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Francis Marion University

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The official Instagram of Francis Marion University, home of the patriots.

Francis Marion University

FMU is one of South Carolina's 13 state-assisted universities, providing a strong liberal arts based undergraduate education with degrees in the arts, laboratory sciences, business, education and the social and behavioral sciences. We also provide graduate programs in education, business and psychology. FMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award bachelor's, master's and specialty level degrees. We enroll over 4,000 students in an intimate campus environment near Florence, S.C.

Francis Marion University
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.
This year’s keynote speaker was Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes. The program was emceed by members of the FMU Student Government Association and the Campus Activities Board. The event also included entertainment provided by the Young Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir and winners of FMU’s Got Talent. Lethonia Barnes is an accomplished business owner, a former college administrator, wife, mother, and a current pastor. Barnes graduated from Wilson High School and went on to attend South Carolina State University, where she earned her degree in business. Prior to becoming Mayor of Florence, Barnes owned the largest beauty and barber salon in Florence and led the first business to kick-start the downtown renewal in the city. She also served as an administrator at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Virginia Tech for a combined 21 years. Additionally, Barnes served a four-year term as a Florence City Councilwoman. During her time as mayor, Barnes has dedicated substantial effort to organizing events that support the elderly, as well as school readiness programs that offer supplies and meals for students. Barnes is actively involved in several boards and committees, such as the Downtown Revitalization Board and the Florence Cosmetology Association, where she previously served as president. She is also a current member of the Chamber of Commerce Board, the Community Redevelopment Committee, the Business Redevelopment Committee, and the Pee Dee Community Action Agency. Barnes is the current pastor of Fletcher Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Laurinburg, NC.
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UNIVERSITY NEWS

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