Volume 68 No. 09

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Vol 68 | Number 09 THE TSU HERALD | January 20th, 2016

SPORTS page 4

SPORTS RUNDOWN

OPINION page 6

#QTNA ABOUT THE BILL COSBY CASE

POLITICS page 7

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

20 QUESTIONS page 8

President Rudley announces resignation, faculty changes resume

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Campus News SGA & UPC in Transition under New Advisor

BY JONATHAN DAVIS Sports Editor because of their knowledge and experience when it comes to a specific organization or organizational affairs.

Every registered campus organization is required to have an on campus advisor. Elvonte A. Patton, employee and two time graduate from Texas Southern University, has assumed the role of advisor for Student Government Association and University Program Council.

He is also currently working on his P.H.D in Educational Leadership.

The role of an advisor is to provide advice to his or her constituents, and guide them in the right direction. An advisor is usually selected

“Texas Southern University is very dear to my heart. It means a great deal to me and my family,” said Advisor Patton. “Having the opportunity to lead two of the most important organizations on this campus is a true honor.

I take pride in advising the Student Government Association and the University Program Council”.

EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LENZI S. CAUSEY sports editor JONATHAN DAVIS campus news writer MAHBUBA MATOVU sports writer MARCUS SMITH staff writer VALERIE MADISON staff writer WILLIE WILLIAMS Publications Manager TIYOSHA TURNER Advisors SERBINO SANDIFER-WALKER MICHAEL BERRYHILL

The TSU Herald is published by the students of Te x a s S o u t h e r n U n i v e r s i t y.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the administration.

The newspaper is p r i n t e d b i w e e k l y, except during holidays and examination periods.

For additional information, call (713) 313-6710.

Patton has taken a different approach to the role of advisor. While most advisors sit back and oversee and provide input when needed, Patton is completely hands on with both organizations.

On the Student Government side, Patton attends the Senate Meeting every Wednesday, Executive Cabinet Meetings and all Student Government Association events. He also makes sure to support our Tigers Sports teams at all home games.

“As the advisor I have a goal of taking each one of these organizations to the next level. For SGA I believe they have a chance to be “great” and leave a personal mark on this institution. From what I

have seen, SGA has some of the brightest students in the world leading the student body. I have faith in them and I am here to make sure they achieve each and every goal they have set for their administration,” Patton said.

On the University Program Council side, he attends all general body meetings and e-board meetings as well as all UPC events.

“UPC has some of the most gifted and talented students I have ever encountered. They are truly self-motivated and strive to have excellent events. My goal for University Program Council is to push them to exceed their production from the fall semester,” Patton said.

Patton has already presented a multitude of ideas to better both of these premier organizations. He feels as though the students will respond more to an advisor who is visible, and is in the proverbial “trenches” with the students he represents. He has even mandated a couple of things on both sides that even though might not be agreed with across the board are better for the overall welfare of both organizations.

“I expect both of these organizations to be excellent in what they do and have the common courtesy to leave Texas Southern University in better shape than when they found it. I want them to always remember: Do what you do well and always do it with a smile.”

“Texas Southern University is very dear to my heart.

It means a great deal to me and my family.”

-Elvonte Patton

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Cover Story President Rudley announces resignation, faculty changes resume

BY MAHBUBA MATOVU Campus News Writer we have here.”

Since 1995, Haywood has been associated with three nationally ranked top ten teams and six other top 25 programs. His mentors have included former FBS Coaches of the Year Nick Saban, Mack Brown, Charlie Weis and Lou Holtz.

Haywood will be replacing former head coach, Darrell Asberry, and become the 16th head football coach in the football programs history at the university.

In more recent faculty changes, university interim vice president, Eva Pickens has been appointed by President Rudley to serve as the university’s Vice President for University Advancement and Media Relations.

Texas Southern University President, Dr. John M. Rudley announced during the university’s winter commencement ceremony on December 12th, his intention to step down as president at the end of the 2015-2016 academic year.

“When I arrived eight years ago, I always felt that I would come in with Obama and go out with him,” Rudley said, adding, “Today, I know that my instinctsNEAL were correct.”

BY TATYANA Contributing Writer Rudley has served TSU since 2008 and in his speech, he thanked former Board Chairman, Glenn O. Lewis for providing him with the opportunity to return to TSU and for spearheading change and improvement.

Rudley also thanked his wife Dr. Docia Rudley for her support, and the board of regents for believing in him during contentious times.

“On behalf of the TSU Board of Regents, I thank President Rudley for leading TSU for more than eight years,” Board Chairman, Derrick Mitchell said. “He has served the University well,” he added.

