Alabama A&M University
Faculty Senate
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Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate Minutes (Draft)
AAMU Faculty Senate Meeting – 17 April 2014
The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate met on Thursday, April 17,
2014, in room 322 Carter/Chambers Hall. Faculty Senate President Jeanette Jones called the
meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. with the establishment of a quorum. She also thanked members
for adjusting their schedules during hectic activities for closing the semester, senior finals, etc.
Senators Present: Dr. Jeanette Jones; Dr. William Stone; Dr. Joshua Herring; Dr. Jacob
Oluwoye; Dr. Maurice Dawson; Dr. Eric Ohene-Nyako; Dr. Emeka Dunu; Major Tina HillMiller; Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross; Dr. Mira Kruja; Ms. Marjorie Battle; Dr. Susan Brown; Dr.
Thelma Townsend; Dr. Marius Schamshula; Dr. Kamala Bhat; Ms. Rhonda Lang; Dr. Jay R.
Gangasani; Mr. Gerald Vines
Alternate Senator Present:
Dr. Toure Thompson
Reading of the Agenda
Motion: Approval of the agenda Vice President Dr. Joshua Herring
Action: Seconded: Dr. Mira Kruja; the agenda was approved. The motion was carried with
majority vote.
Meditation: Vice President Joshua Herring: “Gratitude.” Although paying state and federal taxes
can be burdensome, we are thankful that we have jobs and can earn enough to meet many of our
needs.”
Reading of the Minutes
Tabled for the next meeting: Approval of the minutes was postponed
President’s Report/Updates
The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Faculty Senate President Jeanette Jones
provided brief updates concerning the AAMU Board of Trustees (BOT). (1) There were major
turnovers/changes for the BOT. During the week of April 30-May 2, the list of new trustees
would be sent. (2) The posthumous professor emeritus status for Dr. Mostafa Dokhanian was
approved by the committee and submitted to Provost Wims for approval. (3) Senators could
have seats at the Black Tie Gala because a table had been purchased to help raise money for
scholarships. Tickets were $50.00. (4) Senate President Jones also reminded members of the
naming ceremony for the Health and Wellness Center so that a representative number of
Senators and Alternates could be present. (5) Promotion and Tenure letters have been sent.
Discussion
The discussion centered on the established of a three to five year academic rather than a year to
year one.
Vice President Herring reported on faculty order for May graduation and the holding room
number for rest before the ceremony.
A retreat was needed to discuss the mentoring and incentive plan with invitations to the provost
and vice president of business and finance. A draft of this mentoring plan was developed by
Senator Corine Williams.
The publication guidelines for tenure and promotion should be revisited.
Grades are due on Monday May 5, 2013.
A close-out luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Senator Major Tina Hill-Miller is leaving for Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Election of Officers
Senator Rhonda Lang, Chair, Nominating Committee 2014 gave a report with the list of
candidates for AAMU Faculty Senate offices (2014-2015).
She reported that as of April 11th, the following candidates were nominated:
Dr. Jeanette Jones – President
Dr. Joshua Herring – Vice President
Dr. Thelma Townsend – Secretary
Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross – Assistant Secretary
There were no other reported nominations. The floor was opened for nominations.
Major Tina Hill-Miller moved to accept the report from Chairperson Lang. Dr. Susan Brown
seconded. The report was accepted.
Dr. Susan Brown moved to accept the nominees by unanimous acclamation.
The motion was seconded by Vice President Dr. Joshua Herring.
The motion was passed by majority vote with no dissensions.
The officers for 2014-2015 are noted as follows: Dr. Jeanette Jones, President; Dr. Joshua
Herring, Vice President; Dr. T. Townsend, Secretary; and Ms. Esther Phillips-Ross, Assistant
Secretary.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1:50 p.m.
Thelma Townsend, Ph.D., Faculty Senate Secretary, Recorder