Florida A&M’s chapter of Faces Modeling Troupe is back on campus.
“This semester we’re back and bringing you a lot of mechanics and a lot of attitude,” current Ms. Faces and information technology student Shaunteria Brown said. “This is our chance to show people what Faces is about.”
The chapter had been suspended for nearly two years due to what the group termed miscommunication between the previous adviser and members. This caused them to miss mandatory events and face suspension. FACES adviser Charlene Howard said she had planned to insist the group also focus on school work and giving back.
“We’ve increased the level of communication to make sure everyone is on board and knows what the expectations are,” said Howard, who also serves as an academic adviser for FAMU. Now that the troupe is back I want them to focus on not just the art of modeling but academics and community service as well.”
Coordinator of Greek Life and Student Involvement Brandi Tatum said FACES has taken the necessary steps to show they are cooperating with public organization policies and procedures.
“Organizations who have received a suspension letter must abide by the suspension guidelines in order to comeback and FACES has done that,” said Tatum.
FACES appeared in its first runway show last week at Gaither Gymnasium as part of the Rattler-Mania event.
First-year physical therapy student Alanis Stephens said she looked forward to the university's two major modeling troupes going heel to heel.
“I saw their performance at the fashion show and it wasn’t bad,” said Stephens. “FACES and Images are the well-known troupes around campus so the competition between them will be interesting.”
FACES State Executive Vice President Stephanie Coltee credited the organization for helping her mature.
“FACES has transformed me into an elegant young lady,” said Coltee, a self-professed “shy tomboy from Phoenix, Ariz. “This organization allows me to be who I am as well as show a more sophisticated side of me.”
FACES modeling troupe holds a total of seven chapters on various university campuses including USF, UCF, BCU and UNF. FACES was brought to FAMU in the spring of 1997 by founders Akil Hameed and Reggie Harrison. Faces Modeling Troupe became amended as an incorporated, nonprofit organization in 2002.