Creed is a knockout
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Tiller Takeover
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Urban League
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Vol. 63, Issue 7
NSU Helps
Page 8
1.22.16
Probation lifted, Norfolk State maintains full accreditation with SACSCOC
Vice President Joe Biden and Norfolk State University President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. talk about the cyber security workforce training program on Jan. 16, 2015. Photo from Norfolk State University.
BOV finalizes twoyear contract with President Moore The Norfolk State University Board of Visitors
finalized a two-year contract with Eddie N. Moore Jr. to
by Danielle Kirsh Norfolk State University’s probation was finally lifted on Tuesday, Dec. 8, by NSU’s accrediting agency the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. was informed shortly after noon and spoke to the Spartan Echo immediately afterward. “We are off of probation,” Moore told the Echo in a phone interview.
“I feel very good. I wanted you to know,” Moore told the Echo. “I called you first.” “I’m particularly grateful for the students who stayed with us,” Moore said. Moore also thanked students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of Norfolk State for their support. “We were able to accomplish what we set out to do,” Moore said. “We’re really excited.” Moore expects that the lifting of the probation
will help increase enrollment at Norfolk State. The SACSCOC Special Committee visited Norfolk State University Oct. 13-15. The committee confirmed the contents of the university’s Second Monitoring Report that was submitted to SACSCOC in September. “They did provide a report to us as requested,” said SACSCOC President
make him the president of the 80-year-old public institution. The contract went into effect on Jan. 10. Moore is the institution’s 6th president and has said one of his first tasks as permanent president will be to implement a 100-day plan focused on three key strategic initiatives: enhance institutional accountability,
increase retention of current students and grow the enrollment of new students, and improve the University’s graduation rate. Moore has also initiated a campus-wide strategic planning and brand planning effort that will define the University’s future direction, and expand its promotional efforts to tell the NSU story effectively.
Last month, the NSU Board of Visitors approved a resolution for BOV Rector Thomas N. Chewning to develop a contract with Moore, who had been interim president since joining the University in September 2013. The contract was finalized earlier this week.
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spartan news
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Probation lifted continued from front Dr. Belle S. Wheelan. The outcome of the Committee’s assessment was that there were no recommendations for Norfolk State University based on their review – the best possible outcome for NSU. After SACSCOC completed their visit in Oct., they reviewed all of the information they received at their annual meeting in Houston on Dec. 8, where they decided the fate of Norfolk State and President Moore heard the news for the first time. NSU was placed on probation for 12 months in Dec. 2014 until they were able to
fix some of the things that were below SACSCOC standards as outlined in their Principles of Accreditation. Some of the 12 things NSU was required to fix included problems with administration, governance and finances. “We expect all of our members to be in compliance with all of our standards at all times,” said Wheelan. Since the probation was lifted, Wheelan said that means all problems have been corrected at Norfolk State University. “It means they are in compliance with all of our
standards and have no cloud hanging over their head,” said Wheelan. SACSCOC first began their investigation in the spring 2013 semester after financial audits were not completed for two consecutive years. Following that news, the Virginia Board of Nursing barred new students from enrolling in the associate degree program at NSU after too many students were failing the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). By fall 2013, the associate degree nursing program was discontinued. In Aug. 2013, NSU’s Board of Visitors voted to fire President Tony Atwater and
bring in Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. who was previously president of Virginia State University and had an extensive background in finance management with the Commonwealth of Virginia. By the end of 2013, SACSCOC held their annual meeting where they decided to give NSU a warning, stating that if they didn’t fix the outlined problems they would be placed on probation. With the lifting of the probation, SACSCOC says NSU is in compliance with all of the accreditation standards and will not face more investigation because of past problems.
“They will not be reviewed until their regular schedule for review occurs,” Wheelan said of NSU. “Their next review will not be any more rigorous because of past issues.” Norfolk State has been fully and continuously accredited since it first became eligible for accreditation in 1969. “Today’s news ensures that Norfolk State will continue toward improvement, growth and a culture of assessment,” said Moore. “Norfolk State University has emerged a much stronger institution; an institution well-positioned for a brighter future.”
