FMU African American Faculty and Staff Coalition Celebrates 30 Years

On Thursday evening, the Francis Marion University African American Faculty and Staff Coalition (AAFSC) marked thirty years at its annual scholarship reception held at the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence.

During the event, Dr. Kiley Molinari, assistant professor of anthropology at FMU, received the FMU AAFSC’s Diversity Award. The AAFSC Diversity Award is given annually by the Coalition to highlight the work of individuals who are dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusiveness at FMU and beyond.

Molinari’s research focuses on topics including material and expressive culture, Indigenous communities and new media, visual anthropology, and language and cultural revitalization. She joined the faculty of FMU in 2019. She received the Bachelor of Arts in United States History from Franklin Pierce University, the Master of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Idaho, and her Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Timothy B. Hunter was the event’s keynote speaker. He also received the Coalition’s “Together We Can” award in recognition of his civic involvement. 

Hunter earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from FMU, a Master of Administration from Cambridge College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Throughout his career, he has served as Assistant Principal at Batesburg-Leesville Elementary, Principal at Boundary Street Elementary, Chief Student Services Officer for the School District of Newberry County, and in Lexington School District Two. Outside of education, he is a Lifetime Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

The AAFSC was founded at FMU in 1995 to enhance and stimulate cultural awareness, and to promote professional development and welfare among faculty, staff, and students.

Rev. Donald Jackson is the current president of the AAFSC.

FMU President Fred Carter concluded the ceremony by recalling his twenty-six years working with the Coalition. He thanked its membership and discussed some of their future trips and activities.

Past winners of the AAFSC Diversity Award include Dr. Rebecca Lawson, Dr. Louis Venters, Ms. Angela Crosland, Dr. Rhonda Brogdon, Ms. Yvonne Davis, Mrs. Crystal Graham, Dr. Will Wattles, Dr. Jason Owens, Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price, Dr. Shayna Wrighten, Dr. Erica James, Dr. Daniel Brauss, Ms. LaTasha Brand, Dr. Charlene Wages, and Dr. Christopher Barton.