FAMU Graduating Senior Accepted into Six Medical Schools

Nellena Adekoya

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  Florida A&M University (FAMU) graduating senior Nellena Adekoya has a lot to smile about. On Saturday, May 3, she will be among more than 1,300 candidates who will receive diplomas during FAMU’s spring 2014 commencement ceremonies.

Behind Adekoya’s infectious smile is also the excitement of beginning her journey to obtain the title of doctor.

The Grayson, Ga. native has accomplished the phenomenal feat of being accepted into six medical schools: the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, the Meharry Medical College, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, the Florida State University College of Medicine, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine. She’s decided to attend the Medical College of Georgia, which is located near her hometown.

With her sight’s set on becoming an OB-GYN, Adekoya, 21, said she believes what’s made her such an attractive candidate for medical school is simply her warm personality and passion for helping others.

“I think what helped me to standout was the interview process. I was able to show them that what I had to offer was more than what was on paper,” said Adekoya, who will graduate summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Letina Banks, biology instructor and academic advisor, said she knows exactly why so many distinguished medical programs courted Adekoya.

“Nellena has been a superb student from start to finish. She is a shining star,” Banks explained. “No matter what, she always has a smile on her face, is always humble and displays a caring personality. She is a model student and has never been afraid to ask questions or ask for help. She truly has what it takes to be a great physician – she will be a great physician.”

Adekoya’s interest in practicing medicine stems back to before she was a kindergartener.

“Since I was a four-year-old I've wanted to become a doctor. I used to watch a show called ‘Rescue 911’ with my mother and I was inspired to help people in need,” said Adekoya. “From there I took science classes, shadowed physicians and volunteered. I’ve never had any other career option in mind.”

According to Adekoya, a self-proclaimed soccer enthusiast, who donates much of her free time to coaching area youth, FAMU has served as a foundation for her ability to excel in and out of the classroom. She was a recipient of FAMU’s Life Gets Better Scholarship, which offers a full-ride to National Achievement and Merit Semifinalists who maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in high school and major in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“FAMU gave me every tool I needed, both academically and socially, to form a great foundation for medical school,” Adekoya said. “We have some of the most caring and available professors around. I'm very proud to be a Rattler.”

While Adekoya is poised to become one of the nation’s next leaders in medicine, she asserts that everything she has accomplished to get her to this point is not about her.

“My main goal is to help as many people as I can,” she said. “Once I'm established, I'd like to do my best to institute free or discounted medical care services every year. I'm not interested in fame or fortune, just impacting lives.”

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Langston University Names Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller Head Women’s Coach

The legendary player says she's "right where I need to be."

LANGSTON, Oklahoma -- Cheryl Miller has officially been named head coach of women’s basketball at Langston University and was formally introduced to the team and the student body during center court ceremonies today (April 30) in Langston. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.

“This is an historic moment for Langston University athletics as we welcome legendary player and coach Cheryl Miller as women’s basketball head coach,” said Langston President Dr. Kent Smith. “Securing a coach of the caliber and character of Coach Miller is a tribute to Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s stature in the sports world.”

“Coach Miller’s credentials as a player and coach are unsurpassed in women’s basketball. We are thrilled and honored to have her here wearing Lion blue on our courts,” said Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University. “Coach Miller has the skills and tools to lead our women’s basketball team to domination in the NAIA.”

The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach (44-14 and won the 1994 Pacific-10 conference title) for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached (and General Manger)  the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000.




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Jermane Clark: North Carolina A&T football player shot, killed

Clark was Winston-Salem native, attended Reynolds High School, Oak Ridge Military Academy and the University of Colorado before transferring to A&T.

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- Two people were arrested in connection with the shooting death of a North Carolina A&T State University football player late Tuesday night.

Kendrick Louis Robinson, 22, and Lemiah Wyatt Sanders Jr., 20, both of Greensboro, were charged Thursday with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the death of Jermane Darnell Clark.

Clark, 22, was found shot just after 11 p.m. on the street outside his home at 425 Stedman St. just west of campus. The Winston-Salem native was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Moses Cone Hospital.

Greensboro police allege Robinson and Sanders shot Clark and robbed him of $200, as well as 1/4 pound of marijuana. It's not yet known if the three men knew each other.

