Dr. James Hawkins came to Florida A&M University in 1977 as a member of the broadcast faculty and rose through the ranks. First he served as director of the Division of Journalism from 1984-2004, and then the school’s second dean in 2004. Now he celebrates 35 years of service and his retirement.

Prior to his service at FAMU, the Virginia native, earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from Ohio State University. He received his undergraduate degree from Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. His professional career includes reporting for the Associated Press and Oakland Tribune. He also served as a reporter, photographer and film editor for WLWC-TV in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Hawkins is a student-centered professor and administrator. He has been the saving grace for many students by providing financial and moral support during their difficult times. He knows his students—past and present—by name. On July 31, 2010, Dr. Hawkins was honored as “Educator of the Year” by the National Association of Black Journalists. He has received other awards for his support of journalism education and his dedication to students from the Black College Communication Association and the Media Sales Institute.

Dr. Hawkins has been a partner to industry by making sure educational preparation met industry needs. He helped build a program that produced award-winning students and successful professionals around the globe.

Under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership, the FAMU SJGC experienced growth and stability during significant periods of transition. He successfully oversaw the completion of the new $25 million, 100,000-square-foot SJGC building in 2005. He led the SJGC team in securing re-accreditation of its divisions of journalism and graphic communication. The FAMU SJGC was the first journalism program at a historically black university to be nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

Other select accomplishments and initiatives made under Dr. Hawkins’ leadership include:
• Establishment of FAMU TV-20
• Increased wattage of WANM 90.5 FM (from 10 watts to 1,600 watts)
• Establishment of CBS Harold Dow Professorship and internship program
• Founding of the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumni Award
• Implementation of the National Association of Black Journalists Short Course
• Establishment of the Media Sales Institute
• 35th Anniversary Celebration of SJGC, which featured CBS network correspondents and producers
• Creation of the Music Recording program
• Development of the Sports Photography Workshop
• Implementation of the School-wide Curriculum
• Implementation of the Student Multimedia Boot Camp
• WANM named No. 1 HBCU Radio Station
• Numerous student awards on the state, regional and national levels
• Establishment of the Black College Communication Association national office.

Known for his humble nature and quiet spirit, Dr. Hawkins has been an unselfish professor, director, dean, industry partner and student advocate.

A dedicated family man, Dr. Hawkins has been married to Leon County Circuit Court Judge Judith Hawkins for 40 years. He is the consummate role model and father to their beloved son Jason. Affectionately known as “Poppy,” he is also the doting grandfather to Keira and Kyla.