MARCH 2022
FOREVER RISING
The Forever Rising newsletter is a 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 Strategic Planning Update p. 6 Legislative Update p. 7 Message from Maurice p. 8
The Count Basie Orchestra, directed by FAMU Alumnus Scotty Barnhart, performs in Lee Hall after the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities' 2022 Gallery of Distinction Enshrinement Banquet held earlier this month.
UNIVERSITY UPDATES KEY EVENTS FAMU Faculty Senate Meeting Tuesday, March 22 Florida Board of Governors Meeting Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30 EnergyWaterFood Nexus International Summit Monday, April 11 to Wednesday, April 13 FAMU Board of Trustees Virtual Meeting Wednesday, April 20 Last Day of Class Friday, April 22 Final Exams Monday, April 25 to Friday, April 29 Spring 2022 Commencement Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30
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The Mosaic Company announced it will donate $100,000 to FAMU's School of Business and Industry (SBI). Mosaic will also provide students with enhanced experiences with global companies and highlight future leadership opportunities in the corporate world, especially in the agriculture and mining industries.
FAMU's Office of Assessment, the Office of Freshmen Studies, and the Office of Undergraduate Student Success received funding from Proctor and Gamble's Higher Education Grant Program to establish the Gentleman and Scholars Symposium. The program will encourage Black male students to engage in specialized activities designed to improve their academic success.
HCA Healthcare, Inc., one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, will donate $1.5 million to Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Allied Health Sciences to strengthen students’ pathways from undergraduate to graduate to management careers in the healthcare industry.
Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering are among 13 new academic partners with NBCU Academy, the NBCU News Group’s multi-platform journalism training and development program.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Our Successes FAMU is a top-ranked leader in academics, as well as research exploration and development activities. Our faculty provide excellent instruction to prepare our students to not only enter the workforce with tangible skills, but to also claim their place as future leaders.
DIVISION PRIORITIES Elevate student success outcomes Align academic offerings to address workforce demands Increase degree production in programs of strategic emphasis Position FAMU to become a Carnegie R1 institution Foster professional development activities for faculty and staff Position FAMU as a global leader in healthcare education, research and service
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
#1 public HBCU
#1
producer of African American pharmacists
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FAMU PRESIDENT LARRY ROBINSON APPOINTED TO NATIONAL BOARDS ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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FAMU'S 2021 PHARMD CLASS SURPASSES STATE AND NATIONAL EXAMINATION AVERAGES
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FAMU RESEARCHERS RECEIVE NSSR DIRECTOR AWARDS FOR STEM SCHOLARS’ SUCCESS ARTICLE
President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., has been named to two national panels addressing key environmental issues in the oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes and Gulf Coast. He was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council to become a member of the Gulf Research Program’s (GRP) Division Committee and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce invited Robinson to serve a four-year term as a Sea Grant Advisory Board member.
The doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students from Florida A&M University's (FAMU) College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH), made significant gains in their performance on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX®) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
Six Florida A&M University (FAMU) faculty were recently honored with director awards at the 2021 National Symposium on Student Retention. FAMU's paper, “Preparing STEM Scholars for Success (PS3) Program at Florida A&M University” details the successes of exploring the latest evidence-based research on post-secondary retention and graduation.
#1
HBCU for baccalaureate degrees for African Americans
#1
HBCU for research and development
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COLLEGE/SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT CAFS Extension Programming Helps Fulfill the University's Original Mission Established in 1891, the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) enjoys a rich educational legacy due to what Robert Taylor, Ph.D., CAFS dean, is quick to state is the college's "history as the original land-grant component of the University." Part of that legacy includes a chronicled approach to preparing students to understand and provide solutions to global food security issues. The college's student-to-faculty ratio, coupled with its team of 57-full time, highly-skilled industry leaders and academic professionals, are crucial in preparing the next generation of agriculture experts. Currently, there are approximately 289 students seeking degrees from CAFS. The college's numbers represent a five percent increase in the number of students seeking bachelor's degrees and a 31 percent increase in students pursing a master's degree since this time last year. Program offerings include Bachelor of Science degrees in agribusiness, agricultural science, and biological and agricultural systems engineering; a master's degree in agricultural science and a doctorate in entomology; all of which allow CAFS students to be exposed to world-renowned scientists and actively assist in
research initiatives with immediate global influence. CAFS' approach has garnered much success academically, such as producing 65 Bachelor of Science graduates and eight Master of Science graduates in 2021, and through its extensive, awardwinning, peer-recognized research efforts. This has lead the college to secure more than $11.7 million to fund its exploration projects—accounting for almost 18 percent of total awards received by the University during the 2020-2021 fiscal year—and its extension initiatives have helped this effort while also continuing to honor the University’s original mission. "This is our vision, core values and our aim," said Taylor. "What is coming to fruition is the pursuit of a vision." CAFS' Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), which is part of the tripartite areas of the land-grand mission, serves as the outreach component of the University. By providing resources for economic profitability, sustainability and social well-being, FAMU leads with research-based solutions to help citizens continue to thrive. “We take what is discovered in our research labs and taught in the classroom directly to the people such as nutritional education and financial literacy,” said Vonda Richardson, CEP director.
