Historical Timeline
1919
The FAMUAN was founded as the voice of the students of Florida A&M University. Today, it is award-winning and published by scholars in the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication in conjunction with the student body.
1930s
The graphic arts program (originally housed in the old technical institute) was established.
1974
English professors Dana Preu, Annette Thorpe, Bernice Reeves, and Thelma Gorham developed FAMU's first journalism degree curriculum. A few journalism courses taught by Gorham and Bob Sanchez were offered in the Department of English prior to this time. The Area (later Department) of Journalism at FAMU was formed. Robert M. Ruggles was named department head.
1977
WANF-FM (now WANM-FM 90.5) went on the air for the first time.
1978
The first graduating class with students receiving a B.S. in Journalism was conferred.
1982
School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Arts (SJMGA) was formed by then-FAMU President Walter Smith. Robert Ruggles was named dean. The Department of Journalism became the first degree program of its kind (at a historically Black college or university) to receive national accreditation. Departments were transitioned to school divisions.
1984
The Tallahassee Democrat - SJGMA Professional Development Program for students was launched. The program continues today as MMC 2930, Senior Seminar Course.
Journey magazine was founded. Today, the student-run publication produces award-winning content that reflects the journey and experiences of each generation.
1988
The first Board of Visitors (BOV) meeting was held. The BOV is a body of accomplished journalists, communications executives, industry leaders, and prominent alumni dedicated to supporting, advancing, and protecting the school's efforts to prepare students for their careers.
1989
The SJMGA received a $1 million endowed chair. The Garth C. Reeves Sr. Chair is named for a successful and history-making graphic arts alum, who was a publisher and pioneer in the Black Press.
1994
The first Master of Science in Journalism was conferred.
1997
The Knight Scholarship House opened on the FAMU campus for high-achieving journalism and graphic arts students in need of financial support.
1998
The FAMUAN became the only student newspaper at an HBCU to place in the top 10 of 103 accredited journalism programs at the Heart Foundation's college awards competition.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation established a $500,000 faculty development endowment at the SJMGA.
2002
The FAMU Board of Trustees renamed SJMGA the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC). The Division of Graphic Arts becomes the Division of Graphic Communication.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new $25 million ultra-modern facility that unites students and faculty of both divisions into one building. The school was previously housed in Tucker Hall (journalism) and Tech Building B (graphic communication).
The Division of Graphic Communication became one of four programs of its kind to be accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC). SJGC offers the only baccalaureatedegree in graphic communication in Florida.
2003
Founding Dean Robert Ruggles retired. Division of Journalism Director James Hawkins served as interim dean and was later named dean in 2004.
2006
FAMU SJGC launched J-School Journals. The community staple allows students to produce, showcase and promote their own documentaries about important community, political, health, cultural, and social issues.
2007
The school's first live student newscast, “FAMU News 20 at Five,” aired on FAMU-TV 20. Today, it serves as a respected educational access cable channel that reaches 80,000 households in four North Florida counties, including Leon, Gadsden, Taylor, and Wakulla.
2012
Dean Hawkins retired. Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough named dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
2014
The annual and nationally recognized SJGC “Grads Are Back” multi-day program was founded to bring back flourishing alumni to share their journeys, expertise and career opportunities with students. It includes fireside chats, panel discussions, specialized training, a colloquium, a career fair, and more.
2015
The school celebrated the launch of its first-ever Living Learning Community (LLC). The SJGC LLC brings together on-campus residents with the same career interests through experiential and academic learning opportunities.
2017
Dr. Dhyana Ziegler named interim dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
2018
Dr. Michelle Ferrier named dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
2020
Dr. Bettye Grable named acting dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
2021
Mira Lowe named dean of the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
2022
Disney awarded the school a $1 million grant to develop a scholarship and professional development program for next-generation storytellers.
2024
SJGC launched a state-of-the-art writing lab that provides students with real-time, innovative resources to enhance their writing and communication skills and effectively compete and thrive in the news and media industry.