The magazine for Fayetteville State University Alumni and Friends WINTER - SPRING 18
SESQUICENTENNIAL
150 Years of Producing World Leaders
FEATURES / WINTER - SPRING 2018
contents
5
FSU Receives $300,000 to Support Robert H. Short...
10 Broadwell Brothers Donate $500,000 to FSU: CBE to be Named... 15 FSU Graduate Embraces the Unexpected and Enjoys the Journey 18
Henry Louis Gates Speaks at FSU’s 151 Founders Day
20
FSU Graduates Join Alumni Ranks
22
FSU Opens Time Capsule Planted in 1993
24
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Donates $! Million to FSU’s School of Nursing
27
Two FSU Faculty Honored for Outstanding Teaching
28
FSU Pre-Law and Legal Writing Students Attend Supreme Court Session
8 BRONCO PRINTING SOLUTIONS NOW IN OPERATION
29 FSU Students Place Second at Southeast Decision Sciences Institute 37
FSU Crowns New Student Royalty
38 FSU BioChem Students Receive Prestigious Summer Internships 42
FSU alum takes command of U.S. Air Force 19th Communications Squadron
44
An Interview with FSU’s Miss Alumni
45
The Blue and White
50
Alum Assumes Command of Fort Drum Army Battalion
47
THE ROAD TO BROADWAY
2
1500 copies of this public document where printed at a cost of $4.53 per copy.
12 FORMER MISS FSU FINDS PASSION IN LAW
32 THE 2018 EDITION OF THE BRONCOS SPORTS AWARDS CELEBRATES FAYETTEVILLE STATE STUDENT-ATHLETES
From the Chancellor’s Desk
FROM VISION TO REALITY: BUILDING EXCELLENCE AT FSU OVER THE LAST DECADE (2008-2018)
accreditation visit (2011). Through a committed and intentional effort by faculty, staff, and administrators we can say looking back: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Ten years ago (June 2008) I assumed the position of Chancellor of Fayetteville State University with all the fanfare, curiosity, and skepticism that normally accompanies a new campus leader. I felt I was wellprepared to assume the position since I had worked previously at an HBCU (Xavier University of New Orleans, LA), and at North Carolina State University. I had served as a consultant at 12 other HBCU’s and had developed a national reputation as a scholar and a change agent. While those credentials were important in getting the position, the FSU search committee had to be convinced that I had the knowledge skills and acumen to lead the university and, once there, I had to convince the campus community of the same thing.
The long-term vision would focus for several years on the two most important groups on campus: FSU students and faculty. I call them the “life-blood” of any campus. The primary goals of any campus are to promote student success and achievement, and to support the work of the faculty in terms of teaching, learning, and research. Administrators like me and the members of my cabinet are charged with contributing to the realization of these goals. The Provost for much of my tenure, Jon young, worked diligently with the department chairs, deans, and faculty to write successful grants, attend conferences, host workshops, and adopt high-impact practices. Of course, students need scholarships, hence the initiation of the five-year Capital Campaign to increase scholarship dollars. A “vision” had to be created that made the campus believe that a campaign goal of $25 million dollars was reachable. The completion of the Capital Campaign in September 2018 will validate our commitment to students. To date FSU has raised 26.5 million!!!
VISION AND INTENTIONALITY I am a firm believer in the idea that effective leaders are ones that can present a realistic vision to people and then work with them to create the structures and processes to make the vision a reality. I was able to convince the campus leaders at FSU and the Board of Trustees that the university needed to develop a short-term vision and a long-term vision. The short-term vision covering three years addressed five challenges that became priorities: 1) rebuild the failing Nursing program; 2) enhance the academic reputation of the university; 3) introduce a new business model and link it to strategic planning; 4) develop a fiveyear strategic plan; and 5) prepare for the 10-year SACS
CREATING A VISION OF AN INVITING CAMPUS Ten years ago, my “vision” included altering the physical landscape of the campus. It was not inviting, no brand was present, it did not match up with the campuses of our competitors, visitors could not navigate their way around FSU, but MOST IMPORTANTLY, in 2008, investment had not been made making this a 21st century campus. Thus, a plan evolved to add a new dormitory, a new
science building, an upgraded Student Center, and a revitalized science Center. A beautiful electronic scoreboard graced our football stadium. The entrance to campus became more attractive with the addition of a fountain and stone signatures. The facilities managers and employees together with the groundskeepers gave new life to the campus. In the next few years a new health and wellness complex will appear as will (hopefully) a new education building. The first contact that prospective students and their parents often make with a campus is based on what they see. A WILLINGNESS TO SELF-EXAMINE AND CHANGE Over my 10 years much that was accomplished evolved because leaders and managers at FSU were willing to examine, from their vantage point, FSU’s most pressing problems/challenges and assets and cutting-edge solutions. From the Board of Trustees, to alumni, to student leaders (and I have been blessed with some great ones), everyone has accepted the mantra that I offered when I first came: FSU will maintain its commitment to its historical legacy as an HBCU while we also increase our efforts to become a competitive, global 21st century university. We are not there yet but we are close. No individuals have time to wallow in self-aggrandizement and praise because, at FSU, we rise and fall as a team, as a family. Finally, ten years have passed so quickly and there is so much yet to do. The trends and complexities of the future are nipping at FSU ‘s heals, and leadership in the 21st century will require a delicate balance of managing competing interests and confronting new issues. Oh, by the way, there is NEVER ENOUGH MONEY and our journey toward excellence must take that sobering fact into account. To serve as a campus CEO in the 21st century is both stressful and rewarding. I would never compare my job to that of the President of the United States, but Barak Obama entered his position the same year I did (2008) and we both had black hair. Eight years later we both had noticeable gray hair. That’s what I mean when I say stressful! However, the joys of accomplishment have surpassed every stressful moment and my work with the Bronco family over a decade has made me a better leader and a better man.
Chancellor James A. Anderson
FS&U is published by the Fayetteville State University Division of Institutional Advancement, Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications. Address: Phone: Fax: 4
1200 Murchison Road Fayetteville, NC 28301 910-672-1838 910-672-1989
Editor Jeffery M. Womble Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications Associate Editor La’Won D. Williams Director of University Publications
Fayetteville State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability. It is the policy of Fayetteville State University to create diversity among its student body by recruiting and enrolling students without regard to race, gender, or ethnicity. Applicants of all races, gender and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply for enrollment. Fayetteville State University is proud to be a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina.
www.uncfsu.edu
FSU Receives $300,000 to Support Robert H. Short/ Cumberland Community Foundation Scholars Cumberland Community Foundation continued its support of Fayetteville State University (FSU) through the Robert H. Short/Cumberland Community Foundation Scholars Program. The foundation presented FSU with a check for $300,000 for scholarships to Cumberland County students attending FSU in the 2017-2018 academic year. In October 2011, the community foundation received a $10 million gift from the estate of Robert H. Short, a local businessman and philanthropist who valued education. The community foundation created the Robert H. Short/ Cumberland Community Foundation Scholars program and awarded scholarships to students at FSU, Methodist University, or Fayetteville Technical Community College during the first five years (2013-2018). At FSU, the gift provides scholarships for Early College high school and honors students, including Global Scholars. Cumberland Community Foundation works with the FSU financial aid office to administer the scholarships. Scholarship awards are based on criteria designed by Mr. Short, including financial need, academic success, and the extent to which a student has contributed to society.
From left: Jerial Bogan, Eva Williams, and Gail Riddle, members of Cumberland Community Foundation Board of Directors, present a check for $300,000 to Jalisha Pone, Associate Director of Development, and Kamesia House, Executive Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid at Fayetteville State University.
Recipients for the 2017-18 school year were:
Kiante Bennett Daria Brown Dorien Caldwell John Caldwell Jack Calhoun Carvin Cash Rebecca Cooper Tykemhia Davis Brittany Dockery Maya Glaspie Latricia Hamilton Ciprianna Haynes Cheyenne Holloman Shelby Holloman Monique Jackson Brittany Jennette Alexis Jones Casey Jones Kenya McFadyen Lenore Miller Danielle Pelzer Ajante Reyes Alexis Scott Khya Stewart Ryan Tolentino
5
6
W
hen Bronco Printing Solutions at Fayetteville State University held an open house on April 6, it wasn’t just to show off the in-plant’s new equipment. It was to tout the grand opening of what is essentially a brand new in-plant. The university had been outsourcing most print work and using employees from another department to print simple jobs when necessary — not exactly an in-plant. But after doing an analysis of whether to invest in its small print operation or shut it down entirely, the school decided on the former and brought in a manager to oversee the upgrades that would turn the foundering print shop into a world class printing operation. The university hired Gary Warren, who had brought growth and profitability to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s in-plant. He hired employees, gave the 4,636-sq.-ft. shop a facelift — with new paint and wall murals — and ordered an arsenal of new equipment that would make any in-plant jealous: • Mimaki flatbed JFX200-2513 wide-format printer •
Mimaki roll to roll UCJV300-160 wideformat printer
•
Standard Horizon CRF creaser/folder
•
Xanté Impressia envelope printer
•
Prism 27i paper cutter/laminator
• Royal Sovereign cold laminator with heat assist •
Heat Seal model HSE 100 shrink wrapper
•
Sailrite Fabricator sewing machine
These joined the existing Konica Minolta bizhub PRESS C1100 and bizhub PRESS C6000. On April 6, the four-employee in-plant welcomed 100 visitors to its grand opening celebration. “We had demos throughout the day and employees gave individual and group tours describing the equipment and what each one does,” Warren says. Visitors were excited to see the new in-plant’s capabilities and find out what the shop can do to lower their print costs. “Printed with permission of In-plant Graphics, www.InPlantGraphics.com” 7
Free to
GIVE
Benefiting
SCHOLARSHIPS • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • ART PROGRAMS • GLOBAL PROGRAMS. . .
