James E. Hawkins, former dean of the FAMU School of Journalism
and Graphic Communication, 
died Monday at Coliseum Northside Hospital in Macon, Ga.
“The entire School of Journalism & Graphic Communication
family, I am sure, joins me in offering sincere condolences to his family,”
said Ann Wead Kimbrough, who succeeded Hawkins as dean last year.
Hawkins arrived at FAMU in 1977, just three years after the
journalism program began, as an assistant professor in broadcast journalism. He
continued his professional development during the summer as a working
journalist with the Associated Press and the Oakland Tribune. In
1982, the program evolved into the School of Journalism and Graphic
Communication, and Hawkins was named director of the division of journalism.
In 2003, Hawkins became interim dean after the sudden resignation
of founding Dean Robert Ruggles. Less than a year later, FAMU appointed Hawkins
to serve as the permanent dean in 2004.
As dean, Hawkins led both the Division of Journalism and Division
of Graphic Communication through successful reaffirmation of accreditation processes.
Hawkins is survived by his wife, Judith, his son Jason, and one grandchild.