Rudley plans to address the faculty, students, staff, and community partners in the coming months.

His announcement follows a challenging fall semester that suffered a few shootings on and near campus, leaving one freshman student dead, as well as the the #TakeBackTSU hashtag that became a trending topic on twitter, after a number of students expressed their dissatisfaction with some of the university’s services like housing and financial aid.

The university has hired a national search team to work with him in identifying his successor and in the coming weeks, Chairman Mitchell will appoint a transition team for the position.

In other faculty changes, the university introduced Michael Haywood as the next head football coach in a press conference held at BBVA Compass Stadium on December 4th 2015.

Haywood, an established coach with the ability to turn around football programs turned the Miami RedHawks into a championship program in just two seasons.

“We want to take the football program here at Texas Southern University to the next level,” Haywood said, adding, “I want our football program to be structured around studentathletes that display outstanding character, a strong work ethic, and are disciplined so that we can send the message around the country of what a magnificent program and University

Pickens, who has served TSU for nearly 25 years has held a number of management and leadership roles, including serving as the university’s spokesperson.

Her new position entails overseeing alumni relations & special events, development and fundraising, communications & marketing and community outreach.

Among her numerous accomplishments, Pickens boasts having launched the “Tigers in the NFL” initiative that raised scholarship money for university students.

TSU has placed more than 70 former student football players in the NFL and Pickens invited the players back to campus for Homecoming 2015. A total of 30 athletes returned, including Winston Hill and Mike Holmes among others.

Throughout her career, Pickens has won numerous awards including national awards for feature writing from the Associated Press and a first place award for TSU’s Image Campaign from The National Collegiate Marketing and Advertising Association.

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Sports

Sports Rundown

BY MARCUS SMITH Sports Writer

Men’s Basketball The Texas Southern Fighting Tigers are back to defend their 2015 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship and they have picked up exactly where they left off last season. The Tigers opened conference play at home with three straight victories by an average margin of +21 points, the best start for Mike Davis since he began coaching Texas Southern in 2012.

This dominant start by the Tigers included a 64-38 rout against Prairie View A&M on January 9. The Panthers were held to a baffling six percent (1-for-15) from behind the three point line and posted a 29% field goal percentage overall. Texas Southern guard Orlando Coleman set the tone early in this bitter rivalry with a ferocious slam on a fast break to extend their early lead to 13-2 with 13:15 left in the first half. Coleman recorded a team-high 12 points.

“I just like to play through my teammates; my teammates make me play better. To be honest, I like to see them do well, when they’re doing well, I play better,” said Texas Southern guard, Orlando Coleman.

After the first half of basketball, the Tigers had a double-digit lead, 30-19, and continued to add on to it by attacking the basket on offense for easy layups. The Tigers outscored the Panthers in the paint 38-20.

Balanced scoring from the Tigers made the

difference in the game as three players (Blanks, Riley, and Thomas) each had nine points on the night. As a team, Texas Southern shot for 44% from the field. Freshman guard Brian Carey scored six points off the bench and played big minutes in place of David Blanks, who sat most of the first half with early foul trouble.

The Tigers outrebounded the Panthers 46-26.

“We wanted to space them out and drive the basketball and find open teammates and I thought we did a good job of that,” said Texas Southern head coach, Mike Davis.

Derrick Griffin leads the team in rebounds with just under 10 rebounds per game, his 13 points per game (ppg) compliments him well and is good enough for third on the team in scoring. Malcolm Riley leads the team with 14.7ppg on 48% shooting from the field and Chris Thomas is second with 13.5ppg.

The next time the Tigers will be in action at home will be this Saturday, January 23 when they host Mississippi Valley State University.

The game begins at 7:30ct.

Women’s Basketball The Lady Tigers season is in full swing and has jumped off to a sizzling start as they currently hold a six-game winning streak and the best record in the SWAC, undefeated through three games. Their six-game winning streak includes an upset in overtime against Rice University (69-66), where guard Jazzmin Parker erupted for 29 points, nine of which came in the overtime period. Joyce Kennerson, Toni Cheadle,

and Keiana Vines all put in 10 points apiece.

You can expect continuous stellar play from the ladies as they have piled up win streaks of 10 or more games every season since 2012, majority of the wins coming during SWAC play.

In their last meeting against Prairie View, Texas Southern would remain victorious with a 72-65 win. The Lady Tigers were able to keep the Lady Panthers’ star guard, Lamaria Cole, in foul trouble early on and throughout the contest. She was held to 13 points, none in the second half, due to the suffocating defense of Ladeyh Forte and Joyce Kennerson.

