final thoughts...
January 1, 2011
In this Issue >>>
Volume 2, Issue 1
SBI Alumni and Friends 2010 Annual Fund Campaign
Dean’s Official Appointment
Excellence at the School of Business and Industry(SBI) is measured by our ability to transform
students’ lives through our global business leader education program. The curriculum and
practicum at SBI gives our students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen
professions, and additionally, strengthens their ability to think critically in order to contribute
constructively and productively to 21st century society.
SBI Students Win Big
Finding An Agent That’s Right For You
Do you recall your Florida A&M University (FAMU) and SBI experiences? Would you be where
you are today if not for SBI? Do you still keep in touch and exchange ideas with your FAMU
SBI classmates? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then FAMU School of Business
and Industry has made an impressionable impact on your life. By making a gift at this time, you
can make an impact on a current or future SBI student. Your gift will make it possible to
transform lives in the School of Business and Industry and Florida A&M University. The funds
raised from this gift giving campaign will be used for recruitment, scholarships, faculty
development, technology upgrades, and classroom/building renovations. Additionally, a small
percentage of the funds raised will be given to support FAMU Athletics and SBI Athletes. The
future for FAMU SBI can be even bigger and brighter with your financial support. Go to
www.famu.edu/sbi and click “Give.”
SBI Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Business and Industry (SBI) at Florida
A&M University is to produce graduates capable of excelling as future
leaders in global business, industry, and commerce. This is achieved by:
 Providing innovative academic, professional development, and
internship experiences in an enlightened, ethical, and stimulating
student-centered learning environment.
 Developing, supporting, and creating opportunities for a diverse
qualified faculty and staff committed to “excellence with caring”
through high-quality teaching, relevant intellectual contributions, and
meaningful service.
 Creating an environment in which shared governance, collegiality,
openness, respect for others, and individual and mutual responsibility
and accountability flourish.
 Embracing the University’s historic mission of educating African
Americans while recruiting students of all races and ethnic origins
with strong academic backgrounds committed to the pursuit of
excellence.
 Developing new, and expanding existing, creative partnerships with
alumni, and private and public stakeholders to maintain the relevance
and currency of our academic programs.
 Promoting an environment of continuous improvement by acquiring
and developing the necessary human, physical, financial, and
technological resources to maintain our competitive edge.
Contact us at 850-599-3565
www.famu.edu/sbi
500 Gamble Street
Tallahassee, FL 32307
Florida A&M University
School
of
Business and Industry
Chilean Study Tour
Accreditation: What’s our Status?
SBI Alumni Make Generous Donation
1st Global Leadership Conference A Success
SBI illuminations
coming soon >>>
Insights on what’s happening in the FAMU School of Business and Industry
In The Next Issue
SBI/ COPPS Walmart Day @ FAMU
Dean’s Official Appointment
current topics >>>
When Preparation Meets Opportunity!
Annual Heritage Celebration
AACSB Accreditation Visit
Night Amongst SBI Superstars
SBI CORE VALUES
We value a work and learning environment that is
based
on
professionalism,
responsibility,
accountability, respect, trust, pride, ethics,
integrity, caring, excellence, knowledge, research,
and service.
Chevron Gives to SBI
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School
of Business and Industry (SBI) is fortunate
to have partners like Chevron in their
corner for over a decade.
In February 2010, Chevron Corporation
gifted
SBI
with
$10,000.
Campus
recruiters from Chevron have continued
to offer our students internships and
SBI VISION STATEMENT
permanent placement opportunities in
The School of Business and Industry aspires to be
recognized nationally and internationally as a
preeminent center of excellence in business.
finance and accounting for more than 10
SBI STUDENT IN NEED
Glenneisha Darkins, a SBI freshman from Miami,
FL, was one of eight passengers in an SUV
rollover accident during Thanksgiving break. She
suffered multiple injuries to the head, neck, and
spine. Glenneisha was a patient in Delray
Medical Center from November 24, 2010 to
January 3, 2011 until she was transported to the
Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA for
more intensive rehabilitative therapy.
We are asking that you send cards or letters to
Glenneisha Darkins c/o Shepherd Center, 2020
Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Financial donations may be deposited directly into
Glenneisha’s Wells Fargo Account: 7428432574.
The financial donations will help the family with
services and equipment not covered by their
Insurance.
years. It is relationships like these that
give our students varied opportunities to
become more competitive. Chevron’s gift
will be used for scholarships as well as
recruiting, preparing, and registering
students for participation in national case
Little did she know when graduating from FAMU-SBI with a B.S.in Business Administration in
1989 and a MBA in 1990, she would return to the university twenty years later to become the
CEO of one of its most premier academic units.
By Bobby Davis, Ph.D.
In March 2010, President Ammons, upon the
recommendation of FAMU’s Provost and VicePresident for Academic Affairs, appointed Dr.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud as the 3rd Dean of the
School of Business & Industry (SBI). Dr. FridayStroud was the first graduate of the School of
Business & Industry to ever become its Dean
making this a historic appointment.
Dr. Friday-Stroud is a proud product of the SBI
program forged by SBI’s founding Dean, Dr.
Sybil C. Mobley. A colleague, faculty member,
and friend of Dr. Friday-Stroud, Dr. Roscoe
Hightower suggested that the SBI servicescape
produces leaders that are created by exposing
to
faculty,
staff,
exceptional
students
administrators, and corporate partners committed
to achieving excellence.
In her undying quest for excellence, Dr. FridayStroud received her Ph.D. in Business
Administration with a concentration in
Management
from
Florida
International
University in April of 1997. She returned to her
alma mater, Florida A&M University, in August
of 1997 to join the ranks of the faculty, who had
been very instrumental in her development.
From August of 1997 to the present, Dr. FridayStroud has assumed a variety of leadership
positions at Florida A&M University. She has
served as Acting Chair for Management and
Marketing, SACS Leadership Team Chair, SACS
Accreditation Liaison, and Interim Dean of the
School of Business & Industry.
Her
accomplishments and many achievements are
documented in “The Biography for Shawnta S.
Friday-Stroud, Ph.D.” found on the SBI Website.
competitions.
When Dr. Friday-Stroud first arrived as a
freshman on the campus of FAMU she was
immediately immersed into the SBI culture which
illuminated her quest for excellence. From 1985
to the present, Dr. Friday-Stroud has always
exhibited a very strong work ethic which was
instilled by her parents at a very early period in
her life. Both parents believed in being the best
and doing the right things to be successful. Dr.
Friday-Stroud’s father is a retired Professor of
Management
from
Florida
International
University. Her strong work ethic was further
nourished and developed by SBI faculty and
administrators during Dr. Friday-Stroud’s tenure
as an undergraduate and graduate SBI student.
Many of the SBI faculty and administrators from
the 70s and 80s are still employed in SBI, such
as, Dr. Clark, Dr. Bradford, Dr. Evans, Dr.
Drumming, Dr. Smith, Dr. Harper, Attorney
Ravenell, Dr. Ashley, Dr. Ridley, Dr. Wilson and
myself. We take great pride in knowing that we
all played an instrumental role in Dr. FridayStroud’s professional development and see her
appointment as the 3rd Dean of the School of
Business & Industry as one that continues to
advance SBI in its quest for excellence. We deem
it a great honor to work under her supervision and
guidance.
SBI ALUMNI MAKE
GENEROUS DONATION
By Daaim Shabazz, Ph.D.
(pronounced da-eem sha-boz)
During FAMU’s Homecoming festivities, the
School of Business and Industry at FAMU hosted
a ceremony to formally thank Michael Reid and
his late wife Audrey Reid for their significant
donation to SBI. SBI faculty, staff, current and
prospective students and Alumni, were all invited
to witness the “Unveiling” of the third ever SBI
Alumnus to make a $100,000 contribution to the
school. The ceremony formally thanked Michael
Reid and his late wife Audrey Reid for their
contributions. The plaque has been mounted on
the SBI “Big Board” along with the other alums,
firms, and corporate partners that have all
donated a minimum of $100,000 to SBI.
