NEWS March 31, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jerome Saintjones: 356-372-5607
Board Votes Jennings Out
Huntsville, Ala. ---- The Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees voted 7-1 on Monday, March 31, to terminate University President Robert R. Jennings, effective at the close of the 10 a.m. meeting.
After returning from executive session at 11:20 a.m., the Board heard findings from an ad hoc committee that determined that Jennings’ former Executive Assistant Marco McMillian did not meet the minimum qualifications for the post, that his 10-15 days of leave to complete the requirements for his master’s degree and for which he received more than $2,000 in pay while away were not properly documented, and that the granting of such leave was outside the president’s authority. Ad hoc committee Trustees Burse and Sherrod recommended Jennings’ termination.
Although a motion to bring in former AAMU President Carl Harris Marbury on a temporary basis was voted down, the Board did agree to the development of a transition plan and transition team within about two weeks to fill the leadership gap on an interim basis. After listening to some of the discussions, Jennings silently rose and left the Board meeting for his upstairs office via a side exit and within minutes was seen leaving the building.
Trustee Sherrod, who offered both motions for the transition plan and team, said the transition team would include Board President Pro Tempore L. Shefton Riggins, Board Secretary Velma Tribue, Trustees Sherrod and Burse, Business and Finance Vice President Charlie Rucker, a Faculty Senate representative, the chair of the Council of Deans, the leader of the Council of Departmental Chairs, the Physical Facilities director, and alumni representative and student representative. The Board then rescinded its February 22 resolution that had severely curbed, a minority of three trustees believed, the President’s authority.
Before entering executive session at 10:15 a.m., the Board gave its approval for the University to officially enter negotiations with the City of Huntsville that will permit the expansion into a police precinct of a fire station currently operating on the southwest portion of the University campus.
-more-
JENNINGS/Page Two
More About Jennings
A consummate student advocate and fundraiser, Jennings assumed his role as the tenth president of nearly 133-year-old AAMU in January 2006. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Future Focus 2020, Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N. C.
Jennings earned the B.A. degree in sociology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., in 1972. He received the M.A. degree in educational psychology (1974) and an Ed.S. degree in interrelated learning (1979) from (Clark) Atlanta University. In 1982, Jennings also earned a Doctor of Education degree in educational administration and policy studies from Clark Atlanta University. In 1978, Jennings served as a Fulbright-Hays Fellow assigned to the Institute of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil.
In his capacity at Future Focus 2020, Jennings was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an agency dedicated to engaging minority communities in a national discussion about the future, and to identifying the significant social, technological, economic, environmental, and political trends and events that will have greatest impact on such communities by the year 2020.
Jennings’ list of service to higher education includes, from 1979-82, an adjunct professorship and grant coordinator for the School of Education, Atlanta University Graduate School; associate professor in the Education and Psychology Department of Morris Brown College (Ga.); dissertation advisor for students in the areas of public and educational administration, management and public policy as an adjunct professor for the Union Graduate School in Cincinnati, Ohio; and, from 1985-88, Executive Vice President to the President for Institutional Development and Alumni Affairs at Atlanta University.
His other higher education posts include: Vice President for Development and President of the Foundation, Norfolk State University (Va.), 1988-91; Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Albany State University, 1991-97; and Vice Chancellor for Development and University Relations, North Carolina A&T State University, 1997-98.
Next Meeting
The Board is expected to announce its next meeting soon.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Alabama A&M board Score Card
It's been a year, what progress has been made?
NEWS February 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jerome Saintjones
AAMU Trustees Elect New Head
Huntsville , Ala. ---- Closing out the October 2006 trustee meeting that resulted in a tie for the position of President Pro Tempore, Governor Bob Riley led the first half of the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees meeting Friday. February 23 also marked the day that surgeon L. Shefton Riggins was elected to head the Board.
