APRIL 2022
FOREVER RISING
The Forever Rising newsletter is an award-winning, monthly publication from FAMU's Office of the Provost and the Division of Academic Affairs.
FOREVER RISING TABLE OF CONTENTS EXCELLENCE WITH CARING University Updates p. 2 Academic Excellence p. 3 College/School Spotlight p. 4 Faculty Feature p. 5 Accountability Plan Update p. 6 Legislative Update p. 7 Message from Maurice p. 8
Approximately 400 students from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Minnesota attended Florida A&M University's (FAMU) 7th annual STEM Day. During the event, students were immersed in FAMU's science, technology, engineering and math-focused programs.
UNIVERSITY UPDATES TOTAL SPRING 2022 GRADUATES Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues to produce highly-skilled graduates who upon graduation are immediately qualified to enter the workforce. This Spring, FAMU will honor 1,309 graduates during two ceremonies at the end of the month. Additionally, FAMU's College of Law will host a hooding ceremony for its graduates on Saturday, May 7 in Orlando. The ceremonies will be available on FAMU's YouTube channel, FAMUTube 1887, the University's Facebook page and FAMU TV20.
KEY EVENTS College of Education Pinning Ceremony Friday, April 29 School of Allied Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony Friday, April 29 School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony Friday, April 29 Spring 2022 Commencement Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 College of Law Hooding Ceremony Saturday, May 7 Board of Trustees Construction Oversight Thursday, May 12 Board of Trustees Budget Workshop Thursday, May 12
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BACHELORS
MASTERS
DOCTOR OF PHARMACY
JURI S DOCTOR
DOCTOR OF PHI LOSOPHY
DOCTOR OF PUBLI C HEALTH
DOCTOR OF PHYSI CAL THERAPY
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
APRIL
APRIL GAINS 2022 ENERGYWATERFOOD NEXUS INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT Earlier this month, FAMU hosted renowned scientists from around the world to exchange ideas and discuss sustainable research efforts for food, energy and water. Hosted biennially, the NEXUS Summit included insightful dialogue to advance efficiencies to address lingering agricultural needs; the challenges of introducing standard policies and procedures; and efforts to ensure rural and economically disadvantaged communities have access to safe and secure drinking water.
Participants enjoying the FoodWaterNexus International Summit Gala held on Tuesday, April 12.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM PLANNING Sundra Kincey, Ph.D., associate vice president of program quality for FAMU's Division of Academic Affairs, hosted a day-long programming planning seminar to help the University's colleges and schools identify areas to better align current academic offerings to meet and address workforce demands, and develop new programs with deliberate intention to further enhance FAMU's academic prominence. Kincey and her team employed a variety of tactics to further engage the colleges and schools and begin discussions on aligning the University's program offerings with workforce demands for highly-skilled graduates.
Students learning about life-saving procedures in the healthcare simulation lab at FAMU during the 7th annual STEM Day.
2022 STEM DAY
Several hundred middle and high school students from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Minnesota attended the University's 7th Annual STEM Day. Designed to increase students’ interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), attendees visited with FAMU's colleges and schools and participated activities to further introduce them to career possibilities. Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., founder of STEM NOLA, provided the keynote address and encouraged students to leverage opportunities to pursue STEM-focused careers.
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COLLEGE/SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT Dean Says Key to School of Business and Industry's Success is in Their "Secret Sauce" Since 1974, FAMU’s School of Business and Industry (SBI) has closely guarded its recipe for success. The school’s programs— intentionally designed and cultivated to prepare students to compete globally—have been touted by some of the nation’s most influential leaders.
“There’s still decorum that you must adhere to, even when you’re in a corporate social environment, which is totally different from just hanging out with friends," said Friday-Stroud. "We expect that they practice professionalism from the time they step foot into the door until they graduate."
However, SBI's dean offered it's not as simple as adding water with a quick stir.
Regardless of the program pursued, the curriculum includes a professional leadership program, a signature component with specifics that faculty and staff express are highly confidential. However, they did reveal that companies, such as Chevron, provide professional development opportunities for faculty, help identify emerging workforce trends, and assist in applying obtained knowledge in an academic setting.
“‘We are preparing leaders that are able to traverse any area, not just what is typically thought of as the corporate or business sector,” said SBI Dean Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D. SBI’s outstanding record—80% of its graduates receive multiple offers for full-time employment—not only entices corporate professionals to visit and review its academic and professional development programs, but partners also recruit students to participate in internship programs, and often compete with other industry leaders to secure SBI's high-performing students.
In addition to its exceptional placement rate, the school offers a variety of in-demand, specialized programs, and exposes students to corporations not typically accessible at other higher education institutions.
