FAMU J-School strongly recommend for re-accreditation

The Accrediting Council on Journalism and Mass Communications (ACJMC) unanimously voted (11-0) to “strongly recommend” reaccreditation for the FAMU Division of Journalism. The division was the first journalism program at a historically black university to be accredited by the ACJMC in 1983.

“We strongly recommend re-accreditation,” wrote Trevor Brown, professor emeritus at Indiana University, and Jackie Jones, a longtime journalist and director for Jones Coaching. Brown and Jones conducted the site team visit for the Accrediting Council on Journalism and Mass Communication in February 2008.

The site team report stated “(it is) clear from comments and observation that Dorothy Bland has transformed the living and working environment for faculty, students and staff.” Bland, an award-winning journalist, media executive and former newspaper publisher, joined FAMU in January 2007 as the director of the Division of Journalism.

James Hawkins, dean of the SJGC, said he is delighted with the ACEJMC committee’s vote of confidence.

“We applaud and commend the work of Professor Bland, and the journalism faculty following the provisional recommendation two years ago,” Hawkins said. “Professor Bland’s appointment is a significant ingredient in the division’s success. The report of the site team and the committee’s recommendation will weigh heavily in the council’s decision.”

The ACEJMC, which represents journalism and mass communication educators and professional practitioners, will meet May 2-3 in Arlington, Va., to review the committee’s recommendation and will take a final vote during that meeting. ACEJMC has accredited about 110 journalism and mass communications programs in the United States.

Also see: Graphic Communications gains accreditation

Former publisher hired to lead Div. of Journalism