“This is the first time I have ever been able to attend one of these meetings,” commented Governor Riley, “but I certainly hope it isn’t the last.” He expressed his optimism about AAMU’s leadership and progress, and he welcomed Thomas Beason of Huntsville and SGA President Daron Drew of Birmingham , Ala. , as the newest members to the board.
President’s Report
AAMU President Robert R. Jennings also welcomed and thanked the new trustees and made special presentations to a list of honorees. He then went on to tell the board that AAMU was taking steps to reverse the trend of declining enrollment, in addition to making significant increases in sponsored research.
The President informed the board of numerous past and upcoming campus events, including the December 2006 graduation, the honoring of nearly 40 Tuskegee Airmen, developments in student affairs, communications with alumni chapters, and networking opportunities in the private and public sector.
Jennings discussed the University’s current fundraising efforts channeled through area ministers and other constituents; infrastructure improvements; salary increases; the closure of the Knight-Sims court decree and the resulting $7.3 million for campus improvements.
“We remain focused on the goals we have presented,” said Jennings , noting that further gains will hinge on the board’s involvement and assistance.
Academic Affairs
The Board approved an addition to AAMU’s offerings of a program in construction management; granted modifications of due process procedure for tenure and promotion 2005-2006 applicants; and okayed the awarding of an honorary degree to Birmingham alumna Alease S. Sims, a major force in the Alabama higher education desegregation lawsuit. Provost Beverly Edmond also announced that spring commencement has been scheduled for May 12 at 9 a.m.
Edmond introduced the new director of admissions (Juan Alexander), engineering dean (V. Trent Montgomery), agriculture dean (Robert W. Taylor), arts and sciences dean (Matthew Edwards), and interim dean of graduate studies Caula Beyl).
Audit Committee (presented by Trustee Hall Bryant)
Interim Vice President for Business and Finance Charlie Rucker recommended the solicitation of an outside CPA firm for internal audit control work for a two-year period. The board approved the recommendation.
Business and Finance Committee
Vice President Rucker also secured the refinancing of 1998 revenue bonds and the securing of finances for the Wellness Center ; an across-the-board 5 percent raise in FY2008 for all employees pending adequate state appropriations; and an increase in student fees, which have not been raised in at least three years.
Athletics Committee
The Board also considered and approved a recommendation to ensure that the salary of the Head Football Coach fall in line with similar coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Faculty Senate Report (Dr. Earl Gooding, Faculty Senate President)
Senate President Gooding expressed gratitude for the faculty’s opportunity to participate in the advancement of the University and its willingness to work with the new Board head. Gooding urged the Board to pay special attention to the need for repairs to classroom buildings. He linked a decline in enrollment to the status of various facilities. He further urged that the administration develop a system that will ensure adequate training for personnel responsible for maintaining University facilities. Gooding noted that the Faculty Senate has reviewed and compared faculty handbooks in an effort to develop a top-notch document to submit to the administration.
Additional concerns: Gooding expressed concerns over a process through which middle- and upper-level administrators have been changed and selected, preferably deans and department head, in addition to a decrease in the salary of departmental heads owing to a new salary structure.
SGA Report (Daron Drew, SGA President)
Drew said the SGA is working tirelessly to address student grievances. The SGA, said Drew, produced a sell-out play prepared by students for students. She also thanked President Jennings for renovations of Bibb Graves auditorium and announced that students will hold a Student Appreciation Week following Spring Break and other activities.
Major Grievances: Completion of Student Wellness Center , and campus parking and lighting.
President’s Evaluation (Trustee Velma Tribue)
Trustee Tribue indicated that the presidential evaluation process will include input from Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, students, alumni and self-evaluation. The Board accepted the procedural instrument of evaluation but will gain input from the President.
Unfinished Business
The Board elected Velma Tribue of Dothan as its secretary. The Board also clarified, at the administration’ s request, that it had previously approved an across-the-board raise for faculty and staff during the current fiscal year without stipulations.