NATO conference offers rewarding experience for NSU journalists
Supreme Allied Command Transformation Gen. Denis Mercier speaking with journalists following NATO’s COTC15 opening panel discussions. Photo by Tykhari Coles. by Mahogany Waldon On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) invited journalists from Norfolk State University’s Spartan Echo to its “Chief of Trans-
formation Conference” at Norfolk’s Waterside Marriott. As one of the invited journalists, I was thrilled to represent my university at such an important event and traveled to the event with my fellow Echo colleague Richelle Hammiel. The conference featured representatives from all 28 nations that make up NATO. The student journalists were able to view two panel discussions, had lunch and attended a private press conference with NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation General Dennis Mercier of France. Our knowledge about NATO centered on the fact that the organization is made up of militaries from rich nations that make important decisions every day. We were somewhat famil-
iar with their mission and importance in world affairs. (Note: the Paris terrorist attacks occurred only some days before we attended the conference.) As a result, Richelle and I were nervous because we felt our role in the event would be overlooked and insignificant. We were HBCU student journalists and sure that the many five-star generals and other world leaders in attendance would not be aware of Norfolk State University nor care about us. The large crowd that had gathered in the main lobby was mostly made up of men in military regalia that featured more stars, stripes and badges than we could really comprehend. We also noticed that most of these important looking men were white and looked at us
as if they were wondering “What do these young black women have to offer to this powerful room of gentleman?” There were very few people of color that made up the many military leaders in the room, a shocking insight that gave me the following revelation: “Imagine how powerful the military is, then take a look around this conference; that speaks volumes about who runs the world.” In our own military, just last year, Michelle Howard became the first black woman to hold the four-star rank in America. The statistics give one a lot to ponder. In a private press conference with the host of the conference, Supreme Allied Transformation Commander General Dennis Mercier, students were able to ask the general questions regarding
NATO’s plans and future. After the conference, the NSU Spartan Echo staff was pleased when LCDR Eiffert revealed that the General, as well as other officials from the day, were very pleased with us. All in all, the experience gave me insight into a very powerful, yet unique, organization, an experience I will forever cherish. Finally, the Spartan Echo from Norfolk State University was the first to publish their resulting story online, which NATO has promised to link to on their Allied Command Transformation website. Behold! You can read the story at http://spartanecho. org/2015/12/09/nato-officials-discuss-new-initiatives-during-conference-in-norfolk/.
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spartan news
President Moore continued from front “The Board of Visitors is pleased to announce the appointment of Eddie N. Moore, Jr. as the 6th president of Norfolk State University,” states Chewning. “Eddie is the right leader at the right time for this institution and we are fortunate to have this high caliber of leadership and experience at Norfolk State.” According to Chewning, among Moore’s accomplishments as Interim President was the removal of NSU from probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Moore’s direction and oversight of a
cross-departmental effort to prepare the monitoring report for SACSCOC successfully addressed administrative and procedural matters at the school, which existed prior to his arrival in 2013. “President Moore has set the tone for continuous improvement and accountability at NSU,” Chewning continues. “His previous experience as a member of the board of trustees for the accrediting body proved to be invaluable during this review. He guided us through the accreditation challenges and helped us emerge as a stronger institution.” Before his arrival to NSU, Moore served as president of St. Paul’s College from No-
vember 2011 through June 2012. Previously, Moore served as the president of Virginia State University (VSU) from 1993-2010. Before his tenure at VSU, Moore was treasurer of the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he served on 18 state boards and had oversight authority for more than $20 billion of Virginia’s assets. Moore also served as comptroller at the College of William and Mary. “I am truly honored to serve as President and am appreciative of the opportunity to serve in the best interests of NSU students, the University as a whole, and our community,” said Moore. “Norfolk State is
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“I am truly honored to serve as President and am appreciative of the opportunity to serve in the best interests of NSU,” said President Moore. well-positioned for a brighter future and I look forward to being a part of its great legacy.” Moore has a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA
from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a certified public accountant in Texas and the Commonwealth of Virginia (inactive). President Moore is married to Elisia Moore and has 5 children and 5 grandchildren.
Senator Mark Warner seeks to help college students by Carman Chatman Virginia Senator Mark Warner (D) was among the first generation of his family to go to college and law school. He told the Spartan Echo during an interview on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that he understands the hardships of attending college and said that’s why he’s working to make college more affordable. Warner explained that the average college student today will graduate with $25,000 in debt, or more, and that students nationwide are a total of 1.3 trillion dollars in debt. Many find themselves in colleges and majors that do not best fit them and, as a result, they graduate with a degree with no job to pursue. Consequently, Warner is proposing several acts
in the U.S. Senate with the intentions to help students who have already graduated college and others who are on the way to higher education. Warner told the Spartan Echo that the following acts will increase college affordability. Go to High School, Go to College Act – this increases the access that students with low income have to earn free college credits in high school with the help of a Pell-Grant program. •Student Right to Know Before You Go Act – allows students and parents to be informed of what schools are best for them, including the retention and graduation rates, as well as potential job opportunities based on your major.