Offensively, Vines took control of the game by pouring in 29 points on an efficient 13-for-19 shooting and perfect from the free throw line.

She also played well on the defensive side of the ball nabbing two steals and a block while guarding Larissa Scott. Scott leads the nation in offensive rebounds and was held to none.

Team leading scorer Brianna Sidney (12.4ppg) had another productive night, scoring 16 points on 50% from the field, which included a couple of three pointers.

“I like this team; I think they have good balance. We just have to remember to stay disciplined. I’m really proud of them for getting a victory,” said Texas Southern head coach, Johnetta Hayes-Perry.

Texas Southern was able to control the paint effectively all night and outscored Prairie View in the paint 38-22. Collectively as a team, they forced 17 turnovers and scored 25 points off of those takeaways. In return, the Lady Tigers gave the ball away 16 times that game, allowing the Lady Panthers to hang around throughout the duration of the game. The Lady Tigers’ biggest lead of the game was 13 and despite a competitive second half, Prairie View could not close the gap not once having a lead in the game.

Texas Southern has the best defense in the SWAC, keeping opponents under 50 ppg and holding them to a conference-best 35% from the field. The Lady Tigers are also first in marginal victory per game with 16.7 point difference.

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Sports Sports Rundown (cnt’d) “This is a big rivalry game for the SWAC, for TSU, for Prairie View as well and I just wanted our girls to come out and play hard...I want them to focus on playing the team not the school,” said coach Hayes-Perry.

The Lady Tigers have won six of the last nine meetings between the rivals.

Texas Southern will be at home against Mississippi Valley State this Saturday, January 23 at 5:30pm in the HPE Arena on campus.

Track and Field Texas Southern’s Men’s Track and Field team was in action January 8 in Lawrence, Kansas as they participated in the 2016 Bill Easton Classic.

of 2015. Those seeking the motivation to get in shape, right here in Houston, a free opportunity awaits us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:00pm at Dixie’s Warehouse led by Texas Southern student and Houston native, Deejay Edmond.

“I haven’t reached my fitness goal...I’m not even where I want to be. Don’t look at me as a coach, we all are just going to come out here and get in shape together,” said Edmond on the purpose of starting his workouts.

Edmond, a kinesiology minor, was sitting in his apartment living room one summer when he and some friends decided to work out and welcome other friends to accompany them.

Although they did not achieve the results that they hoped for, the Tigers managed to place fourth overall with a team score of 89.5.

Individually no Texas Southern participant won an event, but many did place within the top three.

What started from a group of six has expanded illustriously and still continues to grow today.

Continuously, Edmond has searched for ways to better his workouts so that people can have an exhilarating experience and still burn calories.

Darius Birden placed second in the 400M with a time of 50 seconds.

Participants say that the music compliments the workouts well, amplifying the experience.

As the vibrations of music capture an individual’s mind, the concept is to bring people together, which normally detaches us from our comfort zones. It creates an energy that is unmatched for even a negative mind. Edmond is often found saying “don’t cheat yourself ” throughout his workouts enabling a motivation factor in participants.

The Texas Southern Lady Tigers’ Track and Field team participated at Louisiana State’s Purple Tiger Invitational but did not place.

Although some did place in the individual sectors, it wasn’t enough as a group collectively.

Both the Men’s and Women’s Track and Field teams will return to action at their next meet on January 15, when they travel to College Station for the Aggie Team Invitational.

Health & Fitness For many of us, there are a bevy of reasons why we either don’t work out or fail to consistently workout. Some of us have time constraints due to work or school, and by the time the day is done, we’re often too tired to even make a store run for an ingredient needed for the night’s dinner. Some are self-conscious about themselves, while others are even bored with the thought of exercise.

The Spring semester is finally among us and as we anticipate the eventual weather change, many of us still desire to shed off some of that excess weight we accumulated towards the end

“It’s really a good, fun workout. He has live DJs such as DJ McDaniels and DJ Tat Tat at the workout supplying music to put you in an exhilarating mood. It’s not somewhere where you can slack off, you really have to put in the work,” Texas Southern freshman, Raphael Coates said.

Edmond encourages everyone to join him as he continues to strive for a common goal of fitness from him to all the attendees.

“It was cool; my cousin went almost every day.

Some workouts were intense and challenging but he paces everybody to their speed. He’s very energized and dedicated, even if it’s just himself. I liked it, he is real professional about

it,” said Texas Southern sophomore, Keris Turley.