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Advancement Services at cdjohnson02@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.2422.
From annual giving to planned gifts, from endowed scholarships to faculty chairs, opportunities for giving to Fayetteville State University are numerous. Your gifts support student aid, faculty research and facilities improvements. They also help programs such as honors, band and athletics. So, whether you’re a student, an established professional or about to retire, there is a giving option that’s just right for you to make a difference at FSU.
REUNION GIVING
MAJOR GIFTS & ENDOWMENTS Endowed gifts provide ongoing benefits for FSU by earning a market rate of interest while keeping the principal investment intact to fund future years of scholarships, or whatever efforts the donor sought to fund. In some instances, a percentage of the principal is allowed to be used each year. An endowment allows FSU to be less reliant upon volatile funding sources such as government and sponsored programs. Major Gifts and Endowments allow for donors to partake in naming opportunities, those who wish to make a gift in honor or in memory of an individual, may name buildings, rooms, scholarships, professorships, departments and programs. For more information please contact Jalisha C. Pone, Associate Director of Development at jpone@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.1682.
ANNUAL GIVING Funds received through the annual giving campaign are an essential supplement to Fayetteville State University’s current basic operating needs. Because support from the state has decreased over the years, annual gifts allow the university to renovate facilities, upgrade technology, purchase new equipment and provide student scholarships, among other things. Gifts to the annual giving campaign may be designated for a specific college/school/department or they can be unrestricted for use where the need is greatest. In addition, some employers match their employees’ charitable contributions. For more information please contact J. Lea Callaway, Interim Director and Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at Jlc1867@uncfsu.edu or Office: 910-672-1683 / Cell: 252268-0173.
STUDENT GIVING Some individuals give to FSU while they are enrolled as undergraduate and graduate students. The student giving program supports the annual giving campaign. Participation is optional, but those who do say they feel a greater sense of school pride that results in a tradition of giving that continues long after their matriculation at the university has ended. For more information please contact Clanton Johnson, Director of 8
A class reunion is a great time for alumni to give back to FSU. Your reunion year provides an excellent opportunity to support the University in a way that is personally meaningful to you. Most reunion giving takes place over a five-year period which is the maximum number of years to fulfill pledges for endowed gifts, there’s no better time than a class reunion year to establish a fund and complete it by the next reunion. For more information please contact YaKima Rhinehart at yrhinehart@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.1287.
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION GIVING Through the years, Fayetteville State University has adapted its curriculum and teaching methodologies to ensure that all of our students receive an education that allows them to be competitive in a changing world. Your investment in FSU helps to ensure that our university and our graduates are continually able to demonstrate strength and potential by sustaining major programs in nanotechnology, leadership and community development, logistics and transportation systems, and public health. For more information please contact Dr. Tamara Holmes Brothers at thbrothers@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.1349.
PLANNED GIVING Planned giving sometimes referred to as gift planning, may be defined as a method of supporting universities that enables philanthropic individuals or donors to make larger gifts than they could make from their income. While some planned gifts provide a life-long income to the donor, others use estate and tax planning techniques to provide for charity and other heirs in ways that maximize the gift and/or minimize its impact on the donor’s estate. Thus, by definition, a planned gift is any major gift, made in lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. By contrast, gifts to the annual fund or for membership dues are made from a donor’s discretionary income, and while they may be budgeted for, they are not planned. Whether a donor uses cash, appreciated securities/ stock, real estate, artwork, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, a retirement plan, etc., the benefits of funding a planned gift can make this type of charitable giving very attractive to both donor and charity. For more information please contact Gary Melchiorre, Director of Development/Gift Planning at gmelchio@uncfsu.edu or 910.672.2279. Effective January 1, 2017, Fayetteville State University and the Fayetteville State University Foundation imposed a minimal fee on certain kinds of gifts made to these entities. All private cash gifts are subject to a five percent (5%) gift management fee.
Corporate & Foundation Relations: Fostering Successful Collaborations Corporate Philanthropy refers to the investments and activities a company voluntarily undertakes to responsibly manage and account for its impact on society. It includes investments of money, donations of products, in-kind services and technical assistance, employee volunteerism, and other business transactions to advance a social cause, issue, or the work of a nonprofit organization. Corporate foundations and corporate giving programs traditionally play a major role in these areas. When it comes to philanthropy, corporations give in various ways, including cash donations or grants, in-kind gifts, sponsorships, causerelated marketing, and pro bono services. Companies also like to promote workplace giving through employee matching gifts programs and other efforts that encourage their employees to give their time and/ or money to charity. Cash donations or grants are usually distributed either 1) directly through the company via a corporate giving program, or 2) through a companysponsored foundation.
• Corporate Giving Programs -- These are administered by the company
itself, often through a dedicated department such as Community Relations or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It may be difficult to find information about an in-house corporate giving program, such as what they support, who they’ve given to and how much, unless the company chooses to publicize it.
• Company-Sponsored Foundation -- The company can set up a
separately-administered private foundation. A company-sponsored foundation is subject to the same rules as other foundations and must file IRS documents that disclose their giving. It is more likely to have a webpage or website, outlining what they will and won’t fund, and how to apply -- but not always. Like any private foundation, a companysponsored foundation can choose to only support pre-selected organizations.
Some companies have both. The corporate giving program gives them more discretion about who to give to and how much, since it is not subject to IRS foundation rules. A company could also organize a public charity or give through a donor-advised fund. Motivations Grant seekers should always keep in mind when approaching corporations that, unlike foundations, they don’t exist to give money away. Many are usually looking to benefit in some way from their philanthropy. A proposal to this type of funder should emphasize how support for your project will help the company achieve its own goals. Corporate giving is motivated by a combination of altruism and selfinterest. Most companies tend to favor:
• Organizations or causes that their employees support with their own time and money; or
• Causes that align with their business interests Matching Gift Programs Workplace giving and matching boosts employee engagement by empowering employees to support causes around the world that matter to them with easy, open-choice online giving, gift matching, and volunteering. What does it mean to match a donation? A matching gift is a charitable donation by a corporation that matches an employee›s donation to an eligible nonprofit organization, most often dollar for dollar. ... In addition, 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer a matching gift program, and some companies even double, triple, or quadruple donations! What is a volunteer grant? Volunteer grants are charitable gifts given to non-profit organizations by corporations in recognition of volunteer work being done by a company›s employees. This practice is widespread in the United States. How you can help Each year, gifts from corporations and foundations help make possible a wide array of programs, including groundbreaking research, scholarships and fellowships, academic and staff projects, and community outreach efforts. The FSU Office of Corporate and Foundations Relations is committed to generating greater understanding, commitment, and financial support from corporations and foundations for the teaching, research and service missions of the university. You too can assist in this effort! •
Have corporate or foundation connections that might be of interest to support the various initiatives at FSU; or
•
Work at a corporation that has a Matching Gift Program
Please contact the Office of Corporate & Foundation Relations to discuss potential corporate or foundation partnerships or visit https:// www.uncfsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/divisions/division-of-institutionaladvancement/development to see how you can enhance your gift with your company by clicking on the Matching Gift tab to find out if your company has a Matching Gift Policy by entering your employer’s name.