•K-12 1⁄2 Act. – will give a free semester of community college for potential students enrolled in a program of study with intentions of receiving apprenticeship or postsecondary certificate. As well as making college more affordable, Warner also hopes to help and prevent student debt for current and future students with these acts. •Dynamic Repayment Act – gives students a way to pursue their dreams after college with income-based repayment programs that help graduates through periods of unemployment or low-income. •Employer Participation in Repayment Act – helps employees repay student loans by giving up to $5,500 pre-tax to their employees’
federal and/or private student loans. Warner hopes that these legislative acts for students will be approved and that the issues they address will receive the support of President Obama’s administration and the attention
of the media. That’s why he reached out to student newspapers at colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Spartan Echo was one of three newspapers to speak with him on these issues.
Warner hopes that these legislative acts for students will be approved and receive the support of President Obama.
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1.22.16
spartan entertainment
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Add these to your “watch list” this spring
Marlon Wayans is presenting a spoof of the film Fity Shades of Black. Photo from Facebook.com/OfficialYL/photos.
by Aegious Perkins Going into the month of February, it is known that the temperatures are going to be some of the coldest of the year. Most students are going to want to grab some Starbucks and stay inside for some Netflix and chill time, so here’s the Spartan Echo’s watch list for the spring semester. Shonda Rhimes continues her reign on ABC. Although she is wrapping up the successful show How to Get Away With Murder, according to ABC she is premiering a show named The Catch
that will be taking its time slot. The show is another drama-with-a-twist and should be a must see for this season.
2016 is proving to be the year of the sequel 2016 is proving to be the year of the sequel: Ice Cube is presenting the third Barbershop. The Divergent Series: Allegiant and Ride
Along 2 are also coming out this semester. Marlon Wayans is presenting a spoof of the film Fifty Shades of Grey titled Fifty Shades of Black. The Wayans are known for re-making serious movies into comical film. Warner Bros. Pictures premiering yet another superhero movie titled “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.” This film is a face-off between the two prominent superheros. There is also a remake of the 90s children’s movie The Jungle Book that will be released this spring.
Rocky spinoff Creed is a real knockout by Mahogany Waldon The highly anticipated Rocky movie spinoff Creed was everything true Rocky fans expected it to be plus more. Director Ryan Coogler delivered with this film and gave viewers an energetic work that makes Creed one of the best films out of the Rocky franchise. Creed, starring Michael B. Jordan as the illegitimate son of Rocky Balboa’s rival turned friend Apollo Creed was released on Nov. 25, 2015. Beginning in a juvenile detention center, young Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) who is a belligerent and defiant youth is united with the wife of his late father. During his time with her, Adonis learns of his father’s legacy and decides to
follow in his footsteps only to find that he has some rather big shoes to fill. Creed features a cameo from the original Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone who
Creed has created a new generation of Rocky fans. is a long way from being the 1976 boxing champ that he once was. In the film, Rocky serves as an unsuspected mentor to Adonis Creed. Throughout the movie, Rocky finds that he has his own battles to face. The film also features actresses Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson.
Creed has an urban feel that is a polar opposite of the other films in the Rocky franchise. From its hip hop theme to the way the film captures the mechanics of street life in L.A. and Philadelphia, Creed has created a new generation of Rocky fans. In an interview with Ebony magazine, Creed director Ryan Coogler said that the inspiration for the film came from his own experience with his father. “My dad introduced me to sports and was often times my coach. He was often harder on me than on the other guys,” Coogler said. This film adds another notch to the young director’s belt, his debut film was the critically acclaimed, Fruitvale Station.
From left, Tony Bellew, Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Creed’ in London, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP).