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N.C. A&T Men's Tennis Makes Its Return With Four Recruits

GREENSBORO, North Carolina  -- The North Carolina A&T State University men’s tennis is back. It was made official on Thursday when A&T head tennis coach Bruce Myers announced the first signings of men’s tennis players since 2005. 

“I was asked by our athletics director (Earl M. Hilton III) to field a men’s tennis team that would compete in the MEAC,” said Myers. “I believe our signings today will not only allow us to be competitive for the 2014-15 season, but will allow us to surprise conference opponents.”



Dreshaun Jarmon (Philadelphia, Pa./William Penn Chapter High School), John Wilson IV (Red Oak, Texas/Red Oak High School), Kyle Scott (Greensboro, N.C./Northwest Guilford High School) and Brett Caban (Drexel Hill, Pa./Upper Darby High School) is the historic class that will usher in the return.

Jarmon is slated to be the Aggies No. 1 player in the fall. He has wins over 2-star players, and he made it the finals of the ESCS Amateur B18s Tennis Classic finals.

“Dreshaun is a player who I think will excel at North Carolina A&T,” said Myers. “He is extremely athletic, and has not reached his full potential. He has a world-class forehand and with refining that will come in the weight room. He has a realistic opportunity to win a bunch of matches in the MEAC.”

Wilson is a two-star standout with four wins over 3-star players. He is the captain and No. 1 player on his varsity tennis team. Most valuable player honors have come his way two straight years, and he made history when he became the first ever state qualifier from Red Oak High School. Wilson eventually went on to win the first of three straight district championships.



Wilson has been a USTA Texas Super Champ since 11, and he has been ranked as high as 20^th in the state of Texas. In doubles, Wilson has reached the finals twice at USTA regional tournaments. Outside of tennis, Wilson is on the debate team, student council and National Honor Society. He is in the top seven percent of his graduating class.

“John is a humble young man who displays great leadership abilities and is a good role model for his four younger brothers,” said Myers. “He is an ambitious young man with high expectations for himself. Please look for great things to come from John W. Wilson IV.”

Scott is a 1-star player with wins over 2-star opponents. He played No. 2 singles at Northwest Guilford where he earned all-conference honors and advanced to the regionals. Scott’s parents are Aggies who met while attending A&T.

“I knew Kyle fell in love with North Carolina A&T as soon as he came for his first visit,” said Myers. “Kyle is another athletic player who will benefit from a structured training regimen and practicing and playing with Division I competition on a daily basis.”



Caban was recruited to A&T during Myers’ evaluation of Jarmon. He has wins over 1-star and 2-star players and was rated in the top-50 among Pennsylvania players.

“He will battle for every point and make his opponent earn everything,” said Myers. “He is someone who will benefit from getting in our program and ramping up his on and off-court training. I have no doubts that he will succeed on the court and in the classroom.”

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bethune-Cookman's Chris Cochran Released as Softball Head Coach Before MEAC Tournament

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida  --  Bethune-Cookman University announced earlier today the release of head softball coach Chris Cochran from the program effective immediately.

Cochran served for the past eight years as head softball coach at B-CU and was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Coach of the Year in 2013 – her second honor in the past four seasons. From 2010-12, she guided the Wildcats to three consecutive MEAC championships, in addition to three NCAA Regional berths.

“We are grateful to Coach Cochran for guiding our program to three championships,” said Lynn W. Thompson, B-CU Director of Athletics. “She has allowed our softball team to regain a place as a perennial MEAC power. However, as we seek to radically transform our program in every aspect, we must make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the university and our athletics program in order to enhance the total student-athlete experience.”

During her eight-year stint at B-CU, Cochran compiled an overall record of 196-252 with three straight MEAC titles from 2010-2012. She had a career MEAC Tournament record of 20-11, while last year the Wildcats were eliminated in the second round of the tournament. Currently, the Wildcats lead the MEAC Southern division with a 10-2 record, and this weekend travels to Florida A&M with a chance to clinch the Southern division crown and a top seed in next week’s MEAC Softball Tournament in Ormond Beach, Fla.



To complete the remainder of the season, Thompson has appointed Sandra Booker, Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator, to provide management oversight of the softball program and remaining staff. She assumes that role immediately and will lead the team into this weekend’s series at FAMU, as well as the upcoming conference tournament taking place May 8-10.