• Nonprofits that operate in and improve the quality of life in the geographic locales in which they operate;
9
Broadwell Brothers Donate $500,000 to FSU: College of Business and Economics to be Named for Their Parents Fayetteville State University Chancellor James Anderson announced April 5, 2018 a gift of $500,000 by brothers Dohn Jr., Charles and Richard Broadwell in memory of their parents, Dohn B. Broadwell Sr. and Charlotte L. Broadwell. Dohn Sr. was a residential developer in Cumberland County for more than 60 years. He died in 2017. Charlotte Broadwell was a member of the family that owned The Fayetteville Observer for more than 90 years. She died in 1996. The gift will be used to support the College of Business and Economics for funding scholarships, the Center for Entrepreneurship and a speaker’s series. In honor of the gift, the College of Business and Economics will be named the Broadwell College of Business and Economics. “I am extremely grateful to the Broadwell family for their generosity,” Anderson said. “This donation not only will provide tremendous support for our worldclass College of Business, but also will allow us to offer scholarships to deserving students, expose them to renowned scholars and speakers and further develop our Center for Entrepreneurship. I could not be more pleased that this highly respected Fayetteville family has made this commitment to FSU and its future.” The Broadwell brothers said the gift reflects their parents’ lifelong efforts to help the community grow and prosper. “The College of Business and Economics is a shining star of excellence for Fayetteville State University and our region of the state. Under the leadership of Chancellor Anderson and the faculty, it has earned the reputation as a hub of innovation and growth, and more and more students are going on after graduation to make their mark in a variety of business fields. We’re pleased to be able to honor our parents with this gift in their memory,” the brothers said in a statement. The Broadwell and Lilly families have a long and storied history with FSU. Lilly Gymnasium on the FSU campus was constructed in 1938 and named in honor of Dr. H.W. Lilly, secretary-treasurer of the school’s Board of Trustees. Lilly was the grandfather of Charlotte Broadwell and great-grandfather of the Broadwell brothers.
10
In 2005, The Fayetteville Publishing Company Board of Directors, owners of The Fayetteville Observer, and family members established The Fayetteville Observer Scholarship in the amount of $20,000. Additional donations increased the amount to $50,000. Three years later in 2008, Charles Broadwell established the 1867 Endowed Scholarship Fund in the amount of $50,000.
11
Former Miss FSU Finds Passion in Law
12
Titichia Mitchell Jackson made her mark on Fayetteville State University during her time as a student. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and then a master’s degree in English Literature and Arts from FSU, she then went on to graduate from North Carolina Central University Law School. Jackson is now making her mark on future attorneys as she teaches and invests in law school students at NCCU where she serves as the head of the Bar examination prep. Originally from Ahoskie, NC, Jackson chose to attend FSU after she attended an open house. “The environment was very family friendly and welcoming,” Jackson said. “I knew through the programs I was interested in I would get the one-on-one attention I wanted. People knew your name. The administration was invested in you and in your success.” While at FSU, Jackson served in many clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association where she served as Vice President. She was also her class president for four years, a Resident Assistant, was involved in Illusions Modeling, AKA Sorority, and was in Honor Society for English and Political Science. Upon graduating in 2006, she was also the class valedictorian. “I had an awesome experience. The quality of education I received was beyond anything I expected. My professors were competent and prepared, flexible, and met our needs on an individual basis. I felt like I had a lot of opportunities,” Jackson said. As a junior at FSU, Jackson became Miss FSU, which she credits as a pivotal role in giving her confidence, poise, and the role became an avenue in which she learned a lot about how to conduct herself. “The public speaking and being able to go speak to a variety of people, it kept me on my toes and helped me with etiquette,” Jackson said. “Miss FSU is a position I’m so grateful for. The payoff and rewards from that position I continue to see the benefits from even now.”
Photo by Chioke Brown - North Carolina Central University
13
Following her undergraduate education, Jackson stayed at FSU to earn her master’s degree and then went on to attend law school at NCCU, something she knew she wanted to do from a young age. After she graduated from law school in 2011, Jackson, who is licensed to practice in North Carolina and Virginia, worked as an in-house attorney for a private corporation that provided academic resources to law schools. She worked on building commercial Bar prep courses for law schools across the country. In 2015, when the Head of the Bar prep position came open at NCCU, she jumped at the chance to use her skills with a more targeted audience while focusing on students at her alma mater. As the Director of Bar preparation at the North Carolina Central University School of Law, Jackson teaches several classes that help students with skills building, essay writing, and other topics that aim to prepare students for the Bar exam. She also practices civil law with a focus on family cases.
experience, and professionalism. They will determine who you become in the word. If you allow FSU to help shape your opportunities and put value in them and help shape who you want to become, the opportunities are endless. Your integrity, work ethic, and your ability to adapt is what matters – if you look for ways to become better at these, they will help shape who you are, so when you go into the world, you are solid. When I walk into the room, it doesn’t matter what institute I went to, I am confident not just in the education but in the professional development, that I received.” Jackson maintains Bronco pride and challenges future students to hold FSU in the highest esteem. “You are a Bronco wherever you go. I abide by our motto: Deeds Not Words -- I live my life like that. Anyone can talk, but Broncos go in and do the work and we do it right.”
“A lot of my students have had this dream to become a lawyer so ultimately we are working to help them achieve their goals. I can meet students where they are and help strengthen their skills to pass the Bar exam,” Jackson said. “I help them assess where they are to help them get over that hurdle. I get to work with each student on an individual basis, and each need is different. I need to apply a variety of skills based on the student and I take pride in that.” Jackson plans to continue teaching law and would eventually like to work in administrative law in a higher education atmosphere. Jackson stays busy outside of her career as well. She is married to her husband, Joshua and has a one-yearold son, Justice. She spends her time volunteering at church, One Love Ministries, and also with the Omega Kappa Omega graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha where she serves as the vice president of the chapter. When looking back on her time at FSU, Jackson credits FSU with shaping her into the person she is today. She has some advice for current and future students. “Embrace the opportunities that FSU allows and offers, not just in the classroom but outside the classroom,” Jackson said. “Allow yourself to be open to change and feedback. It’s very important as to how you look at these opportunities to build character, 14
Photo by Chioke Brown - North Carolina Central University
FSU Graduate Embraces the Unexpected and Enjoys the Journey
P
aul Lane understands hard work and dedication. He also understands that sometimes life takes you on an adventure you haven’t anticipated, and your attitude in these situations makes all the difference. Lane didn’t foresee attending Fayetteville State or having a career in the airline industry, but these are two adventures and changes he chose to embrace with an attitude of faith that things happen for a reason. After graduating from FSU in 2013 with a degree in Business and a concentration in Marketing, he now serves as an Inflight Brand Ambassador for Delta Air Lines. Lane is grateful for the opportunities and adventures he has had so far and continues to embrace the possibility for more.
15
Lane was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia where through scholarships, he was able to attend one of the best private schools in Georgia, The Paideia School. Lane credits his experience there with giving him a great foundation and sense of self. “My roots came from God and my family, but my high school played a big role in my foundation as well. They taught me to be a good well-rounded person and overall they helped me become a person with focus and direction,” Lane said. “I was raised in a lower-middle-class part of Atlanta, but I went to school with kids from all different backgrounds … former president’s grandkids and the owner of the Atlanta Falcons kids, but also kids that came from a similar background as me. That’s what made me Paul … that’s what started to nurture my aspirations to be different. It gave me inspiration. FSU continued to nurture that.” Lane ended up at Fayetteville State almost by accident. His senior year of high school, he was one of the top basketball recruits out of Georgia and planned on going to school to play basketball for a high-level to mid-major Division I school. Fate would have a different reality when he tore his knee. Instead of being recruited by the high-level Division I schools, he was recovering from knee surgery and being looked at by mid-major Division I and some Division II schools.
Fayetteville State. Grambling State Assistant Coach Alphonza Kee who would soon become the FSU Head Coach contacted Lane about playing for him. “Coach Kee called me on a Tuesday morning and asked me if I was interested in meeting him. He drove six hours to Atlanta to meet with me that same day,” Lane said. “I had never seen a head coach take the time out to do that. I felt like he had great ethics and character and lived up to the same words he recruited me by.” Lane ended up playing basketball at FSU for five seasons on a full basketball scholarship. Because he suffered another knee injury his sophomore year, he was injury red-shirted and couldn’t play that season, so he was able to continue playing for the 5th year while he worked towards his Master’s degree. While at FSU, Lane was a part of the Student Government Association and the Student Activity Council. He was also President of Peer Academic Leadership and was Treasurer for Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
“FSU allowed me to be who I was. College is a place in general where kids come to find themselves. Luckily for those who have a plan, Fayetteville State was a great place to stay in line,” Lane said. “FSU will help mold you into the person you want to be at graduation and can help you be a better person. It showed me I was ready for the world. I was able to “Tearing my knee was almost a blessing for me. I went through a small case of being sad and depressed conquer what needed to be conquered and challenge myself while I was in that environment. I was for about a week but then I began being recruited prepared to go to the next step in life.” by smaller schools,” Lane said. “In tearing my knee, I realized that life was bigger than basketball. It was Just like attending Fayetteville State wasn’t planned, a humbling experience. In that state I had to have the next step in Lane’s life also wasn’t planned. a focus on not going to a school for a name and Lane began working for Delta Air Lines as a ramp the heritage that the society status quo but by the agent when he was 18 years old. Because of his hard characters of the individuals that would impact me.” work, a manager at Delta agreed to keep him on as a seasonal agent while he was in school and home on One of the schools that began recruiting him was
16
®
breaks. Following graduation from FSU, he planned to look for a job in marketing while continuing to work for Delta. In August of that year, he applied for and was hired for an in-flight job and began a career as a flight attendant. From there, he was chosen to represent Delta Air Lines not only as a flight attendant, but as an Inflight Brand Ambassador which means that he is a flight attendant and also represents the company in print and media ads and also appearance opportunities. “No way at all did I think I would do this. As an Inflight Brand Ambassador, I do a little bit of modeling, acting, a little bit of everything,” Lane said. Lane has been selected for numerous Delta Air Lines print ads as well as commercials. He has also served as a representative at special events for Delta. While Lane stays busy with his full-time job at Delta, he also found the time and energy to start his own investment firm in October 2015 called Plane International Investment Firm. Lane takes honor and pride in representing Delta Air
Lines well just like he represents Fayetteville State well. Lane was recently recruited to go to a Delta Air Lines school to become a Dispatcher where he would be able to stay home a bit more and run his company. He will begin Dispatcher school in 2018. Lane never anticipated his life and career playing out the way it has, but in conjunction with hard work, he has seized the opportunities as they have come along. “My mom has held me to high standards since I was young. I strive to represent myself and my family well,” Lane said. “My roots came from before Fayetteville State, but FSU was an avenue for me to expand and so was Delta.” When Lane isn’t busy furthering his career or company, he stays busy enjoying life but preparing for what comes next, whatever that may be. “I go to church. I read a lot about Black History and business books. I do a lot of fun things,” Lane said. “I am preparing for the next step without being consumed by it … preparing for my 30s but enjoying my 20s.”