ABOUT THE DONORS: Michael and Audrey
Reid were successful graduates of Florida
A&M’s School of Business and Industry.
Michael left New York City to attend FAMU and
earned a degree in accounting in 1984. He
ultimately returned to his native New York City
to work in the accounting field. He then found
himself moving to Tampa to embark on a
professional opportunity. A Floridian from Lake
County, Audrey “Jewel” Jones graduated from
FAMU SBI in 1981 with a degree in finance and
subsequently worked in the banking and
accounting fields in Tampa. As destiny would
have it, both Michael and Audrey met and
married in Tampa taking on various positions
within Hillsborough County. Michael had stints
with Hillsborough Community College and
Audrey worked in budgeting for Hillsborough
County’s Health Department. Mrs. Reid was
also an active member of the National Coalition
of 100 Black Women of Tampa.
During his successful accounting career,
Michael decided to embark on an
entrepreneurial endeavor. In 1990, he
started the MLR Entertainment, Inc., a
travel and event planning company. This
venture grew steadily and with his wife’s
support became one of the premier firms in
the southeast. Both Michael and Audrey
were staunch FAMU supporters and always
showed the "Rattler Pride". Michael started
the Venom Nation Weekly, an online
newsgroup devoted to FAMU news and
current events, and Audrey served as
Treasurer of the FAMU National Alumni
Association. This expression of loyalty was
highlighted when in 2006, the couple
decided to give $100,000 to the FAMU
Foundation to benefit the School of
Business and Industry. This amount is
normally gifted by corporate partners who
proudly have plaques on the "Big Board".
We are proud to have fellow Rattlers share
in this great distinction.
Office of Student Services (OSS)
FAMU Homecoming 2010
was especially exciting for
SBI. We hosted the SBI
Force Entrepreneurship
Series aimed at capturing the
“Reel” Rattler Spirit!
PLD Refresher Course
10/28/10 11 AM
SBI Alumni were invited to “Refresh” their
knowledge of skills learned in Professional
Development and share valuable business tips
they have attained since graduation. Participants
included: Chester Jones, III, Actor, Writer, and
Director; Candice Lenoir, Actress and Director;
Richard Matthews, State Farm Insurance Agent;
Mike Reid, owner, MLR Entertainment; and
LaTanya White, owner, Concept Creative
Hospitality Group.
SBI Big Board
This generous gift certainly exemplified the
love the Reids had for their alma mater and
it shall not be forgotten. Unfortunately, in
2008, Audrey died of a sudden illness and
the adage that one receives a portion of
what they give could not have come at a
more opportune moment for Michael. In the
days after his wife's death, he wrote, "The
outpouring of love and support these past
couple of days regarding the sudden loss of
my wife has been appreciated more than
you all will ever know." He continued, "The
Endowment she and I established a few
years ago essentially serves as "Our Kids"
... and will send some deserving "Baby
Rattlers" to attend our alma mater EVERY
year ... "FOREVER!"
While the couple did not have any children
of their own, this monumental gift will
always be the standard by which alumni can
strive to share a bit of their success. We are
eternally grateful to the Reids for this token
of generosity.
Audrey Jones Reid
Student Services Corner>>
SBI Force Alumni Mixer
10/28 7 PM
SBI Alumni were invited to Mix and Mingle
with students and faculty at the Café` Cabernet.
Participants were greeted by Joe Womack, III,
social media mogul and Keith Clinkscales,
Senior Vice President, content and development
and enterprises at ESPN.
If you have not had a chance to meet the dynamic staff of the Office of Student Services (OSS), it
would be “worth your while” to do so. OSS is staffed with caring individuals that work with students
from day one advising and ensuring a seamless transition from high school or community college
with the ultimate goal being to get each student to their graduation day. It is through “Excellence
with Caring” that they make this happen.
By Felicia Williams
Office of Career
Development
The Office of Career Development
(OCD), no longer referred to as the
Internship office, has undergone some
changes in order to better meet the needs
of SBI students. New offices are located
on the third floor of the south wing near
The contact
the interview rooms.
information
for
all
Relationship
Managers is as follows:
Mr. Kelvin Farmer, Room 304SW;
850.599.8879, and email address:
Kelvin.farmer@famu.edu.
Dr. Cynthia Karesh, Room 305SW;
850.599.8880,
email
address:
Cynthia.karesh@famu.edu.
Homecoming Convocation
10/29 10 AM
Mrs. Rosemary R. Bailey, Room
324SW; 850.599.3487, email address:
rosemary.bailey@famu.edu.
FAMU alumna Sonia Jackson Myles, director
for Global Printed Packaging Purchases for
Procter & Gamble, served as the keynote
speaker for the Homecoming convocation.
During her visit, Myles also hosted the Pink
Happy Project introducing her Sister Accord
Pledge to the SBI Family. Myles graduated
from SBI in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in
business administration with a concentration in
marketing.
In spite of the new location in the south
wing,
service,
dedication
and
commitment to the students remain as
strong and steadfast as ever. The OCD
now falls under the Professional
Leadership Development umbrella and
serves as an integral part of PLD, under
the direction of Dr. Vera Harper.
40/40 Distinguished Young
Alumni
Awards 10/29/10
In addition to a new location, an added
feature to OCD is a SBI Resource Room
located inside of Suite 324. The SBI
resource room is equipped with four
computer stalls and is open to all SBI
students for the purpose of conducting
research on firms, resume writing,
interviewing tips and techniques, etc!
Office hours are posted, so please
encourage students to drop by and take
advantage of this new service!
FAMU hosted an awards celebration honoring
40 alumni, 40 and under who have
distinguished themselves as professionals in
their chosen careers. A total of 13 SBI alumni
were recognized representing approximately
one-third of the total number of honorees.
The mission of the Office of
Student Services (OSS), in unison
with the School of Business and
Industry is to offer superior
academic support and resources,
while
promoting
student
development, student learning, and
professionalism.
Our academic
advisors provide both proactive and
interactive advisement to address
academic and personal concerns
which builds a shield that deflects
the possible issues that may hinder
academic successes and graduation.
The academic advising process has
been revamped.
Beginning in
October, students will be able to
schedule
time
efficient
appointments with their advisors as
an alternative to the undetermined
wait times in the past. Student
Services
has
committed
to
improving its communication with
students via informative monthly
newsletters, utilization of the
various social media outlets, guest
spots on SBI’s news programming,
and routine announcements via the
Video Information Center (VIC) .
Lastly, the staff is conveniently
housed in room 302 East Wing and
is undergoing cross training for the
various services that are provided
to improve its customer service
delivery. These improvements are
to better service our students and to
aid in the production of graduates
that embody SBI’s dynamic legacy
of intellect and leadership. The
Office of Student Services is the
epitome of “Excellence with
Caring” that our students receive
right here in SBI.
Services provided by the OSS include,
but are not limited to the following:
 Process Admission
Documents
 Relay Admission Decisions
to Applicants
 Facilitate Student
Orientations
 Academic Advisement
 Process Change of Majors
 Verify, Approve and
Distribute Absence Excuses
 Facilitate the Internal and
External Processing of
Grade Changes
 Liaison with various campus
entities (Housing,
Registration, Admission,
Student Financial Aid) to
problem solve student
matters
 Process and present student
Academic Appeals to the
University’s Academic
Appeals Committee
 Prepare Graduate Status
Audits
 Prepare/Update Graduation
Audits
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
Recruiting
Millennials
The School of Business and Industry hosted its
inaugural Global Leadership Conference on July
14-16,
2010.