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Tiller Takeover for 2016 by Jayla Lewis Bryson Tiller, a new contemporary R&B singer and songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky has become an overnight sensation. He coined a new genre of music called “trap soul” which combines slow ballads with up tempo melodies. Tiller has since signed to RCA Records, home to pop sensations such as Miguel and Tinashe. The social media sensation created a buzz with his music and debut album entitled “TrapSoul” which dropped in late 2015. Similar to Vine breakout star: Bobby Shmurda, Tiller has managed to attract attention with tracks being featured in Vine clips and YouTube videos. This has spread to Twitter and other media platforms, showing the pow-
It is safe to say that Bryson Tiller has the potential to take over the music industry and set a new path for his own “Trapsoul” sound. Photo from Facebook.com/BrysonTillerMusic/photos. er of social media in underground artists reaching the global music market. According to goodfella-
music.com “Timberland and Drake co-signs to the success of his hit single “Don’t,” which has nearly
eight million plays on Sound cloud, Tiller is popping up on everyone’s radar.” Also sampling old school
music into another popular song by Tiller entitled “Exchange” where vocals from a 90s group KP and Envyi and their hit song “Shorty swing my way”. Tiller has familiar sounds to popular artists like Drake, The Weeknd, and PartyNextDoor to name a few. He has started going on tours in various cities to further promote his music. Tiller will also headline a show at the Norva in Norfolk, VA on Feb. 19, 2016, which sold out within hours of tickets going on sale. It is safe to say that Bryson Tiller has the potential to take over the music industry and set a new path for his own “Trapsoul” sound. Surely this isn’t the last of Bryson Tiller; let’s see what he has in store for 2016.
It’s not too late to get involved with the SpartanEcho! If you enjoy writing, graphic design or photography, it’s not too late to get involved with the Spartan Echo. The Spartan Echo welcomes any and all majors to join us. Previous journalism experience is not a requirement. Our meetings are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the Student Center, room 344 at 12:30p.m.
Minimum Qualifications for All Positions – must carry 15 or more credit hours during the semester of service (pre-registered at the time of application) – 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher – completed 15 or more hours during the semester of application – 2.0 GPA or higher for the semester of application – time and dedication to perform staff duties – ability to follow instructions and meet deadlines
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Urban League honors community leaders at NSU event
The breakfast, created to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognized and presented awards to those dedicated to community service/volunteerism, education, employment, health and housing. (photo from ulhr.org). The Urban League of Hampton Roads named Mr. James Church, Ms. Sharon Durrette-Hunt, Dr. Ashby Kilgore, Dr. Avi Santo and Mr. Bruce Thompson as its 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leader award
winners. The awardees were honored at the Urban League’s 32nd Martin Luther King Community Leaders’ Breakfast Monday, Jan. 18, at Norfolk State University’s Joseph G. Echols Memorial
Hall. The breakfast, created to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recognized and presented awards to those dedicated to community service/volunteerism, education, employment, health and housing. James Church is the General Manager of Priority Acura. Mr. Church is dedicated and committed to student excellence. He is a mentor in the Male Mentor Group at Coleman Place Elementary School in Norfolk. Further, he supports students throughout the educational process by offering internships and real world opportunities to learn. A former athlete, he directs much of time to utilizing sports to teach young men and women life lessons. Sharon Durrette-Hunt, an
Fathers, stop being afraid of being fathers “A third of children now live without their dad,” says deseretnews.com. Obama, who was raised by a single mother, said in Parade Magazine in 2009 “In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence — both in my life and in the lives of others…I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can
do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.” “Families headed by women are in poverty,” said Dr. Rowena Wilson, Dean of the School of Social Work at Norfolk State University. “23% of women who are heads of the household are jobless or unable to work.” Dr. Wilson encourages children and single par-
Air Force veteran, is the founder and president of Enspyr, a business management consulting company. She has been instrumental in local fund raising events in support of youth, education and the homeless. Seeing a need to do more, she and her family prepare care kits for those without shelter providing food and personal items to restore dignity and hope. While writing her first book, “An Ordinary Opinion”, she served on the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast board of directors, and continues to be a force for change in her community. Dr. Ashby Kilgore is the Superintendent on Newport News Public Schools. She has launched numerous initiatives to enhance academic opportunities for all students. Under her direction, more minority students are now enrolled in gifted education programs, advanced math and science course work, and high school Advanced Placement and honors courses. Her personal passion is evident
1.22.16 as she tackles challenges to ensure quality education is provided to all students. Dr. Avi Santo is the Executive Director of the Institute of the Humanities at Old Dominion University. He has been instrumental in promoting race relations awareness in the community. Dr. Santo conceived of a project that would focus on 100 years of African American creative resistance to stereotypes and misrepresentation in popular media. The project was one that encompassed an evening of music, dialog and the debut of a short film produced by the Old Dominion University film program. Bruce Thompson is the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Key PHR Hotels and Resorts. He has several developments in the Oceanfront area. He was instrumental in building an Oceanfront playground for the disabled and helped organize the annual JT Walk to Defeat ALS, which raised more than $5 million. Started in 1984, the Mar-
An editorial by Sade Moore
ents to seek out counseling groups and reach out to their communities for support. “When a father hasn’t been there, it’s hard for him to make that step,” said Dr. Wilson. “The School of Social Work focuses on embracing the whole family and teaching students to build strong families without being judgmental.” Jasmine West is an example of how broken relationships led to a father-less
family. “Even with him acting very immature [as I tried to] rekindle a relationship, he still doesn’t think he’s wrong in certain areas, so it just gave me the opportunity to just give up,” said Jasmine West, a 24-year-old alumni of NSU. It’s time for fathers to stop being scared of being fathers. It doesn’t matter if you, as a father, didn’t have a father growing up or if you have run into some tough
obstacles in your life; you are taking away the option of having a father from your child. It’s your job to be an active parent, and no excuse is a good excuse.
