Bethune-Cookman University Receives
Federal Grant to Outfit Robotics Lab: $223,000 Awarded through
National Science Foundation Program

Today, Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) announced that is has been awarded a $223,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to purchase robotics equipment for the institution's Robotics and Embedded Systems Research Laboratory (RESRL). The grant was awarded through NSF's Major Research Instrumentation program which helps colleges and universities purchase scientific equipment needed to conduct research and enhance student learning.

The funding will be used to purchase four sets of Pioneer 3-AT mobile robot systems and 10 AmigoBot mobile robots. Both types of robots are manufactured by MobileRobots Inc., a leading provider of intelligent mobile bases and autonomous navigation systems. The Pioneer 3-AT systems and AmigoBot are used for academic and research applications by institutions including Stanford University, the SRI Artificial Intelligence Center, and many Defense Department research grantees.

At B-CU, the mobile robots will be used in faculty and student research that focuses on developing new ways to program networked robotic equipment to adapt and perform in partially known, changing or unpredictable environments. B-CU researchers will apply innovative approaches that go beyond the fairly simple scenarios commonly involved in this field of research. The results of this research will have immediate real-world applications in industry for factory-floor automation, large scale sensor networks for environmental sampling, and search and information acquisition in hazardous environments.

In addition, the B-CU computer science & engineering department will use the networked robot systems for course study and research in the areas of sensor networks, microcontroller and wireless communication. Students from the environmental science and biology programs will have access to the equipment for study and research in the areas of environmental sampling. An estimated 40 engineering students, 47 computer science students and 35 environmental science and biology students will be involved in research that uses the mobile robot systems. The equipment will also be available to summer science programs at B-CU to help motivate young learners to pursue college studies in science, technology and math.

Overseeing the grant award and robotics research are three B-CU faculty: Dr. Morrison Obeng, department chair, computer science & engineering; Dr. Jing Wang, assistant professor of computer science & engineering; and, Dr. Xiaohe Wu, assistant professor of computer science & engineering. Recent publications by these faculty members include:

J. Wang, M. Obeng and X. Wu, "Adaptive NN stabilization of uncertain nonholonomic mechanical systems," accepted by the 2nd International Symposium on Systems and Control in Aerospace and Astronautics, 10-12 December, 2008, Shenzhen, China.

J. Wang and M. Obeng, "A distributed recursive cooperative control systems for networked nonlinear systems with limited communications", to be submitted to the IASTED International Conference on Intelligent Systems and Control (ISC 2008), Orlando, November 16 - 18, 2008.

X. Wu, M. Obeng, J. Wang and T. Yang, "Comparison Study of Three Types of Temperature Sensors Suitable for Embedded System Applications", 2008 International Conference on High Performance Computing, Networking and Communication Systems (HPCNCS-08), Orlando, Florida, USA, July 2008.

Elizabeth Poston
Strategic Communications Advisor
Bethune-Cookman University

The president of South Carolina State University, Dr. George Cooper, is coming to Jones High school Tuesday, December 30, 2008 . His mission is to meet with the alumni to talk about the state of the University, and to meet with the 23 students (and their parents) from Jones High that have already been accepted to the University.

For further info please call the President Wardell Sims at 407 293 3350 or Ramona Manning 407 629 5089

B-CU Names
Dr. Castell Bryant to University Cabinet Position
Experienced Administrator to Serve as Interim VP of Academic Affairs

Bethune-Cookman University President Trudie Kibbe Reed announced that Dr. Castell V. Bryant has been appointed interim vice president of academic affairs for the university. The appointment became effective December 1.

Dr. Bryant brings more than 20 years of expertise in higher education to B-CU, including experience as campus president for several campuses of Miami-Dade College and as interim president of Florida A&M University (FAMU). She is a former member of the FAMU Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors, a panel charged with governing Florida's university system. Dr. Bryant received her undergraduate degrees from Florida A&M University and her doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University.

"Dr. Bryant is an experienced administrator whose commitment to excellence in higher education is unparalleled," commented President Trudie Kibbe Reed. "She will be able to hit the ground running as we prepare for a series of important accreditation visits. On behalf of the entire B-CU family, I want to welcome her to our campus."