Accomplished
business
professionals that have distinguished themselves
as academics, public servants, entrepreneurs and
corporate executives all shared their philosophies
on leadership and how they have mobilized efforts
toward diverse globalized agendas. Participants in
the conference received valuable insight on
various topics such as change management,
economic
development,
entrepreneurship,
sustainability, and team-building. All conference
activities were specifically designed to support
SBI's mission to develop new and existing
partnerships with alumni, private, and public
stakeholders to maintain the relevance and
currency of our academic programs. Going
forward, the Global Leadership Conference will
be an annual event that continues to combine both
personal and professional leadership development
opportunities for business professionals. For more
information on becoming a sponsor, speaker, or
participant in the 2011 Global Leadership
Conference, contact Kenyatta Rosier, External
Relations
at
850-599-8338
or
Kenyatta.rosier@famu.edu.
What’s our Status?
By Joycelyn Finley-Hervey, Ph.D.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business (AACSB) International is the
premier accrediting agency for bachelor’s,
master’s and doctoral business degree programs.
The AACSB Accreditation Standards are used
to evaluate a business school’s mission,
operations, faculty qualifications, and other
critical areas to ensure business schools provide
a top-quality education. Additionally, AACSB
accreditation provides benefits such as attracting
higher quality students, providing greater
research opportunities, and allowing for global
recognition (www.aacsb.edu).
SBI is following the process and will seek
accreditation in 2011. The SBI Self Evaluation
Report (SER report) was submitted on
November 15th and the International Peer
Review Team (PRT) visit to SBI is scheduled
for April 17-20, 2011. During the PRT visit, the
AACSB team may ask students, faculty, and
staff random questions about SBI’s Mission and
program learning goals. It is important for all
SBI students to familiarize themselves with
SBI’s Mission, Values, Vision, and Learning
goals, and to represent the school in a
professional manner. After the PRT visit, SBI
will be formally notified whether it has been
awarded the prestigious AACSB International
Accreditation seal.
The following link lists the 596 member schools
that hold AACSB International accreditation:
http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accreditedme
mbers.asp.
SBI revamped the school’s recruiting strategy
to effectively attract high-achieving millennial
students. Reaching these students has required
“going digital.” Social media (Facebook,
YouTube, and Twitter), web conferencing,
and PODcasts are fast becoming standards of
SBI’s recruiting outreach. The intent is to
provide millennials “on demand” access to
content-rich information in portable formats.
A second aspect of the new strategy involves
continued partnerships with key organizations
and interest groups of potential business
students such as Future Business Leaders of
America
(FBLA),
National
Academy
Foundation
(NAF),
and
Business
Professionals of America. In addition, SBI
has increased its partnership recruitment
efforts with alumni and corporate partners in
local areas through receptions and seminars.
The early results for the new strategy are
encouraging: SBI’s Fall 2010 incoming class
of nearly 400 undergraduate students was over
15% larger than the 2009 class—in fact, the
Fall 2010 incoming class is the largest since
2003.
culture >>>
Chilean Study Tour
Back in August, students and a faculty chaperone traveled to participate in a 7-day Doing Business in
Chilean Study Tour. The study tour included both company visits and cultural explorations. Companies
visited included an international branch of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, where SBIans briefly met with
PriceWaterhouseCoopers partners. In addition, the group interacted with representatives of Chiliean
firms including a micro lender, a leader in the Chilean food industry, a winery and others.
FAMU SBI Students Win National
Team Selling Competition
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) won the
National Team Selling Competition hosted by the Center for Global Sales Leadership
at Indiana University.
competition. The case included, but was not
limited to, convenience store and candy
industries focusing on all aspects of general
business with specific emphasis on in-store
visibility, inventory and pricing. The case
challenged the students to really understand
and apply what they knew about the basic
convenience store business to the concept of
team selling.
By Roscoe Hightower, Jr., Ph.D.
The competition attracts top teams of
undergraduate sales students from America's
leading universities who wish to pursue high-level,
complex sales and an opportunity to practice teamselling simulations. Altria Sales & Distribution
employees created the case, role-played the
position of buyers and senior management, and
also served as judges.
FAMU’s team consisted of Nicole Crowell, a
fourth-year business administration student
from California; Keisha Faulkner, a fourthyear business administration student from
New Jersey; Jamil Codner, a third-year
business administration student from Florida;
and Darriel Brown, a fourth-year business
administration student from Florida.
“The preparation made the competition seem
easier upon completion,” said Crowell, the
team captain. “Competing against the best
professional selling schools and dominating
them made us appreciate the education that
we are receiving at FAMU even more.”
Some of the universities that participated in the
competition included Indiana University, Michigan
State University, University of Kansas, University
of Florida, Penn State, Ball State University and
Syracuse University.
Through the program, the students received
job offers from Altria Sales & Distribution
and at least one will take a position with the
firm in 2011. The others are currently in the
interviewing process.
“Everyone was good, but our young people were
great,” said Roscoe Hightower, Jr., Ph.D., team
coach, lead adviser and a SBI associate professor.
“We look forward to continuing to recruit, train
and graduate the best professional selling student
leaders in the U.S. Under the current leadership of
Dean Friday-Stroud, we are continuously in search
of excellence.”
Brown, a returning team member from the
2009 second place team, said, “We were on a
mission. We were being tested in a number
of ways, especially from a conviction or
belief in our training, coaching and ourselves.
We showed them the outcome when a student
has the wherewithal to believe in their
training.”
According to Hightower, this year’s case was
provided to the teams one week prior to the
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
By Carol Motley, Ph. D.
The cultural activities included a Santiago cultural city game in which teams of 3 were provided a city
map, some pesos and places to see in Santiago. The objectives were to help the tour members become
familiar with and comfortable getting around in the capital of Chile. Other activities included excursions
to Valparaiso (Chile’s principle shipping port), Villa Grimaldi (a former torture and detention center
developed after the 1973 coup and subsequent dictatorship) and for some snowboarding on the Andes
Mountains. A highlight was a trip to the Los Cipreses School, a private K-12 school started and funded
by Agosuper (food company) for economically disadvantaged youth. The Los Cipreses students enjoyed
practicing their English and playing soccer and other games with the SBIans. The games provided an
excellent opportunity for cross-cultural learning for both groups. As with other international visits, this
Chilean study tour provides our students a competitive advantage in the increasingly multi-cultural
marketplace.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides counseling, training, education and
support to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs throughout the Florida Panhandle. The
center was recently placed under the auspices of the FAMU School of Business and Industry (SBI).
The potential synergy resulting from this change increases its capacity to provide services and utilize
the resources provided SBI faculty, staff, graduate students and corporate sponsors to increase the
breadth and depth of services. Specifically, the SBDC will have the capability to tap into SBI
resources to increase marketing efforts, community outreach, training activities and overall social
capital.
The SBDC will focus service delivery toward the accomplishment of the key performance areas of
business starts, long term clients, and capital infusion as annual planning goals are incorporated into
performance plans. The SBDC at FAMU is poised to reach higher heights through growth;
magnifying visibility and presence through marketing and outreach; and improving effectiveness
through purposeful innovation and people-focused management.
Sophomores win PNC
Financial Services Case
Competition
By Andre Holmes
In Spring 2010, PNC Bank held its
inaugural case competition. Teams were
required to analyze the state of the
industry, assess the two dissimilar banks,
and detail a successful merger including
implementation of new technology
systems, employee integration, and
efficiencies gained.
At the conclusion of the competition held
at SBI, local winners were announced:
Marion Boyd, Samuel Floyd, William
McIntosh, Chartzi Spell, and Professor
Andre Holmes. This team then traveled to
Pittsburgh, PA to compete nationally,
where they won first place. The SBI Team
won cash prizes and summer internships
with PNC Bank.
SBI Students Win BIG
By Eugenia Anderson
In February 2010, Rayvin Julien, Shannon
Kirk, Audreen Robinson, and Tiffany
Williams showcased their business acumen in
a supply chain management student case
competition and won 1st Place. The student
case competition was held in San Diego, CA at
the 7th Annual Institute for Black Executive
Supply Management Summit. Students each
won a $5,000 scholarship award.
When the graduating MBA candidates (all
except one) were asked what was most
rewarding about their experience, they
responded, "the greatest prize the team
received from competing was not the money,
nor the various internship offers from
participating firms, but representing FAMU’s
School of Business and Industry in the best
possible light."
