FAMU Celebrates ‘Education and Workforce Development Day’ with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted an educational forum in partnership with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and its signature program, Leadership Tallahassee. Key leaders from academia, workforce development, and the local community gathered at the historic Meek-Eaton Black Archives (MEBA) Research Center and Museum to explore innovative strategies in education and workforce readiness for lifelong career success.  

“FAMU’s 14 colleges and schools provide the framework for developing a career-ready workforce with the critical thinking, leadership, and technological skills needed for success in today’s society,” said Provost Allyson L. Watson, Ph.D., vice president for Academic Affairs. “Today’s forum is a proactive step toward ensuring FAMU remains at the forefront of empowering our students with the skills and resources needed to lead successful careers.”

Provost Watson, a Leadership Tallahassee Class 38 alum, emphasized the university’s commitment to educational excellence and community engagement during the opening session. Timothy A. Barber, director of the MEBA Research Center and Museum, and College of Education Dean Sarah L. Price, Ph.D., echoed these sentiments with inspirational messages of collaboration and shared vision.

A captivating performance by the Raa Middle School Steel Drum Band set a vibrant tone for the day’s discussions featuring several distinguished guest speakers, including:

• Brooke Brunner, director of Early Learning, Title IV, Gifted, EDEP, 21st Century, TAPP, addressed the importance of early childhood education and the resources available to support learning initiatives.
• Jessica Griffin, director of Workforce Development at Tallahassee State College, alongside BJ Van Camp, director of Lively Technical College, and Corrie Melton, vice president of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, discussed the intersection of education and workforce development, offering insights into how partnerships can drive economic growth.
• Jay Terry, assistant provost at Florida State University, provided perspectives on higher education’s role in shaping the future workforce.
  
  

A special performance by the Raa Middle School Dance Company delighted attendees before the day’s main event, a robust panel discussion moderated by Christic Henry, executive director of the Southside Redevelopment Advisory Council, Inc. Prominenteducational leaders on the panel included:

• Rocky Hanna, Superintendent of Leon County Schools
• Darryl Jones and Marcus Nicolas, Ed.D., members of the Leon County School Board
• Nicole Patton-Terry, Ph.D., Director of FSU’s Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)
• Carmen Conner, Principal of Pineview Elementary School

The panel explored key issues in education, from addressing the needs of diverse student populations to fostering collaboration between K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

After lunch, attendees visited two local schools—Raa Middle School and Gretchen Everhart School—to witness firsthand the impact of innovative educational programs in the community.

The afternoon session included presentations on Aspire Capital Region’s “Cradle to Career” initiative, emphasizing regional collaboration in creating pathways from early learning to workforce success. Melanie Worley Sanders of the Early Learning Coalition of Big Bend Region closed the session with a powerful address on the importance of early childhood development.

The event concluded with a debrief and class business meeting, ensuring that the conversations and collaborations from the day translate into actionable plans to improve education and workforce readiness in the Tallahassee area.

Benny L. Bolden, Jr., Ph.D., and Terry Whitaker, Leadership Tallahassee Class 38 alums, served as chairs for this event. 

For more information about this event and other strategic initiatives and partnerships led by the Division of Academic Affairs, contact Deidre P. Williams, director of communications for the Office of the Provost, at 850-412-7899.

 

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