HBCU Digest

Saturday

11

May 2013

2

COMMENTS

In Virginia State v. Brandon Randleman, the University Will Be the Biggest Loser

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Editorial, Virginia, Virginia State University

When students are ostracized from a university community, even outside of suspension or expulsion, they become adversaries to the spirit and strength of the HBCU mission. They build interpersonal resentment against administration, build angst among their families and peers towards an institution, and vow to never support the college financially or with goodwill in their personal lives.

Such is the case in the ongoing saga of Virginia State University senior Brandon Randleman, the former Student Government Association president arrested and charged with hazing last month. Randleman says he pleaded guilty to the charges after being coerced by a threat against his graduation by the Petersburg Commonwealth Attorney and his former professor, Cassandra Connover.

VSU now says if Randleman pays a $75 fine for violating university student conduct rules, he can graduate and all is forgiven. Except, a planned civil suit against the university may bring repair to his scarred reputation, and the opposite impact to the university who scorned him in the name of anti-hazing.

Colleges and universities have to take tough stances on hazing and the liability of its real or potential impact. No school knows this better than Virginia State, which in the last two months has seen the removal of a student government president and the death of two freshmen because of hazing.

But in dealing with hazing, Virginia State and other HBCUs must find a way to sternly address the issue without villainizing perpetrators. Immaturity and poor decision-making can be healed by proper consequences, but bitterness is a lasting and pervasive antagonist of HBCU progress.

Randleman appears to be one of the most esteemed members of the Virginia State Class of 2013. For whatever his level of bad behavior in this hazing story, it’s highly likely he’ll be redeemed in the years to come. And it’s also likely that Virginia State will be, in his eyes, irredeemable for the way it pursued and persecuted him in making a stand against the act of hazing.

That will mean scores of people close to Randleman will also have a negative view of Virginia State. Friends, family, future employers and employees of his will directly or indirectly be exposed to an animosity against the school that will linger for decades.

When his role in a hazing investigation is forgotten and replaced with professional accomplishment, will Randleman remember Virginia State for all of the wrong reasons?

Someday, Virginia State, under new leadership and vision, will attempt to reach out to him to support the university. Maybe it will be successful, maybe it won’t. But it wouldn’t be surprising if he made it as difficult for VSU to recruit him as a donor and advocate as they once made it difficult for him to become an alumnus.

Saturday

11

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Alabama State to Provide Legal Counsel for Employees Questioned in Audit

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Alabama, Alabama State University, Leadership, Legal

WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Friday

10

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Twins Set For Graduation from Prairie View, Commissioning Into U.S. Navy

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Prairie View A&M University, Students, Texas

Richard and Ryan Fauci are the second set of twins to make HBCU commencement headlines this week, joining Spelman’s Kristie and Kirstie Bronner as identical siblings earning their degrees from the same school on the same day. And like the Bronner twins, co-valedictorians of Spelman’s commencement, the Fauci twins will also enjoy a unique place in commencement day.

They will both be commissioned into the United States Navy later that afternoon. From KBTX:

“The twins will both be headed to the USS Bataan in Norfolk, VA after graduation. The Fauci twins’ graduation and commissioning make them the second and third members of the Fauci family to walk the hallowed halls of PVAMU. Older cousin Lt. Robert Fauci graduated from the University and was commissioned in the Navy in 2007.”

Friday

10

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Shaw Signs Strategic Alliance Agreement with Small Business Administration

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in North Carolina, Shaw University

Shaw University President Dorothy Cowser Yancy yesterday signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Small Business Administration, making the university the first HBCU in North Carolina and one of 10 nationwide to enter into partnership to spur entrepreneurship and economic development in its surrounding community.

“The SAM agreement is a tremendous opportunity for Shaw students to learn more about entrepreneurship and to one day develop their own businesses that will contribute to the nation’s economy,” Dr. Yancy said. “We thank the SBA for embracing education, innovation and the importance of supporting our young men and women in their business endeavors.”

The partnership will help Shaw in offering conferences, training and information to members of the campus and surrounding community in creating small businesses and strengthening entrepreneurial skills. The two-year agreement is one of 59 the SBA plans to develop at HBCUs over the next few years.

Friday

10

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Saint Augustine’s Will Not Seek to Acquire Saint Paul’s College

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in North Carolina, Saint Augustine's University, Saint Paul's College, Virginia

Saint Augustine’s University today announced that it will not move forward with plans to acquire Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA. SAU had initially hinted in late 2012 that it would consider taking on Saint Paul’s, which was struggling with low enrollment and questions surrounding its accreditation.

