SJGC’s Hunter named to national task force
Leah Hunter, an assistant professor in Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, has been appointed to the Society of Professional Journalists’ national task force.
Hunter serves as the adviser for FAMU’s SPJ student chapter. One SPJ meeting turned Hunter’s ideas to a wonderful opportunity.
“I had a lot to say based on issues I have seen firsthand. They seemed to really like some things I was saying, particularly the national president Matt Hall. He really liked the feedback I was giving and followed up through email to ask me to be a part of the task force,” Hunter said.
Hunter said she is honored to have this position because she knows that she can make changes in the journalism world.
“To be singled out for your ideas that are worthy for consideration, it’s an honor and great to hear. I am hoping my participation in this will have a long lasting effect on SPJ and ultimate diversity in media and journalism,” Hunter said.
Some things that Hunter will be responsible for as a member of the national task force is attracting more college students to their campus SPJ chapters and assisting HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions in establishing SPJ chapters.
Students and faculty voiced excitement about Hunter being appointed to the SPJ national task force and believe this can open doors for FAMU’s SPJ chapter while giving insight to all chapters of SPJ.
“The SJGC family is very proud of Dr. Hunter’s appointment to this national task force. Her appointment adds to the diversity of voices related to the Society of Professional Journalists’ student chapter development. She is a student-centered faculty member who has successfully advised the SJGC Society of Professional Journalists student chapter,” Interim Dean Bettye Grable said.
Tazjhani Baker, an SJGC student, has worked closely with Hunter and the local SPJ chapter.
“When I heard the news I was so proud. She’s so deserving. When I served as vice president of Society of Professional Journalist alongside her, she was always so helpful and willing to both teach and lead,” Baker said.
Baker also is hopeful that this will bring recognition to the Society of Professional Journalists and that more students will want to join.
Hunter said she making this part of her mission. She wants to make SPJ more attractive to students, offering students skills they need for their future careers and to strengthen FAMU’s SPJ chapter.
