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Faculty Resources

 

For instructions and to avoid missing the application deadline, please complete the "Intent to Apply" form by 5 p.m. ET. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. The deadline to apply for Sabbatical Leave and Professional Development Leave is Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.  

Tenure and Promotion

Post-Tenure Review

 

Please review the Faculty Travel Grant Guidelines  before submitting an application. Note: Applications must be approved prior to travel. Unapproved travel will not be considered for reimbursement. 
 
To submit an application for a Faculty Travel Grant,  you must first complete the "Intent to Apply" form.  Applications are submitted via the Interfolio RPT portal.  They are reviewed on a weekly basis beginning every academic year on July 15 through March 15 for international travel and through April 15 for domestic travel the following year. Applications must be received at least 60 days prior to anticipated international travel and at least 45 days prior to anticipated domestic travel. All travel must be completed by June 15. 
Please review the Accelerate Research: FAMU Faculty Boost Fund Guidelines before submitting an application. 
 
To submit an application to the Faculty Boost Fund, you must first complete the "Intent to Apply" form.  Applications are submitted via the Interfolio RPT portal.  They are reviewed on a rolling first come, first awarded basis until funds are depleted. Only one up to $2,000 award per faculty member, and all awarded funds must be encumbered by May 1, 2025 or they will be reallocated. 
 

The faculty and student activities and services of the School of Allied Health Sciences are facilitated by the involvement and commitment of a dedicated support staff. Through the efforts of these individuals the goals and objectives of the school are actualized.

Office of The Dean Support Staff 

 

Administrative Assistant II
Coordinator Administrative Services
Senior Secretary, Division of Cardiopulmonary Science and Division of Health Informatics and Information Management
Program Assistant, Division of Health Care Management (Title III )
Senior Secretary, Division of Physical Therapy
Senior Secretary, Division of Occupational Therapy

Office of the Dean Directory

 

serves as the Interim Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences.  Prior to her rotation of Interim Dean, she served as the Director of Cardiopulmonary Science in the School of Allied Health Sciences.  In that capacity, she was responsible for all aspects of the program, both administrative and educational. Administrative aspects include: fiscal planning, continuous review and analysis, planning and development, and the overall effectiveness of the program. Educational responsibilities include: teaching, curriculum development and review. Dr. Simmons provided leadership and conducted the necessary administrative functions for the development and effective operation of the Cardiopulmonary Science Program, in accordance with the rules and regulations of Florida A&M University and the Respiratory Therapy Accrediting Agency, the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).  Dr. Simmons serves as the Interim Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, at Florida A&M University, where she is responsible for the oversight and management of graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and health administration as well as undergraduate programs in health science, health care management, health information management and cardiopulmonary science.  Dr. Simmons is a graduate of Florida A&M University at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) in Public Health from Walden University. Her undergraduate degree is in Cardiopulmonary Science in which she remains an active practitioner and contributor to the field.  Her master and doctor degrees focused on epidemiology, communicable diseases, community and behavioral health, and environmental and occupational health.

 Dr. Simmons has practiced as a Cardiopulmonary Specialist and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in adult critical care, pediatrics, neonatal trauma and treated chronically diseased patients such as HIV/AIDS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), sarcoidosis and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Dr. Simmons is also credentialed in public health and has experience of child hood obesity, communicable diseases, needlesticks in the work place, and community health as a whole.

serves as the Associate Dean, Associate Professor of the School of Allied Health Sciences. Dr. Farmer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications from Florida State University; as well as a Master’s Degree in Applied Social Science, with a concentration in Public Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, both from Florida A&M University. Prior to his current position, Dr. Farmer currently served as an Associate Professor of Professional Leadership Development at Florida A&M University, School of Business and Industry. Dr. Farmer also worked as a Business Analyst within the FAMU – Division of Administrative and Financial Services, where he was responsible for supervision and leadership of Management Analysts and responsible for developing and managing administrative functions of assigned colleges and schools. Dr. Farmer also has held administrative positions within the Office of Academic Affairs, Sponsored Programs and initially started his career within the school of School of Allied Health Sciences, as a Coordinator. Dr. Farmer also has a background in policy and procedures, training, contract management and project management. Dr. Farmer’s research interests include African American males and females, graduation, historically black college and universities (HBCU), retention, professional development, higher education administration and student success, in which, he is well published. Dr. Farmer also is an inaugural member of the FAMU Provost’s Digital Learning Initiative, where the goal was to increase the campus-wide utilization of digital instruction. Dr. Farmer prides himself as a life long learner.