17
Henry Louis Gates
Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. connected the founding of Fayetteville State University 150 years ago and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. a century later to call for “new moments of hope” in the struggle for justice and equality.
Gates, a professor and the director of the Hutchins Center for African and AfricanAmerican Research at Harvard University, spoke at FSU’s 151st Founders’ Day on April 5. Gates said work is needed to confirm King’s belief that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice. “Too many hands are trying to bend that arc back in another direction,” Gates said. Gates spoke about the seven black men who cobbled together $136 to buy land on Gillespie Street for a school that would become Fayetteville State. He said that was a huge sum of money since the average annual salary for a black person in North Carolina at that time was about $10 a year. The men saw a need for the education of black people and sought to meet it, Gates said. David A. Bryant, Nelson Carter, George W. Grange Sr., Andrew J. Chesnutt, Mathew Leary Jr., Robert Simmons and Thomas Lomax established what was then known as the Howard School on Nov. 29, 1867. “Every black child, every American child should commemorate what they did and be taught their names,” he said. The men showed that black lives mattered in their time, Gates said, calling to mind the name of a movement that opposes violence against black people. “Black lives matter today and black lives will continue to matter in the future,” he said.
still had his record of action and the continuing force of his dream,” he said. Everyone should try to make a difference in the world, Gates said, mentioning King’s quote that “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” King responded to adversity boldly and peacefully, Gates said. “The question, ladies and gentlemen, is how we respond to evil,” he said. “My prayer is that you respond the way Martin Luther King served.” Gates urged those working for justice to seize on common ties between all people and hold firm. He said that’s how it was for the seven founders of the school in 1867 and that’s how it was for Martin Luther King Jr. “So it can be again today,” he said. Jerry Woods, a retired sociology professor at Fayetteville State, said young people need to hear Gates’ message. The school’s history is important, Woods said. “You can’t really talk about American history without talking about black history,” he said. “We have to learn to live together.” Chancellor James Anderson talked about visiting the place where King was assassinated. He said anyone who goes has to fight back tears. “It’s the power of the moment,” he said. “You relive it standing there.” King left a legacy, as did Fayetteville State’s founders, Anderson said. He urged the university’s professors and staff members to live up to what the founders started. “We are links in a chain that they began,” he said. “That chain is strong today.”
Gates recalled hearing about King’s death and the mourning that followed.
University officials also announced two major gifts totaling $1.5 million and buried a time capsule to be opened in 25 years.
“Then we remembered we still had his words,
Reprinted from The Fayetteville Observer
18
Spe
eaks at FSU’s 151 Founders’ Day
19
Congressman G.K. Butterfield. Butterfield delivers the undergraduate commencement address.
FSU Graduates Join Alumni Ranks More than 150 graduate students and 1,100 undergraduates received degrees during spring commencement exercises May 11 and 12, respectively. Dr. Robert Taylor, superintendent of the Bladen County Schools and an FSU alumnus, was guest speaker for the first Graduate School Commencement held Friday, May 11 at 3 p.m., in J.W. Seabrook Auditorium on the FSU campus. Of the graduates were eight students who received doctoral degrees, bringing the number of students who have received doctorates at FSU to 150 since the program began in 1994. The 151st Spring Commencement was held May 12 at 9 a.m., at the Crown Coliseum. The guest speaker 20
for the event was Congressman G.K. Butterfield. Butterfield was elected to serve the First District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election on July 20, 2004, where he continues to serve today. FSU awarded him the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during commencement. Butterfield spoke about the importance of being faithful. He said faithful means being true, constant and allegiant to a person or institution … keeping it real. “Regardless of your faith, you must practice your faith in all that you do. Don’t ever lose sight of your faith,” he said. “Be faithful to your family. Be faithful to humanity. FSU is about serving humanity.”
He told the graduates that they must be trustworthy. “Education without character is a dangerous combination. “You must be trustworthy. When people trust you, they believe in you.” Butterfield received thunderous applause from the graduates and audience as he used sports stars and a biblical reference to drive home the importance of using their degrees to make things happen. “A basketball in my hand is worth $35,” he said. “But a basketball in Stephen’s hand or Lebron’s hand is worth $35 million.” At the end he used the
parable when the masses were fed with little to eat. “Give me two fish and five loaves of bread and I will make a fish sandwich,” he said. “But give two fish and five loaves to Jesus and he will feed the multitudes. It all depends on whose hands it’s in.”
21
22
FSU Opens Time Capsule Planted in 1993 Fayetteville State University Chancellor James Anderson more physical objects, as opposed to paper documents. carefully removed large plastic bags filled with books, photographs and other trinkets from where they have He said he planned on submitting a plaque given to him by students who called him the coolest chancellor rested underground since 1993. in the state system, as well as documents that show the “I was really surprised everything survived so well and university’s dedication to its students. intact,” he said, surveying the items. It’s important to include documents that show the On April 2, university officials unearthed a time capsule university exceeded its $25 million, five-year capital that had been buried on Founders’ Day 25 years ago campaign and reports on the university’s strategic plans, to inspect the contents. A ceremonial unearthing he said. occurred April 3, and the contents were on display at Seabrook Auditorium as part of this year’s Founders’ “I want them to see how we’ve advanced,” Anderson said. “There’s been a lot of advancement in the past 10 Day activities. years.” A lot has changed in 25 years — and the contents of the When he thinks about the Fayetteville State University time capsule show that. of 2043, he envisions a strong university. By that point, There were dry erase markers for white boards, a Sony he predicts technological advancements will make way Double Density Computer Diskette and dozens of for twice as many classes to be held digitally. documents dated 1992. The time capsule has offered a unique glimpse of the past, Back then, the university’s IT building was a cafeteria, while helping officials record past accomplishments, he there wasn’t a water fountain near the entrance of said. campus and the nursing building didn’t exist. “This simply maintains consistency over time,” Anderson This week, university officials buried their own time said. “It’s part of your overall university history.” capsule that will be unearthed in 2043. Anderson said the contents for that capsule will include
Reprinted from The Fayetteville Observer
23
24
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Donates $1 Million to FSU’s School of Nursing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is investing $1 million in Fayetteville State University’s (FSU) nursing program. The investment is part of Blue Cross NC’s commitment to contribute $50 million toward community health initiatives in 2018. The investment is partially funded through $40 million in tax savings generated through the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. FSU will use the investment for scholarships to address access to care and nursing shortages, educational technology, and to improve quality of care. “As a practicing physician, I’ve seen firsthand the central role that nurses play in creating a higherquality, more affordable health care system,” said Dr.
25
Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “We are excited to be able to help Fayetteville State University admit and train new nurses, especially from rural North Carolina. To bring costs down and increase quality, we have to think more broadly about what it means to invest in health – this is a great example of that principle in action.” According to a recent study by Georgetown University, North Carolina is projected to have the second-largest shortage of nurses in the nation – a deficit of 12,900 nurses. The shortage is especially challenging in rural North Carolina. The state’s metropolitan areas have 32 more nurses for every 10,000 people than rural counties. Seventy of North Carolina’s 80 rural counties are classified as “medical deserts” due to their lack of primary care. Additionally, nurses play a central role in increasing the value of health care, both in terms of improved outcomes and lower costs. “Fayetteville State University is both honored and pleased to receive this important investment from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina,” said FSU Chancellor James A. Anderson. “FSU’s nationally ranked School of Nursing will be able to expand its service offerings, update equipment, and provide scholarship support for nursing students. With a state and national shortage of highly trained nurses it is imperative that nursing programs in North Carolina seek to address this critical problem. The Blue Cross NC gift will facilitate program expansion in the FSU School of Nursing.” The Fayetteville State University School of Nursing provides traditional students and nursing professionals (Associate Degreed Nurses, Registered Nurses) with the skills and clinical experiences they will need to be successful in a diverse and ever-changing society. FSU’s nursing program is ranked number two in the eastern United States based on quality, affordability, value, satisfaction and convenience. It is a top-seven North Carolina RN to BSN program, and its students enjoy 100 percent job placement success after graduation.
