I got a lesson in “be ye also ready” this week. I had to attend a luncheon on behalf of the president (next time, I’ll know to ask exactly what that means). Upon arrival at the event, organizers darted here, there. Guests hit the buffet line. A woman motioned me to the head table & almost whisked me up there. I stood still. My feet didn’t move. An alarm sounded. “Does that mean I have to speak”? No response needed. I had options: have a meltdown or handle my business. I quickly backed out of the door, snatched paper out of my bag, motioned for a pen & wrote. Impromptu speaking isn’t my favorite thing. What is? Words on paper. I survived the remarks, smiled, gestured, joked, even veered off script. Got good ‘reviews’. Next time, I’ll ask the right questions, but it won’t matter much. It’s a good idea to be ready. It’s a state of mind.

- Vicki Oldham is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University

]]> http://blog.fvsu.edu/2010/03/be-ye-also-ready/feed/ http://blog.fvsu.edu/2010/02/fonzworth-bentley%e2%80%99s-swag/ http://blog.fvsu.edu/2010/02/fonzworth-bentley%e2%80%99s-swag/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:00:55 +0000 Christina http://blog.fvsu.edu/?p=955

If you’re between 18 - 35, then you know Derek Watkins aka Fonzworth Bentley. The 20-something pr specialist in my office eagerly volunteered to write the advancer and recap of Bentley’s FVSU visit. Her eyes lit up. I was curious to know why. And when the buzz began after posts hit Facebook, Twitter and every other site we sent it, I searched for answers.

Today, I understand why Fonzworth’s campus appearance caused a stir and drew the largest crowd of students ever at a midweek evening program.

He is the epitomy of what it means to possess “swag” (in appearance, intellect and spiritually). The MTV reality show host of From G’s to Gents is the author of an etiquette book, Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manner, Confidence and Style to Get Ahead. Sporting a charcoal grey suit tailored to fit every tendon, Fonzworth commanded the stage giving his take on education, individuality and success, sprinkled with stories about the transition from restaurant maitre ‘d to pop icon recognized by GQ magazine as the “first gentleman of hip hop”.

“Be the CEO of your purpose,” the Morehouse graduate said, as students took copious notes, then he listed 3 keys to success: Manners (his Atlanta southern charm opened many doors). Confidence. Style (he said clothing is a language that says much about us before words are uttered). I like his gospel.

After the talk and q & a, students lined up for a book signing. The guest speaker didn’t rush to leave. He lingered, probing students about their career plans, offering advice. I like this guy.

The next day, just before a lecture in Mississippi, Fonzworth sent a message to 15,000 followers on Twitter about the FVSU visit (that’s advertising FVSU could never afford. I really, really like this guy). “I’d like to humbly thank the students, staff of the THE FVSU. U guys were awesome. So many of u showed up! Keep yo man in prayer!!!” This guy bridges the high fashion and hip hop gap with class and swag. I like him…no, I love him for that.

Vicki Oldham is the Director of the Office of Marketing and Communicaitons at Fort Valley State University.

BET ushered in Black History Month with an extraordinary awards show, the 3^rd Annual BET Honors.  Each year, the network targeting African-Americans highlights the phenomenal achievements of five individuals in the categories of media, service, entrepreneurship, entertainment and education.  Leaders are presented achievement awards and musical tributes by the most talented performers of our time. Here’s a recap of last night’s event:

Dana Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, the multi-faceted recording artist, model and actress, was honored first for her contributions in the world of media.  Patty Labelle and Jazmine Sullivan paid tribute to the queen singing the classic songs “Unforgettable”, “Rock Steady” and “If Only You Knew “.

Dr. Keith Black, chairman of the neurosurgery department and director of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, received the service award for   contributions to medicine and tumor research.  Take 6 and the legendary Stevie Wonder honored Black with a musical tribute.

Sean “Diddy” Combs received this year’s entrepreneurship award. Now I’m definitely not a Diddy lover, but you have to respect the man’s business savvy. As his friend and business partner Andre Harrell pointed out, Diddy   provides more than 300 young African-Americans with good paying, respectable jobs . Diddy, worth more than $350 million has created a nice empire that consists of a record label, television show, clothing lines, cologne and so much more. Diddy’s long time friend Mary J. Blige  serenaded him with a medley of her hit singles, many of which topped the charts because of him.