“This was a very difficult decision to make. We explored several options to in an effort to make the acquisition viable for Saint Augustine’s University. However, after completing our due diligence, we concluded that the acquisition of Saint Paul’s College, at this time, would significantly challenge the fiscal stability of Saint Augustine’s University,” said Saint Augustine’s University president, Dianne Boardley Suber.”

Saint Paul’s will be able appeal to the Saint Augustine’s Board of Trustees at its meeting on May 31 to reconsider its decision.

Friday

10

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Alyne Payton, Mother of Jackson State Legends Eddie and Walter Payton, Dies

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Jackson State University, Mississippi

Alyne Payton, mother of Jackson State University athletic legends Eddie and Walter Payton and revered figure among generations of athletes nationwide, died Monday in Jackson, MS. She was 87. From the Chicago Tribune:

“She was totally dedicated to the three of us: Walter, Pam and me,” Eddie Payton said. “She made sure we got a good education. We learned the value of hard work and she also taught us how to save. We were in church all day on Sunday like most people. And we went to vacation Bible school in the summer. We sang in the youth choir. She had a dream for her kids, and she was willing to put her dreams aside to make sure we would have a future.”

According to the Tribune, visitation will be held Friday at Black’s Chapel Church in Jackson, Miss. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Owens Chapel Baptist Church in Columbia, Miss.

Friday

10

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Roaches Rile Students as Alabama State Confronts Failed Food Inspection

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Alabama, Alabama State University, Health

Students and administrators at Alabama State University have expressed outrage after a recent inspection of the school’s dining hall revealed roaches, dirty ice machines and improper storage temperatures for food items.

WNCF-TV in Montgomery yesterday reported on the failing score for ASU’s food service operation, managed by Gourmet Services, and got stern responses from members of the campus community.

“I heard there were roaches in the pizza area, dirty ice machines, and cheese below temperature degrees,” student Leslie Knight tell us.

“I heard that the cafeteria is real unsanitary,” says student Derrick Moore.

Alabama State President William Harris says that a failing score on the 60-day follow-up review of the food service operation will result in the university seeking another vendor. Other campus officials called the 74 score an ‘anomaly’ in the years of service by Gourmet.

Thursday

9

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Twins Kristie and Kirstie Bronner to Serve as Spelman Co-Valedictorians

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Georgia, Spelman College, Students

Spelman College will have a unique distinction at this year’s commencement ceremonies, as the esteemed college for black women will have twin co-valedictorians. Kristie and Kirstie Bronner, music majors from Atlanta, will both finish their Spelman careers with 4.0 averages before heading to careers in ministry.

They recently discussed the challenge of balancing life and commitment to academics in the college’s online newsletter, Inside Spelman:

“We were sick all the time because our immune system was so weak due to the stress,” said Kristie. “Then, we realized we had to enjoy the journey. You can’t be so focused on the destination that you don’t live day-to-day. We were living looking forward to all the breaks. Every morning we were like, ‘Christmas break is a coming. Christmas break is a coming.’ And then after Christmas it was, ‘Oh, Lord. OK, summer break is a coming. Summer break is a coming.’ It may sound like exaggeration, but that’s what we did.”

Thursday

9

May 2013

1

COMMENTS

Nearly Two Years After Merger Efforts, SUNO and UNO Partner for Engineering Degree

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Academics, Louisiana, Southern University at New Orleans

Two years ago, Southern University at New Orléans and the University of New Orléans were at the center of an intense effort from Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to merge the historically black SUNO with its neighboring predominantly white counterpart. Yesterday, leaders from the two schools signed an agreement that would allow SUNO students to earn credits towards admission into UNO’s engineering program. From the Capitol News Bureau:

“Under the plan, students who don’t initially meet the requirements to be admitted into UNO’s engineering program will be able to attend SUNO, where they can take the courses needed to transfer to UNO to complete their degrees.”

No official word has been given from either school on how the transfer agreement may impact SUNO retention or graduation rates, or if similar MOU’s sending UNO students to SUNO will soon be developed.

Thursday

9

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Lawsuits at Center of Graduation Dispute Between Morehouse, Alumnus

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Georgia, Morehouse College

A Morehouse College alumnus filed a lawsuit against his alma mater, alleging that the school may have wrongly told a potential employer that the diploma and transcripts confirming his graduation from the college in 1980 are invalid.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today reports on Terry Boyd’s claims of earning and holding a degree from Morehouse, and his accusations that the college has improper records of a ‘C’ grade he earned in a prerequisite chemistry course.