26
The $1 million will be invested into the following areas: • Scholarships and Access to Care *There is a significant need for scholarships and financial aid, especially to students from poor, rural areas. FSU plans to use funding to increase the number of rural area graduates from 205 in 2017 to at least 280 in 2022. * Similar to all of FSU, the majority of the School’s students are first-generation students. FSU will use a portion of this funding to increase the number of firstgeneration students pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). * FSU will also increase their partnership with community college systems located in rural and underserved areas of North Carolina and increase the number of nurses with a BSN in rural areas of North Carolina. Nurses from rural counties who earn BSNs are twice as likely as those from more urban counties to practice in rural areas. Additionally, patients who receive 80 percent or more of their care from nurses with baccalaureate educations have 18.7 percent lower odds of readmission than patients treated by nurses without degrees. • Educational Technology * FSU will use a portion of the funding to ensure the school’s simulation-laboratory experience remains one of the most impactful and leading-edge clinical training experiences in North Carolina. • Improve Quality of Care * FSU plans to significantly improve patient health outcomes through interprofessional collaboration, and aid partners in reducing readmission rates by 18 percent. Patients receiving 80 percent or more of their care from nurses with a BSN are nearly 20 percent less likely to be readmitted, versus those treated by nurses without a BSN.
TWO
FSU Faculty Honored for Outstanding Teaching
Dr. Stacye Blount, an associate professor of sociology at Fayetteville State University (FSU) and former FSU Teacher of the Year, received The University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching. Blount is one of 17 recipients of the award who represent all 16 of North Carolina’s public universities as well as the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. The winners were nominated by special committees based on their home campuses and were selected by the Board of Governors’ Committee on Personnel and Tenure. Each of the winners received a commemorative bronze medallion and a $12,500 cash prize. Blount’s award was presented by The Honorable William Webb, a member of the UNC Board of Governors during FSU’s 151st Spring Commencement on May 12 at the Crown Coliseum. Blount earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medical Technology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University, and a Doctorate in Sociology from The University of Akron/Kent State University.
Dr. Paul Boaheng, an Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Government and History, was named FSU Teacher of the Year. Boaheng has won several awards, including FSU Global Understanding Travel Award; Teacher of the Year, College of Arts and Sciences (2015-2016); 2017 Outstanding Online Course Design Award for PHIL 110, and Service Award for the Department of Government and History (2017-2018,). His research interests are Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, and Philosophy of Religion. He earned his doctorate from University of Alberta, Canada, the master’s from Simon Fraser University, Canada, the Master of Philosophy from Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana. His educational philosophy centers on the belief that all students can learn and have the right to a high-quality education that is specific to their needs and provides a unique purposeful experience.
Her professional affiliations have included membership in the American Sociological Association, Midwest Sociological Association, North Central Sociological Association and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. She is the daughter of Dr. Morris Blount, a longtime FSU employee and retired chair of the Department of Math and Computer Science.
27
FSU Pre-Law and Legal Writing Students Attend Supreme Court Session
F
ayetteville State University Pre-Law and Legal Writing students made a visit to the North Carolina Supreme Court. The students had the opportunity to meet Fayetteville resident Justice Cheri Beasley and other Supreme Court Justices.
receive a sound basic education as guaranteed by the North Carolina Constitution and affirmed by the North Carolina Supreme Court is being violated. The case was extensively discussed in their students’ Legal Writing Class.
Patricia Bradley, Title IX Coordinator at FSU, teaches the Legal Writing Class and accompanied the students. The case they went to hear was Silver v. Halifax County and involve the county’s commissioners. It alleges inequitable and inefficient allocation of resources to three racially segregated and low-performing school districts in Halifax County. The allegation is that based upon such inequity, the right of students to
On April 19, the Pre-Law Society held its 4th Annual Gala in the Chancellor’s Dining Room. Guest speaker was District Court Judge Stephen Stokes. Stokes is a judge of the 12th Judicial District in North Carolina.
28
FSU Students Place Second at
In today’s digital world, business intelligence or data analytics has become a powerful tool for various business analytical applications with the enormous amount of available data. Every moment, around the world, in various ways, by various resources, the data is being collected and mined from online activities, digital responses, smart phones, mobile apps, social medias, websites, market research, scientific research, photographs, videos etc. The huge data centers and cloud data storage having petabytes or exabytes or yottabytes
of data has been setup by various organizations like Amazon, Google, Facebook etc. for various analytical needs and predictions. To utilize the power of data, companies like Netflix, Zillow etc. have paid million of dollars as prize money for refined prediction algorithms to be created through competition. In September 2017, Amazon invited a response to its Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for future site selection for its Head Quarter2 (HQ2). Amazon
29
MBA@FayState students Ankur Bagda (on the left) and Tiffani Crosby on the right have presented their research project in Business Analytics at SEDSI ...
30
[
]
Best Online MBA Program Ranked #1 by The Best Masters Degree
mentioned that for this new site for HQ2 it would be investing $5 billion and hiring 50,000 full time highpaying jobs. Since then, the prediction game has been in big news; with various articles and predictions in media for various cities including an artificial intelligence system developed by Wells Fargo Securities. Similarly, two Fayetteville State University (FSU) MBA students – Ankur Bagda and Tiffany Crosby – from College of Business and Economics (CBE) submitted a paper at SEDSI (Southeast Decision Sciences Institute) in December 2017, based on combined advance data mining and AHP techniques to predict the future Amazon HQ2 location. This paper attracted significant attention throughout the two-day, 48th annual conference of SEDSI at Wilmington, NC and won the second-place award as part of SEDSI’s 2018 graduate student paper competition in February 2018. CBE has answered the industry demand for graduates that have the management savvy to effectively leverage “Big Data” with their new MBA concentration and Graduate Certificate programs in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. This program is one of a handful of AACSB-accredited programs nationwide. It was designed while considering the latest analytical technologies, industry feedbacks and practicality of use having SAS Certifications, Google Analytics Certifications, Business Strategy Simulations, Capstone projects etc. FSU is also building a new state-of-the-art data analytics lab with funds awarded through a recent Title VII grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.
31
32
The 2018 Edition of the BRONCOS SPORTS AWARDS Celebrates Fayetteville State Student-Athletes The Fayetteville State University Department of Athletics commemorated the 2017-18 athletic and academic year with the annual Broncos Sports Awards (BSA) ceremony held Wednesday, April 25th at the Rudolph R. Jones Student Center. Team award recipients and over 150 student-athletes were recognized for academic excellence across all 10 varsity sports and cheerleading at the awards ceremony Junior golfer Isaiah Shaw (Altamonte Springs, Fla.) and sophomore bowler Savannah Starling (Fayetteville, N.C.) received the top awards as the Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, respectively. Shaw was also honored as the golf program’s Most Valuable Golfer award and recently captured the CIAA Golf Championship Low Medalist Award with the best two-round performance of the 40-golfer field. He was named a two-time All-CIAA and championship All-Tournament performer. He finished second in last year’s championship rounds. During regular-season rounds, Isaiah Shaw played his way onto the Northern & Southern Division AllTournament Teams. Savannah Starling also has a mantel full of awards. The 2018 CIAA Bowler of the Year was also an All-CIAA and All-Tournament Team performer. The CIAA Bowler of the Month for January shared the program’s MVP award with teammate Brittany Worthy.