The icon that is Whitney Houston was looking as good as ever when she stepped on stage to accept the entertainment honor. For the past decade, Whitney’s talent has been overshadowed by drug addiction, bizarre behavior and a tumultuous relationship with R&B singer Bobby Brown.  Trials and tribulations aside, the audience adores Houston; and her favorite voice, Kim Burrell let her know it with an electrically charged rendition of “I believe in you and me”. As soon as Whitney heard Kim’s name she jumped out of her seat and walked up to the stage, to share a personal moment with her long-time friend. This was definitely the funniest part of the evening because I thought Whitney had caught the Holy Ghost! She was in tears, flailing her arms around and shouting throughout the entire performance. I thought the show would go downhill from there, but Jennifer Hudson came to the stage and wowed the crowd when she sung Whitney’s chart-topping single “I will always love you”. The “dream girl” is the ONLY person I’ve heard do that song justice besides “The Voice” herself.  Whitney began to tear up again as Jennifer belted out the familiar tune, making it apparent that the two divas share mutual respect and admiration for one another.

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, the president of Brown University was honored for her role as an exemplary leader in the world of academia. Simmons is the first woman president of Brown University and the first black president of an Ivy League institution.

One of my favorite soul sisters, India.Arie paid homage to Simmons with a musical tribute before teaming up with her idol, the legendary, Stevie Wonder and the handsome young crooner, Trey Songz.  Later in the show, the dynamic duo brought humor to the evening with friendly banter and impromptu performance of Stevie’s classic, “That Girl” and Trey’s current hit-single “Invented Sex”. The crowd was shocked to hear 59-year-old, Stevie singing the lyrics “when I get you to the crib, upstairs to the bed, girl you gon’ think I invented….”

It’s beautiful to see BET celebrate African American pioneers from various fields and show appreciation for the courage, tenacity and resilience of our people. We are what extraordinary looks like.

(BET typically rebroadcasts the show.  You don’t want to miss this one)

- Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad is the public relations specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University

Joseph Lowery is a fiery speaker.  This week, the Civil Rights leader was honored with a Hall of Fame award at the Georgia Trend “100 Most Influential Georgians” luncheon at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta.  He was almost a no show, but the host kept hinting that Lowery was on the way. I wasn’t about to leave.  The MC stalled toward the program’s end and was about to conclude and dismiss guests. But then Lowery arrived in a wheel chair.
 
He grasped the microphone and the atmosphere in the room changed with his first word.  Nobody moved. It was quiet, except for the slight hum of the air handler. In a raspy, worn voice Lowery made us laugh. He explained that his late entry was due to an unscheduled doctor’s appointment caused by shortness of breath.  Then, he made our hearts cry by sharing a dream about the children of Haiti.
 
He described waking up the day after the dream and reading in the New York Times the story about a 14 year old named Daphne Joseph. On the day of the quake, the girl ran to the marketplace in search of her mother who sold beauty products in a place called, Tete Boeuf. Daphne arrived in time to see her mom’s body tossed into a heap on the back of a truck with other dead bodies.
 
The mood in the room changed instantly.  The emotions that swelled within me cannot be described.  I wanted to hold my head in my hands and sob aloud.  Lowery’s message to us, “remember the children. They lost their parents, teachers, schools, hospitals and worst of all, their bearings. They walk around empty-eyed,” he said. Then the preacher made a pledge to give a sum of money.  An impromptu fundraiser began right then and there. Lowery’s few words were so rich, so deep, so heartfelt.  Nobody commanded the audience’s attention as he did - not the lawmakers, the Governor’s cabinet or the corporate executives. Of all the words spoken that day, for me, Lowery’s will be remembered most for their meaning and spirit.  He travels in circles of the rich, powerful and famous, the larger world, but he remains a country preacher, a caregiver of souls. Lowery walks with God in the light of His love is what I sense.

Like many Americans, I was eager to tune into yesterday’s State of the Union address to hear President Obama speak. The broadcasting of any major social or political event is a big to-do with my circle of friends, who consist mostly of recent graduates, young professionals and journalists.

My friends and I are scattered across the nation, but during special occasions such as this, we all sit anxiously in front of our televisions and send comments back and forth via facebook and twitter. I encourage everyone to try this with their network of friends and relatives; it makes the program A LOT more interesting.

Unfortunately, I missed President Obama’s speech on the networks. But when I woke up the next morning and read all the mixed reviews and critiques from my friends, I had to view it on YouTube.

