Appendices

Standard 2 – Curriculum and Instruction

Link to Office of Career Success/Internship Report

Student Internship Locations (Local and Regional)

Company	Location
Graceful Solution	Tallahassee, FL
FAMU Sustainability Institute	Tallahassee, FL
All 3 Media	Nashville, TN
JQuad Media/Dunbar-Walker Productions	Tallahassee, FL
Delta Airlines	Tallahassee, FL/Atlanta, GA
The Pink Show Bag	Tallahassee, FL
Capital Outlook	Tallahassee, FL
Restoration Place	Tallahassee, FL
Midori Star Media Group	Miami, FL
Duval County Public Schools- Communications Department	Jacksonville, FL
FAMU Sports Information	Tallahassee, FL
Pepsi
Nextgen Climate	Tallahassee, FL
97.9 ESPN	Tallahassee, FL
City of Miramar	Miramar, FL
The Pink Shoe Bag	Tallahassee, FL
Rachel Travels	Tallahassee, FL
Sachs Media Group	Tallahassee, FL
FAMU Sustainability Institute	Tallahassee, FL
The Lipstick Royalty Agency	Tallahassee/Miami, FL
FAMU Office of Communications	Tallahassee, FL
Midori Star Media Group	Miami, FL
United Way of Northeast Florida	Jacksonville, FL
Sachs Media Group	Tallahassee, FL
Osborne Youth Center	Marietta, GA
Cumulus Broadcasting	Tallahassee, FL
Moody Radio 89.3FM	Palm Beach, FL
WCTV	Tallahassee, FL
Amanda Hunter Photography	Tallahassee, FL
Fun, Fly, Fabulous	Atlanta, GA
Wings of Love of Leesburg	Leesburg, FL
Capital Outlook	Tallahassee, FL
Cumulus Broadcasting	Tallahassee, FL
Fun, Fly, Fabulous	Atlanta, GA
C. Douglas & Associates	Tallahassee, FL
WSLR 96.5 Radio	Sarasota, FL
FAMU Sports Information	Tallahassee, FL
FAMU Athletics Marketing	Tallahassee, FL
Roze Gold	West Palm Beach, FL
FAMU Sustainability Institute	Tallahassee, FL
Capital Outlook	Tallahassee, FL
Hilltop Commercial Lending & Development	Tallahassee, FL
Campus Rec TV	Tallahassee, FL
FreddyO	Atlanta, GA
The FAMUAN	Tallahassee, FL
Wholistic Growth for Generations	Stuart, FL
Al Bespoke Garments	Atlanta, GA
FAMU Athletics	Tallahassee, FL
Capital Outlook	Tallahassee, FL
Office of Cable TV, Film, Music, & Entertainment	Washington, DC

Standard 6 – Student Services

The School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) offers comprehensive support to new and transfer students, ensuring their academic, personal, and professional success both during their time at the University and beyond, through a variety of engagement activities.

Engagement activities for onboarding new and transfer students are listed below, along with their importance:

Rattler Ready Program: A comprehensive onboarding program with digital badges and co-curricular pathways to engage students via an SJGC-centered SLS (Student Life Skills/First Year Experience) course.
Student Career Action Plan: A personalized plan to develop professional skills and career goals via an SJGC-centered SLS course.
Strike Forward Program: Career development integrated into student life.
The Suitable app integrates first-year experience courses and co-curricular SJGC-centered SLS course.
Welcome week and orientation: Career Action Plan and other SJGC program introductions (i.e. Tours, Advisement Day, etc.).
SJGC Transfer Student Connect Organization.
Academic unit-specific badges: SJGC department-specific engagement activities.
FAMUAN, FAMU-TV 20, Journey magazine, and WANM-FM radio station offer student media opportunities.
Corporate internships and partnerships with Disney, Microsoft, Amazon, and Bose for professional development.
Opportunities for SJGC majors to study abroad.
Student ambassadors represent SJGC at community events and programs.
Mentorship programs: Matching new students with faculty or peers.
Financial wellness workshops: FAFSA and scholarship searches via SJGC-centered SLS course.
SJGC Academic success workshops/activities: Learning center and academic coach meetings.
Campus social integration: Career connections and campus engagement.
FAMU student-made content Athletics: Participation in sports team communications and social media.
The Tea with McGhee IG live sessions.