"I am honored to be joining the administration of Bethune-Cookman University," noted Dr. Bryant. "This institution has such a rich legacy of academic excellence and community service. I look forward to working with Dr. Reed and the dedicated team of B-CU faculty and staff to ensure that the tradition continues for generations to come."

President Reed also noted that Dr. Bryant played an important role making the Florida Classic a financial success for both B-CU and FAMU. Working together when Dr. Bryant was interim president of FAMU, she and Dr. Reed collaborated on a variety of fiscal accountability and budget measures. Last year, B-CU and FAMU each received $1.6 million from the annual football game and its related events. Prior to 2005, each institution was averaging less than $500,000 annually.

During her high school years in Jasper, Florida, Dr. Bryant was fortunate enough to have a teacher who was a graduate of Bethune-Cookman College. Field trips to the Bethune-Cookman campus were always on this teacher's agenda, and part of this wonderful experience was the opportunity to personally meet with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. "It is an honor and privilege to work with someone who has personally been in the presence of and dialogued with our illustrious founder. Dr. Bryant's leadership will help to further sustain and energize our founder's legacy of faith, scholarship, and service," noted President Reed.

Dr. Marilyn Sutton-Haywood recently resigned from the position of vice president of academic affairs for health reasons.

LBS?Special
Angels Golf Classic

The 2nd Annual LBS Special Angels Golf Classic will be held on June 6, 2009. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Country Club of Miami, in Miami Gardens, Florida. This tournament will benefit The LBS Special Angels, Inc., whose mission is to provide emotional and financial assistance for families with children who are Blind, Visually Impaired, or are challenged with any other Special Needs. We strive to educate families and communities-at-large through workshops, conventions, and seminars about the benefits and opportunities to promote normal lifestyles for all of these children. The LBS Special Angels, Inc. was founded by Leon Bain Stewart, a 15 year old blind boy who was born with bilateral retinoblastoma, cancer to the eyes. This disease left him totally blind! At the age of six (6) weeks old, he had his eyes removed and replaced with prosthetic eyes for cosmetic purposes.

Leon has been listed as a young philanthropist by the Miami Herald Newspaper, since 2002. In spite of many challenges, Leon lives a life that is exceptionally normal. Being blind has only encouraged him to use all of his other senses to his advantage. For example, he rides bikes, plays basketball and video games. In addition, he knows how to play the piano, the keyboard and drums. He also sings with the N'VISION band. These are but a few of his outstanding accomplishments. We are extremely proud and astonished by his determination and confidence.

Although Leon's primary residence is here in Miami Gardens; he is a ninth grader at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, in St. Augustine, Florida. There he is taught basic life living skills. Weekend visits at home are joyous occasions for Leon; as he looks forward to displaying his talents and sharing with other Special Needs Kids such as himself.

The Golf Tournament will include three (3) Flights: 1st Flight - Stroke Play; 2nd Flight - 2 Man Scramble; and, 3rd Flight - Novice Players. We will have a hearty lunch and awards reception following the golf tournament. Featured events for the day will include: $100.00 Putting Contest, $300.00 Dollars Shot for all Flight Winners, $500.00 Hole-in-One Contest, Longest Drive Contest, Closest to the Pin Contest, Sponsor Gifts, 52 Card Picks, Mulligans, Players Gifts, Prizes and Awards, Raffles, Volunteer Gifts, Super Tickets, Auction & Much More.

In order for us to continue this path of excellence, that provides inclusive opportunities for our Special Needs Kids, we need your help!! Every golfer, gift or donation will make a difference in all of these Special Needs Kids lives. Please help us carry on this worthwhile mission. Send your tax deductible donations to:

The LBS Special Angels, Inc.
2841 N.W. 171st Terrace
Miami Gardens, Florida 33056
Phone: 786-274-9220
Theodore Hicks, Tournament Director

B-CU Staff Member
Selected As Emerging Leader by
National Organization

Joyce Ellenwood, assistant director of academic advisement at Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU), has been named an "Emerging Leader" by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). She is one of ten honorees who make up the organization's 2008-2010 Class of Emerging Leaders. Other colleges and universities represented in the program include: the College of William & Mary, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Indiana University Bloomington, and University of Texas at Arlington.