Here are my thoughts after watching the internet broadcast.

Some Barack Obama supporters are disenchanted now that he’s in office. I’ve heard people argue that he is not attacking the issues the way he said he would during the election. Some Democratics feel he’s trying too hard to please Republicans (which he NEVER will), and some people are starting to believe he’s “all talk”. To be perfectly honest, I can understand where they’re coming from, but I think the issue is deeper than that.

As I watched the address I saw before me a man who is doing his best to fix as much as he can in a relatively short amount of time. I saw a man who is trying to “play the game” in order to get things accomplished in a flawed system.  I sincerely believe our president has good intentions, but in the same breathe I don’t think he fully knew what he was getting himself into.  Is he qualified for this position? I believe so. Is he doing a better job than his predecessor? Definitely. Does he have a full grasp on the pressing issues? Yes.

People need to remember that this is his first year in office.  He has a lot on his plate. He has to get acclimated to how Washington politics work, be strategic and understand how things operate behind closed doors.

I applaud President Obama’s address and his leadership methods for several reasons: First, because he has examined the issues of healthcare, credit, education and unemployment from several angles. He is both realistic and optimistic in his approach. Secondly, President Obama knows that he can’t magically solve every problem with the power he has, so he charges his constituents with the task of educating themselves and taking personal responsibility in their everyday lives.  Finally, his constant attempt to strengthen the morals of U.S. citizens and build a better America during these trying times is truly admirable.

Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad is the public relations specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications

Despair, numbness, hopelessness and defeat are a few words that could describe the feelings many Haitians are experiencing after the earthquake that devastated their nation on Jan. 12, 2010.  I originally heard the news about the disaster through a friend, but it didn’t effect me as much until I saw the footage on television.  It was unimaginable what had happened.  For the average young adult, it is pretty difficult to even fathom what the Haitian people may be suffering.  My heart cried out for Haitians, as I viewed the destruction.  I could not believe that an earthquake could cause that kind of damage!  I saw thousands of dead corpses lying down on the ground.  What broke my heart was the image of a dead baby lying next to its deceased mother.  For miles and miles, there were not any standing buildings: everything was destroyed!  Houses, schools, companies, even prisons were all annihilated!     

A few years back, I experienced a minor earthquake in my hometown, but that minor ground shake was no comparison to Haiti’s catastrophe!  Just hearing about the stories of families being separated, and not being able to keep in touch with one another reminded me of my experience during Hurricane Katrina.  I have plenty of family in New Orleans, so I could relate to the anxious feelings felt by families who could not contact loved ones.  I can remember one bad weather day while away at college.  My father called.  He was very frantic and explained that no one had been able to get in touch with his sister, my aunt, nor was she with her husband or children.  She had been missing for three days.  That frightened me to the core.  I felt helpless — like I had no control. The thought of not knowing creates so many other anxieties.  Eventually, my aunt was found, safe.

Seeing the faces of Haitian children brought tears to my eyes.  The tears have moved me to help.  I am interning in FVSU’s marketing department where there’s a makeshift drop-off point for relief items, food and water.  I am doing my part by organizing clothes as well as can goods and boxing them up.   As I place each item in the box, I say a prayer for the person who’ll wear the size 6 pants and thank God that this person has clean fresh clothes to put on.  I have also texted the number 90999 to donate $10 through the Red Cross to further help this country get back running.  It is so unfortunate that such a strong country that fought for their independence loses everything that they worked so hard to develop!  I pray that the Haitian people have strength and that people around the globe can find it in their hearts to help out this courageous, beautiful country.  My effort is small, but at least I’m doing something. I encourage others around the world to come together to please help out Haiti.  What if it were you or your mother or your brother?  If you cannot afford to donate items or money then at least volunteer to help pack some items or give your time by spreading the word to those that can help.  Life is short and we as human beings should spend our time on earth showing that we love one another. Please help Haiti!      

Jasmine Singleton is a student intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University.

Members of the University Today Scholars’ Program helped spread holiday cheer to the local community by collecting canned goods and clothing from high schools, churches and neighbors. Dual enrollment students Carmen Nicholson, Shaquina Missick, Terrence Howard, and Zack Miller participated in making the project a success. Donations collected by Tonya Howard of Fort Valley Feed Center Ministries will aid needy families living in Fort Valley and surrounding Middle Georgia communities. “We have a number of outreach ministries and support services including our food bank and free clinic for medical assistance, and drug rehabilitation among others that are designed to assist the public. This donation will help us in our mission to uplift the community and motivate those in a transitional stage in life,” said Howard.

