami Edison Senior High School and as He also served as an educator and coach for principal at MacArthur High School North. more than 30 years prior to retiring from Amos P. Godby High School. He earned a Ronald O. Davis, October 2014 bachelor’s degree from FAMU. Davis served as professor emeritus, department chair, and director of theatre Natalie A. Littles, August 2014 at FAMU and was a United States Army Littles was an alumna and entrepreneur who Veteran. He earned a bachelor’s degree and served as a real estate agent and with Mann a master’s degree in speech and drama Technology Company. Prior to that she was from Tennessee A&I State University.

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