51AV

Activity Director: Dr. Kylie Nash
Email Address: kylie.nash@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-7143

Activity Abstract: This activity represents a university-wide IT initiative focused on advancing information technology services to improve student success (enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates) by delivering robust, reliable, secure, and dependable IT tools and services that are operationally eminent.

Goals for this activity are to:

1. Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Enterprise Systems (administrative and academic), business intelligence tools, and student self-service capabilities to automate business processes and enable data drive decision making
2. Strengthen the IT infrastructure and communication services to adequately support student learning initiatives (traditional and online), and implement technologies to create a safe teaching and learning environment at the university.
3. Ensure learning spaces (classrooms, student labs, and faculty training facilities) are fitted with consistent technology appropriate for the learning environment, virtual spaces meet the needs of instructors and learners, the university learning management system meets the needs of online degree programs, and adequate support and training is provided to ensure learner needs are met.

Activity Director: Dr. Rosetta Howard
Email Address: roseetta.jones@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-8231

Activity Abstract: The Enhancing Student Engagement, Retention, and Persistence activity is designed to assist the academic, social and personal well-being of students and exists to engage students in reaching their academic goals. The Freshman Academy, the Academic Recovery Program staff, the Tutorial Assistant Network (TAN), and Student Success and Engagement Initiatives (Data Research Analyst) will assist students in overcoming academic deficiencies and life difficulties shown to impair their chances of succeeding in college by providing collaborative, wrap-around services to help them develop the necessary skills, habits and knowledge to be academically successful. The goals for the Enhancing Student Success and Engagement activity are to increase retention, persistence and ultimately graduation rates by enriching the academic progression of academically at-risk students at 51AV A&M University.

Activity Director: Mr. Brian Shipp
Email Address: brian.shipp@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4276

Activity Abstract: AAMU is a leading research institution with world class programs. The continued success of these programs is greatly dependent upon the existence of well maintained, state-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities as well as being able to provide a safe environment for students by being compliant with federal and state safety regulations. AAMU has strategically developed a plan through the Revitalization of Facilities Physical Infrastructure which proposes to: (1) enhance the University's physical resources and space utilization through renovations, maintenance and improvements in academic and living and learning facilities, classrooms, libraries, laboratories or other instructional facilities and (2) increase safety/life through upgrades of fire safety codes, fire alarm systems and the like in academic facilities. Finally, the activities above all serve to build academic quality, Institutional management, student support services and administrative management.

Activity Director: Dr. Martha Verghese
Email Address: martha.verghese@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4175

Activity Abstract: The purpose of this activity is to increase the number of African-American Food Science graduate (MS and PhD) students and continue to enhance the curriculum and research in Food/Nutritional Biochemistry/Chemistry/Toxicology, Molecular Food Biotechnology, Food Safety and Processing, Sensory Science and Functional Food Product Development. Additionally, this activity focuses on enhancing the curriculum, and improving, renovating and equipping our laboratories for graduate research.

Activity Director: Dr. Wubishet Tadesse
Email Address: wubishet.tadesse@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4252

Activity Abstract: The purpose of this activity is to strengthen the graduate program in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences by training and graduating African-American MS and PhD students and exposing them to applicable resources and experiences in the field.

Activity Director: Dr. Laricca London
Email Address: laricca.londonthomas@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-8026

Activity Abstract: The objective of this activity is to enhance the graduate student's academic and research experience in Biological Sciences at AAMU. We aim to strengthen our academic program curriculum, modernize facilities, and attract, train, and support promising minority MS graduate students who will pursue doctoral studies in our proposed Doctoral programs.

Activity Director: Dr. Zhengtao Deng
Email Address: zhengtao.deng@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-5560

Activity Abstract: The purpose of this activity is to strengthen the graduate program in the College of Engineering, Technology & Physical Sciences by supporting African American students pursuing master’s and Ph.D. degrees in STEM-related fields (including Electrical, Mechanical, & Materiel Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics) through research assistantships, fellowships, mentor support, and exposure to professional conferences.

Activity Director: Dr. Peter Eley
Email Address: peter.eley@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-8852

Activity Abstract: This activity supports significantly increasing first-time passing rates on professional exams for students in teacher education, social work, psychology, and Communicative Science Disorders. Students will receive supplemental instruction on three areas that affect testing success, Support in Reading, Critical Thinking, and Test-taking strategies.

Activity Director: Dr. Tonya Davis
Email Address: tonya.davis@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-5560

Activity Abstract: This activity will strengthen the graduate program by supporting culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) African-American students pursuing master’s degrees in the Health Sciences (counseling field) and to renovate and equip a clinical skills training & research laboratory in pursuit of national counseling accreditation. Services in the lab will provide counselors-in-training (CIT) with a venue for clarification, practice of concepts, case consultation, and community support activities.