There are 24 hours in a day and seven days a week. For three days, 90 minutes per day, take the time to go where you are welcomed and can get a workout that will help you achieve the results you desire. Join Deejay on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Dixie’s Warehouse located at 3365 Dixie Dr, Houston, TX 77021 and you can always keep up with him and the workouts by following him on Instagram under the tag name “@collegecowboyy.”

Vines named SWAC Co-Player of the Week Courtesy of tsusports.com

Texas Southern’s Keiana Vines has been recognized by the Southwestern Athletic Conference as Women’s Basketball Co-Player of the Week for her outstanding performance in competition during January 6-12.

Vines is a Texas Southern Women’s Basketball Center, and a senior at the university from Oxnard, California.

Vines’ performance against in-state rival Prairie View A&M earned her the Co-Player of the Week accolade. During the game, she contributed 29 points and seven rebounds making 13 of her 19 shots from the field and going 3-for-3 from the line.

In the win over Alcorn State, Vines netted every shot she took, going 3-for-3 from the field and 2-for-2 from the line (eight points) in 16 minutes of play.

With both wins, TSU remains undefeated in league play at 3-0.

This was Vines’ first 20 point performance of the season. She currently leads the Conference in field goals made (13) and blocked shots (8).

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Opinion #QTNA: Questions That Need Answers About the Bill Cosby Case

BY WILLIE WILLIAMS Staff Writer Cosby for sexual assault. They’ve stated that Cosby assaulted them between the 70’s and late 90’s. If these women were sexually assaulted during the height of Cosby’s career, that would’ve been the perfect opportunity to come forward and make these claims.

2. What are the alleged victims gaining by coming forward now?

#QTNA: Questions That Need Answers About the Bill Cosby Case(Bill Cosby’s “Alleged” Sexual Assault Case

By Willie Williams For more than a year, more and more women have come forward accusing actor and producer Bill Cosby of sexual assault.

Prominent for producing and acting in shows such as “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World”, Cosby is being accused of several accounts of sexual assault from more than 50 women.

Some of the many accusers rang from, former models Janice Dickinson and Beverly Johnson, actress Michelle Hurd and the list goes on. These women have stated that Cosby had assaulted them on numerous occasions under the influence of narcotics.

In December 2015, Cosby was charged with Class II Felony charges of aggravated sexual assault in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Since charges were filed, several questions have surrounded the case that need answers to them.

1. Why now? Why wait more than three decades later?

All of the women waited more than three decades to come forward with allegations against

That’s the question that many people want answers to. Cosby who is now 78 years-old has absolutely nothing to offer at this point in his life. However, a destruction of his legacy is at stake and that’s what the victims will gain from coming forward. These women have waited until he was old with nothing to really lose but his legacy.

3. Why was the District Attorney Elect allowed to file charges?

That’s the exact question that everyone wasn’t answers to. If he was the district attorney elect, how is it legal to file charges against Cosby. The now district attorney ran his entire political campaign off promising voters of prosecuting Cosby. Had the now district attorney waited to file charges when he was sworn into office, the 12 year statute of limitations would have been reached and he wouldn’t have been able to file charges. So the question is, is this a systematic plan to ruin Cosby’s legacy? Cosby was in the stages of obtaining ownership to NBC to produce more content for the African-American community. So is this the REAL reason as to why the issue is being pressed of convicting Cosby solely based off of allegations. The law states that we are innocent until proven guilty, or are we?

4. Were the women really drugged and assaulted?

The women stated that Cosby gave them drugs, specifically Quaaludes. Quaaludes also known as Methaqualone is a sedative and sleeping pill used popularly back then to sedate patients before surgery. If you are drugged, how would

you remember everything that happened to you before and after you were drugged? In a recent ABC 2020 special some of the victims stated that they didn’t fully recall what exactly the events that took place during their interaction with Cosby. So how are we already prosecuting him off of incomplete testimonies?

5.Who is Monique Pressley?

One of many of our favorite pastime is watching Cosby’s lawyer Monique Pressley intellectually “read” journalist. Pressley recently appeared on CNN and several other media outlets to address questions about the allegations against her client. Let’s just say that she made us proud! Her defense was spot-on about how she plans to defend her client. Pressley is also a graduate of Howard Univeristy and the former assistant attorney general for the district of Columbia. We shall see how this case goes.

6. Why has the African-American community turned against Cosby?

Cosby has always been an inspiration to the African-American community from his philanthropy work to creating content that inspired younger generations to be more than the statistical norm. If it wasn’t for Cosby producing one of his hit shows “A Different World”, many black students wouldn’t have attended HBCU’s. Statistics even show that due to the show, the enrollment of black students into HBCU’s increased due to the show.