Junior Golfer Isaiah Shaw (L), Sophomore Bowler Savannah Starling (R) 33
Fayetteville State’s Kappa Chapter for the National College Athlete Honor Society -- Chi Alpha Sigma – had 13 inductees who met the criteria of a 3.4 GPA or higher in their junior year of eligibility. The 2018 Fayetteville State Chi Alpha Sigma inductees were: Chinwendu Maduegbunam (Women’s Basketball); Devondra Bazemore (Bowling); Ashlee Gaskins (Cheerleading); Brittany Lee (Softball); Ayanna Dawson (Cheerleading); Brandon Harvey (Football); Devin Knudsen (Football); Jordan McGrigg (Football); Tristan Walker (Football); Sarah Mastin (Women’s Cross Country); Collin Nordan (Men’s Cross Country); Avery Shaw (Volleyball); and Joshua Smith (Men’s Basketball). The society’s motto is “Excellence in Academics and Athletics.” Its watchwords are “Athletics, Academics Achievement, and Attitude.” The mission of the NCAHS is to bring honor and recognition to deserving studentathletes, their families, teams, athletic departments and colleges in much the same way as Phi Beta Kappa honors scholastics. The FSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s (SAAC) President Ashlee Gaskins and Vice President Tony Credle, Jr. served as the masters of ceremony. Below is a list of the evening’s award winners, broken down by sport:
Top Awards Male Student-Athlete of the Year: Isaiah Shaw (Golf) Female Student-Athlete of the Year: Savannah Starling (Bowling) Sports Medicine
Football: Devin Knudsen Women’s Basketball: Chinwendu Maduegbunam Men’s Basketball: William Tibbs Cheerleading Individual Awards Most Spirited: Michael Wilkes Most Dedicated: Johnetta Godwin Best All-Around: Ashlee Gaskins Coach’s Award: Amari Black Volleyball Individual Awards Most Valuable Player: Arlicia Ortiz Most Improved: Bojo Jada Most Outstanding Newcomer: Avery Shaw Coach’s Award: Charli Daniels Golf Individual Awards Most Valuable Player: Isaiah Shaw Most Outstanding Rookie: Joshua Smith Coach’s Award: Adam Capps Most Improved Player: Corey Bissen Tennis Individual Awards Most Valuable Player: Brittany Doss
Male Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year: Courtney Best (Women’s Basketball)
Most Outstanding Rookie: Kayla Williams
Female Comeback Student-Athlete of the Year: Javen McNeill
Coach’s Award: Amber Gladden
Academic Excellence Awards – Highest Individual GPA Cheerleading: Amari Black Softball: Brittany Lee Volleyball: Brandye Cropper Golf: Adam Capps Tennis: Brittany Doss Bowling: Savannah Starling Men’s Cross Country: Collin Nordan Women’s Cross Country: Sarah Mastin 34
Most Improved Player: Zyaja Mattocks Bowling Individual Awards Most Valuable Player: Savannah Starling &Brittany Worthy Most Outstanding Player: Devondra Bazemore Coach’s Award: Leslie Paige Brayboy & Veronica Santiago-Colon Women’s Cross-Country Individual Awards Most Valuable Female Runner: Aleena Cruz Most Improved Runner: Destiny Stevons Coach’s Award: Carisha Leonard
Cross Country Individual Awards Most Valuable Male Runner: Richard Prudente-Bernal Most Improved Player: Jaylaan Poe Coach’s Award: Collin Nordan Football Individual Awards Most Valuable Player-Special Teams: David Lamb Most Valuable Player-Offense: Stevie Green Most Valuable Player-Defense: Seth Johnson Most Outstanding Rookie: Brandon Smith Women’s Basketball Awards Most Valuable Player: Shantel Bennett Most Outstanding Rookie: Michelle Gainey Most Improved Player: Yakima Clifton Coach’s Award: Breona Jones Men’s Basketball Awards Most Valuable Player: Willie Gilmore Most Outstanding Defense: Joshua Smith Most Improved Player: Xavier Williams Coach’s Award: Javen McNeil Softball Awards Most Valuable Player: Maggie Smith Most Outstanding Rookie: Madison Mendoza Coach’s Award: HaLee Knowles SAAC Special Awards Freshman Athlete of the Year: Aleena Cruz-Coleman Newcomer Athlete of the Year: Elvin De La Rosa Humanitarian Award: Women’s Basketball SAAC Outstanding Leadership Award: Ashlee Gaskins Highest Student GPA Award: Chinwendu Maduegbunam Highest Team GPA Award: Women’s Tennis
35
Fayetteville State University NCAA Report On November 14, 2017, Fayetteville State University received the NCAA Division II Committee on Infractions decision resulting from the University’s selfreporting, to the NCAA, allegations pertaining to its women’s basketball program and former women’s basketball coach. The Committee on Infractions found that the former head women’s basketball coach recruited 2 transfer student-athletes who were academically ineligible to compete, practice and receive financial aid. She was also found to have knowingly arranged impermissible tuition payments by a booster for both student-athletes and to have acted unethically when she provided false or misleading information to the University when questioned about these payments. The former intramurals director, who was the husband of the former women’s basketball coach, was found to have engaged in unethical conduct when he permitted a booster to pay University expenses incurred by the 2-ineligible student-athletes. The University was found to have failed to monitor its women’s basketball program when it did not provide adequate rules education for boosters, and when it did not monitor aspects of the women's basketball program. The Committee on Infractions imposed the following penalties: 36
• Public reprimand and censure for the university. • Two years of probation from Nov. 14, 2017, through Nov. 13, 2019. • A $2,500 fine. • Disassociation of the booster during the probationary period. • A three-year show cause period for the former women’s basketball head coach, from Nov. 14, 2017, through Nov. 13, 2020. During that period, any NCAA member school employing her must show cause why she should not have restrictions on athletically related activity. •A two-year show cause period for the former director of intramural athletics from Nov. 14, 2017, through Nov. 13, 2019. During that period, any NCAA member school employing him must show cause why he should not have restrictions on athletically related activity. • A vacation of all records in which ineligible student-athletes competed. The NCAA released a Public Infractions Report on November 14, 2017. The report is available at http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ fayetteville-state-failed-monitor-its-athletics-program The University accepts the findings and the penalties issued by the NCAA and plans to move forward and work to provide an atmosphere of compliance with all NCAA regulations and bylaws.
FSU Crowns New Student Royalty
A
yanna Taylor, a junior healthcare administration major from Charlotte, N.C., was crowned Miss FSU during the 27th Miss FSU Pageant on April 28. Glenwood Avery, a junior criminal justice major from New Bern, N.C., was selected Mr. FSU at the 16th Mr. FSU Competition. In addition to Miss FSU honors, Taylor won the Olivia Chavis Evening Gown Award, the Maceo SmithEldridge McMillan Talent Award, and the Jeff Womble Interview Award. The theme of the competition was “Mr. and Miss FSU Pageant – Season 18” and paid homage to some of the most popular sitcoms from the 1990s to include “Martin,” “Living Single,” “Family Matters,” “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and others. Taylor was crowned by outgoing Miss FSU Alexis McNeal, and Avery was crowned by Mr. FSU 2017-18 Ransford Belamy.
First runner-up for Miss FSU was Erykah BriggsWhite, a junior healthcare administration major from Greensboro. Second runner-up honors went to Neysa Wellington, a junior visual arts major from Goldsboro, N.C. Shelton Davis, a sophomore from Greensboro was named first runner-up to Mr. FSU. Davis is a biology major. Tristan Yanez, a freshman pre-nursing major from Miami, Florida was selected second runner-up. Yanez also won the Most Supportive Award which goes to the contestant who was most helpful to the others during the competition. The award is voted on by the contestants. Other contestants included Monique Edwards, a senior biology major from Washington, D.C., and Tanisha Lipford, a senior business major from Hickory, N.C.
37
FSU BioChem Students Receive Prestigious Summer Internships Each summer, undergraduate students across the country studying biology and chemistry apply and compete for research internships where they can learn more about the field of BioChem and can get experience in hands-on laboratory research. This summer, several students from Fayetteville State have been accepted to prestigious internships and will head out this summer to represent FSU. This summer, FSU students Don Eaford, Leslie Charles, Shamar Wallace, and Rashad Baker will all be attending summer research internships while Marissa Baccas will be attending Cornell University as a doctoral student. Fayetteville State University Professor of Biochemistry, Dr. Subir Nagdas, has been teaching at FSU since 2005. He selects students from each class to participate in his research laboratory. Nagdas forms a tight bond with his students and becomes more than just their professor, but also becomes their family and mentor. Nagdas takes the role of academic advisor seriously and works closely with each student that becomes a part of his lab. Any given year, he has around 7-8 students participating in his lab research. Nagdas works with biochemistry and biology students to help prepare them for their next step after graduating from FSU. Often, Biochem and biology students go on to graduate school. Nagdas has made it his priority and passion to mentor his students and prepare them to be successful in their next step. He has stressed that the importance of getting experience through a summer research internship and how critical it is for future graduate school opportunities. This year, four of Nagdas’ students have obtained prestigious summer internships, and one of his students has been accepted to Cornell University Graduate School Dr. Nagdas could not be prouder. “I get very close to these students. I treat the students who come to my lab as family members,” Nagdas said. “I encourage students to go to intense schools for the summer – they need to see the world outside of Fayetteville, so they can prepare themselves for the next level of education.”