CULTIVATING THE FUTURE Through its expanded outreach efforts, created by a need caused by the pandemic, FAMU provides programming throughout the Big Bend area. Using Zoom and Google classroom, 89 percent of students improved their ability to choose foods aligned with federal dietary recommendations and 60 percent improved their physical activity. Extension's focus on small farmers provided instruction to control internal parasites in their herds, determine animals' drug resistance, and improve farmers' financial literacy. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides additional training, resulting in increased competencies in farming economics, agribusiness management and agricultural policy issues. Additionally, this program has issued more than 70 certificates of completion in farming financial management in Florida. FAMU's community gardening program helps residents in Leon county better understand the value of backyard gardens. In addition to food production, participants are also taught best practices to reduce negative effects on the environment.
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FACULTY FEATURE
Psychology Professor Finds Passion in Teaching and Research With a slight chuckle, Novell Tani, Ph.D., recalls when he realized he wanted to be an educator. "I was in the 10th grade and had just become the drum major of my high school band. That’s when my passion for teaching started.” In 2015, Tani joined FAMU as an assistant professor of psychology for the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and his passion has resulted in an extensive list of research projects for himself as well as his students. “Knowledge is something that can never be taken way…it’s a privilege whether it’s in the band, tutoring, preparing people for the GRE or monitoring study groups; it’s always been a joy.” As a freshman at FAMU, Tani—originally a music education major—soon understood his independence and “nonconforming thought processes” were leading him to another path. “I switched my major to psychology and never looked back,” he said with a laugh. However, he also credits the book, “Many Lies, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient and the Past-Life Therapy that Changed Both Their Lives,” by Brian Weiss, M.D., as inspiring his call to psychology.
“In addition to reading the book and learning about differing points of view, Tani said encouragement from his mentor, Gwendolyn Singleton, Ph.D., and his other psychology professors, also helped foster his enthusiasm making it an easy decision to become an educator versus a clinical practitioner. “It’s our responsibility to give back information to our people, and I just knew I wanted to teach,” he said. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, he simultaneously pursued master’s degrees from FAMU and Florida State University (FSU), coded data as a research assistant, and taught classes as an adjunct professor for FSU and Tallahassee Community College. “People say I’ve done a lot, but I like to be busy. I don’t really enjoy downtime,” he said. His industriousness is evidenced by the amount and scope of his research. Tani's work includes seven grant-funded projects and nine research submissions ranging in topics from academic performance, marijuana wellness intervention, social justice in education, and self-efficacy. Although Tani said he would enjoy teaching in any environment, his primary focus has always been to teach at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), but admitted he was nervous during his interview with FAMU.
“I was shocked when I was offered the job, but it’s been great ever since,” he said. “I’m blessed because I have good faculty and I love my bosses; not a lot of people can say that.” He is proud their efforts are cultivating the next generation of psychologists, researchers and teachers. “Seventy-five to 80 percent of Black psychologists with Ph.D.’s got their start in our program… that’s a large number, but there is still a shortage of minority practitioners and educators in psychology.” He said some of the shortage is due to the cultural stigma and taboo associated with discussing mental health and wellbeing that he and FAMU’s psychology team are actively working to overcome. “People are talking more about mental health and wellness, and it’s being addressed in more areas. The results of the pandemic and social and civic unrest have caused distress, but people of color... can’t ignore mental health. It’s ok to say, ‘I need help.' We have no choice but to be more aware.”