SBI Student Corner
A R.E.A.L. Opportunity
Unfortunately, many students are unaware of the many opportunities that
present themselves when you participate in various PLD activities. The
Real Estate and Leadership Club (Club R.E.A.L.) was the result of a SBI
performance activity that took place during the 2010 Forum series. I can
recall being invited to participate in a student briefing just moments before
the arrival of our Forum guest, John M. Crossman. He ended the briefing by
stating that more exposure and monetary donations will be given to SBI if
we were to start a real estate club. Mr. Crossman also promised to offer more
internship placements if students obtained their real estate license. Inspired
by the words of Crossman and the chance to gain a professional license, I
was motivated to charter FAMU’s very first real estate club – a R.E.A.L.
opportunity for SBIans.
Thomas Bolen currently serves as President of Club R.E.A.L. which currently has an executive
board and membership of approximately twenty SBI students. Thomas is currently working with
the Dean and other administration officials to determine a“cost effective” way for students to
obtain a real estate license. For more information, contact Thomas at bolen.thomas@gmail.com.
PLD Extravaganza
A Year in Review
By Kewan Bullock
1st Year Business Administration Student
I am Kewan Bullock, also known as “Knowledge,”
and a first year Professional MBA Student from
Harrisburg, PA. As a high school senior, my plan
was to attend Penn State University. However, after
an enlightening Career Day Workshop delivered by
FAMU Alumni, I became interested in Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. I had heard of
FAMU before, and was curious to see what this
prestigious institution was all about. Little did I
know, the same two FAMU alumni would later
become my mentors and convince me to visit FAMU
and take a college tour. After receiving such a warm
welcome, experiencing an exceptional orientation,
and a plentiful financial assistance offer, I had no
choice but to choose FAMU on signing day.
My experiences in SBI have been plentiful. I have
participated in TV tapings through the WSBI
performance company, and I am currently going
through training to provide social networking support
for SBI’s web presence. This training will be
facilitated by my upper-class mentor, Aaron
Galloway, also from the state of Pennsylvania.
Although he is graduating this semester with an
MBA, he lets me know that I can call him at almost
any time. It is relationships like these that give
substance to my matriculation through college. I am
certain I will be developed academically,
professionally, and sociably, with the skills necessary
to compete with anyone, just as the SBI Mission
statement proclaims.
In addition to learning, growing, and being an asset
to the university, I have set a few goals to become
more involved in my community. Many say that a
person is not successful until he or she has created
opportunities for others, and that is the objective I
have set for myself.
Beginning in FALL 2010, students were invited to participate in a Professional Leadership
Development (PLD) Extravaganza. The PLD Extravaganza served as a response to student
feedback and a catalyst to promote transparency among FTIC and transfer students
regarding procedure, policy, culture, and expectations. This was an opportunity for all
SBIans to meet and greet the faculty and staff; learn more about SBI’s student-run
companies and organizations at exposition-style booths; familiarize students with preferred
technologies and provided registration directions for Blackboard use; demonstrated proper
business attire in the form of a fashion show; distributed newsletters and key information
about student responsibilities and support services; shared the mission and learning goals
with our students in the form of reusable bookmarks; and discussed the legacy and history of
our school and founder. This event attracted more than 300 students and the event provided
food, freebies, and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Besides the headaches from the typically deliberate
financial aid center and the dynamic Tallahassee
weather, I could not be happier with the decision I
made.
Furthermore, if I had the chance to
contemplate and choose an institution of higher
learning all over again, I would not change a thing. I
enjoy waking up early in the morning and going to
class and sometimes listening to not so intriguing
lectures. As I walk up and down the highest of seven
hills I can feel history, culture and tradition, and an
immense need to fulfill a legacy. I am hungry as well
as greedy for knowledge, and I urge my professors to
feed me; I am a Rattler.
SBI Student Corner
By Kimberly Taylor
Graduating MBA Student
360 Degree Accreditation
For SBI, the opportunity to receive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International speaks
volumes. I see accreditation, not as a type of validation for SBI, but as a representation of what our school offers as a leader amongst other business
schools—a first class education and professional leadership development (PLD). This accreditation, once obtained, will further justify that SBI is
more than qualified to be in the rankings of the best in business schools worldwide.
Students should view the accreditation process as an opportunity to provide insight to the visiting AACSB team as to why SBI is a leading business
school and how we will continue to graduate students capable of excelling as future leaders in global business, industry, and commerce. It is up to us
to show that our school prepares its students to contribute largely to society and to grow personally and professionally throughout the course of our
careers. We must take pride in our school and what it represents by acknowledging our duties as students by being one with our mission statement in
an effort to continue to thrive as we have since our establishment in 1974. Students should be aware of what SBI has accomplished by reviewing the
self-evaluation report (SER) submitted to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Reading the SER report will provide a better
understanding of SBI from a perspective of which many students are unaware. It is highly recommended that we take the opportunity to engage with
the visiting team and represent the school in the way we know best—with professionalism, honor, and integrity.
The faculty’s involvement regarding AACSB Accreditation is as equally important. It is up to the faculty to ensure the attainment of AACSB
accreditation. By playing a key role in the accreditation process, faculty will continue to facilitate SBI academic successes and the opportunities
available to students. Helping students understand the purpose and benefits of accreditation is vital. Faculty and the entire student body, not just those
enrolled in PLD, must unite in order to best represent SBI. By obtaining AASCB accreditation, doors will open up for SBI Nation in its entirety,
making us a priority to alumni, recruiters, and prospective students. Through continuous communication and understanding, all stakeholders involved
will make a difference in how we approach the accreditation process and receive our much deserved credentials.
Continuing Education
Replacing Stress with Success
By Benjamin C. Evans, III
MBA Candidate
By Allison Burke
3rd Year Business Administration Student
Continuous learning after graduation is critical for
students who wish to navigate this stale economy, but the key
is to strategically plan your learning objectives. Many
accomplished individuals, like Dr. Dennis Kimbro, advise us
that continuous learning is a requirement for success, but what
does that mean? How would one determine what to focus on to
build a body of knowledge that makes a tangible difference in
their lives? And why is continuous learning beneficial to
anyone?
Continuous learning means growth through learning
events and experiences. Undergoing a continuous learning
process entails change; one cannot learn and still be the same
person. There is a constant evolution in the way we think and
act, brought about by new understanding, new knowledge, and
new skills.
No one ever knows what life may bring, so it is very
important to always be in the know so that you are prepared to
take life by the horns and dance. This requires a mapping of
your career and life goals and determining the information and
knowledge required to achieve those goals. Continuous
learning can be done through seminars and workshops,
trainings, coaching and mentoring, and also through actual
application. You can learn by taking up a new course or buying
self-help books to guide you as you learn a new knowledge or
skill.
“If you don't know where you are going, any road will
get you there.” - Lewis Carroll
Exercise is an important part of any healthy lifestyle and
plays a critical role in the success of college students. Incoming
students are forced to balance life away from home while
experiencing the stress of satisfying multiple professors, working in
groups, and meeting constant deadlines, which often leads to
depression.
Rather than allow exercise to become of secondary
importance, incorporate small but healthy habits into your weekly
routine. Exercising for at least 60 minutes most days of the week will
be a great start to improving your overall health, especially when
eating right and getting enough sleep become college luxuries.
Jogging, biking, and swimming are great forms of cardiovascular
exercise. You also have the option of going to the campus recreation
center, joining an intramural sports team, or simply taking the stairs
instead of the elevator.
Coupling exercise with studying will surely give your mind
and body the mental and physical stimulation needed to increase your
focus, memory retention, and alertness. Take the time to incorporate
these healthful habits into your campus life so you will feel better
both physically and emotionally and look forward to replacing
college stress with college success!
Allison is a fitness trainer at the campus recreation center. Join her
for spin classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Email her at:
allisonburke08@aol.com.