Students in FVSU’s University Today Scholars’ Program finished the fall semester on a high note by earning exceptional grades and high praise from instructors. On a total of 73 college credit hours, they cumulatively posted a 3.73 grade point average. “Clearly, they represent the best of the best at Middle Georgia high schools,” said UTS Coordinator Corbin Stephens. They’ve taken on the additional responsibility of college courses and other extracurricular activities,” he added. The list of UTS are as follows: Tervarus Ages (Peach Co. High School); Carmen Nicholson (Peach Co. High School); Ebony Nottingham (Peach Co. High School); Shaquina Missick (Peach Co. High School); Terrence Howard (Peach Co. High School); Chelsea Jackson (Peach Co. High School); Brittney Brown (Peach Co. High School); Brionte’ McCorkle (Warner Robins High School); Angelia Laulusa (Macon Co. High School); Zack Miller (Macon Co. High School). New members of the dual enrollment program are: Christopher Decker (Peach Co. High School); Chelsi Duncan (Macon Co. High School); Chartrice Jones (Houston Co. High School); Lauren Mitchell (Cook Co. High School).

Sophomore Brandon Owens, President of the Pre-Alumni Club, travelled back home to Fort Worth, TX, to relax and reconnect with his family, and to volunteer his time at local schools. The biotechnology major spoke to children at A.M. Pate Elementary School and teens at the Eugene McGray Recreation Center. “I mentored a lot of kids, teaching them what they needed to know to prepare for college,” he said. Owens instructed students how to find a school, apply, and how to obtain financial aid. “I’m trying to do the best I can for them, so they can be further along than I was at my age.” Owens also read selections from a book on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “A Testament of Hope”.

“Dr. King says that people look for half-baked answers, and that we need a strong, tough mind,” he said. “But this year, I’m becoming a man who has the strength to love, but also has a tough mind. I’m harnessing and manifesting my potential and just becoming who I’m called to be. I have a new opportunity this year to be the best that I can be.”

Mr. FVSU 2009 – 2010, Edward Carroll, reigns on campus, but spent his time, in Atlanta, serving his loved ones. “I made a pound cake from scratch for my family,” said Carroll, who is learning how to cook. “It was definitely a good cake.” The stylishly-dressed 23-year-old also treated his girlfriend, who attends Georgia State University, to a gourmet meal with homemade love. “Instead of going out to dinner, I made a stuffed salmon for her,” he said. The education major looks forward to marching this year, with his bachelor’s degree, and competing in the Mr. HBCU competition in Lincoln, MO. next month.

With the help of Fort Valley State University’s Director of Development, Jim Simmons; the Office of Diversity and International Affairs Coordinator,  Tracy Marshall; Professor of English and Foreign Languages,  Dr. Victoria Dubriel; and  Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Josephine Davis, Professor of Mathematics; I was fortunate to visit China.

In Beijing, we met Mr. Tommy McMullins, FVSU Alum and President of Fantasy Tours, Inc.  We joined him on a walk through the mall across from our hotel.  We saw Christmas trees and heard American Holiday Carols as we talked to Mr. McMullins.  He told us that there is a lot of opportunity in China.  Also, in order to give back to our school and community, it would be wise to start our own companies.

Jessie, our first tour guide, taught us about Chinese history and culture.  She explained about the significance of jade, pearls and Asian architecture. While in Beijing, we visited the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall.  Mr. McMullins said that he had something for whoever could climb up to the third tower of the Great Wall. FVSU completed his challenge.

On our way to Beijing University (BU), the students took a separate cab from Dr. Davis and Dubriel.  Our driver did not speak English and we did not know where we were going.  We got separated from our teachers, but managed to find them at the university gates.  Maray Ma, Program Director of “My America Cultural Exchange”, served as a translator when we spoke with BU’s Agricultural Science Department.  It was good experience for me because the Chinese are good negotiators; it’s hard to read their emotions.  The students were very genuine and grateful.  I had to give out gifts, and only had a pencil left, but the student was so happy to have received a gift from us.  One student, named Andy, said, “Edward you are so well-dressed in your suit.  Is it alright if I come to your school dressed in casual clothes?”  I told Andy that he would be alright.  They carried themselves with the utmost respect and had the greatest sense of pride for their university.