New Business
President Pro Tempore Riggins thanked the Board for its support and belief in him as its new leader. The board will confront a number of high priority issues, he stated. He noted that change is necessary for progress, and that the board had selected a President who would be strong enough to bring about needed changes. But Riggins added that the board,too, would have to undergo some change. He said he would work to unify the board and ensure that its membership understands the University’s mission and strategic plans.
“A board manual addressing the policies of the University and the duties of the board will be developed, along with an annual self-evaluation,” stated Riggins.
Riggins said the Board must take measures to ensure that it is a good steward of state resources.
President Pro Tem’s Committee Appointments: Academic Affairs (Trustee Montgomery); Business and Finance (Trustee Bryant); Audit Committee (Trustee Beason); Student Affairs (Trustee Melton); Research and Development (Trustee Avery); Athletics Committee (Trustee Sherrod); and Legal and Ethics (Trustee Gillis). The appointments were approved by the Board. The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.
Next Meeting Date
June 2007
T. Lee Harris President, AAMU Alumni Association Inc.
NEWS February 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jerome Saintjones
AAMU Trustees Elect New Head
Huntsville , Ala. ---- Closing out the October 2006 trustee meeting that resulted in a tie for the position of President Pro Tempore, Governor Bob Riley led the first half of the Alabama A&M University Board of Trustees meeting Friday. February 23 also marked the day that surgeon L. Shefton Riggins was elected to head the Board.
“This is the first time I have ever been able to attend one of these meetings,” commented Governor Riley, “but I certainly hope it isn’t the last.” He expressed his optimism about AAMU’s leadership and progress, and he welcomed Thomas Beason of Huntsville and SGA President Daron Drew of Birmingham , Ala. , as the newest members to the board.
President’s Report
AAMU President Robert R. Jennings also welcomed and thanked the new trustees and made special presentations to a list of honorees. He then went on to tell the board that AAMU was taking steps to reverse the trend of declining enrollment, in addition to making significant increases in sponsored research.
The President informed the board of numerous past and upcoming campus events, including the December 2006 graduation, the honoring of nearly 40 Tuskegee Airmen, developments in student affairs, communications with alumni chapters, and networking opportunities in the private and public sector.
Jennings discussed the University’s current fundraising efforts channeled through area ministers and other constituents; infrastructure improvements; salary increases; the closure of the Knight-Sims court decree and the resulting $7.3 million for campus improvements.
“We remain focused on the goals we have presented,” said Jennings , noting that further gains will hinge on the board’s involvement and assistance.
Academic Affairs
The Board approved an addition to AAMU’s offerings of a program in construction management; granted modifications of due process procedure for tenure and promotion 2005-2006 applicants; and okayed the awarding of an honorary degree to Birmingham alumna Alease S. Sims, a major force in the Alabama higher education desegregation lawsuit. Provost Beverly Edmond also announced that spring commencement has been scheduled for May 12 at 9 a.m.
Edmond introduced the new director of admissions (Juan Alexander), engineering dean (V. Trent Montgomery), agriculture dean (Robert W. Taylor), arts and sciences dean (Matthew Edwards), and interim dean of graduate studies Caula Beyl).
Audit Committee (presented by Trustee Hall Bryant)
Interim Vice President for Business and Finance Charlie Rucker recommended the solicitation of an outside CPA firm for internal audit control work for a two-year period. The board approved the recommendation.
Business and Finance Committee
Vice President Rucker also secured the refinancing of 1998 revenue bonds and the securing of finances for the Wellness Center ; an across-the-board 5 percent raise in FY2008 for all employees pending adequate state appropriations; and an increase in student fees, which have not been raised in at least three years.
