On Thursday, Interim President Larry Robinson announced the
appointment of Kathy Y. Times as the new Executive Associate Director of the
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Office of Communications. The appointment is
effective Thursday, Oct. 6.
In this role, Times will be responsible for developing and
implementing all of the University’s marketing, mass communications, and social
media strategies.
Times is president of Yellow Brick Media Concepts, a public
relations firm. Prior to starting her company, she was a primary news anchor in
Jackson, Miss., and worked as a broadcast and newspaper reporter. She has won
Emmys and other awards for her investigative reporting.
From 2009-2011, Times served as president of the National Association of Black Journalists. The FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and FAMU National Alumni Association (FAMU NAA) honored her with Distinguished Alumni Awards.
According to Robinson, Times brings to FAMU a reputation for
helping universities, government agencies, and corporations build and
strengthen their brands.
“Ms. Times has a proven record of success in the realms of
communications, marketing, and media relations,” Robinson said. “Coupled with
her unwavering passion and commitment to FAMU, I am confident that she will be
a great asset to the University and will provide strong leadership to our
efforts to bolster, heighten, and disseminate the numerous positive attributes
of the University.”
Times said leading FAMU’s communications efforts is among
the highlights of her career. As a dedicated alumna, Times also serves as the
public relations committee chair of the FAMU NAA.
Times said, “I fell in love with FAMU as a child when my
mother took me to FAMU football games and parades. As a second generation
Rattler, I am humbled and grateful that Dr. Robinson has entrusted me with the
job of accentuating the great things happening at FAMU.”
She added, “FAMU’s culture, high expectations, and love put
me on a path that led to a rewarding career. I have had the privilege to work
on various consulting, marketing, and recruitment projects at FAMU, and look
forward to joining the communications team and serving the University and its
stakeholders.”
Times graduated with honors and earned dual Bachelor of
Science degrees in computer information systems and journalism at FAMU. She
furthered her education at Northwestern University’s Medill School of
Journalism, where she earned a master’s degree in journalism.
As an example of her versatility and passion for teaching,
she is the co-author of the digital branding e-book, “How To Wow One or 1,000
for College Students.”