Florida A&M University: Later this month, FAMU will become the only institution in the nation with a program dedicated to regulatory education and training in the study of veterinary technology, according to university offi cials. The Tallahassee-based university will be one of only 11 universities in the country to offer a four-year degree in this discipline. Said FAMU President Dr. James H. Ammons in a statement: “African-Americans represent only 1.9 percent of the veterinary medicine profession. The total representation of minorities in the profession is 7.7 percent. This new animal healthcare facility will impact FAMU’s ability to help address a critical national shortage of minorities in the fi eld of veterinary medicine and related disciplines.”

Spelman College: Research suggests that the rate of new HIV and AIDS cases is disproportionately high among Black women. Under the leadership of Dr. Monica L. Melton, an assistant professor of women’s studies, offi cials at Spelman are examining this crisis as part of an award-winning study, “Black, Female, and HIV(+): Southern Women’s Advocacy and Activism to Re-claim Communities in Crisis.” In addition to interviews with HIV-positive women in the Florida area, offi cials are examining both the circumstances that lead to infection and ongoing preventive methods. This study is being threaded into the undergraduate curriculum at Spelman since the objective, offi cials say, is to “facilitate alternative thinking about ways to eradicate health disparities and pedagogical strategies to more effectively engage college students.” The National Council for Black Studies awarded Melton its Cutting Edge Gender Research Grant for Junior Scholars, according to the college’s Web site. She was the only HBCU grant recipient.

Southern University at Shreveport: Radiologic technology students are still savoring their victory last month over other local schools during a student competition. Every year during the Student Prep Quiz Bowl Competition, which is hosted by the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists, accredited radiologic technology programs throughout the state vie for the championship title. Students and instructors at Southern University at Shreveport, a two-year commuter college, credit extensive preparation both inside and outside of the classroom for their success.