SBI Student Corner
A R.E.A.L. Opportunity
Unfortunately, many students are unaware of the many opportunities that
present themselves when you participate in various PLD activities. The
Real Estate and Leadership Club (Club R.E.A.L.) was the result of a SBI
performance activity that took place during the 2010 Forum series. I can
recall being invited to participate in a student briefing just moments before
the arrival of our Forum guest, John M. Crossman. He ended the briefing by
stating that more exposure and monetary donations will be given to SBI if
we were to start a real estate club. Mr. Crossman also promised to offer more
internship placements if students obtained their real estate license. Inspired
by the words of Crossman and the chance to gain a professional license, I
was motivated to charter FAMU’s very first real estate club – a R.E.A.L.
opportunity for SBIans.
Thomas Bolen currently serves as President of Club R.E.A.L. which currently has an executive
board and membership of approximately twenty SBI students. Thomas is currently working with
the Dean and other administration officials to determine a“cost effective” way for students to
obtain a real estate license. For more information, contact Thomas at bolen.thomas@gmail.com.
PLD Extravaganza
A Year in Review
By Kewan Bullock
1st Year Business Administration Student
I am Kewan Bullock, also known as “Knowledge,”
and a first year Professional MBA Student from
Harrisburg, PA. As a high school senior, my plan
was to attend Penn State University. However, after
an enlightening Career Day Workshop delivered by
FAMU Alumni, I became interested in Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. I had heard of
FAMU before, and was curious to see what this
prestigious institution was all about. Little did I
know, the same two FAMU alumni would later
become my mentors and convince me to visit FAMU
and take a college tour. After receiving such a warm
welcome, experiencing an exceptional orientation,
and a plentiful financial assistance offer, I had no
choice but to choose FAMU on signing day.
My experiences in SBI have been plentiful. I have
participated in TV tapings through the WSBI
performance company, and I am currently going
through training to provide social networking support
for SBI’s web presence. This training will be
facilitated by my upper-class mentor, Aaron
Galloway, also from the state of Pennsylvania.
Although he is graduating this semester with an
MBA, he lets me know that I can call him at almost
any time. It is relationships like these that give
substance to my matriculation through college. I am
certain I will be developed academically,
professionally, and sociably, with the skills necessary
to compete with anyone, just as the SBI Mission
statement proclaims.
In addition to learning, growing, and being an asset
to the university, I have set a few goals to become
more involved in my community. Many say that a
person is not successful until he or she has created
opportunities for others, and that is the objective I
have set for myself.
Beginning in FALL 2010, students were invited to participate in a Professional Leadership
Development (PLD) Extravaganza. The PLD Extravaganza served as a response to student
feedback and a catalyst to promote transparency among FTIC and transfer students
regarding procedure, policy, culture, and expectations. This was an opportunity for all
SBIans to meet and greet the faculty and staff; learn more about SBI’s student-run
companies and organizations at exposition-style booths; familiarize students with preferred
technologies and provided registration directions for Blackboard use; demonstrated proper
business attire in the form of a fashion show; distributed newsletters and key information
about student responsibilities and support services; shared the mission and learning goals
with our students in the form of reusable bookmarks; and discussed the legacy and history of
our school and founder. This event attracted more than 300 students and the event provided
food, freebies, and entertainment for all to enjoy.
Besides the headaches from the typically deliberate
financial aid center and the dynamic Tallahassee
weather, I could not be happier with the decision I
made.
Furthermore, if I had the chance to
contemplate and choose an institution of higher
learning all over again, I would not change a thing. I
enjoy waking up early in the morning and going to
class and sometimes listening to not so intriguing
lectures. As I walk up and down the highest of seven
hills I can feel history, culture and tradition, and an
immense need to fulfill a legacy. I am hungry as well
as greedy for knowledge, and I urge my professors to
feed me; I am a Rattler.
SBI Student Corner
By Kimberly Taylor
Graduating MBA Student
360 Degree Accreditation
For SBI, the opportunity to receive accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International speaks
volumes. I see accreditation, not as a type of validation for SBI, but as a representation of what our school offers as a leader amongst other business
schools—a first class education and professional leadership development (PLD). This accreditation, once obtained, will further justify that SBI is
more than qualified to be in the rankings of the best in business schools worldwide.
Students should view the accreditation process as an opportunity to provide insight to the visiting AACSB team as to why SBI is a leading business
school and how we will continue to graduate students capable of excelling as future leaders in global business, industry, and commerce. It is up to us
to show that our school prepares its students to contribute largely to society and to grow personally and professionally throughout the course of our
careers. We must take pride in our school and what it represents by acknowledging our duties as students by being one with our mission statement in
an effort to continue to thrive as we have since our establishment in 1974. Students should be aware of what SBI has accomplished by reviewing the
self-evaluation report (SER) submitted to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Reading the SER report will provide a better
understanding of SBI from a perspective of which many students are unaware. It is highly recommended that we take the opportunity to engage with
the visiting team and represent the school in the way we know best—with professionalism, honor, and integrity.
The faculty’s involvement regarding AACSB Accreditation is as equally important. It is up to the faculty to ensure the attainment of AACSB
accreditation. By playing a key role in the accreditation process, faculty will continue to facilitate SBI academic successes and the opportunities
available to students. Helping students understand the purpose and benefits of accreditation is vital. Faculty and the entire student body, not just those
enrolled in PLD, must unite in order to best represent SBI. By obtaining AASCB accreditation, doors will open up for SBI Nation in its entirety,
making us a priority to alumni, recruiters, and prospective students. Through continuous communication and understanding, all stakeholders involved
will make a difference in how we approach the accreditation process and receive our much deserved credentials.
Continuing Education
Replacing Stress with Success
By Benjamin C. Evans, III
MBA Candidate
By Allison Burke
3rd Year Business Administration Student
Continuous learning after graduation is critical for
students who wish to navigate this stale economy, but the key
is to strategically plan your learning objectives. Many
accomplished individuals, like Dr. Dennis Kimbro, advise us
that continuous learning is a requirement for success, but what
does that mean? How would one determine what to focus on to
build a body of knowledge that makes a tangible difference in
their lives? And why is continuous learning beneficial to
anyone?
Continuous learning means growth through learning
events and experiences. Undergoing a continuous learning
process entails change; one cannot learn and still be the same
person. There is a constant evolution in the way we think and
act, brought about by new understanding, new knowledge, and
new skills.
No one ever knows what life may bring, so it is very
important to always be in the know so that you are prepared to
take life by the horns and dance. This requires a mapping of
your career and life goals and determining the information and
knowledge required to achieve those goals. Continuous
learning can be done through seminars and workshops,
trainings, coaching and mentoring, and also through actual
application. You can learn by taking up a new course or buying
self-help books to guide you as you learn a new knowledge or
skill.
“If you don't know where you are going, any road will
get you there.” - Lewis Carroll
Exercise is an important part of any healthy lifestyle and
plays a critical role in the success of college students. Incoming
students are forced to balance life away from home while
experiencing the stress of satisfying multiple professors, working in
groups, and meeting constant deadlines, which often leads to
depression.
Rather than allow exercise to become of secondary
importance, incorporate small but healthy habits into your weekly
routine. Exercising for at least 60 minutes most days of the week will
be a great start to improving your overall health, especially when
eating right and getting enough sleep become college luxuries.
Jogging, biking, and swimming are great forms of cardiovascular
exercise. You also have the option of going to the campus recreation
center, joining an intramural sports team, or simply taking the stairs
instead of the elevator.
Coupling exercise with studying will surely give your mind
and body the mental and physical stimulation needed to increase your
focus, memory retention, and alertness. Take the time to incorporate
these healthful habits into your campus life so you will feel better
both physically and emotionally and look forward to replacing
college stress with college success!
Allison is a fitness trainer at the campus recreation center. Join her
for spin classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Email her at:
allisonburke08@aol.com.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
Recruiting
Millennials
The School of Business and Industry hosted its
inaugural Global Leadership Conference on July
14-16,
2010.