According to Morehouse, he actually earned a ‘D’ in the course, and should not have been allowed to proceed in to upper-level coursework. From the AJC:

“Boyd contacted the college and tried to get the issue taken care of, but was unsuccessful. Letters from two attorneys, including Mignott, also didn’t help. Mignott said she and Boyd had no other choice but to file a lawsuit in Fulton County Superior Court.

“I really feel disappointed in Morehouse as far as the administration is concerned,” Boyd told Channel 2 Action News.”

Morehouse has counter-sued Boyd and requests that he return the diploma. A trial date has been set for October.

Thursday

9

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Kweisi Mfume Named Chairman of Morgan State Board of Regents

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Leadership, Maryland, Morgan State University

The Morgan State University Board of Regents earlier this week named alumnus and noted legislator Kweisi Mfume as its new chairman. Mfume will replace interim chairman Martin Resnick on July 1. The 1976 graduate is a former member of the Baltimore City Council, the U.S. House of Representatives and past president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“This is a great opportunity to help in the governance of a great university,” said Regent Mfume. “I thank the members of the board for their vote of confidence and I join faculty, staff, students and alumni in looking forward to serving well into the future with Dr. David Wilson.”

In the same meeting, the Board also voted to extend the contract of President David Wilson for one year. From the release:

“This contract extension allows Dr. Wilson to complete his original contract as president of Morgan State University. Going forward, Dr. Wilson will continue to serve as Morgan’s president at the pleasure of the board, which is consistent with the practice of the University of Maryland System. Board members spoke with confidence that Morgan State University will enjoy Dr. Wilson’s leadership for many years to come.”

Thursday

9

May 2013

0

COMMENTS

Bennett, North Carolina A&T Students Allege Misconduct Against Greensboro Police

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in Bennett College for Women, North Carolina, North Carolina A&T State University

Thursday

9

May 2013

2

COMMENTS

Howard Earns Record 10 Nominations for 2013 HBCU Awards

Written by HBCU Digest, Posted in HBCU Awards

Howard University has secured a record 10 nominations and vie for the title of ‘HBCU of the Year’ in the 2013 HBCU Awards on June 28 in Jackson, MS beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Crowning winners in the fields of leadership, arts, athletics, research, and community engagement, the HBCU Awards is the first and only event to recognize the influence and impact of HBCUs on American culture.

“The success of historically black colleges and universities are a direct reflection of the success of African-Americans and African-American communities nationwide,” says Jarrett L. Carter, Sr., Founder and Executive Director of the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, Inc. “The HBCU Awards is a moment of celebration and recognition for scholars and supporters of HBCUs, but more than that, it is a chance for all Americans to cheer on institutions and individuals maintaining a legacy of enrichment for the nation and the world.”

More than 600 entries submitted by administrators, students, alumni, faculty and supporters of HBCUs throughout the country were narrowed to the list of finalists, representing 45 public and private four-year historically black colleges and universities from around the nation. Finalists were selected by Center leadership based upon a record of achievement and media coverage in local, regional or national outlets. Winners are selected by a panel of HBCU students, alumni and administrators, and will be announced on the evening of the ceremony.

Howard leads several HBCUs with more than seven nominations, including 2012 HBCU of the Year Winner Alcorn State University, Hampton University and Winston-Salem State University.

The HBCU Awards will be the keynote event of the inaugural National HBCU Media Week, presented by Jackson State University. The week will also feature the annual HBCU Media Summit, a conference that brings together working journalists, HBCU presidents, faculty and students to dialog about media literacy and development at historically black colleges.

HBCU AWARDS NOMINEES – Also available at hbcuawards.net

Best Marching Band – Nominees in this category will be able to demonstrate local appeal and a positive ambassadorial outreach for their college or university through submitted examples of media coverage, or examples of performances outside of their home campus and city.

Southern University Human Jukebox
North Carolina A&T State University Blue and Gold Marching Machine
Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band
Alabama State Mighty Marching Hornets Marching Band
Jackson State University Sonic Boom of the South

Best Choir – Nominees in this category will be able to demonstrate local appeal and a positive ambassadorial outreach for their college or university through submitted examples of media coverage, or examples of performances outside of their home campus and city.