Don Eaford
Leslie Charles
Shamar Wallace
Rashad Baker
Summer research internships are approximately two and a half months long and serve the purpose for students to do research under professors at different universities. They have mentors and, at the end Marissa Baccas
38
of the summer, they must present their results at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. The internships provide room and board for the students as well as a stipend. The process for obtaining a research internship starts early. Summer Internships are not required for their degree at FSU, but Nagdas encourages each of his students to obtain research experience because of its importance in getting to the next level. Each November, he encourages his students to begin applying to programs and encourages them to apply to at least 20 summer schools. Don Eaford Jr., a junior, will be spending his summer research internship at Harvard University Medical School. His future goal is to get a PhD in Biochemistry and implement it towards Cardiovascular Research. “My experience here at FSU has helped to develop me into a better student, and with the addition to joining Dr. Nagdas’ Lab during my sophomore year; his encouragement guided me to become more prepared for graduate school,” Eaford said.” The numerous opportunities and help that I have received, is what most would call a very prestigious opportunity. I am very grateful to have met such a successful group of people.” Leslie Charles, a Junior, will be at Harvard Medical School as well. She will participate in the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program. Her future plans include to one day obtain an MD/Ph.D. degree in reproductive sciences and conduct biomedical research in this field to expand the scientific body of knowledge about the pathophysiology of human reproduction. “My experience working with Dr. Nagdas has been transformative, valuable, and constructive. I consider myself fortunate to have a mentor that motivates me to invest in myself and to give 100% to everything that I do. I have always wanted to do
research, but it was difficult to find someone who was willing to provide advice and to help navigate the trials of starting a career in science,” Charles said. “Since joining the lab and interacting with the other lab members, my experience has been nothing short of fulfilling. Constantly learning new things and pursuing this track of research has proven to be exciting and greatly rewarding.” Shamar Wallace, a junior, will participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Biochemistry REU at Texas A&M University this summer. He hopes to attend graduate school to earn a doctoral degree in chemistry or biochemistry after he graduates. He would eventually like to focus on research that is centered on gaining more information about diseases that are prevalent in minority populations in the United States. “Working with Dr. Nagdas has been a unique and beneficial experience. Before working with him, I was unsure if research, especially biochemistry research, was something that I would enjoy. Since I began working with him and the other lab members, I have learned more about different techniques, how effective research is done, and how biochemistry research, such as ours, can provide more insights in to human health issues such as infertility. In addition, I have learned more about myself and the necessary traits that will lead to success in future career fields,” Wallace said. Rashad Baker, a senior, will be doing a research project at the Syracuse University. Other students in Nagdas’ lab are still waiting to hear back from summer programs they have applied to. In addition to their summer opportunities, each of these students are part of Nagdas lab/research programs at FSU. They each choose a program and do individual research. They come up with the plan and do the research and experiments.
39
Eventually they will publish and present their findings. Each student receives a stipend through different programs. “I want to see who is highly devoted to research. I don’t expect them to know everything. I will teach them,” Nagdas said. “They have to learn a lot, so that they can compete when they leave the school. My main goal is to teach them and make them globally competitive.” One of Nagdas’ senior students, Marissa Baccas attended Cornell University in 2017 for a summer research project. This fall she will attend Cornell as a PhD student in Biochemistry. She hopes to enter academia and serve as a professor, researcher, and mentor to students at the undergraduate level -- specifically underrepresented minority students in their pursuit of higher education and professional development. “Working with Dr. Nagdas has been really rewarding. Over the past three years he has pushed me to maximize my potential and to take advantage of all the resources available to me here at FSU,” Baccas said. “Dr. Nagdas can also be strict. He is straightforward and fair and will tell me when I am underperforming academically or in the lab, or if there are other problems with my behavior. All these qualities make him a great mentor and I appreciate all the hard work he has put into mentoring me.” “When she (Baccas) went to Cornell they were pleased with her work. Her advisor there asked her to apply for the PhD program and she was accepted,” Nagdas said. “When they know you, and the time comes to apply to the school, they talk about you; that is important. It’s not easy to get into that type of school. It is a huge competition, so I always tell my students, and they listen – it won’t benefit me, it benefits them.” Nagdas’ hope is that when his students leave FSU to further their education or to represent FSU in the STEM profession is that they are ready and prepared. “When they leave Fayetteville State, the main thing is that they should be extremely competitive and can compete with all the research intense schools,” Nagdas said. “They will enter in their program of interest and become a highly professionally successful person.”
40
join us for Bronco Homecoming
2 18 ™
October 27, 2018 10:00 a.m. Homecoming Parade
Rowan St to Murchison Rd to Langdon St
2:00 p.m. Homecoming Game
Broncos Untamed!
FSU vs. Livingstone
Luther “Nick” Jeralds Stadium Murchison and Langdon Streets
For Further Information or to Check Events and Activities
www.uncfsu.edu/ia/marketing/homecoming 41
Fayetteville State U U.S. Air Force 19t 13-year vet continues service at base with world’s largest combat aircraft fleet Little Rock, Ark. (June 25, 2018) - Effective June 25, Air Force Maj. Darris Johnson will take command of the U.S. Air Force 19th Communications Squadron in Little Rock, Arkansas. Maj. Johnson is a native of Fayetteville and attended E.E. Smith High, then later Terry Sanford High where he graduated in 2000. He then went on to attend Fayetteville State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2005. He was commissioned through the university’s Air Force ROTC Program. “I’m humbled and excited to be selected as the 19th Communication Squadron Commander,” said Maj. Johnson. “Through a T.E.A.M. philosophy of leveraging our Talents, serving with Excellence, Advancing our technology through innovation, and remaining Missionfocused, our unit will be able to provide the capabilities necessary to ensure mission success at Little Rock Air Force Base.” In his new role, Maj. Johnson will lead a team of 100 Airmen who serve as the central hub for ensuring a secure and accessible computer network on base. They send security updates, patches and install new software while also providing essential customer support. “The Mission Support Group is excited for Major Darris Johnson and his family to join the team,” said Col. Jennifer Allee, the 19th Mission Support Group commander. “As the 19th Communication Squadron Commander, 42
University alum takes command of th Communications Squadron he will be a vital link to generating combat airlift here at Little Rock Air Force Base. He is joining a team of professionals that support the entire installation for supply, engineering, human resources, contracting, communications and security forces.”
Rock AFB home. While the mission of Team Little Rock has changed over the years, the community partnerships have remained strong.
The communications squadron falls under the Mission Support Group and is part of the 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command), which provides the Department of Defense mission ready Airmen and supports the largest combat aircraft (C-130) fleet in the world. The wing’s responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas, as well as supporting base partners as the host unit.
The 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command) is the host wing and provides the Department of Defense mission ready Airmen and supports the largest C-130 fleet in the world. As part of AMC’s Global Reach capability, the wing’s responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas as well as supporting base partners as the host unit.
About 19th Airlift Wing
Maj. Johnson has received the following major awards and decorations over his 13 years of service:
• Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
• Joint Service Commendation Medal with “C” device
• Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal
He is married to Tia and together they have a son, Jayden. About Little Rock AFB The local community purchased 6,103 acres, then donated them to the Air Force in 1952. Construction of the base began in November 1953 and Little Rock Air Force Base opened its gates Oct. 9, 1955. Its missions have been diverse over the years: Bombers, reconnaissance, missiles and cargo have all called Little 43
An Interview with
Fayetteville State University’s
“Miss Alumni” By Dr. Shanessa Fenner
Miss Alumni: RaGeeni Coleman Occupation: Catering Sales Manager for Spectra Food Services and Hospitality at the Crown Complex Dates attended: 2001-2004; 2010-2012 Major: Sociology Favorite quote: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Why did you choose FSU? I initially began studying at Miles College, an HBCU in Birmingham, Alabama. I moved to Fayetteville with my father who was stationed at Fort Bragg and decided to attend FSU because it was local and had an awesome cheer squad. Thoughts on being Miss Alumni: I am honored to be able to represent FSU as the FSUNAA Queen. It allows me to support my Alma mater and our current and future Broncos through the funds raised during my campaign. It’s also a way to support my favorite Bronco, my brother Alex Harris, by adding to his college experience. This allows him to see my work and hopefully he will continue to support FSU after he graduates. Being Miss Alumni is also a way to share my college experience and let others know how important their financial support is. Beginning my college career at 18 years old and finishing as a 31year old mother of a kindergartener wasn’t easy at all, but the support from FSU, my coach Dr. LaWanda Miller, and the ladies of Cheer Phi Smoov Alumni Chapter helped me get through. Ultimately, our founders had a vision and their vision was to provide an opportunity for African Americans to become educated and successful contributors to our community. Being Miss Alumni is proof that the belief our founders had in their vision of what is now FSU is alive today in many Bronco alumni and proud supporters. I represent that belief. 44
The Blue & White ALUMNI
Greetings Fellow Broncos!