Coming from BU, our van broke down in the middle of rush hour traffic.  Our driver pushed us to the outside lane, and we had to push the van to get it started again.

For the rest of our tour in Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Beijing, our second guide, Simon, taught us about everyday life of the people.  For example, he explained the power of green tea, and how it keeps the people healthy; the best quality is not exported.

In Suzhou we saw the production of silk and silk embroidery products.  We also met John, a Chinese student, and his Japanese friends.  I was able to recall some of the Japanese that FVSU’s Chizu Hirata taught me in order to introduce myself to  John’s friends.  We talked about sports, school, and music.  They liked to listen to James Brown, Bob Marley, and Linkin Park.  There are a lot of similarities among people when we look past our differences.

In Hangzhou we were invited to a traditional tea ceremony, and later took a boat ride on the beautiful Westlake.  We met a young girl who was elated that we said hello to her in Mandarin.  She brought her family members to meet us and take pictures.

The bus ride from Hangzhou to Shanghai gave us a chance to see all the amazing construction going on in the country.
After returning from the trip, I now use chopsticks at home, drink more warm water for better digestion, and study Mandarin.  Byki.com offers free programs for learning foreign languages.  I will not be surprised if Mandarin will be a required course for school in the next 10 years.

It was hard to come back home, but Mr. Mullins told us, “Don’t worry; you and your friends will be back, I know it.”

On this trip, I met some of the most genuine and welcoming people I’ve ever encountered, and I really missed them once I returned to the United States.

In a place where almost no one had ever met anyone who looked like me before, I can say that being African-American was never an issue.

No matter where I went, I never felt overwhelmed, and after a few days I really felt like I was in a place that I could call home. The stories that I have I will cherish for a lifetime. I always wondered what was beyond our borders; now I know, and I want to see more.
-Johnathan Robinson

We have toured many historic relics and they have all been breathtaking!  The first official day that we were in Beijing we visited the Imperial Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square.The most amazing thing occurred during our time at each of these locations: many tourists were intrigued by us for some reason! I had over twenty Chinese citizens ask me to take a picture and that really warmed my heart!

Recently, a group of business students from Fort Valley State University attended a Career Opportunities job fair at Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The trip, coordinated by the Office of Alumni and Career Services’ Romelda Simmons was right on time. With graduation next month, this was just what I needed. According to the job fair’s list, there was going to be over 60 different companies like GEICO, AFLAC, Kaplan Test Prep, Waffle House, Target, and the United States Secret Service in attendance.
 

I didn’t know what to expect – heading into this event – because this was the first career fair I’ve ever attended. Before we left, Simmons commented on how great we looked and gave us a run down of do’s and don’ts.  On the bus, some students played spades, some listened to music and some slept, while others talked about future goals and what companies where going to be at the fair. I was nervous, but anxious about the opportunity to meet prospective employers.

FVSU was one of the first groups to arrive. The facility was huge. Once inside, we signed in and immediately were directed to attend a 1-hour seminar while the employers set up the booths. The presenter discussed career fair tips such as “Learning How to Approach Your Employers”, “How to Sell Yourself” and “How to Follow-up after the Fair”.  We spent most of the seminar preparing an “elevator speech” which introduced us to recruiters. Random people in the audience were called to give their speech in the front of the room. “Hi. My name is Juan Taylor. I’m a public relations intern at Fort Valley State University. As a senior marketing major…I’m interested in your company because….” (I never got a chance to really use my speech. After a couple of times of trying to remember it, I gave up and free styled an introduction.)
 

After reviewing the session, we were released into rooms 115 and 116 to start the event. Nervousness set in as I looked around to see everyone moving robotically through each station. I exhaled. My first stop was with Merion Realty Management. Instead of greeting the two representatives with my rehearsed speech, they greeted me and initiated the conversation. After our brief dialogue, I was handed a few brochures, a business card. On to the next booth.
 

As I continued to meet different recruiters I became more confident. I got in the groove. Talking became easier. The four-hour event went by faster than I had anticipated.

As we headed back to the university I reflected on my recent experience. I spent so much time trying to build my introduction speech that what was needed was for me to be myself.  