Oakwood University Aeolian Choir
Virginia State University Gospel Chorale
Morehouse College Glee Club
Claflin University Concert Choir
Dillard University Concert Choir

Best Student Government Association – Nominees in this category will be able to demonstrate media coverage of campus or student development and improvement, or examples of community service, outreach and advocacy efforts in the campus community.

Albany State University
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
South Carolina State University
Wilberforce University
Alabama State University

Best Student Organization – Nominees in this category will be able to demonstrate media coverage of campus or student development and improvement, or examples of community service, outreach and advocacy efforts in the campus community.

Morgan State University Honda Campus All-Star Team
Alcorn State University Diversity Champions
Wiley College Melvin B. Tolson/Denzel Washington Forensics Society
Howard University Gamma Chapter – Phi Beta Kappa Society
Spelman College SpelBots Team
Coppin State University Club Football

Best Student Newspaper – Nominees in this category will have demonstrated exemplary reporting and coverage of issues as determined by regional or national awards, or reporting that has earned a citation in other professional news outlets or resources.

Gramblinite Newspaper
Southern Digest Newspaper
Campus Echo (North Carolina Central University)
North Carolina A&T Register

Best Alumni Publication – Nominees in this category will have demonstrated depth of coverage in reporting on alumni affairs or featuring of alumni figures in print or online format.

Alcorn the Magazine – Alcorn State University
A&M Magazine – Florida A&M University
Spelman Messenger – Spelman College
Howard Magazine – Howard University
Morgan Magazine – Morgan State University

Best Research Center – Nominees in this category will have earned coverage by local, regional or state news organizations, or have demonstrated research projects and outcomes with impact or knowledge transfer beyond the campus borders.

Hampton University Proton Therapy Research Center
Optical Science Center for Applied Research at Delaware State University
North Carolina A&T Center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies
Alabama A&M University Alliance for Physics Excellence
Howard University Center for Atmospheric Sciences
Alcorn State University Center for Conservation Research

Best Fine Arts Program – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for performances or training opportunities, or can demonstrate a consistent record of alumni successes and achievements in the past calendar year.

Oakwood University Department of Fine Arts
Alabama State University Department of Theater Arts
Dillard University Theater Program
Bowie State University Department of Theater
Tennessee State University Department of Music
Hampton University Players and Company

Best Business Program – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for academic development, and entrepreneurial training opportunities, or will have demonstrated a consistent level of outreach and interest building with local, national and international corporate partners.

Winston-Salem State School of Business and Economics
Howard University School of Business
Paul Quinn College Business Administration Program
Morgan State University Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management

Best S.T.E.M Program – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for research, academic or professional development in the industry, or will have demonstrated faculty or student excellence in a variety of disciplines under the S.T.E.M. designation.

Howard University Computer Science Program
North Carolina A&T School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy
Hampton University School of Science

Best Nursing Program – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for positive contributions made to the nursing industry, or will have demonstrated a high passage rate for graduates in the state LNP examination along with innovation in teaching and training methods.

Winston-Salem State University Division of Nursing
Dillard University College of Nursing
Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing
Southern University Department of Nursing
Alcorn State University School of Nursing

Best Social Work Program – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for positive contributions made to the social work industry, or will have demonstrated innovation in teaching methods and successes of program graduates in the professional field.

Fayetteville State University Department of Social Work
Tennessee State University Department of Social Work
Clark Atlanta University School of Social Work
Delaware State University Department of Social Work

Male Faculty Member of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for teaching and professional contributions in his industry or field, or will have demonstrated volunteerism, mentoring or valuable leadership within the campus setting and beyond.

Clarence Williams – Shaw University/Saint Augustine’s University
Dr. Kinfe Ken Redda – Florida A&M University
Dr. Nouradine Melikechi – Delaware State University
Dr. Anand Iyer – Hampton University
Dr. Bennett Odunsi – Jackson State University
Dr. Terry Likes – Tennessee State University

Female Faculty Member of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for teaching and professional contributions in her industry or field, or will have demonstrated volunteerism, mentoring or valuable leadership within the campus setting and beyond.

Kemberley Washington – Dillard University
Eleanor Blount – Tuskegee University
Myrlie Evers Williams – Alcorn State University
Dr. Michelle Claville – Hampton University
Dr. Angela Peters – Claflin University

Male Coach of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for championship-level achievement, and will have demonstrated leadership through high graduation rates, mentoring and volunteerism, and community outreach.

