Transfer Graduate Highlight

 

Brittany Collins
Brittany Collins

Brittany Collins

E.W. Scripps Company, WPTV-5

Brittany Collins, a transfer student from St. Petersburg College and FAMU Alum, continues to set trends and pave the way for other prospective transfer students.  Transferring to FAMU proved to be a “fantastic life decision," Ms. Collins states.  With great determination, passion and ambition, she accepted the challenge and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. 

During her tenure at FAMU, Ms. Collins worked as a correspondent and ultimately Deputy Sports Editor and Photo Editor for The Famuan student newspaper.  With a published sports article in Journey Magazine, she became a finalist for the “Society of Professional Journalists” Mark of Excellence Award for a Non-Fiction Magazine Article.  Brittany went on to serve as a meteorologist and breaking news reporter  for FAMU TV-20.  Next, she was chosen and accepted an internship with the “Sunday Morning Show” at CBS News in New York City.  Through her work in journalism, both behind and in front of the camera, Brittany has published over 20 articles and covered several breaking news events in Tallahassee. She also became a finalist for SPJ Mark of Excellence award for Television In-Depth Reporting and was ranked third for SEJC region "Best TV Hard News Reporter" award.  Next, Brittany went on to serve as Special Projects Field Producer for WAAY-TV in Huntsville, Alabama.

Brittany currently serves on the photographer team for the E. W. Scripps Company, WPTV-5.  Now pursuing her master’s degree in journalism, she would one day like to become a professor of journalism and mentor like those who supported and inspired her to achieve success in her own right.  As she quotes Oprah Winfrey, “the big secret to life is that there is no big secret.  Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.”

 

Reamonn Soto
Reamonn Soto

Reamonn Soto

CEO & Founder, Sensatek Propulsion Technology

Reamonn Soto, a transfer student from Tallahassee Community College, holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Florida A & M University and Masters of Science in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He received hands-on training in scientific research in the field of astrophysics and condensed matter physics at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory and Center for Plasma Science and Technology (CePAST). He is also an active member of the Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG), IEEE Sensors Council, Antennas and Propagation Society. Prior to founding Sensatek, he was a Certified Business Consultant with the Florida SBDC, assisting over 200 clients in creating 68 new businesses that raised over $9.6 million in capital and generated more than $79 million in sales. Also, he served as a business consultant with the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University, helping to assist over 120 CEOs on business model development through the Small Business Executive Program.

Reamonn received numerous awards that include:

  • 1st Place Florida Venture Forum Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Pitch Competition
  • 1st Place Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Launch Your Venture Competition
  • 2nd Place Leon County Research Development Authority Tech Grant Competition
  • 2nd Place Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 2015 Research Award
  • 2017 Black Enterprise Tech Connect Pitch Competition Top 3

 

Madelyn McClarey
Madelyn McClarey

Madelyn McClarey

IGNITE transfer student and future doctoral candidate!

“In summer 2014, Madelyn McClarey’s son moved into a dorm at FAMU first and was later joined in the fall by his twin brother. The twins were soon followed by their mom, who first took several classes at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and earned an associate of arts degree with honors, then transferred her credits to FAMU through the IGNITE/TCC2FAMU program, which guarantees admissions to those who meet certain academic requirements.

Since becoming a Rattler, McClarey has thrived alongside her children, becoming an active member of organizations such as the FAMU English Literary Guild, where she served as president, the National Council of Negro Women, and serving as historian for Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators. Her twin sons, Aaron and Aubrey, both former members of the Marching “100” who graduated with degrees in music composition and the music industry respectively are exploring their entrepreneurial opportunities and staying flexible. 

McClarey was working as a language coach at Sheridan Hills Elementary when she took a one-year leave of absence to move to Tallahassee and get acclimated to her renewed life as a student. After becoming adjusted to Tallahassee, she continued to find work related to her passion for education and literacy. Now with the North Florida Freedom Schools program at FAMU Developmental Research School, she assists with helping to bridge the gap for children with reading deficiencies. She now plans to spend the next year continuing her role teaching as an adjunct English professor at TCC before moving to North Carolina to pursue a doctorate in women’s studies and social justice/inequities.”  Excerpt from FAMUnews.com/2020.