Many historically black colleges and universities have stripped Cosby of many accolades, solely based on allegations and have discredited his contributions to the African-American community.

The Los Angeles District Attorney recently announced that they would not file charges against Cosby for allegations.

However Cosby has filed a countersuit for defamation of character against some of the accusers.

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Politics Highlights of president’s State of the Union address COURTESY OF THE ASSOCIATED PRESS didates for bluster on fighting terrorism.

“Our answer needs to be more than tough talk or calls to carpet bomb civilians. That may work as a TV sound bite, but it doesn’t pass muster on the world stage.”

President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union speech offered little in the way of new policy initiatives, but plenty of upbeat talk about prospects for a strong future. His hourlong address predicated future gains on bridging the partisan divides so evident between the White House and Republican-controlled Congress, and in the sharp rhetoric flowing from the 2016 presidential campaign. Some highlights of his address: “POLITICAL HOT AIR” Pushed back against GOP critics who sketch a gloomy picture of an America in economic decline and weakened on the world stage.

“All the talk of America’s economic decline is political hot air. Well, so is all the rhetoric you hear about our enemies getting stronger and America getting weaker. The United States of America is the most powerful nation on Earth.

Period. It’s not even close.”

“FIX OUR POLITICS” Said a future of peace, prosperity and opportunity is only attainable “if we fix our politics.”

Specific problem areas identified by Obama: reducing barriers to voting, limiting the influence of money in politics, ending the drawing of congressional districts to benefit politicians’ interests.

2016 CAMPAIGN Took indirect swipes at GOP presidential can-

OBAMA’S REGRET Owned up to one regret in an otherwise optimistic address: That average people feel the system is rigged “in favor of the rich or the powerful or some narrow interest.”

Pledged to keep working on that “so long as I hold this office.”

CANCER “MOON SHOT” Likened administration’s push against cancer to a new “moon shot.”

Assigned Vice President Joe Biden to lead a new push to fight cancer, building on a large increase in federal financing for the National Institutes of Health.

“Let’s make America the country that cures cancer once and for all.”

COMMON GROUND Identified a number of areas where Democrats and Republicans might be

able to find common ground: pursuing criminal justice reform, promoting trade, fighting opioid abuse. Made an overture to new House Speaker Paul Ryan by highlighting his interest in fighting poverty.

“I’d welcome a serious discussion about strategies we can all support, like expanding tax cuts for low-income workers without kids.”

“KILLERS AND FANATICS” Promised resolve in fighting terrorism and the Islamic State group, but dismissed “over-thetop claims that this is World War III.” Rejected the idea that IS threatens “our national existence.”

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What’s Happening on campus & around town

Monday - 1/18

Tuesday - 1/19

Wednesday - 1/20

Thursday - 1/21

Friday -1/22

The Weekend 1/23 & 1/24

Wednesday - 1/27

Thursday - 1/28

Friday - 1/29

The Weekend 1/30 & 1/31

Classes Resume

MLK Holiday TSU Closed

Monday -1/25

Tuesday - 1/26

Our calendar is reserved for the advertisement of on and off campus events. If you are interested in having your event placed on our calendar, then please stop by room 221 of the Student Center or call us at (713) 313-6710.

20 Questions

1. How did you react when President Rudley announced his resignation?

Anonymously 2. How many people will lose their jobs when Rudley leaves? submit your 20 3. How many times will UPC & SGA get a new advisor? questions submis4. Will we finally get a director of student activities? sions via 5. Did all the faculty changes, including the president’s resignation, happen because of #TakeBackTxSU? Ask.Fm 6. Have those who “took back TSU” disappeared since their demands have been met? today: 7. Did you make honor roll last semester?

8. Are you enrolled as you sit here reading this?

TSU20Questions 9. Will you make the honor roll this spring? ((If you answered yes to question #8.)

10. Will you go to class all semester or stop after the first week?

11. Did you see the Greek Informational flyer?

12. Do you have the GPA to pledge this time?

DISCLAIMER: The questions are 13. Will all organizations do intake this year? submitted by the student body and are 14.Who thinks the Oscars should be boycotted? not the views of The TSU 15. Will Leonardo DiCaprio get an Oscar this year?

16. Do you think Black artists are given the same opportunities to receive credit for their talert? Herald or Texas Southern University as a whole. Feel free to bring your 17. Will race always be an issue?

18. What are you doing to defeat racism? questions to room 221 of the Student 19. Who is #GynnyaMcMillen?

Center. Questions are printed at the 20. What does TSU have in store for us this semester?

discretion of The TSU Herald.

#TSU20QUESTIONS