Meet the Team

“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.” – MLK

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Means brings 30 years of experience in the career development profession. Prior organizations worked include Queens University of Charlotte, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, INROADS/Charlotte, Delaware State University, and Old Dominion University. Dr. Means attended Fisk University, Duke University, and has earned a B.S. in Psychology from Tennessee State University, a M.A. in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T, and an EdD in Higher Education Leadership from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Dr. Means oversees Employer Relations, Strategic Planning, Team Development and Supervision, Budget Management, and Campus Relationships.

He enjoys traveling, watching movies, and college basketball.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi

Marie Smallwood is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Administration.  She has a strong passion for helping students discover their greatest potential and assisting them in having “light bulb moments”.

Ms. Smallwood oversees the CPD Center’s Marketing and Branding, digital platforms, master calendar, as well as supervises the Career Specialist and interns.

When she is not working hard assisting students, you may find her hanging with her sister, decorating, or doing Zumba!

“Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. And if things don’t work out, just take another shot”. and “remember all things work together for the good”.  Ziad K. Abdelnour, Romans 8:28

Charlene K. Howard also known as Chogo is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a concentration in Sociology & Public Administration with a Minor in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Science with a concentration in Political Science. She is a Certified Life Coach from the Institute of Orange County (ICF approved). She continues her graduate studies at Regent University in the Strategic Leadership & Consulting Doctoral Program. She is passionate about the lives of others and transformative thinking and leadership. Thinking outside the box.

Charlene currently serves as the Experiential Learning Coordinator within the FAMU Career and Professional Development Center.

She loves great conversation, enjoys spending time with self while binge streaming TV Shows, self-care, reading, meditation, spending time with her kids, working with her collegiate ministry, volunteering at her church and sorority, counseling, ministering, and preaching the gospel.

“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” Marian Wright Edelman

A native of Quincy, Mia is a graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of Phoenix, where she received her B.S. Psychology and M.S. in Organizational/ Industrial Psychology. Mia’s experience in working with high school youth and college young adults in the areas of professional development spans 5 years in preparing them to enter today’s workforce.

Ms. Zeigler serves as the Employer Relations Coordinator.

In her spare time, Mia enjoys reading, meditating, and spending time with her family as well as being a tireless volunteer for causes that are important in everyone’s lives.

” Nothing will work unless you do.” -Maya Angelou

Ashley Williams is a two-time graduate of Florida A&M University; she received a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications with a concentration in Photography and a Master of Applied Social Sciences with a concentration in Public Administration.  She has a strong passion for helping students who want to learn and help themselves.

Ms. Williams is the liaison for the College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, and the School of the Environment.

During her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends/family, baking, and watching tv/movies.

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return.” Nelson Mandela

Beatrice received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University for Development Studies (ReCAS Campus), Ghana. She is currently studying for her master’s degree in the clinical mental health counseling program, specializing in the school counseling track at Florida A&M University. She always wants to help put smiles on the faces of others especially those who give up in life. She stands for helping those in need to assist them to succeed in life.

Beatrice is the liaison for the College of Pharmacy & Pharmacuetical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, School of Allied Health Sciences, and School of Nursing.

In her leisure time, she loves to always spend quality time with her family, watching soccer and swimming.

“I believe everyone in the world is born with genius-level talent. Apply yourself to whatever you’re genius at, and you can do anything in the world.” – Shawn “Jay Z” Carter

Nicholas “Nick” Freeman is a two-time graduate of Florida A&M University, where he received both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Business Administration.  He thrives on helping others and always attempts to be a voice of reason to those around them.

Mr. Freeman acts as the liaison for the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, College of Science & Technology, and School of Architecture & Engineering Technology.

When he is not working and assisting fellow Rattlers, you may find him participating in music activities and enjoying quality time with family and friends.

” If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou

Ruby L. Taylor is a graduate of the Florida A & M University School of Business where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Accounting focus. She also has a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling. Over the last 15 years, Ruby has gained work experience in professional development, employer relations, and student services that have amplified her passion for helping people prepare for personal and professional success.

Ms. Taylor is the liaison for the College of Agriculture and Food Science, College of Education, College of Law, and Graduate Studies.

When not working, Ms. Taylor enjoys spending time with family and trying new recipes!

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”– Luke 6:31

Sean A. Collins is a graduate of the Florida State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science with an emphasis in Economics and Sociology.  He has a strong passion to help everyone with career success and life goals.

Mr. Collins is the liaison to the School of Business and Industry and School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.

When he is not working with FAMULY, you will find him enjoying music, watching football, traveling abroad, and spending time with family and friends. He also loves the Caribbean lifestyle on the beaches of Jamaica and Dominican Republic.

“Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals” Michelle Obama

Leola is a graduate of Jefferson High School, Monticello, Florida, Sullivan and Cogliano of Miami Gardens, and now a Sophomore at Tallahassee Community College with a major in Help Desk/Technical Support. She has a knack for helping students achieve their highest potential in whatever way possible. Working at FAMU was one of my dream jobs and she says that she is blessed to be here.

Leola is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the department and oversee all administrative duties in the office.

When she is not at work, Leola likes hanging out with her grandchildren and watching them develop into young men and women.  She also likes working with her brother doing his BBQ business.  Even though it is tiring, she loves that she gets to see a lot of happy customers with huge smiles.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

In her leisure time, she loves to shop, travel and spend time with her family and friends