As part of this prestigious program, Mrs. Ellenwood will work closely with a designated NACADA mentor to increase her involvement with the national organization as well as develop her overall leadership abilities and expertise in academic advisement.

"This is a tremendous honor for Mrs. Ellenwood. It is a validation of her hard work, dedication to academic excellence, and commitment to our students" noted Dr. Marilyn Sutton-Haywood, B-CU's vice president of academic affairs. "It is also a great opportunity for Bethune-Cookman University. We will all benefit from the knowledge and resources she will be able to tap as a leader of this national group."

"I am very excited about the opportunity that the Emerging Leaders Program offers my career and the wealth of knowledge it will bring to make B-CU a stand-out in terms of our academic advisement and the support we give our students," said Mrs. Ellenwood.

At B-CU, Mrs. Ellenwood develops and implements programs that help students achieve academic success. She advises freshman students on their academic and career goals, helps them manage the transition to college in their first year, and teaches a Freshman Seminar. Earlier this year, she helped develop a new freshman mentoring program for students having difficulties with their studies. The first semester of the Freshman C.A.M.P. (Consortium Academic Mentoring Program) saw significant success improving academic outcomes for students. Subsequently, she presented the program to the Florida Developmental Education Association and participated in a roundtable discussion about the program at the Florida Department of Education's Connections Conference.

Mrs. Ellenwood has more than ten years experience in education motivating students to succeed. Prior to coming to B-CU, she held positions at Rutgers University and the University of Tulsa. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Seton Hall University and a Master's degree in Athletic Administration from James Madison University.B-CU Names Dr. Castell Bryant to University Cabinet Position, Experienced Administrator to Serve as Interim VP of Academic Affairs.

What Is Tampa Bay
Black Heritage Festival (TBBHF)?
January 15 - 24, 2009

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival (TBBHF) is a ten-day cultural event that features speakers, musicians, artists, poets and craftspeople locally and nationally. The festival begins the week-end before and ends the week-end after the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to promote diversity and cultural sensitivity. Activities are geared towards children and adults. Each day of this ten-day experience provides all attendees with an opportunity to increase their awareness of African and African-American culture and history.

The festival has two main components: (1) Cultural Enrichment activities and (2) a 2-day Street Festival. The Cultural Enrichment Activities include: (a) A Living History -- this event is comprised of several media's, film, exhibit and person(s) who were directly involved in a historically significant event in the history of the United States (b) social empowerment speakers who have had experience on the world stage dealing with issues important to the African Diaspora and (c) events that highlight diversity in entertainment that include music, spoken word, art and more

TALLAHASSEE - Florida A&M
University's Julian White received a phone call Friday evening during band rehearsal that he'll never forget.

A man told White, FAMU's director of bands and music chairman, that his 420-member Marching 100 was selected to participate in President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Parade on January 20. White asked the man a quick question.

"Would you mind repeating that?"

White turned on the cell phone's speaker and put the phone close to a neighboring microphone. Then, the news was repeated to hundreds of band students.

"Pandemonium just broke out," White said.

Students began pulling out their own cell phones to tell friends and family, White said.

"Within 10 to 15 minutes, it was all over the United States," White said.

White couldn't help getting euphoric from the news. He went to his office to place a call to FAMU President James Ammons.

Ammons said, "This is definitely where we wanted to be. Of all the bands in this country to be selected . . . I think this reinforces that the 'Hundred' is truly America's band."

Student band president Ralph Jean-Paul said, "Words can not express how we feel. We consider this to be a great privilege for the band to be a part of this historical event."

Congressman Allen Boyd, D-North Florida, also offered well wishes after hearing the news.

"It is a tremendous honor that President-elect Obama has chosen FAMU's Marching 100 to be a part of this historic occasion.. Performing in the Inaugural Parade will be something that these students will never forget, and I know that they will make FAMU and North Florida very proud," Boyd said by news release.

The Marching 100 also took part in the inauguration for President Clinton.

For this inauguration, White and other colleagues had to complete an extensive application. They sent a DVD of the band's marching performance as well as audio clips and a 50-page media kit with the band's accomplishments.

But that was just the first step. The band must raise $90,000-$100,000 to pay for three nights of lodging and travel expenses to and from Washington D.C., White said.

"We are really going to need the help of our supporters, the FAMU community, our alumni and the local community," White said.

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