serves as the Director of Student Affairs for the School of Allied Health Sciences. Mrs. Nelson-Langley earned a Master of Social Work Degree with a concentration in Administration and Policy from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Administration from the City University of New York – City College. Mrs. Nelson-Langley brings over twenty-five years of professional experience as an administrator working in the area of higher education, human and social services and program development in Tallahassee, Florida and Boston, Massachusetts. She most recently severed as Assistant Director of the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) and Coordinator of Special Projects for the School of Allied Health Sciences. Prior to that Mrs. Nelson-Langley was a Director in the Department of Children and Families Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health where she managed the Systems of Care Expansion HRSA Grant. During her tenure in Boston, she served as the Director of Health Professions Education with the Center for Community Health, Education, and Research.  She is a former member of the adjunct faculty at Boston University Medical School and Northeastern University College of Nursing. Mrs. Nelson-Langley currently provides oversight and guidance for the Dean’s Office functions and operational procedures relevant to student support services. Her university service includes but is not limited to membership on the University Recruitment Data Council, University Academic Appeals Committee, the University Retention Committee, and the Living Learning Community and Transfer Student Liaison.

 

serves as Special Assistant to the Dean in the School of Allied Health Sciences. Mrs. Fillyau received her B.S. degree in Clothing and Retailing and Advance Certification in Human Resource Relations at Florida A&M University.  Mrs. Fillyau has served Florida A&M University for 35 years in the areas of the Budget Office;  Office of Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Administrative Services Assistance Program. Mrs. Fillyau has served as a liaison between the Administration, College of Pharmacy, School of Nursing  and the Undergraduate Student Success Center.  Mrs. Fillyau’s administrative duties were to ensure that administrative and fiscal functions were in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws as well as the university policies, procedures and regulations. She is proficient in the development and management of budgets for Education and General (E&G), and auxiliary funds.  She manages, monitor and prepares the appropriate documents for utilizing foundation funds. She has served as human service representative for the College of Pharmacy with duties in preparing and maintaining employment documents. She served as travel approval and trainer in the travel processes with Administrative Service Assistance Partnership (ASAP), procurement services, account payables, cash management, travel training, compliance monitoring and process mapping. Mrs. Fillyau’ s community service includes working with the Sickle Cell Foundation for 35 years with the 5k run/walk race, 18 with United Way of the Big Bend Community Human Service Partnership (CHSP) Leadership Tallahassee Class XIX, arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, and a Leon County Poll Worker and Advisory Committee member.
serves as Faculty Administrator/Recruiter  for the School of Allied Health Sciences. She received her B.S. degree from Florida A&M University. Mrs. Graham has extensive experience in planning, implementation and evaluation of grant funded programs and other numerous special projects and events within the School of Allied Health Sciences. She also assists the dean’s office in coordinating administrative functions of the School. Mrs. Graham implements recruitment strategies  and actively recruits students through delivery of on site presentations across the state on behalf of the school and the university.
serves as the Coordinator, Academic Support, in the School of Allied Health Sciences. Mr. Parker received his B.S. degree in Accounting from Florida A&M University. He provides fiscal management for the School. He coordinates the hiring process (applications, credentials, payroll, etc.) of all personnel (full-time and OPS) within the School. Mr. Parker monitors all budgets, encumbrances, and expenditures of funds (general revenue, contractual, external). He coordinates, tracks, monitors, and confirms the completion of documents for the requesting, ordering, and delivery of supplies and services.

SPRING 2025 COMMENCEMENT

 

 

Location and Commencement Details:

Our Spring 2025 commencement ceremonies will take place on May 2-3 
in the Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium (1800 Althea Gibson Way, Tallahassee FL, 32310).