Accomplished
business
professionals that have distinguished themselves
as academics, public servants, entrepreneurs and
corporate executives all shared their philosophies
on leadership and how they have mobilized efforts
toward diverse globalized agendas. Participants in
the conference received valuable insight on
various topics such as change management,
economic
development,
entrepreneurship,
sustainability, and team-building. All conference
activities were specifically designed to support
SBI's mission to develop new and existing
partnerships with alumni, private, and public
stakeholders to maintain the relevance and
currency of our academic programs. Going
forward, the Global Leadership Conference will
be an annual event that continues to combine both
personal and professional leadership development
opportunities for business professionals. For more
information on becoming a sponsor, speaker, or
participant in the 2011 Global Leadership
Conference, contact Kenyatta Rosier, External
Relations
at
850-599-8338
or
Kenyatta.rosier@famu.edu.
What’s our Status?
By Joycelyn Finley-Hervey, Ph.D.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools
of Business (AACSB) International is the
premier accrediting agency for bachelor’s,
master’s and doctoral business degree programs.
The AACSB Accreditation Standards are used
to evaluate a business school’s mission,
operations, faculty qualifications, and other
critical areas to ensure business schools provide
a top-quality education. Additionally, AACSB
accreditation provides benefits such as attracting
higher quality students, providing greater
research opportunities, and allowing for global
recognition (www.aacsb.edu).
SBI is following the process and will seek
accreditation in 2011. The SBI Self Evaluation
Report (SER report) was submitted on
November 15th and the International Peer
Review Team (PRT) visit to SBI is scheduled
for April 17-20, 2011. During the PRT visit, the
AACSB team may ask students, faculty, and
staff random questions about SBI’s Mission and
program learning goals. It is important for all
SBI students to familiarize themselves with
SBI’s Mission, Values, Vision, and Learning
goals, and to represent the school in a
professional manner. After the PRT visit, SBI
will be formally notified whether it has been
awarded the prestigious AACSB International
Accreditation seal.
The following link lists the 596 member schools
that hold AACSB International accreditation:
http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accreditedme
mbers.asp.
SBI revamped the school’s recruiting strategy
to effectively attract high-achieving millennial
students. Reaching these students has required
“going digital.” Social media (Facebook,
YouTube, and Twitter), web conferencing,
and PODcasts are fast becoming standards of
SBI’s recruiting outreach. The intent is to
provide millennials “on demand” access to
content-rich information in portable formats.
A second aspect of the new strategy involves
continued partnerships with key organizations
and interest groups of potential business
students such as Future Business Leaders of
America
(FBLA),
National
Academy
Foundation
(NAF),
and
Business
Professionals of America. In addition, SBI
has increased its partnership recruitment
efforts with alumni and corporate partners in
local areas through receptions and seminars.
The early results for the new strategy are
encouraging: SBI’s Fall 2010 incoming class
of nearly 400 undergraduate students was over
15% larger than the 2009 class—in fact, the
Fall 2010 incoming class is the largest since
2003.
culture >>>
Chilean Study Tour
Back in August, students and a faculty chaperone traveled to participate in a 7-day Doing Business in
Chilean Study Tour. The study tour included both company visits and cultural explorations. Companies
visited included an international branch of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, where SBIans briefly met with
PriceWaterhouseCoopers partners. In addition, the group interacted with representatives of Chiliean
firms including a micro lender, a leader in the Chilean food industry, a winery and others.
FAMU SBI Students Win National
Team Selling Competition
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) won the
National Team Selling Competition hosted by the Center for Global Sales Leadership
at Indiana University.
competition. The case included, but was not
limited to, convenience store and candy
industries focusing on all aspects of general
business with specific emphasis on in-store
visibility, inventory and pricing. The case
challenged the students to really understand
and apply what they knew about the basic
convenience store business to the concept of
team selling.
By Roscoe Hightower, Jr., Ph.D.
The competition attracts top teams of
undergraduate sales students from America's
leading universities who wish to pursue high-level,
complex sales and an opportunity to practice teamselling simulations. Altria Sales & Distribution
employees created the case, role-played the
position of buyers and senior management, and
also served as judges.
FAMU’s team consisted of Nicole Crowell, a
fourth-year business administration student
from California; Keisha Faulkner, a fourthyear business administration student from
New Jersey; Jamil Codner, a third-year
business administration student from Florida;
and Darriel Brown, a fourth-year business
administration student from Florida.
“The preparation made the competition seem
easier upon completion,” said Crowell, the
team captain. “Competing against the best
professional selling schools and dominating
them made us appreciate the education that
we are receiving at FAMU even more.”
Some of the universities that participated in the
competition included Indiana University, Michigan
State University, University of Kansas, University
of Florida, Penn State, Ball State University and
Syracuse University.
Through the program, the students received
job offers from Altria Sales & Distribution
and at least one will take a position with the
firm in 2011. The others are currently in the
interviewing process.
“Everyone was good, but our young people were
great,” said Roscoe Hightower, Jr., Ph.D., team
coach, lead adviser and a SBI associate professor.
“We look forward to continuing to recruit, train
and graduate the best professional selling student
leaders in the U.S. Under the current leadership of
Dean Friday-Stroud, we are continuously in search
of excellence.”
Brown, a returning team member from the
2009 second place team, said, “We were on a
mission. We were being tested in a number
of ways, especially from a conviction or
belief in our training, coaching and ourselves.
We showed them the outcome when a student
has the wherewithal to believe in their
training.”
According to Hightower, this year’s case was
provided to the teams one week prior to the
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
By Carol Motley, Ph. D.
The cultural activities included a Santiago cultural city game in which teams of 3 were provided a city
map, some pesos and places to see in Santiago. The objectives were to help the tour members become
familiar with and comfortable getting around in the capital of Chile. Other activities included excursions
to Valparaiso (Chile’s principle shipping port), Villa Grimaldi (a former torture and detention center
developed after the 1973 coup and subsequent dictatorship) and for some snowboarding on the Andes
Mountains. A highlight was a trip to the Los Cipreses School, a private K-12 school started and funded
by Agosuper (food company) for economically disadvantaged youth. The Los Cipreses students enjoyed
practicing their English and playing soccer and other games with the SBIans. The games provided an
excellent opportunity for cross-cultural learning for both groups. As with other international visits, this
Chilean study tour provides our students a competitive advantage in the increasingly multi-cultural
marketplace.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides counseling, training, education and
support to business owners and prospective entrepreneurs throughout the Florida Panhandle. The
center was recently placed under the auspices of the FAMU School of Business and Industry (SBI).
The potential synergy resulting from this change increases its capacity to provide services and utilize
the resources provided SBI faculty, staff, graduate students and corporate sponsors to increase the
breadth and depth of services. Specifically, the SBDC will have the capability to tap into SBI
resources to increase marketing efforts, community outreach, training activities and overall social
capital.
The SBDC will focus service delivery toward the accomplishment of the key performance areas of
business starts, long term clients, and capital infusion as annual planning goals are incorporated into
performance plans. The SBDC at FAMU is poised to reach higher heights through growth;
magnifying visibility and presence through marketing and outreach; and improving effectiveness
through purposeful innovation and people-focused management.
Sophomores win PNC
Financial Services Case
Competition
By Andre Holmes
In Spring 2010, PNC Bank held its
inaugural case competition. Teams were
required to analyze the state of the
industry, assess the two dissimilar banks,
and detail a successful merger including
implementation of new technology
systems, employee integration, and
efficiencies gained.
At the conclusion of the competition held
at SBI, local winners were announced:
Marion Boyd, Samuel Floyd, William
McIntosh, Chartzi Spell, and Professor
Andre Holmes. This team then traveled to
Pittsburgh, PA to compete nationally,
where they won first place. The SBI Team
won cash prizes and summer internships
with PNC Bank.
