FMU African-American Faculty and Staff Coalition Celebrates 23rd Annual Gala

Dr. Christopher Barton, associate professor of archaeology at Francis Marion University, received the FMU African-American Faculty and Staff Coalition’s Diversity Award at the organization’s 23rd annual scholarship reception held at the FMU Performing Arts Center Thursday night.

Barton joined the faculty of Francis Marion in 2017. He is a historical archaeologist who specializes in the archaeology of class, gender, and race. His work is focused on developing collaborative projects in which the public and students work together to uncover the past. Dr. Barton has authored and co-authored a host of peer-reviewed works including his book, Historical Radicalized Toys in the United States (Routledge, 2016). 

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.

Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin served as the keynote speaker for the evening. She also received the Coalition’s “Together We Can” award in recognition of her civic involvement. Mayor Myers Ervin, a native of Florence, earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Florence-Darlington Technical College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Francis Marion University. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree from FMU. She is currently employed at McLeod as a Registered Nurse and holds a specialty certification in the Neonatal Resuscitation Program. In November 2020, she made history becoming the first female and African American elected Mayor of Florence. As Mayor, she works to procure funding for Florence’s downtown and community development, expanding green city initiatives, and developing new job sources to produce opportunities for business and employment.

In his remarks, FMU President Fred Carter praised the Coalition’s stellar work in raising scholarship money for deserving students over the past two decades. He also announced that an additional scholarship will be funded for the YGB Student Choir as well as a new endowed scholarship named in honor of Vashon Brown, a longtime employee of the university and a leader in the Coalition. Brown currently serves as director of network operations and systems at FMU. 

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.

Dr. Todd Couch, assistant professor of sociology, is the current president of the AAFSC.

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, and Dr. Charlene Wages.