What a great time it is to be a proud graduate of Fayetteville State University! Every day Broncos from coast to coast are showing the world what it means to live our deeds over our words. As we enter the university’s 151st year, I am enthusiastically looking forward to the many strides our graduates will make in advancing the name, and mission of our beloved alma mater. In just the past few months, our alumni have received exciting news, and accolades. From assuming command of one of the US Air Force’s communications squadrons, to being named international president of one of the nation’s most prestigious service organizations for women of color, Broncos are leading the way. Our alumni have stepped up to represent FSU in their communities by talking, walking, running, and living the message of “Res
Non Verba.” The university loves spreading the word of our alumni and their accomplishments, so please keep us informed. We can’t say enough about our graduates, and their tremendous, never wavering support for FSU. Your efforts have helped us increase enrollment, and recruit students from a broader geographic base. In just the next few months, as we welcome the class of 2022 to our beautiful campus, we will also culminate our Sesquicentennial celebration. That celebration would not be complete without a salute to you, our alumni, for supporting the Campaign for FSU by donating over a half-million dollars to the university. Your support, your achievements, your commitment to the continued success of our alma mater will ensure that Fayetteville State University continues to serve this community, and the world for another 150 years to come. In Bronco Love & Blessings,
YaKima S. Rhinehart `96 Senior Director of Alumni Affairs
Greetings From the National Alumni Association President Let me publicly thank Reverend Raymond Privott for his stellar leadership during his remarkable tenure as president of the association. I am honored to have gained your vote of confidence! My commitment to you is to serve you, the university, and the community in a positive, respectful, and professional manner as you have been accustomed to with previous presidents. To the 23,000 plus alumni, I reach out to you and thank you so much for your commitment and dedication over the years for your financial support and personal time you devote to ensuring our association make a difference. My challenge to you is for you to become financial and join a chapter and the association NOW! Please help your association grow our membership, help your
association grow our finances for more scholarships and help your association have the necessary presence on and off campus and in your communities globally. If you do your part while I am around, I will do the same and not let you down. I can be reached at 704.622.0040 or e-mail me at rdkingx@aol.com. “Proud to Be” Richard D. Kingsberry `78, President Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association 45
Former Miss FSUs establish endowment to prevent students from dropping out of college due to lack of money.
Former Miss FSU Queens
Queens’ Legacy Tea - 10/22/2017
A new scholarship endowment is being established by Fayetteville State University alumnae who served as Miss FSU. The DREAM Endowment had its symbolic launch on at the Miss Fayetteville State University Alumnae Queens’ Legacy Tea. The event was held at the university’s student center. More than 80 people attended, among them 11 former Miss FSU’s. About $7,000 has been raised so far, said organizer Jasmine Bogan, who was Miss FSU 20152016. In addition to building an endowment fund, she hopes to help as many as five students this year with $1,000 scholarships. Fayetteville State gave Bogan great support when she was a student, Bogan said. “So I felt like doing this will help give back to Fayetteville State for what they have done for me.”
their last year.” Keynote speaker Kaity McNeill, the 2005-2006 Miss FSU, also made that point. “All these people put all of this time into me for a year,” she said. “For me to just have a portrait and a picture in a book and some special memories for myself, if that’s all that’s it about, then I have to ask myself: ’Am I really relevant?” The DREAM Endowment will provide financial need-based scholarships to juniors and seniors, Bogan said.
Mr. Robert Anderson `18
It’s for students enrolled in the science, technology, engineering, math program, she said, or and for those in the performing and fine arts program.
Mr. Jermaine Mitchell `15
Some students can’t finish college because they don’t have enough Donations can be made by calling money to pay for it, Bogan said, the university at 910-672-1661, so when she was thinking of by visiting going to www.uncfsu. organizing a legacy event for edu/ia/development, or by texting former Miss FSUs, she thought, “FSU” to 41444. “Why not raise a fund to help give back to the school, to students Reprinted from the Fayetteville Observer who need money to finish school? Because some people have to drop out when they’re almost through
46
Fallen Broncos
Mr. Ronnie Battle `74 Ms. Margaret Lee `62 Dr. Andrakeia Shipman `05
“God, ‘Why do you have me here?’,”
47
The Road to Broadway By Misty McMillan
He was driving down a Pennsylvania highway one day when he heard the siren that would change his life forever. As he pulled over, he realized he was surrounded by cops. He was quickly arrested and landed in jail for 24 days. Extradited to three different states, witness to gangs, murders and stabbings, this husband and father of two thought he was being set up. In some ways he was — by an identity thief and by God. “When the Lord has a purpose for you He has to put you through the fire, so you can come out shiny gold,” said Brian Mayers, surplus inventory coordinator and alumnus of Fayetteville State University. “I was thrown into a cell of 60 men. Murderers, rapists, everybody. I saw a guy get stabbed in the eye with a pencil all because he was in the wrong gang,” Mayers said. “I just couldn’t believe it. I was shell shocked.” Growing up in New Jersey and traveling to New York, Mayers wasn’t unfamiliar with crime and troubled people. They were all around — even at home. His father drank for 45 years and ruled the home with an iron hand. According to Mayers, he was a good provider, but not a good communicator. “He never told me he loved me,” Mayers said. His mother brought balance to the household. She was his moral compass. At a young age she told him to “love people, respect them, and be kind.” “My mom always told me not to fight but because of bullying I got into martial arts,” Mayers said. “And that became my love for a long time.” As a black belt, Mayers made a career of martial arts. He was ranked number two in New Jersey as a kickboxer and a five-time city champion. He traveled for tournaments under contract with Madison Square Garden and fought competitors like Taimak from The Last Dragon.
48 48
After years on the martial arts scene it was as if overnight he was finished and wanted to get into acting. Mayers credits martial arts for building his confidence and helping him with the transition. “I caught the bug, as they say, and I haven’t let go of that bug,” he said. Finding this new love, Mayers started writing and acting. He also joined a traveling children’s show with the Negro Ensemble where he made costumes and wrote scripts. Then the flashing light in his rearview mirror, for speeding, changed everything. After the longest 24 days of his life, Mayers was exonerated of all charges. At this point though his name had been slandered in the news — he lost a lot. “I asked God, ‘Why do you have me here?’,” Mayers said. “But through the process I came to the conclusion, ‘God, what do you want me to do, to do your will?”
“Writing is my pulpit.” Mayers said. Three years later Mayers finished his play, The Cycle, a one-man play which he first performed on the FSU campus in Butler Theater. The play was inspired by his life and experience in jail. Mayers has traveled around the country to detention centers where he teaches young men, ages 12-18, that there is hope after jail. After mistakes. “I will never stop doing this,” he said. “After the play, I have open dialogue and I’ve seen these guys cry, ask questions, even take off their gang colors. That’s huge. I share scripture with them and tell them about Jesus Christ. If I can reach one of them, it’s worth it. They shouldn’t have to pay a lifetime for one mistake they made.” Mayers paid for mistakes he didn’t make. But through that experience he has changed the lives of hundreds around the country. —
Through forgiveness and his desire to continue acting and writing, Mayers enrolled in college and eventually found his fresh start in North Carolina.
His wife, Toni Henderson-Mayers encouraged him to submit his play to the United Solo Theater Festival where it was chosen to be produced on Broadway.
Little did he know God wanted to use this fresh start as a way to reach young men in detention centers.
On October 28, Mayers will travel to New York City to perform The Cycle at Theater Row on 42nd Street. The play tells the story of three generations of men, their struggles and how the cycle can be broken. Tickets can be purchased on his website www.brianmayers. org. His book of the same name is available at the FSU bookstore. Plans are in the works for a book signing this fall.
“At first I told God, ‘No, I’m not going!’,” he said. “Then He told me, ‘It’s not even about you. It’s about who I want you to serve.’” Mayers accepted the call. His compassion that his mother taught him early on kicked in.
49 49
Alum Assumes Command of Fort Drum Army Battalion
Lt. Col. Ronald Stewart has taken over as Commander of the 10th Headquarters Special Troops Battalion in Fort Drum, New York. He assumed his new duties during a change of command ceremony on July 2. A native of Washington DC, he was commissioned a Finance Officer (Branch Detailed Infantry) from the Campbell University ROTC program in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from FSU and a Master’s Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. Lt. Col. Stewart’s military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle Leaders Course, Airborne School, Finance Officer Branch Qualification Course; Finance Officer Advance Course, Deployed Resource Managers Course and Immediate Level Education. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal(3OLC), Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon. Lt. Col. Stewart, a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through FSU’s Delta Gamma Chapter, is married to the former Jowanna Maxwell from St. Pauls, North Carolina. They have a son (Caleb). He is one year old.
50
W E I V E R P Regi s ter Today! L L FA uncfsu.edu/fal preview
018 2 , 2 2 r e b m e t p Se pm 8:30 am - 1:00
IORS N E S & S R O I N JU HIGH SCHOOL NTS E D U T S R E F S AND TRAN
Food, fun, and football to follow. Complimentary ticket to registered students!
Register Today!
Come here. Go Far. The Fayettevil e State University Promise.
uncfsu.edu/fallpreview
Come here. Go Far. The Fayetteville State University Promise.
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Fayetteville, NC Permit No. 247
1200 Murchison Road Fayetteville, NC 28301 www.uncfsu.edu
Performing and Fine Art Series
Save the Date
Free and Open to the Public
8/21/18 – 9/22/18 Opening reception on 9/7/18 from 6:00pm
Deborah Willis - Call it Black: Photography from 1930’s-present