FIU Board of Trustees approves budget reduction plan

FIU’s Board of Trustees announced on June 12 a budget reduction plan that calls for staff reductions and the closure of more than two dozen academic programs and centers over the next three years in order to bridge record budget cuts.

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Robert Stempel School of Public Health names new dean

Fernando M. Treviño has been appointed dean of the Robert Stempel School of Public Health effective June 1. Treviño takes over for interim dean Michele Ciccazzo, who served in that role since December 2006.

Treviño was a professor and founding dean of the School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth from 1999 to 2007. During that period, he also served as director of the Texas Institute for Hispanic Health in the School of Public Health and as director of the school’s Institute for Public Health Research.

From 1996-2000, he was professor and chairman of the Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine in the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, part of University of North Texas Health Sciences Center.

Treviño most recently served as Chancellor of Southern Illinois University.

College of Education appoints interim dean

Kingsley Banya was appointed interim dean of the College of Education effective June 3. Dean Luis Miron will work closely with Banya to ensure a smooth transition. A national search for a permanent dean will begin in the fall.

During his 17-year tenure within the college, Banya has chaired two of its largest departments and currently serves as chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He has coordinated prior FIU self-studies leading to NCATE re-accreditation and been active in graduate education serving as dissertation advisor for 32 students.

Before coming to FIU, Banya was responsible for the accreditation of Georgia’s 33 public and private colleges with the Georgia Department of Education.

Seasoned entrepreneur to chair Pino Center

The Eugenio Pino & Family Global Entrepreneurship Center recently named Mike Tomás, president of the ASTRI Group, chairman of its Board of Advisors.

“I am honored to be a part of such a great center,” said Tomás, who brings to the position decades of international leadership experience. “I look forward to contributing to the growth of the remarkable program and continuing the legacy the center has created within the local and national business communities.”

Tomás started his business career at the age of 17 with MCI and his success there was his foundation for his career in business. After 17 years with the company, he joined WorldCom where he was chief marketing officer of Avantel, the $1 billion joint venture between WorldCom and Grupo Financiero Banamex-Accival (now Citibank). In his time there, he was known for his ability to create effective marketing strategies and lead diverse teams to success.

A board member for numerous organizations, he continues to make an impact on enterprise in South Florida. A seasoned businessman, he has founded numerous ventures and is currently president the ASTRI Group, a Miami-based investment company.

“It is great to be able to bring experience and innovation together to the head of our board,” said Alan L. Carsrud, the Pino Center’s executive director. “In the dynamic and international environment that we operate, Mike possesses the drive and vision to lead our center to greater success and is someone who our students look up to.”

BBC receives grant to increase minorities in environmental careers

The Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC) received a two-year, $140,000 grant from Jane’s Trust for an interdisciplinary environmental studies initiative aimed at increasing the participation of minorities in environmental careers.

“We appreciate the initial investment by Jane’s Trust in this project,” said Damian Fernandez, BBC vice-provost. “Jane’s Trust has laid the foundation for the future of environmental studies at BBC, which will address the educational needs of South Florida’s diverse population.”

Jane’s Trust, established in 2002, supports organizations and projects which primarily benefit underserved populations and disadvantaged communities in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment and health and welfare. It awards grants in the states of Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The BBC initiative, designed to integrate coastal and marine themes into the campus’ curriculum and life, is in line with the trust’s objective to educate South Florida’s future environmental leaders, including a significant percentage of minorities who represent most of BBC’s student body.

The program also aims to create a pipeline of minority students who will pursue graduate degrees and careers in environmental fields, thus ensuring the area’s future leaders are diverse and well-prepared to address coastal issues from an integrated, holistic approach.