Crowe and the school's other corporate partners are continuously engaged and provide advice on software tools and competencies needed to compete globally. Crowe’s commitment to the University, for example, includes hosting on-campus internships that equip students with needed professional development skills without needing to leave campus.
I’m not going to give away the details of the secret sauce, but I’ll give you an overview of what we do. Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., dean for
While invaluable, these partnerships proved even more crucial during the pandemic. Initially, the school’s faculty feared the ongoing crisis would hinder students’ ability to secure internships or obtain full-time employment after graduation. Ironically, SBI experienced increased partner engagement during the pandemic, and in some cases, as a response to the social injustice witnessed and experienced by the
FAMU's School of Business and Industry However, the accolades and access are not easily obtained. In conjunction with its rigorous coursework, SBI also has a strict dress code policy with expected nation during that time. adherence from all students the moment they begin their “Pre-pandemic, we were working with about 80 to 100 companies, programs. but since the pandemic started, we’ve almost doubled the number of companies coming here to recruit our students,” said Friday-Stroud. “You only have one time to make a first impression…the visual “It’s a great situation to be in because we have more companies and perception...is going to set an expectation,” said Fridayopportunities for our students, but our challenge is making sure that Stroud. “I tell them, ‘you are being assessed from the top of we acknowledge the companies that partnered with us prior to the your head to the bottom of your feet.’” pandemic while also bringing the others in for the long haul.” Although the college adheres to the state’s admission While SBI is training students for the current workforce, Fridayrequirements, SBI students also need a strong quantitative Stroud said the school is also preparing students to be flexible for background and exceptional written and oral communication new opportunities—such as virtual world spaces—that are soon to skills to be successful in the programs. emerge or on the cusp of becoming reality. SBI students learn how to speak and interact with executives Relevant programming, corporate partnerships, and access to in settings such as office meetings, business dinners, and internships all help with SBI's success, but the "secret sauce" is not various other business-related events. However, due to the as classified as it may seem. rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, students are also cautioned to be mindful of their personal "It's the hard work and dedication of our students, a network of brand, their social media posts, and even their email engaged alumni, and a culture of giving back," Friday-Stroud said. addresses. "That's what really helps us maintain our success."
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FACULTY FEATURE FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and FAMU's College of Science and Technology Join Forces to Make Strategic Addition to Research Faculty Meaningful research conducted by skilled professionals is crucial for any higher education institution and the market for research experts is extremely competitive. Often, the most notable experts entertain multiple offers from competing universities. This prompted the deans and faculty at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and FAMU’s College of Science and Technology to be creative when securing talent. They collaborated to recruit Natalie Arnett, Ph.D., a renowned scientist specializing in biomedical engineering and persuaded her to come to Tallahassee. The promise of designing her own lab, coupled with a reduced workload—which would allow her to focus more on research—was essentially a dream come true. “They made me an offer that I could still teach, and I can focus on my research,” Arnett said. “I can be more productive and focus more on improving the coursework.” As an associate professor for both universities, Arnett has two appointments: one in chemical and biomedical engineering with the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and the other in chemistry for FAMU’s College of Science and Technology. “It’s a unique opportunity, with benefits for both universities,” said Maurice Edington, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. Arnett works in all areas of polymer research including synthesis, characterization, and engineering various polymeric materials for use in fuel cells, reverse osmosis, nanoparticles, and tissue engineering applications. “My goal is to make multifunctional polymeric materials that are used in different applications,” she said. “I work with protein exchange membranes, which are basically batteries that use chemical power and convert to electrical power.” In laymen’s terms, Arnett makes plastics. “That’s how I described it to my parents. They didn’t understand what I do so I had to simplify it for them,” she said. “And, I actually do make plastics.”
Arnett’s research has lasting effects, including purifying water. “We all need clean water. I actually make membranes that take out all of the salts and give you clean water,” said Arnett. “We are trying to improve what is already available commercially.” As excited as she is to continue her research, Arnett said she also wants to build platforms for students to explore chemistry and engineering. “It’s important to cultivate students, especially in STEM areas, that over the decades have had very low minority representation,” Arnett said. “I try to teach them you have to work harder. It’s just the way it works. It’s never going to be easy for people who look like me, and as a woman, it’s worse.” In addition to teaching students about research, she also mentors them and provides coaching on how to manage stress and work-life balance. “My students see me deal with frustrations, but you have to remain professional. I don’t want my job to take control…my husband and my daughter will always win," she said. Arnett believes it’s crucial to introduce students to research as soon as they express interest. She said it is what captivated her while she pursued her education and she sees promise in her undergraduate students. “Just be ready. It’s going to happen, but you have to hold yourself accountable to what it is that you know and what you have plans to accomplish."