For more information on this issue, please contact Dr. Wilson at 757-823-8648.
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1.22.16
spartan lifestyle Editorial: 2014-15 NSUAA Alumna of the Year challenges the “Spartan Community” An editorial by Chloe’ Jones, NSU Class of 1973
Chloe’ Jones, NSU Class of 1973 Dear Spartan Echo Editor, After two seemingly long years of praying, waiting and hard work, members of the Norfolk State University community breathed a sigh of relief and sent praises to the Most High when Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. announced that SACSCOC lifted the probation and NSU maintains full accreditation! We salute members of his team who dedicated many hours to make this happen. While it is a major accomplishment and one to celebrate, the challenges are far from over. Many people have made statements via news and so-
cial media about what Norfolk State should do. Well, I have suggestions that are needed and doable for those who are TRULY vested in the future of our university. 1. Accreditation is one thing, credibility is another. Although we haven’t lost credibility, we MUST breathe LIFE into what is being said and demonstrated. Speak up and defend our fine institution when outsiders begin to make negative statements. The bleacher, parking lot, pew and cooler conversations are great platforms to sell the positive aspects of NSU. 2. EVERY SPARTAN, whether you are a student, graduate or supporter, MUST talk with high school seniors who have not made a final decision as to what school they will attend next fall. Share with them how great this HBCU is; convince them that an educational foundation from NSU will take them farther than
they would ever imagine; let them know NSU is a force to be reckoned with. A degree from NSU is PRICELESS! We need to have one of the largest freshman classes in Fall 2016. Then keep this recruiting method going yearly. Then, offer assistance or guidance with the application process and search for scholarships. 3. If you are a member of the Norfolk State University Alumni Association (NSUAA), encourage others to join. The more members, the stronger the voice when we need to be heard. Then share your thoughts, ask your questions through your chapter president or Office of Alumni Relations. 4. If you are not a member of NSUAA, WHY NOT? Show your love and pride by joining the association, either by general membership at $25.00 annually or a local chapter in/near a city where you reside. WE NEED MEMBERS!
5. GIVE! Just think how much more NSU would have for scholarships and other areas if every supporter just in the DMV areas gave $5.00. WOW! No amount is too small (or too big–smile). Your contributions are accepted 24/7, sorely needed and MOST appreciated. 6. Demonstrate your love and pride for NSU publicly during athletic events as we yell ”BEHOLD THE GREEN AND GOLD!” Yet, when the games end and our alma mater is played by our magnificent band, we are hurrying to leave. What message are we sending to outsiders? We must stand and remain still until the song is over. That’s respect and love shown.
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editors
Shareen Nicholson Editor-in-Chief
Mahogany Waldon Managing Editor
Tyeka Bailey News Editor
Meleah Holmes Lifestyle Editor
CAN WE DO IT? YES WE CAN! LETS’ GO, SPARTANS! BEHOLD! Chloe’ E. Jones, 1973, 201415 NSUAA Alumna
Aegious Perkins Entertainment Editor
Want to meet with President Moore?
