AAMU Brings Statewide Focus to Family and Consumer Sciences

Alabama A&M University recently hosted the 2025 Annual Conference of the Alabama Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (ALAFCS), welcoming educators, professionals, and students from across the state for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and recognition. Held last week, the conference centered around the empowering theme, “Mission Accepted: Acknowledge. Act. Ascend!” and highlighted the evolving impact of family and consumer sciences in today’s world.

The event opened on campus in the Dawson Building Auditorium, where Alabama A&M University Professor Emerita and current AAFCS Alabama Affiliate President Dr. Bernice Richardson greeted attendees with a warm welcome and call to action. Dr. Lori Myers, AAFCS Chief of Staff, Acting CFO, and Senior Director of Core Competency, delivered the keynote address, “Launching the Future of Family & Consumer Sciences,” setting a forward-thinking tone that resonated throughout the conference.

The Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room served as the backdrop for a celebratory awards luncheon, honoring outstanding students from institutions across Alabama. Among the honorees were graduate student Andreana Gross of Huntsville, Alabama, who was recognized for her academic achievement and commitment to the field. Freshmen DeMiya Heath and Brandi Hudson, both from Birmingham, Alabama, received complimentary AAFCS memberships, signifying their early engagement with the professional community.

On the second day, attendees convened at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for a series of sessions that explored the intersections of family and consumer sciences with broader societal themes. A featured panel discussion, “Family and Consumer Sciences and Space Exploration,” examined how the discipline aligns with innovation beyond Earth. Another highlight included a legislative update session led by Alabama House Minority Leader Representative Anthony Daniels (District 53) and Representative Marilyn Lands (District 10), focused on policy efforts to strengthen families and communities.

Additional sessions throughout the conference covered a wide range of topics relevant to today’s educators and practitioners, from integrating critical thinking into the classroom, to financial fraud prevention, to trends in textile technology.

The 2025 ALAFCS Annual Conference served as a vibrant reflection of the field’s relevance and potential, affirming Alabama A&M University’s leadership in advancing family and consumer sciences through academic excellence, student engagement, and statewide collaboration.

(Photo L-R) Andreana Gross, AAMU; Emma Dalton, JSU; DeMiya Heath, AAMU; Mallori Gilbert, JSU; Marjorie Battle receiving Friend of Family Award on behalf of Representative Laura Hall; Dr. Donna Bell, University of Montevallo- Higher Education Award; Robbie Boggs, JSU Retired - Leader’s Award; Millicent Braxton, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program; Dr Christi Trucks, JSU- Incoming President.

(Photo Courtesy Dr. Richard Whittington)