AAFCS Reaffirmation Recognizes More Than Four Decades of Excellence in Preparing Industry and Community Leaders
Family and Consumer Sciences Programs Earn Renewed National Accreditation
Alabama A&M University’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences has received renewed accreditation from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), reaffirming the commitment of the department’s administration, advisory council and community partners to academic excellence, student success and national professional standards.
The reaffirmation places AAMU among a select group of programs nationwide recognized by AAFCS for meeting rigorous benchmarks in curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student learning outcomes and professional preparation. The accreditation is granted for a 10-year period and will remain in effect through fall 2035, with the next self-study report scheduled for submission in September 2034.
Accreditation through AAFCS signals that AAMU’s programs prepare graduates to enter careers that strengthen families, communities and industries connected to health, design, hospitality and education.
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers concentrations in apparel merchandising and design, human development and family studies, nutrition and dietetics, hospitality management, and family and consumer sciences education. Through these programs, students gain a blend of classroom instruction, research opportunities and hands-on learning designed to prepare them for professional leadership and service.
The department’s history at Alabama A&M spans more than a century. Family and Consumer Sciences at the University began in 1881 as a sewing room for young women. The program continued to expand and formally became a department in 1920. AAMU has maintained accreditation through the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences since 1984.
The reaffirmation followed an extensive national review process that included preparation of a comprehensive self-study report, internal evaluation by faculty and university leadership, and a site visit by an accreditation team that verified the department’s academic programs, student outcomes and institutional support.
Dr. Ethel G. Jones, associate professor and chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, said the accreditation reflects the dedication of faculty, students and alumni who continue to advance the program’s mission. Jones has led the department since joining Alabama A&M in September 2022.
“Having this program accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences demonstrates excellence in providing educational experiences that prepare students for professional roles that improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.”
From left: Ethel Jones, associate professor and chair; Brandan Wheeler, HDF coordinator and assistant professor; Kandance Betts-O’Neal, HDF adjunct and associate registrar; Carol Hall, AMD associate professor; Latasha Minor, NHM assistant professor; Ronay Hannah, CDC director and assistant professor; Lenese Vaughner, AGRIFCS project manager; Brittannie Chester, NHM coordinator, DPD director and associate professor; Kristian Hogans, AMD coordinator and assistant professor; Rhona Miller-Cebert, NHM assistant professor and research assistant; Carmi Bobwealth-Omontese, AMD instructor; and Johna Benson, FCS/CDC administrative program assistant.