Bringing over 20 years of coaching experience to the B-CU program, Cochran began her coaching career at Clear Creek High School in Tiffin, Iowa, where her teams advanced to three consecutive state tournaments. In 1991, she was named District Softball Coach of the Year.

After her years at Clear Creek, she served as an assistant coach at Ball State (1992-1994) and Marshall (1995-1998), before being named head coach at Brown University (1998-2001). At Brown, she helped developed two Brown Female Athletes of the Year.

After her stint at Brown, she joined the Iowa State coaching staff where, in 2002, she was named associate head coach.

Just prior to arriving at Bethune-Cookman in 2006, Cochran served as an assistant coach at Rutgers. Cochran was a three-year letterwinner for the University of Iowa's softball team (1981-1984). During that time she earned the Women's Intercollegiate Athletics Award.

In 1986, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in Health Education from the University of Iowa.

Record at B-CU (Years)............................................. 196-252 (8)
Conference Championships.................... 3 (2010, 2011, 2012)
MEAC Tournament Record.................................................. 20-11
NCAA Regional Record............................................................. 0-6

 

COURTESY BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Coahoma Big Man Graves Headed to Alcorn State

CLARKSDALE,  Mississippi — Coahoma Community College’s Xavier Graves just returned from Decatur, MS where he scored 11 points for his North Division squad during the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-Star weekend. The performance effectively ended his JUCO basketball career. However, on Wednesday afternoon, he officially began his career at the Division I level signing his paperwork to continue his career in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at Alcorn State University.

Graves (Bassfield, MS) was a force inside for the Tigers this season nearly averaging a double-double. His 13 points and nine rebounds per game, along with two blocks, were a big reason that CCC advanced to the MACJC playoffs for the second consecutive season. Those stats, along with his performance in the classroom made him a desirable recruit for the Braves.

“He’s and outstanding student, and he’s an outstanding person,” said Alcorn Head Basketball Coach Luther Riley. “We believe that he has a lot of untapped basketball ability. His work ethic, drive to become better and his determination have separated him from a lot of the other players that we’ve been recruiting.”

Graves will be receiving his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in just a few weeks during commencement ceremonies at Coahoma, and he will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Alcorn State’s Department of Heath, Physical Education and Recreation with a focus on coaching.

“We are very proud of Xavier, he is a young man that has really grown tremendously during his last two year’s at Coahoma,” said CCC Head Basketball Coach Ira Peterson. “He’s a fine young man, and an excellent basketball player. I know that Xavier’s best basketball is still in front of him.”

The Alcorn State Alumni family at CCC gathered around Graves Wednesday afternoon as he signed his scholarship paperwork — including Coahoma’s own President Dr. Valmadge Towner.

“It is always a wonderful thing to watch one of our students excelling and pursuing their dreams,” said Towner. “Coahoma strives to be a launching pad to a better future for its students, and Mr. Graves is an excellent example of one of our best. We wish him the very best.”

Press Release from Coahoma Community College Public Relations - Matthew E. Killebrew, Director

UAPB Celebrates New Chancellor - Unveils New Logo At Investiture Ceremony

Dr. Laurence B. Alexander
Photo Courtesy UAPB Media Communications

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) formally welcomed its newly appointed Chancellor Dr. Laurence B. Alexander as the 18th leader of the institution. The near capacity crowd at the Pine Bluff Convention Center gave him three standing ovations during the ceremony and rousing applause.

During his acceptance speech, Chancellor Alexander highlighted the history of the institution, its programs and prestigious alumni and vowed to take the institution to the next level. One of the ways he pledged to do this was to change the face of UAPB.

“Together, we can re-invent the land-grant vision of the nineteenth century to meet the global demands of the 21st Century. One of the ways we have chosen to reinforce this university’s past, present, and future is represented in our new brand.”

Created by The Design Group, a multicultural marketing firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the mark is a nod to the legacy of the institution using a combination of the landmark W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower and a contemporary approach to text configuration. Over the next six to eight weeks, the new brand identity will be applied to all communication outlets for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The current logo a seal that depicts the bell tower and name changes for the institution - will be delegated for use in executive communications and affixed to formal documents (degrees, certificates, etc.).

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT PINE BLUFF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS