FAMU hires new Deans in Environmental Science and Science Technology and a New Police Chief

FAMU hires new Deans in Environmental Science and Science Technology and a New Police Chief

From Sharon Saunders and Stephanie Lambert

      Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim Provost Rodner Wright announced today that he has filled two dean positions at the University and  In addition ,  Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida A&M University William Hudson Jr., has appointed Terence M. Calloway as the new chief of the Department of Public Safety at the university.

Dr. Maurice D. Edington has been appointed the new dean of the College of Science and Technology, and Dr. Victor M. Ibeanusi, founding chair of Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman College, will serve as the new dean for the FAMU School of the Environment.

“We are pleased to make these permanent appointments with highly talented scholars and researchers,” said Wright. “Dr. Edington has conducted major research and secured millions in grants. He has gained the respect of his colleagues and will make an outstanding administrator. Dr. Ibeanusi has had a commitment for more than 25 years to safe water and water quality and has conducted research for the U.S. Department of Energy and other agencies. We believe that he will enhance our program in environmental science.”

Edington began his career at FAMU in 1998 as an assistant professor. From 2002 to 2008, he served as chair of the Department of Chemistry. During that period, Edington also served as director of the Office of Engineering and Science Support. From 2008-12, Edington served as the Director of the Quality Enhancement Program. In 2010, he became the SACS Accreditation Liaison and in July 2012 interim dean of the college.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been selected as dean,” said Edington. “I am excited about the opportunities to advance STEM education and research that are afforded by the recent formation of the College of Science and Technology. I will work diligently and tirelessly alongside the faculty, students, and staff of the college to ensure that FAMU continues to adequately address the science and technological needs of the state of Florida and the nation.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Fisk University in 1992, his doctorate in physical chemistry in 1997 from Vanderbilt University, and he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Duke University in 1998.

Ibeanusi started his career in 1979 conducting epidemiological studies on the spread of meningitis through portable water supplies through a World Health Organization sponsored project. In January 1981, he served as the microbiologist for the United Nations with UNICEF assisting with rural drinking water supply and a sanitation project for developing countries. He began his career at Spelman as a lecturer in the Biology Department.

Through his research, Ibeanusi has developed a patented bioremediation system for treating toxic metals and volatile organic compounds in the wastewater. He has collaborative research and training at the U.S. Governmental National Laboratories, such as the Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Space and Naval Warfare Systems and the USEPA National Exposure Research Lab.

“For 18 years I have had the opportunity to mold and create the Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman, and now, I am most honored and privileged to do the same for FAMU as they also look to advancing the School of the Environment. The future is bright and I look forward to building relationships at FAMU”.

Ibeanusi earned his degrees from Atlanta University, including a bachelor’s in environmental microbiology, master’s degree in biology and doctorate degree in molecular biology.

Both Edington and Ibeanusi have written a number of articles in refereed journals and have presented at professional conferences.

“We are looking forward to having Mr. Calloway as a part of our team,” Hudson said.  “He has a plethora of experiences that will enhance campus safety.”

Calloway has served as chief of police at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. since January 2012.  Prior to this appointment, he served as chief of police at the Village of Woodmere in Ohio.

As chief of police at Austin Peay State University, Calloway directed a staff of more than 30.  During his time there, he implemented a college-wide safe school program and various community policing programs, including Boyz2Men, The Law in You and a youth basketball camp.

“I have been in law enforcement most of my adult life and the opportunity to work for the largest and one of the most reputable historically black universities in the country is a dream come true,” said Calloway.  “I relish the opportunity to bring my community policing knowledge and service before self commitment to the students, faculty, staff and visitors of FAMU for many years to come.”

Calloway also served as an adjunct professor at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland.  He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from David N. Myers University and a master’s of justice administration with a focus in criminal justice from Tiffin University.  He also received training in 2011 from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

He is a member of the FBI National Academy Association, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement and International Association of Chiefs of Police.