A word of wisdom to students planning to network with prospective employers: RELAX, BE YOURSELF (Once you become comfortable with yourself, others will become comfortable with you.) DO YOUR RESEARCH.  (The research that I completed on the companies at the fair was vital to maximizing the time spent at each booth.)  DON’T PROCRASTINATE.  (Don’t wait until you’re about to graduate to network. The sooner you’re prepared, the better.)   

Although I was not hired on the spot, I’m confident that the contacts I received will open the door to endless possibilities.
——-
Juan Taylor is a senior marketing major and intern at Fort Valley State University.

The annual Greek Step Show seems to be one of the homecoming highlights for FVSU students. Thousands of Wildcats, new and old, packed into the HPE complex to get prime-choice seating to witness the Divine 9 battle it out for a total of $8,000 in prize money, not to mention a year’s worth of bragging rights.

 The party started right away! DJ Wiz from 107.1 and P.J. Peterson from the Office of Student Activities kept the crowd hyped as the deejay played crowd favorites. The Greeks represented their organizations to the fullest. The floors of the HPE complex were full of fraternity and sorority members decked out in paraphernalia and strolling across the dance floor in between performances.  

 Several organizations called in their sorors and frat brothers from other universities to step on their behalf. In the end, the Sigmas from FAMU, and the  Deltas of Clark Atlanta University wowed the crowd and emerged victorious. The men of Blue and White incorporated several themes and costume changes including a African tribal routine, old school segment and a chair sequence that brought the roaring crowd to their feet. The “Ladies in Red” strutted across the stage as cute mechanics rocking tan coveralls and elaborate make up.

 The men of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. didn’t walk away with the big prize but they were definitely crowd pleasers. The Alphas were the first up. They opened up the competition, showing out as they mimicked moves from the Jabbawockeez, season one champions of the hit television show, America’s Best Dance Crew. The Kappas were last, but definitely not least! In the spirit of Halloween, the pretty boys shimmied to the stage dressed as the psychotic mad man, Jigsaw from the horror movie Saw.

 I can see why this show is one of the big ticket events during homecoming week. I was definitely impressed.

- Tauheedah Shukriyyah Asad is the public relations specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fort Valley State University

I wish the writer could have talked to a few students at HBCUs, like Fort Valley State University, to find out why they attend to our universities. Quality students don’t come to our campuses because they lacked the grades to get into any place better. They come to our campuses because our schools offer an education that goes beyond academics, to address the whole person.

When HBCUs were first started in the 19th century, African-American students were banned through social and legal constructs from pursuing higher-level degrees. HBCUs quenched the intellectual thirst of many Black students denied the opportunity to attend majority-white institutions. These schools allowed minority students to obtain a quality education. Some young people turned to trade and professional schools like Tuskegee Institute; others turned to liberal arts colleges like Morehouse, Spelman, and Fort Valley State. HBCU’s met the charge to educate the full person, and help equip young people with the ability to face a society that didn’t always accepted them as equals.

Our HBCU course curriculums are just as tough as majority institutions - with one exception: students aren’t just a number on our campuses. At HBCUs, we take a personal interest in young people - black, white, Hispanic or Asian - to ensure that they graduate as mature individuals. Students can freely talk about important intellectual ideas without fear they’ll be maligned due to bigotry or racism. We also closely mentor students to ensure they get the academic and personal help needed face life after graduation.

The Civil Rights movement and integration in the late 1960s, early 1970s caused a dramatic demographic shift at HBCUs. Talented Black scholars now had a variety of choices, including chances to attend majority-white institutions, wooed away by the promises of scholarship money. According to a U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics report, the number of blacks enrolled in HBCUs dropped from 85 percent in 1976 to 82 percent in 2001.

Today, students of all races are attracted to HBCUs. We’re attempting to diversify our campus like UGA. According to a Winter 2007 Educational Foundations article by Brighid Dwyer, although there has been a 19 percent decrease in Black enrollment at HBCUs since 1976, other races are enrolling now. White enrollment has skyrocketed 70 percent since 1994, a 45 percent in Hispanic enrollment and a 274 percent increase in Asian enrollment.

Morehouse College, a HBCU, graduated its first white valedictorian - Joshua Packwood - who turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend its university. Another white student, Lisa Bauer, stated in an article by Rochelle Spencer that HBCU’s innovative curriculum at the Metropolitan College of New York, a majority-black institution - drew her to its campus. Kentucky State University also celebrated the election of its first white homecoming queen.

