Alumni Spotlight
FAMU alumna Shaundra Bryant Daily, Ph. D., has received national recognition for her cutting edge research. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education selected her as a 2013 emerging scholar. Daily presently serves as an assistant professor in the School of Computing, Human-Centered Computing Division at Clemson University. She completed her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and she earned her master's degree in electrical engineering from FAMU. She went on to become only the second African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in media arts and sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Article excerpt from Spring 2013 edition of A&M Magazine
Teaching seems to be more than a joy for Tonya Pugh. For this Florida A&M University alumna and 2012 nominee of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science, teaching feels more like a high. However, hers is legal, natural, and there are no signs of coming down any time soon. Inspired by her mother and godmother, Pugh had always intended to serve students in the public school system so that she could make a "greater impact." So after working for one year in the private sector she made the natural transition into Georgia's Clayon County Public School System, teaching at Kemp Elementary.
Believing "science is everywhere," Pugh uses "hands-on lessons" as she integrates "nonfictional stories into the curriculum." This not only allows her students to stay on track with the required learning, but also discover for themselves the science in everything around them.
Article excerpt from Spring 2013 edition of A&M Magazine
For FAMU alumnus Alvin Aureliano Davis, there is no greater or more honorable profession than being a teacher. Davis, a music teacher at Miramar High School in Broward County describes education as the cornerstone of the "American Dream" and teachers have the rewarding opportunity not only to make a difference, but also to change lives. Davis' commitment to his craft has not gone unnoticed. During the past few years, he was named the 2012 Macy's Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year and was selected as one of four finals in the 202 National Teacher of the Year. Davis earned his bachelor's degree in music in 200 from FAMU and was a member of the Marching "100" during his time at the university.
As part of his recognition, Davis was honored at the White House as one of the Teacher of the Year finalists. Davis, who has taught music for 11 years at the Broward County public high school, had already been named top teacher in Broward County and Florida for 2011. He was named a finalist for the prestigious national award by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Article excerpt from Spring 2013 edition of A&M Magazine