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES' VALUE REMAINS STRONG FAMU's Office of International Education and Development (OIED) promotes students' knowledge of world affairs while simultaneously encouraging students to study abroad and recruiting cultural diverse students to enroll at FAMU. However, in response to limitations stemming from the pandemic, the office has been actively reassessing its recruitment efforts. William Hyndman, III, Ph.D., OIED assistant vice president, said his team is reviewing and implementing ideas to more aggressively attract and recruit international students to FAMU, while also motivating FAMU's current students to study abroad. "Before the pandemic, three percent of FAMU students were from other countries...that number significantly dropped during the pandemic," he said. "Ideally, we would like to increase this by 10 percent within five to six years." To help meet this goal, OEID added an international admissions coordinator and the team is also engaging partners to help recruit
more diverse, international students to the University. "Our international students are typically interested in areas of strategic emphasis, and globally competent students bring great value to the University," Hyndman said. The team is also identifying areas where recruitment efforts could be improved, such as India, Nigeria and Ghana. Hyndman said international students completing FAMU's programs is not only win for the University, but it is also advantageous for the partnering countries. "Our International students typically complete their studies in four years. They either return to their home countries after graduation as a highly-skilled professional or they stay and enter our graduate programs. Either way, FAMU has made a significant global contribution and increased its visibility as a leading institution of higher education," he said.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING UPDATE Last April, President Robinson established a 23member Strategic Planning Committee to develop the University's next five-year plan. Since May, the committee has met to review current trends and issues affecting the University and devise a plan that builds upon the successes of previous initiatives while also addressing methods to advance the University's reputation and position as a leading institution of higher learning.
COMMITTEE FORMED With broad internal and external support from vested partners, staff and an external consultant, the committee began meeting last year to explore historical trends, gather and analyze data, and develop the strategic priorities.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES DETERMINED The committee identified five strategic priorities and formed subcommittees to develop recommended goals and initiatives for each directive. The five strategic priorities identified by the committee are: 1. Student success 2. Academic success 3. Leverage the brand 4. Long-term fiscal health and sustainability 5. Organizational effectiveness and transformation
SURVEYS ADMINISTERED Committee members administered surveys to interested faculty, staff, students, alumni and employers to better align the University community's needs and input to the recommended goals and initiatives of the strategic priorities.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Listed below are some of the issues addressed during the recent federal and state legislative sessions.
HBCU Bomb Threat Resolution
The United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate approved a resolution condemning violence and the threat of violence (specifically bomb threats) at HBCUs, and stated the threats "disrupt campus environments, obstruct educational opportunities, increase anxiety, and instill fear." The resolution also requests the federal government to continue to work to combat violence against HBCU students, faculty and staff.
Accreditation and Textbook Affordability
Senate Bill 7044 was approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislation requires Florida College System institutions and State University System of Florida (SUS) institutions to obtain an alternate accreditor in the year following reaffirmation or the fifth-year review, and prohibits an institution from being accredited by the same agency for consecutive accreditation cycles. It also lists of required and recommended textbooks and instructional materials be added to institutions' websites at least 45 days prior to the start of classes for each term, and revises maintenance requirements of information that must be included in the statewide course numbering system.
Senate Nursing Shortage Panel Discussion
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services convened a panel to address Florida's nursing shortage and the State's efforts to produce more nurses. Representatives from the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), the State University System/Board of Governors (BOG), the Florida College System (FCS), and the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) recognized the shortage was forecasted prior to the pandemic but emphasized the need for solutions that maintain high standards without reducing quality.
Architect Education Minority Assistance Program
Last month, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee unanimously passed SB 1094. The bill creates the Architect Education Minority Assistance Program which will provide scholarships to minority students enrolled in their fifth year of an architectural education program in Florida.
Federal legislation
State legislation
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Message from Maurice Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
FAMULY! It is my sincere hope that you are all having a great semester. For those who were able to use last week to vacation or perhaps just to rest, I trust you enjoyed your time away, made it safely back to campus, and are rejuvenated and excited to finish our academic year. You may have noticed our monthly newsletter, Forever Rising, was on hiatus for a few months. We used this time to very deliberately and intentionally reformat its design and content to allow for more in-depth features highlighting the academic programs, administrative units, faculty, staff, and students that make FAMU a truly unique institution of higher learning. As highlighted in this issue, a new university strategic plan is slated to launch later this year. This plan will provide the roadmap for elevating FAMU’s status as a one of the nation’s leading landgrant, doctoral research institutions, and number one public HBCU. In addition to this effort, there are several exciting initiatives currently underway in the Division of Academic Affairs. Many of our academic programs are implementing plans to expand online education by offering more online courses and launching fully online degree programs. My office also recently established the Emerging Leaders Initiative to provide a series of professional development and training opportunities for faculty who aspire to assume leadership positions. Lastly, we have been working aggressively to complete the Academic Program Prioritization project, which is a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of each academic program offered at the University. The results of this work will help to ensure that FAMU continues to offer a suite of innovative academic programs that meet current and emerging workforce needs and student demand. As we prepare to close this semester and celebrate our Spring graduates, I want to thank each member of the FAMU community for your tireless efforts in support of our great university!
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