We encourage attendees to get there early as seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our Spring 2025 commencement speakers are as follows:

 

Commencement Speakers:

Friday May 2 (6 p.m.) - Adrienne S. Brown, Group Vice President and Head of Corporate Business Development, Eli Lilly and Company 

Colleges/Schools: College of Education, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, School of the Environment 

Saturday May 3 (9 a.m.) - Bernard Kinsey, Alumnus, Businessman, Philanthropist, and Prominent Art Collector 

Colleges/Schools: College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, Military Commissioning, School of Architecture and Engineering Technology, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering 

Saturday May 3 (2 p.m.) - Fawn Weaver, CEO and Founder of Uncle Nearest, INC.

Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Technology, College of Law, School of Business and Industry, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, School of Nursing

2025 Commencement Speakers

 

 

 Rehearsal:

Thursday, May 1 at 4 p.m.

(Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium)

 

 

Line of March:

Begins approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled start time of ceremony.

 

 

Graduation Day Etiquette & Conduct

To preserve the honor of the commencement ceremony:

  • Disruptive Behavior Prohibited: No strolling, hopping, twirling, dancing, or chanting while crossing the stage. 
  • Penalties for Violations: Offenders may face transcript/diploma holds, formal hearings, and organization probation (minimum 6 months). 
  • Honor the Moment: Let’s uphold the dignity and pride that this celebration represents for the entire Rattler community. 

 

 

Graduation Photos, Song Fest, & Campus Conduct

  • Photo Guidelines: Capture memories responsibly. Do not climb or sit on monuments (e.g., Rattler Statue) or use substances like smoke bombs, champagne, confetti, or paint. 
  • Greek Life Ceremonies: Must be held only at your designated plot or under Bragg Stadium (Gate 17, Section K). Must conclude within 45 minutes post-ceremony. 
  • Respect Campus Spaces: Avoid gatherings near restricted areas (Gaither Gym, Lawson, Center for Access and Student Success, etc.)
  • Traffic & Safety: Do not block or park near the Greek Wall on West Palmer Avenue. FAMU PD will enforce safety protocols and ticket violators.

 

 

Clear Bag Policy & Prohibited Items

To ensure safety and quick entry: 

Allowed Bags: 

  • 12x6x12 clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bags 
  • 1-gallon clear re-sealable bags 
  • Small clutches (4.5x6.5) 
  • Medical/childcare items (with inspection) 

Prohibited Items: 

  • Backpacks, purses, messenger bags 
  • Strollers, coolers, seat backs 
  • Confetti, glitter, alcohol, banners, horns, umbrellas 
  • Weapons or tobacco products 

Please Note: Unlawful items are subject to confiscation and legal action. No storage is available - leave prohibited items in your vehicle

 

 

Commencement Shuttle Services

There will be two Venom Shuttles that will run beginning 2 hours before graduation and 2 hours after graduation. On Friday, May 2, the shuttle will run from 4 - 9 p.m. (Commencement begins at 6 p.m.) On Saturday, May 3, the shuttle will run from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Commencement begins at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Pickup Location(s)

Welcome Center
SBI Lot East and West

Run Time:

Every 20 minutes

Shuttle Information:

Seats 25 people

Shuttle Stop Locations:

School of Business and Industry (SBI) | Robert and Trudie Perkins Way
Welcome Center | 1420 Althea Gibson Way (formerly known as Wahnish Way)

 


Venue Entry & Security Procedures

  • Each attendee will be hand-scanned or walk through a detector.
  • Non-complaint bags will result in denied entry—no exceptions.
  • Separate "Bag" and "No Bag" lanes available at each entrance.

 

 

Let's Celebrate Responsibly

This is your time to shine, but it’s also a moment that reflects the legacy of FAMU. Let’s ensure that this milestone is celebrated with class, care, and consideration for the community that supported your journey. 