Athletics Committee
The Board also considered and approved a recommendation to ensure that the salary of the Head Football Coach fall in line with similar coaches in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Faculty Senate Report (Dr. Earl Gooding, Faculty Senate President)
Senate President Gooding expressed gratitude for the faculty’s opportunity to participate in the advancement of the University and its willingness to work with the new Board head. Gooding urged the Board to pay special attention to the need for repairs to classroom buildings. He linked a decline in enrollment to the status of various facilities. He further urged that the administration develop a system that will ensure adequate training for personnel responsible for maintaining University facilities. Gooding noted that the Faculty Senate has reviewed and compared faculty handbooks in an effort to develop a top-notch document to submit to the administration.
Additional concerns: Gooding expressed concerns over a process through which middle- and upper-level administrators have been changed and selected, preferably deans and department head, in addition to a decrease in the salary of departmental heads owing to a new salary structure.
SGA Report (Daron Drew, SGA President)
Drew said the SGA is working tirelessly to address student grievances. The SGA, said Drew, produced a sell-out play prepared by students for students. She also thanked President Jennings for renovations of Bibb Graves auditorium and announced that students will hold a Student Appreciation Week following Spring Break and other activities.
Major Grievances: Completion of Student Wellness Center , and campus parking and lighting.
President’s Evaluation (Trustee Velma Tribue)
Trustee Tribue indicated that the presidential evaluation process will include input from Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, students, alumni and self-evaluation. The Board accepted the procedural instrument of evaluation but will gain input from the President.
Unfinished Business
The Board elected Velma Tribue of Dothan as its secretary. The Board also clarified, at the administration’ s request, that it had previously approved an across-the-board raise for faculty and staff during the current fiscal year without stipulations.
New Business
President Pro Tempore Riggins thanked the Board for its support and belief in him as its new leader. The board will confront a number of high priority issues, he stated. He noted that change is necessary for progress, and that the board had selected a President who would be strong enough to bring about needed changes. But Riggins added that the board,too, would have to undergo some change. He said he would work to unify the board and ensure that its membership understands the University’s mission and strategic plans.
“A board manual addressing the policies of the University and the duties of the board will be developed, along with an annual self-evaluation,” stated Riggins.
Riggins said the Board must take measures to ensure that it is a good steward of state resources.
President Pro Tem’s Committee Appointments: Academic Affairs (Trustee Montgomery); Business and Finance (Trustee Bryant); Audit Committee (Trustee Beason); Student Affairs (Trustee Melton); Research and Development (Trustee Avery); Athletics Committee (Trustee Sherrod); and Legal and Ethics (Trustee Gillis). The appointments were approved by the Board. The meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.
Next Meeting Date
June 2007
T. Lee Harris President, AAMU Alumni Association Inc.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Alabam Governor advocates Black on Black Crime at an HBCU
Black on Black Crime at A&M - What a shame?
Black on Black Crime at A&M - What a shame?
I hope I got your attention!!!
Is anyone concern that the President of our university is being victimized by our Trustee Board?
Does anyone care that someone at the Magic City Classic game used the following statement:
By this evening, I am going to have Jennings a%%. What he means is I am going to have him out of office. Same ole black on black politics. (IF YOU KNOW WHO SAID IT CALL HIM OUT PLEASE) He needs to know he is loved and he has sinned.
Does anyone care?
Does anyone care that we have met our fundraising goals faster than we had with the last president? Maybe it is because no one has been taking the money.
Does anyone care?
Does anyone care that our president has gone out of the four walls and solicited the entire Huntsville community to support the university? My mom is a teacher in Madison County and she has seen him at least 2 events promoting A&M.
Does anyone care that he has put together a student advisory board that reports to him? This was unheard of in recent former administrations.
Does anyone care that our president has been awarded by the Alabama Education Association? Who was the last president honored by an education association?
Where am I going with this......?
I grew up in a predominately black rural county in West Alabama and what I see is the same ole black on black politics that is resistant to change. We see it in our churches and we see it in our government. There is always a clique of people that want the power and they allow the power to blind proper reasoning. This is what Obama is telling us about Washington and now we see this same thing playing out at A&M. There are a few people resistant to change and they have gotten to our Board of Trustees and the Republican governor that heads our board is probably leading the charge, although we have not seen him at recent meetings. In addition, Obama's grandmother may have called me the "N" word, but I still support him. When are we going to exemplify some grace and mercy upon our leaders? I am sure President Morrison had some bad days at A&M, but he remained in office.