We seek quality students of all races, all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds at FVSU. To fulfill the mission, last year we opened an Office of Diversity and International Affairs. To close, the reason why students from all nationalities come to our campuses is because we offer a quality education and experiences that prepare leaders to solve the global challenges facing us.

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Christina Milton is an editorial assistant at FVSU’s Office of Marketing and Communications.

One local story shows how important it is to stop the cycle of violence early. On Sunday, Oct. 4, Jilani Platt — a 26-year-old,  nine-week pregnant woman  from Columbus, GA — went missing. Her body was found late Monday in a drainage pipe. The police didn’t have any leads, until neighbors told them that Platt and her husband Zyderrious Platt got into a heated argument. No one knows what happened afterward; however, Jilani’s mother reported her missing on Sunday after she failed to go by her mother’s house. When the police arrived at Jilani’s home, her car was still parked in the driveway, but she, her purse and keys were missing.

The police have since named Zyderrious Platt, a suspect and have charged him with murder. Upon Jilani’s autopsy, her death was ruled as a single gun shot wound to the head. No further details have been released about her death. I wanted to share this story because Domestic Abuse is a cycle among many men, women and families. I have close loved ones who have been the subject of domestic abuse. How do we reach out to these victims to save a life before it is too late? If you or anyone you know has been subject to Domestic Abuse, please be there for them in any way possible. Life is too short: you only have one life to live.

Apple Jones works for the Office of Marketing and Communications

Click the following link to hear FVSU students Cordell Humphrey (left) and Rodell Poole’s (right) reaction to this tragic event. http://www.fvsu.edu/node/2944

Apple Jones is the administrative assistant in FVSU’s Marketing and Communications.

Aunt Henrietta always helped people. She always gave her last and never complained about what she didn’t have! Instead, she talked about having too much and helped individuals in need. She fed the neighborhood on Sunday afternoons. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Aunt Henrietta always said, “In this day and age, children have to realize that education is the key.”  It seems that getting an education in her time wasn’t as important as it is now.

Back then, the focus was on jobs and family. Today, emphasis must be placed on education to get ahead in life. “Black folks didn’t take education seriously in my day,” she said. “We were more concerned about getting a job — any job — to take care of home.” Times have changed dramatically.   A great-paying job requires an education (unless you have a revolutionary idea, like Bill Gates, who dropped out, developed Microsoft and became one of the world’s richest men).  A college education is a stepping stone toward a bright and prosperous future. As Aunt Henrietta always says, “You only have one life to live.” 

Education is the key toward enjoying the good life!!

Apple Jones

Fort Valley State University

Marketing and Communications

Administrative Assistant

Our healthcare system really needs help! For the past few months the hot topic in the news has been President Obama’s healthcare reform, which from my understanding focuses on providing health insurance coverage for all Americans.  Some are opposed to this idea but I don’t see why. When someone is sick there should be a system in place to make sure they are able to receive care; regardless of their financial situation.

But that’s only part of the problem.  I’m blessed to have health insurance, “good coverage” at that.  Yet whenever I get sick, I hesitate to see a doctor or go to the emergency room because it’s usually a waste of time, money and energy.

Prime example: This week, I experienced some type of ear infection. It  eventually  turned into one of the worst pains I’ve ever experienced in my life.  Still, I DID NOT want to go to the doctor’s office.   Against my better judgment, I went anyway.  Better safe than sorry, right? RIGHT!!!!

My insurance company directed me to an urgent care facility in Macon. A nurse checked my temperature, blood pressure and asked me a series of questions about my previous health condition.  The health care worker never finished the questions because he began a random, off-the-subject-of-the-patient conversation with a co-worker nearby.  Then the doctor, who never introduced himself walked into the room, looked at the chart, saw the words ‘ear pain’,  examined ONE of my ears and left the room.  The exam took all of thirty seconds!

Of course, I thought he’d return to ask me more about my symptoms, history, allergies, SOMETHING! Instead,  he and some nurses outside the room chatted about how hungry and ready to leave they were.  Suddenly, a nurse showed up in the room with a slip for four prescription meds and tells me I’m free to go.

I was livid!!! And I found myself asking the same question I always ask when I leave a doctor’s office (except the pediatrician I had growing up, he was awesome!!!):   What’s the purpose of having health insurance when you still have to deal with  horrible customer service, incompetent doctors who don’t take their job or your health seriously? A good doctor is hard to find!!!!

by Tauheedah Asad, Public Relations Specialist