FAMU Alum Godwin Recalls Journey from SJGC to ABC News President

Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Kim Godwin recalled her journey from journalism school to local television newsrooms around the country to being president of ABC News.

Speaking at the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) annual Grads Are Back Colloquium in the Charles Winterwood Theatre Thursday, Oct. 28, Godwin spoke of the importance of persistence and faith during her career.

Godwin told gathered students and faculty about working in local television newsrooms in cities across America and serving as SJGC Division of Journalism director before arriving at WCBSTV, New York, which is a top local station in the nation’s largest media market. She recalled being named interim news director and being promised the permanent job only to be passed over.

A month after that disappointment, Godwin was recruited by CBS Network to become an executive producer of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Fifteen years later, when Godwin felt stuck in the number two spot at CBS News, the opportunity arose to lead the ABC News network operation.

“I never even knew I could dream of being the president of ABC News,” said Godwin, who became the highest ranking African American in television news earlier this year.

“A big part of my story is trusting your journey,” said Godwin, whose journalism career has led to nine relocations around the country. “Trust your journey and keep going. If you are moving, you are hard to stop; keep going; keeping growing; keep glowing. Something in motion is harder to stop.”

Godwin was joined by new SJGC Dean Mira Lowe, who took over the role on Oct. 22 after serving as assistant dean for student experiences and director of the Innovation News Center (INC) at the University of Florida. Lowe vowed to be accessible and responsive to students and was encouraged by the support she has received from alumni since she was first announced as the next dean.

“I am honored to be your fifth dean,” Lowe said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I want to make sure this school is known for its continued greatness. This is our time, SGJC. We have to grab the reins and run with it. There is so much enthusiasm for what is happening here.There is truly an excitement around this school.”