Why these engagement activities matter: New and transfer students need engagement activities to adjust to the University, learn valuable skills, and prepare for their careers.

By engaging in these activities:

Students can establish a solid foundation for academic and career success.
Create a sense of community at SJGC and FAMU.
Hands-on projects and internships give them field experience.
Develop leadership and professional networks. Increase student retention and performance.
Create a diverse, inclusive learning environment that prepares students for global work.
Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Improve their chances of internships and jobs after graduation.

Standard 7 – Resources, Facilities and Equipment

SJGC Resources Center

Provide data on how many students the library serves on average. Describe the adequacy of resources for the unit and the sources of revenue for those resources (university funds, fees, private funding, other). Describe how the unit will supplement its annual budget from other sources or reallocate resources to reach its strategic goals.  

In the 2023-2024 Academic year, the SJGC Resources Center served 4,610 students with study and group spaces and 1,390 service transactions.

The resources for this unit are adequate, and generally exceed expectations for supporting the academic programs within the SJGC. There is one full-time librarian and two part-time assistants to operate the library and serve the students and faculty. The librarian provides liaison services to the faculty, which include teaching information literacy classes at the request of faculty, providing research consultations to students, and faculty, and receiving recommendations for additional resources. Reference services are provided in person, by phone, and by an online chat service, known as Ask-A-Librarian.

This branch library is open Monday – Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The branch location is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Students also have access to the main library location, Coleman Library, which is open seven days a week, for a total of 105 hours per week, during the fall and spring semester.

The funding for library personnel, operations, and information resources is provided by the University’s education and general budget allocation. The funding is adequate to support and enhance library operations, and the library is able to achieve its strategic goals in support of the University’s mission.

Describe how the resources provided by the institution compare with the resources for similar units on your campus.  

The library has been well resourced in comparison with similar units on campus. There has been adequate funding for personnel, operating expenses, and information resources. The investment in the library’s infrastructure has been supported with building improvements for the main library. In 2023-2024, the roof was replaced. Currently, the HVAC system is being replaced.

Please see below for the 2023-2024 budget details.
Salary Budget – $1,516,089
OPS Budget – $145.360
Expense Budget – $123,000
Library Materials Budget – $1,648,157

Describe the unit’s classrooms, offices, computer labs or other building spaces, as well as technology support services. 

The Mission of the Florida A&M University Libraries is to provide a user-centered
information environment that supports inspirational teaching, exemplary research,
meaningful service, and lifelong learning to the local and global university community.

The SJGC Resources Center is a branch of the University Libraries, and it is located on the third floor of the SJGC building. Students and faculty can study and conduct research for work in their respective disciplines. Journalism/Mass Communication, Public Relations, and Graphic Communication books and periodicals are located in both the University’s main library (Coleman Library) and the SJGC Resources Center. The SJGC Resources Center holds a print collection of resources covering the following subject disciplines: newspaper, magazine, web, and broadcast (radio, television, online) journalism; public relations; and graphic communication. For the past ten years, most resources have been acquired in electronic format, which provides online access to those materials, from any internet connection, after verification of the appropriate FAMU credentials.

The SJGC Resources Center third-floor complex consists of 3,045 square feet that include a reading area (1,000 sq. ft.), 10 open study carrels (600 sq. ft.), and a bookshelf area (700 sq. ft.).

There is a service desk inside the front door where our staff assists and directs students.

In addition to the 10 study carrels already mentioned, we also have:

A group study area with four large tables suitable for groups of 2 – 8 people.
Five small round tables suitable for individual study or groups of up to five people.

Technology needs are met with a Resources Center computer area housing seven PCs provided by the University Libraries, for library research and internet use, a scanner, and a print station.

There is also a Mac computer lab with 12 stations provided by the SJGC. These computers have graphics and production software installed that the students use in their classes. This computer lab is operated and maintained by SJGC staff.

There are two offices; one used by the branch director, and one used by staff as a workroom.

Describe the unit’s most urgent needs for resources, if any, and the plan to address these needs. 