Activity Director: Dr. Tau Kadhi
Email Address: tau.kadhi@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-8752

Activity Abstract: This activity provides funding/fellowships for deserving economically challenged graduate and professional African American students for completion of master’s and doctoral degrees to support enrollment growth for the School of Graduate Studies. Support will be provided for publishing peer-reviewed papers and conducting presentations at professional meetings (aiding retention and persistence efforts) through workshops, one-on-one tutoring, and other writing services via a writing lab.

Activity Director: Dr. Majed Dweik
Email Address: majed.dweik@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-7010

Activity Abstract: The overall goal of this activity is to increase the number of African-American (MS and Ph.D.) graduates in the advanced emerging industries of Microelectronics & Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Smart & Precision Agriculture, Biotechnology & Life Science, and Advanced Material Science by supporting curriculum enhancements and providing research opportunities for students in the related fields.

Activity Director: Mr. Shannon Reeves
Email Address: shannon.reeves@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4585

Activity Abstract: The purpose of this activity is to enhance university engagement through expanded community outreach, through student services outcomes. Graduate programs in Public Administration, Urban Planning, and Business Administration expose and train graduate students in outreach methodology and implementation. This initiative helps to strengthen and expand the university’s outreach, engagement, and service that benefits the people of 51AV and is also one of the university’s strategic priorities.

Activity Director: Dr. Xia (Amy) Zhang
Email Address: xia.zhang@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4786

Activity Abstract: The purpose of this activity is to strengthen the STEM-based as well as research-incorporated MBA graduate programs in the College of Business and Public Affairs by supporting African American students pursuing MBA degrees in STEM-designated fields (including data analytics, information technology, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)) through research assistantships, fellowships, mentor support, and exposure to professional conferences and software applications.

Activity Director: Mr. Jamal Ali
Email Address: jamal.ali@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-1280

Activity Abstract: The activity supports the Advancement Office. Through this activity, Advancement Services is able to submit funding proposals, properly steward gifts, and compose donors’ and other fundraising reports which aid the strengthening of contributions from corporate, government, and philanthropic entities.

Activity Director: Mr. Brian Shipp
Email Address: brian.shipp@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4276

Activity Abstract: This activity’s goal is to address the multiple needs of STEM-related laboratories and class space throughout the campus. Updating these areas with physical, technical and life-safety apparatus and building components is a must for the education of today’s students.  This will enhance our STEM capabilities/resources for both faculty and students.  The aim of this activity aligns with the priority of the University to upgrade its infrastructure and facilities related to STEM disciplines.  The activity’s goal is to continue to modernize campus facilities and infrastructure to create an environment that is accessible and inviting to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the greater community, as well as to provide up-to-date facilities and infrastructure to enhance academic, co-curricular, extracurricular programs, and university operations in the area of STEM.

Activity Director: Dr. Tyeshea Farmer
Email Address: tyeshea.farmer@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-4916

Activity Abstract: The overall goal for this activity is to increase the overall retention rate at 51AV A&M University, specifically in the STEM disciplines. In addition, the goal includes being compliant with the SACSCOC Student Outcomes for General Education for our 10^th year Reaffirmation in 2024.  The University is committed to advancing the strategic priorities, specifically, to meet the changing educational needs of students in STEM majors by creating strategic academic and student support service investments for student success.  As a result of the University’s dedication to providing a student-centered educational environment, the purpose of this activity is to enhance student educational and support services at 51AV A&M University to better serve the students. Ultimately, the enhancement of student educational and support services will assist in the university’s capacity in preparing students for careers in STEM. Aligned with the university’s mission to prepare students for careers in STEM, this activity will provide advising that includes academic and career develop, facilitate initiatives to increase student pass rates in STEM general education courses, as well as promote active teaching and learning strategies in faculty instruction.

Activity Director: Dr. Rhonda Moore-Jackson
Email Address: rhonda.jackson@aamu.edu
Telephone Number: 256-372-8673

Activity Abstract: As research has shown, e-Learning provides a pathway to educational access and opportunity. As the institution seeks to increase interest in and completion of academic programs in STEM majors, by underrepresented populations; providing flexible learning opportunities will be critically important toward achieving that goal.  This activity seeks to expand e-Learning in STEM courses, minors, concentrations, and majors to promote access and opportunity for students pursuing academic programs and ultimately careers in STEM areas.  This activity directly aligns with the university’s strategic plan, via Priority 1: Enhance AAMU’s Distinctiveness and Competitiveness and Priority 6: Enhance University Engagement through Expanded Outreach. STEM faculty will participate in a professional learning community focused on e-learning from course design and development to best practices in web-based pedagogy and will be provided support and guidance in the development, design and delivery of e-learning courses in STEM disciplines.