SBI Students Win BIG
By Eugenia Anderson
In February 2010, Rayvin Julien, Shannon
Kirk, Audreen Robinson, and Tiffany
Williams showcased their business acumen in
a supply chain management student case
competition and won 1st Place. The student
case competition was held in San Diego, CA at
the 7th Annual Institute for Black Executive
Supply Management Summit. Students each
won a $5,000 scholarship award.
When the graduating MBA candidates (all
except one) were asked what was most
rewarding about their experience, they
responded, "the greatest prize the team
received from competing was not the money,
nor the various internship offers from
participating firms, but representing FAMU’s
School of Business and Industry in the best
possible light."
SBI ALUMNI MAKE
GENEROUS DONATION
By Daaim Shabazz, Ph.D.
(pronounced da-eem sha-boz)
During FAMU’s Homecoming festivities, the
School of Business and Industry at FAMU hosted
a ceremony to formally thank Michael Reid and
his late wife Audrey Reid for their significant
donation to SBI. SBI faculty, staff, current and
prospective students and Alumni, were all invited
to witness the “Unveiling” of the third ever SBI
Alumnus to make a $100,000 contribution to the
school. The ceremony formally thanked Michael
Reid and his late wife Audrey Reid for their
contributions. The plaque has been mounted on
the SBI “Big Board” along with the other alums,
firms, and corporate partners that have all
donated a minimum of $100,000 to SBI.
ABOUT THE DONORS: Michael and Audrey
Reid were successful graduates of Florida
A&M’s School of Business and Industry.
Michael left New York City to attend FAMU and
earned a degree in accounting in 1984. He
ultimately returned to his native New York City
to work in the accounting field. He then found
himself moving to Tampa to embark on a
professional opportunity. A Floridian from Lake
County, Audrey “Jewel” Jones graduated from
FAMU SBI in 1981 with a degree in finance and
subsequently worked in the banking and
accounting fields in Tampa. As destiny would
have it, both Michael and Audrey met and
married in Tampa taking on various positions
within Hillsborough County. Michael had stints
with Hillsborough Community College and
Audrey worked in budgeting for Hillsborough
County’s Health Department. Mrs. Reid was
also an active member of the National Coalition
of 100 Black Women of Tampa.
During his successful accounting career,
Michael decided to embark on an
entrepreneurial endeavor. In 1990, he
started the MLR Entertainment, Inc., a
travel and event planning company. This
venture grew steadily and with his wife’s
support became one of the premier firms in
the southeast. Both Michael and Audrey
were staunch FAMU supporters and always
showed the "Rattler Pride". Michael started
the Venom Nation Weekly, an online
newsgroup devoted to FAMU news and
current events, and Audrey served as
Treasurer of the FAMU National Alumni
Association. This expression of loyalty was
highlighted when in 2006, the couple
decided to give $100,000 to the FAMU
Foundation to benefit the School of
Business and Industry. This amount is
normally gifted by corporate partners who
proudly have plaques on the "Big Board".
We are proud to have fellow Rattlers share
in this great distinction.
Office of Student Services (OSS)
FAMU Homecoming 2010
was especially exciting for
SBI. We hosted the SBI
Force Entrepreneurship
Series aimed at capturing the
“Reel” Rattler Spirit!
PLD Refresher Course
10/28/10 11 AM
SBI Alumni were invited to “Refresh” their
knowledge of skills learned in Professional
Development and share valuable business tips
they have attained since graduation. Participants
included: Chester Jones, III, Actor, Writer, and
Director; Candice Lenoir, Actress and Director;
Richard Matthews, State Farm Insurance Agent;
Mike Reid, owner, MLR Entertainment; and
LaTanya White, owner, Concept Creative
Hospitality Group.
SBI Big Board
This generous gift certainly exemplified the
love the Reids had for their alma mater and
it shall not be forgotten. Unfortunately, in
2008, Audrey died of a sudden illness and
the adage that one receives a portion of
what they give could not have come at a
more opportune moment for Michael. In the
days after his wife's death, he wrote, "The
outpouring of love and support these past
couple of days regarding the sudden loss of
my wife has been appreciated more than
you all will ever know." He continued, "The
Endowment she and I established a few
years ago essentially serves as "Our Kids"
... and will send some deserving "Baby
Rattlers" to attend our alma mater EVERY
year ... "FOREVER!"
While the couple did not have any children
of their own, this monumental gift will
always be the standard by which alumni can
strive to share a bit of their success. We are
eternally grateful to the Reids for this token
of generosity.
Audrey Jones Reid
Student Services Corner>>
SBI Force Alumni Mixer
10/28 7 PM
SBI Alumni were invited to Mix and Mingle
with students and faculty at the Café` Cabernet.
Participants were greeted by Joe Womack, III,
social media mogul and Keith Clinkscales,
Senior Vice President, content and development
and enterprises at ESPN.
If you have not had a chance to meet the dynamic staff of the Office of Student Services (OSS), it
would be “worth your while” to do so. OSS is staffed with caring individuals that work with students
from day one advising and ensuring a seamless transition from high school or community college
with the ultimate goal being to get each student to their graduation day. It is through “Excellence
with Caring” that they make this happen.
By Felicia Williams
Office of Career
Development
The Office of Career Development
(OCD), no longer referred to as the
Internship office, has undergone some
changes in order to better meet the needs
of SBI students. New offices are located
on the third floor of the south wing near
The contact
the interview rooms.
information
for
all
Relationship
Managers is as follows:
Mr. Kelvin Farmer, Room 304SW;
850.599.8879, and email address:
Kelvin.farmer@famu.edu.
Dr. Cynthia Karesh, Room 305SW;
850.599.8880,
email
address:
Cynthia.karesh@famu.edu.
Homecoming Convocation
10/29 10 AM
Mrs. Rosemary R. Bailey, Room
324SW; 850.599.3487, email address:
rosemary.bailey@famu.edu.
FAMU alumna Sonia Jackson Myles, director
for Global Printed Packaging Purchases for
Procter & Gamble, served as the keynote
speaker for the Homecoming convocation.
During her visit, Myles also hosted the Pink
Happy Project introducing her Sister Accord
Pledge to the SBI Family. Myles graduated
from SBI in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in
business administration with a concentration in
marketing.
In spite of the new location in the south
wing,
service,
dedication
and
commitment to the students remain as
strong and steadfast as ever. The OCD
now falls under the Professional
Leadership Development umbrella and
serves as an integral part of PLD, under
the direction of Dr. Vera Harper.
40/40 Distinguished Young
Alumni
Awards 10/29/10
In addition to a new location, an added
feature to OCD is a SBI Resource Room
located inside of Suite 324. The SBI
resource room is equipped with four
computer stalls and is open to all SBI
students for the purpose of conducting
research on firms, resume writing,
interviewing tips and techniques, etc!
Office hours are posted, so please
encourage students to drop by and take
advantage of this new service!
FAMU hosted an awards celebration honoring
40 alumni, 40 and under who have
distinguished themselves as professionals in
their chosen careers. A total of 13 SBI alumni
were recognized representing approximately
one-third of the total number of honorees.
The mission of the Office of
Student Services (OSS), in unison
with the School of Business and
Industry is to offer superior
academic support and resources,
while
promoting
student
development, student learning, and
professionalism.
Our academic
advisors provide both proactive and
interactive advisement to address
academic and personal concerns
which builds a shield that deflects
the possible issues that may hinder
academic successes and graduation.
The academic advising process has
been revamped.
Beginning in
October, students will be able to
schedule
time
efficient
appointments with their advisors as
an alternative to the undetermined
wait times in the past. Student
Services
has
committed
to
improving its communication with
students via informative monthly
newsletters, utilization of the
various social media outlets, guest
spots on SBI’s news programming,
and routine announcements via the
Video Information Center (VIC) .
Lastly, the staff is conveniently
housed in room 302 East Wing and
is undergoing cross training for the
various services that are provided
to improve its customer service
delivery. These improvements are
to better service our students and to
aid in the production of graduates
that embody SBI’s dynamic legacy
of intellect and leadership. The
Office of Student Services is the
epitome of “Excellence with
Caring” that our students receive
right here in SBI.