The last president came out of the existing administration and we had a mess. It seems that when you get too close to the mud, you tend to get dirty. When we get someone that is outside of the mud to clean up, the dirty folks get upset and play dirty tricks. This is the state of our university. We will never progress hiring 300 presidents in the span of 20 years. Anyone in leadership knows that it takes about 3 years to see real progress when you take over an organization. You have to get just the right leadership that is loyal to your vision before you can move forward. I am sad to report that if the actions of our board of trustees are any indication of what we have to look forward to then we are doomed to failure at A&M.
Let’s review recent weeks:
1st: The Board of Trustees voted to strip our president of his management over finances and personnel. Stating that they would review all financial matters and matters involving personnel (hiring and firing).
In addition several board members were not made aware of what was going to happen. One resigned on the spot. ANY LAWYER WOULD HAVE TO SUSPECT FOUL PLAY IF ONLY A FEW OF THE WHOLE KNEW OF THE VOTE. WOULDN"T THIS BE CONSIDERED A MILITARY COUP IN SOME COUNTRIES.
2nd: The AEA President asked for the Accreditation of Southern Colleges and Universities to review the board’s action. IT TURNS OUT that the actions of the board were a direct violation of accreditation to take away powers from the president of the university. Are we dumb or are we just blind to proper reasoning.
3rd: Now I hear last night that Jennings is going to be in office for at least another week and a half. Now that the Board of Trustees sees the threat of losing accreditation, they are probably considering getting rid of our president. Black on Black Crime at A&M.
I have the full intention to join the Alumni Association this year.
I declare to you today, that if the president is forced to resign, I with withhold my membership until we can stop the petty bickering, come to our senses, and stop being blind to proper reasoning.
STOP THE MADNESS!! KEEP OUR PRESIDENT!!
A Christian first and a Bulldog second,
Terrence Kirksey
Class of 1997
Black on Black Crime at A&M - What a shame?
I hope I got your attention!!!
Is anyone concern that the President of our university is being victimized by our Trustee Board?
Does anyone care that someone at the Magic City Classic game used the following statement:
By this evening, I am going to have Jennings a%%. What he means is I am going to have him out of office. Same ole black on black politics. (IF YOU KNOW WHO SAID IT CALL HIM OUT PLEASE) He needs to know he is loved and he has sinned.
Does anyone care?
Does anyone care that we have met our fundraising goals faster than we had with the last president? Maybe it is because no one has been taking the money.
Does anyone care?
Does anyone care that our president has gone out of the four walls and solicited the entire Huntsville community to support the university? My mom is a teacher in Madison County and she has seen him at least 2 events promoting A&M.
Does anyone care that he has put together a student advisory board that reports to him? This was unheard of in recent former administrations.
Does anyone care that our president has been awarded by the Alabama Education Association? Who was the last president honored by an education association?
Where am I going with this......?
I grew up in a predominately black rural county in West Alabama and what I see is the same ole black on black politics that is resistant to change. We see it in our churches and we see it in our government. There is always a clique of people that want the power and they allow the power to blind proper reasoning. This is what Obama is telling us about Washington and now we see this same thing playing out at A&M. There are a few people resistant to change and they have gotten to our Board of Trustees and the Republican governor that heads our board is probably leading the charge, although we have not seen him at recent meetings. In addition, Obama's grandmother may have called me the "N" word, but I still support him. When are we going to exemplify some grace and mercy upon our leaders? I am sure President Morrison had some bad days at A&M, but he remained in office.