Wednesday, Jan. 27 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Wednesday, Feb. 10 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331) Friday, Feb. 19 11:30 a.m.-1:00 pm Faculty & Staff Brown Bag Discussions (President’s Dining Room) Wednesday, Feb. 24 2:00-5:00 p.m. Student Office Hours (Student Center room 331)
HOW TO REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT TO MEET WITH THE PRESIDENT
Appointments to meet with President Moore can be requested by completing the APPOINTMENT REQUEST FORM 2015-2016 form (LINK: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BLH9CZY). Identify at least two (2) dates and times at least 48 hours in advance of your preferred date and time. The request will be forwarded to the President’s Office for review and scheduling. Confirmation of the appointment or an alternative date or time for the appointment will be offered within three (3) business days of the request. Meetings are 30-minutes in duration. Meetings will begin and conclude on-time. Individuals arriving late for a scheduled meeting are asked to contact the President’s Office at 757-823-8670 to reschedule at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date and time.
Tyra Whitney
Multimedia Editor
Sarah Jefferson Deputy Graphic Design/Layout Editor
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spartan sports
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NSU helps Amber Brown and her family
by Kievyn Lila Many in the Spartan community are praying and giving their support, emotionally and financially, to fellow Spartan and student-athlete Amber Brown as she continues fighting her battle against diabetes and diabetic-related complications with her health. For those that don’t know, Amber was placed in a medically induced coma and only recently woke up. She was found unconscious in her room due to diabetic complications. During this time, she’s been staying at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where doctors said she’s suffered from three strokes on a major part of her brain, two heart attacks and a blood clot in the top of her head. Despite her condition, the family remains faithful and optimistic, finding different
ways to raise money for her medical fund. While NSU student-athletes are normally covered by insurance for accidental issues, Amber’s treatment will have to be covered by the family’s medical insurance. As a result, members of the Spartan community have stepped forward to help. There is currently a GoFundMe page dedicated to Amber where anyone can donate to her cause, including a Facebook page titled “Supporting Amber.” The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will also be accepting donations for Brown’s family at all remaining NSU home basketball games this month. All donations go toward the Brown family’s expenses and needs for their time spent away from Atlanta, Georgia and by the bedside of Amber.
FILE - In this March 9, 2015, file photo, Norfolk State’s Amber Brown moves the ball against Delaware State during a first round game at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference NCAA college women’s basketball tournament in Norfolk, Va. A week ago, Amber Brown was a junior forward and sometimes starter on the Norfolk State women’s basketball team. Now, she’s laying in a hospital bed fighting for her life. (The’ N. Pham /The Virginian-Pilot via AP, File).
Joe Cook (NSU Class of 2009) is hot…in Alaska
For the past three years, Cook has been in Alaska, where he recently was promoted to the position of Head Sports Director. by Thornton Collier Norfolk State University’s Mass Communications and Journalism Department has been flourishing for many
years getting their students more prepared for the real world. It is easy to tell each student will have their own path and the key to succeeding is to never give up. Joe Cook was an NSU student from 2007-2009 spending most of his time working in the NSU TV production studio, but also serving as the Spartan Echo sports editor. “I graduated from NSU in 2009, but it took me three years to break into the business. During that three-year period, I used the skills I learned from my internships and teachers to freelance. I started a regional sports website, was a color com-
mentator for NSU basketball when they made the NCAA tournament in 2012, and did wedding videos and other projects while working as a part-time production assistant job at WVEC,” Cook said. Cook made it clear that it was not easy, but he stayed persistent in the process and ended up as a sportscaster in Alaska. “My job in Alaska came out of the blue,” Cook said. I received an email in September of 2012 as if I already applied for an open position at KTVF in Fairbanks, Alaska. I was like what? Who?! Alaska?!” Cook said. This was a place with conditions
that might shock almost anyone. “I never thought I’d experience -40 degree temperatures and sunlight at 2 a.m. in the summer, but I can say that now. It’s an adventure,” Cook said.” But I don’t regret my decision as I’ve gained a ton of life experiences and built relationships in and outside of the industry.” For the past three years, Cook has been in Alaska, where he recently was promoted to the position of Head Sports Director. He serves as a one man show that has utilized his skills learned at Norfolk State to shoot, produce, edit, anchor, etc. Joe understood that the
process may take a while. “My advice for people looking to get into sports broadcasting, television, or whatever, is to never give up,” Cooks said.” You have to be patient in the growth process and realize that wherever you start is not where you will finish. Stay confident in yourself and your abilities, but always look for ways to improve.” You can follow Joe Cook on the local KTVF website http://www.webcenter11. com/team-member/joecook or at Joe Cook Sports Facebook fan page https:// www.facebook.com/joecooksports.
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