For the most up-to-date details, visit: www.famu.edu/commencement or www.famu.edu/students/commencement/ 

 

 

For Questions, Contact:

Dean of Students: Bomani Spell – Bomani.spell@famu.edu 
Fraternity & Sorority Life: Edward Kincheon – Edward.kincheon@famu.edu 

 

Current FAMU Transformation Projects

 

Lead Department

Project Scope

Student Affairs/Admissions

Build an admissions Customer Relationship Management platform to expertly engage software for admissions functions:

  • Application Management
  • Reading Facilitation
  • Decision Release
  • Advanced Texting
  • Events Management
  • Data Integrations

 

Project Leaders:  Juan Alexander, Bill Hudson

 

Lead Department

Project Scope

Academic Affairs/Student Affairs

Implement Information-based process that identifies, evaluates, and modifies strategies and enrollment goals. An organized effort to connect the mission, current state, and changing environment to long-term enrollment and fiscal health.


FAMU SEP Focus Areas:
• Marketing and Recruitment
• Undergraduate Academic Programs
• Graduate Academic Programs
• Finance and Financial Aid
• Student Success


FAMU SEP Leadership Team:

Sonya Stephens, Associate VP for Transformation and Innovation – SEP Initiative Owner
Donald Palm, Executive VP/Chief Operating Officer
Allyson Watson, VP Academic Affairs
Jennifer Collins, Associate Provost
Juan Alexander, Associate VP Student Affairs
Byron Greene, HBCU Transformation Officer

 

Workshops

• SEP Action Plan Writing Workshop – September 9, 2024
• SEP Action Plan Writing Workshop – September 10, 2024
• Action Plan Writing Workshop – October 22-23, 2024

• SEP Action Planning Orientation – October 18, 2024

 

Documents

• Data Informed Decision Making: How to Use Data to Improve Outcomes

 

Lead Department

Project Scope

Academic Affairs

Facilitate Re-enrollment coaching to support students holistically and improve enrollment and retention at Florida A&M University.

Engage Retention Coaching to support learners and impact improved retention at Florida A&M University

 

Project Leaders:  Jennifer Collins, Jamie Davis

 

Develop efficient operations through technology - Asset Works software

Project Leaders:  Kendall Jones, Laureatte Scott 

 

Develop/Implement Model for "Right-Sizing" Financial Aid Awards and Efficient Award Processing

Project Leaders:  Lassandra Brice, Nigel Edwards

 

Program Faculty

Name

Email

Phone
Ajith Gunarante
Chair, Professor

ajith.gunarante@famu.edu

 (850) 561-8569
Pierre Ngnepieba
Professor, Associate Dean

pierre.ngnepieba@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5978
Richard Andrews
Instructor

richard.andrews@famu.edu

 (850) 599-3755
Narayana Bandara
Assistant Professor

narayana.bandara@famu.edu

 (850) 599-8732
Kbenesh Blayneh
Professor

kbenesh.blayneh@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5228
Maria Dofing
Adjunct

maria.dofing@famu.edu

 (850) 599-3755
Nora Entekhabi
Associate Professor

mozhgan.entekhabi@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5230
Mohsen Gheibi
Instructor

mohsen.gheibi@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5230
Cong Hoang
Assistant Professor

cong.hoang@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5239
Vaslie Lauric
Professor

vaslie.lauric@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5234
Solomon Manukure
Associate Professor

solomon.manukure@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5232
Erdell Maurice
Instructor

erdell.maurice@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5233
Joseph Mokher
Instructor

joseph.mokher@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5229
Daniel Osborne
Associate Professor

daniel.osborne@famu.edu

 (850) 412-7926
Jamil Perkins
Instructor

jamil.perkins@famu.edu

 (850) 599-8404
Calvin Robinson
Adjunct

calvin.robinson@famu.edu

 (850) 599-3755
Tony Se
Assistant Professor

tony.se@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5231
Elise Simmons
Instructor

elise.simmons@famu.edu

 (850) 599-8403
Sonya Stephens
Associate Professor

sonya.stephens@famu.edu

 (850) 561-0236
Madhav Wagley
Instructor

madhav.wagley@famu.edu

 (850) 412-5241