Connell Maynor – Winston-Salem State University
Roman Banks – Southern University
David Six – Hampton University
Brian Jenkins – Bethune-Cookman University
Jacques Curtis – Shaw University
George Williams – Saint Augustine’s University
Monte Coleman – University of Arkansas Pine Bluff

Female Coach of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for championship-level achievement, and will have demonstrated leadership through high graduation rates, mentoring and volunteerism, and community outreach.

Toyelle Wilson – Prairie View A&M University
Kristina Frahm – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Brittany Black – Clark Atlanta University
Christabell Hamilton – Xavier University of Louisiana

Male Athlete of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for personal athletic achievement, and will have demonstrated high academic achievement and volunteerism on campus or in the surrounding community.

Pendarvis Williams – Norfolk State University
Jacob Barge – Fayetteville State University
Anaso Jobodwana – Jackson State University

Female Athlete of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for personal athletic achievement, and will have demonstrated high academic achievement and volunteerism on campus or in the surrounding community.

April Thomas – Albany State University
Jazmine Smith – Dillard University
SiMon Franklin – Xavier University of Louisiana

Men’s Team of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for championship-level achievement, and will have demonstrated leadership through high graduation rates, mentoring and volunteerism, and community outreach.

Southern University Men’s Basketball
Winston-Salem State University Football
Stillman College Baseball
Bethune-Cookman University Football
Tuskegee University Football
Bowie State University Men’s Basketball
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Football

Female Team of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for championship-level achievement, and will have demonstrated leadership through high graduation rates, mentoring and volunteerism, and community outreach.

Shaw University Women’s Basketball
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Women’s Bowling
Prairie View A&M Women’s Basketball
Hampton University Women’s Basketball
Xavier University of Louisiana Women’s Tennis
Albany State University Softball

National Alumni Association of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for social, political and financial support of their university, or will have demonstrated participation increases in giving, alumni membership, or campus support.

Tuskegee University
Spelman College
Morgan State University
Winston-Salem State University
University of the Virgin Islands

Male Alumnus of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for distinguished achievement in their professional or personal endeavors, or active membership in their alumni association.

Kyle Bacon – Howard University
Jacoby Jones – Lane College
Tom Colbert – Kentucky State University
Gen. Bruce Crawford – South Carolina State University

Female Alumna of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for distinguished achievement in their professional or personal endeavors, or active membership in their alumni association.

Brianna Roach – Saint Augustine’s University
Dr. Velma Speight Buford – North Carolina A&T State University
Toni Rose – Paul Quinn College
Nicole Bernard – Howard University

Male Student of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for academic achievement and leadership within the campus community, or will have demonstrated great personal and professional integrity through academic achievement and community volunteerism.

Polite Stewart – Southern University
Corban Bell – Grambling State University
Emmanuel Johnson – North Carolina A&T State University
Nnamdi Anozie – Howard University

Female Student of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for academic achievement and leadership within the campus community, or will have demonstrated great personal and professional integrity through academic achievement and community volunteerism.

Olivia Stinson – Winston-Salem State University
Nadine Jansen – North Carolina A&T State University
Shalyn Smith – Stillman College
Parris Malone – Tennessee State University
Kayla Lee – Hampton University

Male President of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for outreach, campus and community leadership and impact on higher education or regional issues, or will have demonstrated innovative leadership resulting in increased enrollment, higher alumni participation, increased fundraising, or new programmatic development.

Dr. Andrew Hugine – Alabama A&M University
Dr. M. Christopher Brown – Alcorn State University
Dr. James Anderson – Fayetteville State University
Michael Sorrell, Esq. – Paul Quinn College
Dr. Walter Kimbrough – Dillard University
Dr. George French – Miles College

Female President of the Year – Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for outreach, campus and community leadership and impact on higher education or regional issues, or will have demonstrated innovative leadership resulting in increased enrollment, higher alumni participation, increased fundraising, or new programmatic development.

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum – Spelman College
Dr. Dianne B. Suber – Saint Augustine’s University
Dr. Carolyn Meyers – Jackson State University
Dr. Cheryl Davenport-Dozier – Savannah State University

HBCU of the Year –Nominees in this category will have earned media coverage for community outreach, programmatic development, innovations in athletics, student life and alumni outreach, and will have demonstrated capacity for sustained growth and interest from regional and national observers of HBCU culture.

Alcorn State University
Hampton University
Howard University
Fayetteville State University
Saint Augustine’s University
Spelman College
Winston-Salem State University