News Summary
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has received full reaccreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). The unanimous vote by the council marks a significant milestone for FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, which has consistently demonstrated its commitment to high educational standards. Established in 1982, the program has grown to include 481 students across various media disciplines, further solidifying FAMU’s legacy in journalism education and its influence on the media landscape.
TALLAHASSEE — Florida A&M University (FAMU) has officially received full reaccreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). The announcement was made on May 1 by Mira Lowe, the Dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, during the ACEJMC meeting held in Washington, D.C. The council voted unanimously in favor of the reaccreditation, marking a significant achievement for the program.
This reaccreditation signifies FAMU’s commitment to upholding high educational standards in journalism, a goal that Dean Lowe has emphasized since she took on the role in 2021. The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication at FAMU, which was established in 1982, offers diverse programs including journalism, visual communication, and mass communication.
The program has seen a steady enrollment, with a total of 481 students enrolled in the fall semester. This includes 137 pursuing pre-journalism, 128 studying journalism, 84 in public relations, and 132 focusing on graphic communication. The robust student body illustrates the program’s growth and its appeal within the media landscape.
FAMU was one of 18 universities that underwent reaccreditation review this year. Typically, such evaluations occur every six years, but the recent cycle was extended to seven years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The university made history as the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to receive ACEJMC accreditation in 1982, with subsequent reaccreditations occurring in 1988, 1994, 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2020. There was a notable setback in 2018 when the journalism program was granted provisional accreditation, necessitating improvements in areas related to scholarship and assessment of learning outcomes.
To prepare for the recent evaluation, the program underwent an extensive self-study and invited representatives from ACEJMC for an on-campus visit. This included interviews with faculty, students, and administrators to ensure all aspects of the program met established standards. ACEJMC assesses various criteria during their evaluations, including governance, curriculum, facilities, student services, and faculty qualifications.
While current staffing levels at FAMU remain adequate, the university may need to explore additional resources to support the evolving needs of the journalism program. This growth aligns with the goal of preparing students for successful careers in the rapidly changing media landscape.
Among the notable alumni of FAMU’s journalism program are Kimberly Godwin, the former president of ABC News, and Tiffany Greene, a commentator for ESPN. Their successes highlight the program’s potential impact on the journalism field and the visibility it offers to its graduates.
FAMU’s ongoing achievements in journalism education have garnered praise from Provost Allyson Watson, who commended Dean Lowe and the faculty for their dedication to enhancing the quality and reputation of the program. With full reaccreditation now secured, the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication is poised to continue its legacy of excellence and innovation in preparing the next generation of media professionals.
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