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ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN UPDATE FAMU's Accountability Plan was approved by the University's Board of Trustees on Wednesday, April 20. The annual report outlines the University's direction and priorities, as well as performance expectations and institutional outcomes. Listed below are the three key initiatives and supporting investments of the accountability plan. The report will now be shared with Florida's Board of Governors (BOG). The BOG will review the report and consider it for approval.
STATEMENT OF STRATEGY FAMU is committed to becoming a top 100 public university and consistently ranking in the top tier of Florida's State University System (SUS) institutions as described by its Performance-Based Funding metrics. As the nation's highest-ranked public Historically Black College and University (HBCU), an SUS leader in affordability, all while providing access to first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, FAMU will continue to address critical needs for Florida's citizens and the nation.
Key Initiatives and Investments Elevate and Sustain Student Success
Advance to the top tier of State University System peers as indicated by performance-based funding outcomes Expand and enhance recruitment initiatives Increase the availability and use of academic support services and resources Increase online education via technology acquired using COVID-19 resources Increase the allocation of financial support to address unmet needs Increase program offerings and degree production in programs of strategic emphasis Increase student participation in internship and research training opportunities Increase engagement with employers in the private and public sectors
Foster faculty excellence and vitality
Attract, develop and retain world-class faculty Increase support for more competitive salaries and benefits packages Expand professional development and leadership training opportunities Increase funding for start-up-packages and research support Upgrade teaching and research facilities Enhance faculty recruitment in programs of strategic emphasis Evaluate faculty workloads to enhance teaching and research productivity
Advance FAMU's reputation, rankings and impact Become a top 100 public university
Expand and diversify the network of advocates and supporters to promote FAMU’s mission and strategic priorities Garner additional financial support from the private sector for student success and faculty initiatives through expanded partnerships and increased philanthropy Implement comprehensive marketing and communications plan to elevate the University’s profile Establish the “FAMU Health” initiative to position FAMU as a national leader in healthcare education, research and service to address disparities, emergent needs, and advance holistic well-being
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Listed below are some of the issues being addressed during Florida’s extended legislative session.
Individual Freedom
On Friday, April 22, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7 (HB 70). This new law includes provisions to prevent discriminatory instruction in the workplace and in public schools. Noncompliance is defined as subjecting individuals in the workplace or public schools to mandatory training, instruction, or any other required activity to promote or teach individuals to believe certain specified divisive concepts constitutes unlawful discrimination.
Post-tenure Review
Senate Bill 7044 (SB 7044) was signed by the governor on Tuesday, April 19. The new law establishes a new post-tenure, five-year review cycle for professors at public institutions. The Board of Governors (BOG) will adopt a regulation requiring each tenured state university faculty member to undergo a post-tenure review every five years.
Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability and Transparency
Also part of SB 7044 signed by Governor DeSantis, Florida now requires SUS institutions to post course textbook information on their websites at least 45 days prior to the start of each term.
Accreditation
Also recently signed by the governor, SB 1094 requires Florida’s public colleges and universities to seek accreditation from different accreditors in consecutive accreditation cycles. The State Board of Education and the BOG will identify regional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) that are deemed best suited for each institution.
Performance-based Funding
SB 2524 would change the metric for the two-year graduation rate for transfer students to three years, beginning in fiscal year 2022-2023. It also stipulates institutions will be ineligible to receive performance funding during the next fiscal year if found in violation of HB 7 (the Individual Freedom law). Substantiated findings are those as determined by a court of law, a standing committee of the legislature or the BOG.
State legislation
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Message from Maurice Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Congratulations, FAMUly! We have successfully closed another semester and we will soon be honoring our newly minted graduates. Commencement ceremonies, while somewhat similar in nature, are never redundant. The events are tangible representations of the dedication and commitment we all have shown to ensure we are producing highly-skilled professionals, fully prepared to enter the workforce. As mentioned in this newsletter, FAMU has produced more than 1,300 graduates this Spring. We should all be proud of this accomplishment. All of us, whether directly or indirectly, contributed to this remarkable outcome. While we celebrate, we must also be mindful of key issues on our horizon. Although we are proud to be named the highest-ranked public HBCU, we know we cannot become complacent and we have identified areas to help us continue to be a relevant force within our higher education community. As indicated in our Accountability Plan, we have identified strategies to attract, develop and retain world-class faculty, elevate student success, and advance FAMU's reputation and rankings. These strategies will help us become more dynamic as we continue to meet Florida's workforce needs, elevate student success outcomes, and receive well-earned recognition from our peer institutions. Again, I am grateful for each of your contributions and I am looking forward to working together to build upon the gains we have created thus far.
Maurice
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