The Library currently meets all the urgent information resource needs for the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. The Library provides access to twenty-seven databases that directly support the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. The databases include subscriptions to current and historical newspapers, e-book collections, scholarly articles, and other resources. The library also provides access to resources that can be found from searches in the library catalog. A catalog search on the term “graphic communications” yields numerous search results with books, articles, videos, and other resources. The library also provides access to general academic databases, such as JSTOR, Academic Search Complete,

Students and faculty have opportunities to request information resources, in support of teaching, learning, and research. Currently, the library does not have any outstanding requests from the faculty, nor students, in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. The lack of requests demonstrates that faculty and students have access to the information resources that they need to support teaching, learning, and research. In addition to the resources owned by the University, faculty and students have access to resources owned by the universities and colleges in the state’s public system. This program is named UBorrow, and it allows the FAMU community to submit online requests and make in-person requests for materials owned by those institutions. Interlibrary loan services are available for resources that cannot be acquired through UBorrow.

Standard 8 – Professional and Public Service

Grads Are Back Speakers

GAB 2024 Website

Website: gradsareback.com

GAB 2023 Speakers

Staci R. Collins Jackson, CEO of The Collins Jackson Agency
Dr. Desmond Stephens, Director, FAMU Faculty Development
Laksh Nathan, CIO/EVP, Paramount Global
Christopher Parson, Creative Director & Celebrity Photographer
Damlia Hill, Lead Media Relations Strategist, Precise Communications
Hillary John, Exec. VP & Managing Dir., Precise Communications
Laroyce C. Hawkins, Actor, Chicago P.D.
Brinton Flowers, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Flower Communications Group
Ameer Brown, Co-Founder/President, Breakr
Anthony “Tony” Brown, Co-Founder, CEO, Breakr
Dr. Atira Brown Chares, Content Producer, CNN Newsource
Monique Mitchell, Franchise Manager, 9 Story Media Group
Mel Mitchell, Comedian, Influencer and Actress
Melissa Mitchell, CEO Abeille Creations
Elijah Rutland, Graphic Designer, COO Fix My Sole
Edna Rutland, Production Associate, ABC News Live
Brian Rice, SVP, Chief Brand Officer, 3M
Kia Dolby, Visual Communications Professor, SCAD
Denise Hendricks, Executive Producer, MSNBC
Kareem White, Sr. Talent Producer, ESPN
Alyssa Camacho, News Producer/Internship Coordinator, WCTV
Ila Wilborn, Content Producer, CNN Newsource
Sakina Bowser, Segment Producer, NBC News Now
Danyelle Johnson, Producer, CBS47/Fox90 Action New Jacksonville
Rickayla Mitchell, Producer, WFFA-TV
Paula Witt, VP Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Rod Carter, Anchor/Report, CBS17
Jessica Larche Washington, Anchor/Report, WTKR-TV

GAB 2022 Speakers

Ameer Brown, Co-Founder/President, Breakr
Aaron Paxton Arnold, Writer/Producer for Television and Film
Nikki Frenney-Wiggins, The Nikita Consultancy, LLC
Nick Nelson, CEO The Brandprenuer
Brian Rice, SVP, Global Chief Brand and Design Officer, 3M Company
Novia Lindsay, Amadeus North America
Jason Jones, Studio Jones Design
Keytron Jordan, Graphic Designer, Paramount/CBS Sports
Rana Cash, Executive Editor, The Charlotte Observer
Rod Carter, Evening Anchor, WNCN, Charlotte
Monique Mitchell, Franchise Manager, “Karma’s World,” 9 Story Media
Heidi Otway, President, SalterMitchell PR
Kathy Times, President, Yellow Brick Media Concepts
Ginger Maddox, Executive Producer, WBBM-TV, Chicago
Betsy Helgager Hughes, CEO, BLH Consulting
Eric Winkfield, VP M Booth
Paula Witt, VP Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
Marsha Archer, President/CEO, M-Squared Public Relations
Jaylen Christie, Account Supervisor, Bernadette Davis Communications
Annetta Wilson, President, Annetta Wilson Media & Success Coaching
Rashan Ali, TV/Radio Personality, Author
Dontaira Terrell, Entertainment Journalist
Nathan Vinson, Weekend Audience Editor, People
Driadonna Roland, Exec. Producer, Hell of a Week with Charlamagne the God
Juwan Mass, Ghost Brothers, Discovery+
Dalen Spratt, Ghost Brothers, Discovery+
Marcus Harvey, Ghost Brothers, Discovery+
Denise Hendricks, Executive Producer, MSNBC
Aiyana Ishmael, Editorial Assistant, Teen Vogue
Tia Mitchell, White House Correspondent, C-Span, Washington Journal
Kareem White, Sr. Talent Producer, ESPN
Melanie Mitchell, Creator & Comedian
Radio Big Mack, Paramount
Conceited, Paramount
Pretty Vee, Paramount
Gayle Andrews, President, Andrews Plus
Ken Darby, Retired, VP Communications and Gov’t Relations, Thales North America
Xavier Higgs, Publisher & Editor, First Source Magazine
Cheryl Smith, Publisher, I Messenger Media LLC
Kimberly Godwin Manning, President ABC News
Curtis Johnson, President, FAMU NAA

