Somber moods and heavy hearts are prevalent as many continue to mourn the loss of Florida A&M’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication’s former dean.
James Hawkins was pronounced dead Monday at Coliseum Northside Hospital in Macon, Ga.
Interim President Larry Robinson said Hawkins, who retired as SJGC dean in 2012, will be sorely missed, and hearts and prayers go out to his family.
“We have lost a great educator and administrator who worked tirelessly during his tenure to continue the great legacy of the School of Journalism at FAMU,” Robinson said. “Due to the commitment and dedication of his students, the program produced outstanding journalists and graphic design professionals who helped diversify newsrooms and design studios throughout the U.S.”
SJGC Dean Ann Kimbrough said the SJGC family is grieved to learn about Hawkins’ passing.
“We offer our condolences to his family and will continue to keep them in our prayers,” said Kimbrough, who has known Hawkins as both a supervisor and a colleague. “I know him to be student-centered as the outpouring of expressions have confirmed.
“He was an advocate for journalism education. We appreciate his legacy and will never forget his winning smile and generous heart.”
Yolanda Bogan, director of Counseling Services, said Sunshine Manor is offering grieving services to any FAMU students who may need it during this time.
“Our primary goal is just to be a listening ear,” she said. “Sometimes people want to be by themselves, but other times it’s really helpful just to be able to talk to someone about what you’re experiencing.”
Bogan said students can come to Sunshine Manor to meet with counselors or meet as a group and invite counselors to come.
Sunshine Manor’s summer hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 850-599-3145.