The last president came out of the existing administration and we had a mess. It seems that when you get too close to the mud, you tend to get dirty. When we get someone that is outside of the mud to clean up, the dirty folks get upset and play dirty tricks. This is the state of our university. We will never progress hiring 300 presidents in the span of 20 years. Anyone in leadership knows that it takes about 3 years to see real progress when you take over an organization. You have to get just the right leadership that is loyal to your vision before you can move forward. I am sad to report that if the actions of our board of trustees are any indication of what we have to look forward to then we are doomed to failure at A&M.
Let’s review recent weeks:
1st: The Board of Trustees voted to strip our president of his management over finances and personnel. Stating that they would review all financial matters and matters involving personnel (hiring and firing).
In addition several board members were not made aware of what was going to happen. One resigned on the spot. ANY LAWYER WOULD HAVE TO SUSPECT FOUL PLAY IF ONLY A FEW OF THE WHOLE KNEW OF THE VOTE. WOULDN"T THIS BE CONSIDERED A MILITARY COUP IN SOME COUNTRIES.
2nd: The AEA President asked for the Accreditation of Southern Colleges and Universities to review the board’s action. IT TURNS OUT that the actions of the board were a direct violation of accreditation to take away powers from the president of the university. Are we dumb or are we just blind to proper reasoning.
3rd: Now I hear last night that Jennings is going to be in office for at least another week and a half. Now that the Board of Trustees sees the threat of losing accreditation, they are probably considering getting rid of our president. Black on Black Crime at A&M.
I have the full intention to join the Alumni Association this year.
I declare to you today, that if the president is forced to resign, I with withhold my membership until we can stop the petty bickering, come to our senses, and stop being blind to proper reasoning.
STOP THE MADNESS!! KEEP OUR PRESIDENT!!
A Christian first and a Bulldog second,
Terrence Kirksey
Class of 1997
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Alabama A&M University Professor, Dr. Teferi was Selected to Serve on an EPA Advisory Committee
Huntsville, Ala. ---- An environmental scientist at Alabama A&M University has been selected to serve on 30-member, first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee formed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Dr. Teferi Tsegaye will join researchers from throughout the nation to assist in EPA in its efforts to improve relations with the agriculture community.
“Through increased cooperation with our agriculture partners, EPA is planting the seeds to reap both environmental and economic benefits for the American people," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
The committee will advise the administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches, and rural communities, and will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The first meeting of the committee will take place March 13 and 14, 2008 at The Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Initially, EPA will ask the committee to focus on the following three issues: 1) how EPA's policies and regulations on climate change and renewable energy will affect the agriculture community; 2) an environmental strategy for managing waste from livestock operations that considers regulatory and voluntary approaches, and provides tools for producers to attain superior environmental performance; and 3) development of a constructive approach to advancing sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment, and addressing communication between environmental and agricultural interests.
Committee members were chosen from over 200 applicants generated from a request for nominations published Nov. 15 in the Federal Register, according to an EPA website. The new members represent: large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; and, environmental and conservation groups.
For additional information, Alabama A&M News or EPA Newsroom.
Dr. Teferi Tsegaye will join researchers from throughout the nation to assist in EPA in its efforts to improve relations with the agriculture community.
“Through increased cooperation with our agriculture partners, EPA is planting the seeds to reap both environmental and economic benefits for the American people," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
The committee will advise the administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches, and rural communities, and will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The first meeting of the committee will take place March 13 and 14, 2008 at The Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Initially, EPA will ask the committee to focus on the following three issues: 1) how EPA's policies and regulations on climate change and renewable energy will affect the agriculture community; 2) an environmental strategy for managing waste from livestock operations that considers regulatory and voluntary approaches, and provides tools for producers to attain superior environmental performance; and 3) development of a constructive approach to advancing sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment, and addressing communication between environmental and agricultural interests.
Committee members were chosen from over 200 applicants generated from a request for nominations published Nov. 15 in the Federal Register, according to an EPA website. The new members represent: large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; and, environmental and conservation groups.
For additional information, Alabama A&M News or EPA Newsroom.
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