GAB 2021 Speakers

Georgia Dawkins, Producer
Melissa Mitchell, Owner of Abeille Creations
Catara Coleman, Co-Owner, Southern Girl Desserts
Will Ayers, Business Marketing Manager for Instagram
Brandon Jones, Moderator, Reporter, Spectrum
Marlon A. Walker, Executive Editor, The Clarion-Ledger
Gregg Bishop, Executive Director, Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation Social Justice Fund
Anjelicia Bruton, Multimedia Journalist, KWTV
Brianna Harmon, Moderator, Host, Revolt Media
Meaghan Taylor, Digital Content Producer, Steve Harvey Morning Show
Ameer Brown, Co-Founder, Breakr
Jared Eummer, Manager, Sports and Cultural Marketing, Genesco Sports Enterprises
Elise Durham, Moderator, Communications Director, Atlanta Office of the Mayor
Honorable Keisha Lance Bottom, Mayor, City of Atlanta
Denise Hendricks, Executive Producer, The Cross Connection & The Sunday Show, MSNBC
Yolanda Cade, Domestic Public Relations Director, Walt Disney World Resorts
Kimberly Godwin Manning, President of ABC News
Dayna Lee, Moderator, Manager, HBCU Outreach & Engagement, The Walt Disney Company
LaJoy Mercer, Campus Recruiter, The Walt Disney Company
Luke Williams, Producer II, ESPN+ Original Content
Corey Savage, HBCU Campus Recruiter, The Walt Disney Company
Kennedy Maddox, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, The Walt Disney Company

SJGC Board of Visitors: How SJGC Prepared Them for Industry

Kimberly Godwin, Retired President of ABC News, BOV Chair
I am a 1984 graduate of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. I just retired as the President of ABC News, after an extraordinary 40-year career as a broadcast journalist, having worked at all three networks at the VP level or higher, and at 10 local stations in nine cities across the country.

What I learned as an SJGC student prepared me for all of it. From the fundamental tenets of journalism to the resilience and dogged determination it takes to climb the executive ranks in our business, FAMU gave me the foundational confidence I needed to know that I belonged. When I walked into newsrooms, I knew that even as I learned and gained experience, I could contribute from day one. My professional track record is one of encouraging, inspiring and hiring qualified FAMU grads in newsrooms across the country. That’s why I know our program is strong. I see the same traits that led to my success in the young people coming behind me. FAMU SJGC is still graduating strong next generation journalists who are needed in this country.

Rod Carter, Anchor, WNCN CBS Raleigh, BOV Member
I’m Rod Carter, a long-time member of the Board of Visitors for Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.

It’s an honor to share a few words about how this institution has impacted me. I am currently the weeknight evening anchor at WNCN CBS in Raleigh, and I previously spent decades as an anchor and reporter at the NBC station in Tampa, among other positions over the past three and a half decades.

The School of Journalism prepared me for a career in broadcast journalism in ways that are hard to fully express. I learned the importance of writing and delivering clear, concise stories that capture who people are and the issues that matter to them. During my time at Florida A&M University, the university’s motto was Excellence with Caring. This motto has been a guiding principle in my work as a journalist. I am deeply grateful for the care and instruction I received as a student, and it’s why I continue to give back to the university in any way I can.