Services provided by the OSS include,
but are not limited to the following:
 Process Admission
Documents
 Relay Admission Decisions
to Applicants
 Facilitate Student
Orientations
 Academic Advisement
 Process Change of Majors
 Verify, Approve and
Distribute Absence Excuses
 Facilitate the Internal and
External Processing of
Grade Changes
 Liaison with various campus
entities (Housing,
Registration, Admission,
Student Financial Aid) to
problem solve student
matters
 Process and present student
Academic Appeals to the
University’s Academic
Appeals Committee
 Prepare Graduate Status
Audits
 Prepare/Update Graduation
Audits
final thoughts...
January 1, 2011
In this Issue >>>
Volume 2, Issue 1
SBI Alumni and Friends 2010 Annual Fund Campaign
Dean’s Official Appointment
Excellence at the School of Business and Industry(SBI) is measured by our ability to transform
students’ lives through our global business leader education program. The curriculum and
practicum at SBI gives our students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen
professions, and additionally, strengthens their ability to think critically in order to contribute
constructively and productively to 21st century society.
SBI Students Win Big
Finding An Agent That’s Right For You
Do you recall your Florida A&M University (FAMU) and SBI experiences? Would you be where
you are today if not for SBI? Do you still keep in touch and exchange ideas with your FAMU
SBI classmates? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then FAMU School of Business
and Industry has made an impressionable impact on your life. By making a gift at this time, you
can make an impact on a current or future SBI student. Your gift will make it possible to
transform lives in the School of Business and Industry and Florida A&M University. The funds
raised from this gift giving campaign will be used for recruitment, scholarships, faculty
development, technology upgrades, and classroom/building renovations. Additionally, a small
percentage of the funds raised will be given to support FAMU Athletics and SBI Athletes. The
future for FAMU SBI can be even bigger and brighter with your financial support. Go to
www.famu.edu/sbi and click “Give.”
SBI Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Business and Industry (SBI) at Florida
A&M University is to produce graduates capable of excelling as future
leaders in global business, industry, and commerce. This is achieved by:
 Providing innovative academic, professional development, and
internship experiences in an enlightened, ethical, and stimulating
student-centered learning environment.
 Developing, supporting, and creating opportunities for a diverse
qualified faculty and staff committed to “excellence with caring”
through high-quality teaching, relevant intellectual contributions, and
meaningful service.
 Creating an environment in which shared governance, collegiality,
openness, respect for others, and individual and mutual responsibility
and accountability flourish.
 Embracing the University’s historic mission of educating African
Americans while recruiting students of all races and ethnic origins
with strong academic backgrounds committed to the pursuit of
excellence.
 Developing new, and expanding existing, creative partnerships with
alumni, and private and public stakeholders to maintain the relevance
and currency of our academic programs.
 Promoting an environment of continuous improvement by acquiring
and developing the necessary human, physical, financial, and
technological resources to maintain our competitive edge.
Contact us at 850-599-3565
www.famu.edu/sbi
500 Gamble Street
Tallahassee, FL 32307
Florida A&M University
School
of
Business and Industry
Chilean Study Tour
Accreditation: What’s our Status?
SBI Alumni Make Generous Donation
1st Global Leadership Conference A Success
SBI illuminations
coming soon >>>
Insights on what’s happening in the FAMU School of Business and Industry
In The Next Issue
SBI/ COPPS Walmart Day @ FAMU
Dean’s Official Appointment
current topics >>>
When Preparation Meets Opportunity!
Annual Heritage Celebration
AACSB Accreditation Visit
Night Amongst SBI Superstars
SBI CORE VALUES
We value a work and learning environment that is
based
on
professionalism,
responsibility,
accountability, respect, trust, pride, ethics,
integrity, caring, excellence, knowledge, research,
and service.
Chevron Gives to SBI
Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School
of Business and Industry (SBI) is fortunate
to have partners like Chevron in their
corner for over a decade.
In February 2010, Chevron Corporation
gifted
SBI
with
$10,000.
Campus
recruiters from Chevron have continued
to offer our students internships and
SBI VISION STATEMENT
permanent placement opportunities in
The School of Business and Industry aspires to be
recognized nationally and internationally as a
preeminent center of excellence in business.
finance and accounting for more than 10
SBI STUDENT IN NEED
Glenneisha Darkins, a SBI freshman from Miami,
FL, was one of eight passengers in an SUV
rollover accident during Thanksgiving break. She
suffered multiple injuries to the head, neck, and
spine. Glenneisha was a patient in Delray
Medical Center from November 24, 2010 to
January 3, 2011 until she was transported to the
Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA for
more intensive rehabilitative therapy.
We are asking that you send cards or letters to
Glenneisha Darkins c/o Shepherd Center, 2020
Peachtree Rd., NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Financial donations may be deposited directly into
Glenneisha’s Wells Fargo Account: 7428432574.
The financial donations will help the family with
services and equipment not covered by their
Insurance.
years. It is relationships like these that
give our students varied opportunities to
become more competitive. Chevron’s gift
will be used for scholarships as well as
recruiting, preparing, and registering
students for participation in national case
Little did she know when graduating from FAMU-SBI with a B.S.in Business Administration in
1989 and a MBA in 1990, she would return to the university twenty years later to become the
CEO of one of its most premier academic units.
By Bobby Davis, Ph.D.
In March 2010, President Ammons, upon the
recommendation of FAMU’s Provost and VicePresident for Academic Affairs, appointed Dr.
Shawnta Friday-Stroud as the 3rd Dean of the
School of Business & Industry (SBI). Dr. FridayStroud was the first graduate of the School of
Business & Industry to ever become its Dean
making this a historic appointment.
Dr. Friday-Stroud is a proud product of the SBI
program forged by SBI’s founding Dean, Dr.
Sybil C. Mobley. A colleague, faculty member,
and friend of Dr. Friday-Stroud, Dr. Roscoe
Hightower suggested that the SBI servicescape
produces leaders that are created by exposing
to
faculty,
staff,
exceptional
students
administrators, and corporate partners committed
to achieving excellence.
In her undying quest for excellence, Dr. FridayStroud received her Ph.D. in Business
Administration with a concentration in
Management
from
Florida
International
University in April of 1997. She returned to her
alma mater, Florida A&M University, in August
of 1997 to join the ranks of the faculty, who had
been very instrumental in her development.
From August of 1997 to the present, Dr. FridayStroud has assumed a variety of leadership
positions at Florida A&M University. She has
served as Acting Chair for Management and
Marketing, SACS Leadership Team Chair, SACS
Accreditation Liaison, and Interim Dean of the
School of Business & Industry.
Her
accomplishments and many achievements are
documented in “The Biography for Shawnta S.
Friday-Stroud, Ph.D.” found on the SBI Website.
competitions.
When Dr. Friday-Stroud first arrived as a
freshman on the campus of FAMU she was
immediately immersed into the SBI culture which
illuminated her quest for excellence. From 1985
to the present, Dr. Friday-Stroud has always
exhibited a very strong work ethic which was
instilled by her parents at a very early period in
her life. Both parents believed in being the best
and doing the right things to be successful. Dr.
Friday-Stroud’s father is a retired Professor of
Management
from
Florida
International
University. Her strong work ethic was further
nourished and developed by SBI faculty and
administrators during Dr. Friday-Stroud’s tenure
as an undergraduate and graduate SBI student.
Many of the SBI faculty and administrators from
the 70s and 80s are still employed in SBI, such
as, Dr. Clark, Dr. Bradford, Dr. Evans, Dr.
Drumming, Dr. Smith, Dr. Harper, Attorney
Ravenell, Dr. Ashley, Dr. Ridley, Dr. Wilson and
myself. We take great pride in knowing that we
all played an instrumental role in Dr. FridayStroud’s professional development and see her
appointment as the 3rd Dean of the School of
Business & Industry as one that continues to
advance SBI in its quest for excellence. We deem
it a great honor to work under her supervision and
guidance.