TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- February is Black History Month, so we're taking this time to honor those who are making a difference in our community.
Our special series African American Icons begins with a familiar face at FAMU.
"The greatest accomplishment is knowing I stand on the shoulders of so many that have come before me."
That's a legacy Dr. Ann Kimbrough is certainly carrying on.
Since 2012, she's served as the dean of FAMU's School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, leading some 600 students along the way.
But her distinguished career didn't start in the classroom.
Kimbrough first worked as a newspaper reporter, specializing in financial and business news. That led to years spent on Atlanta TV and radio. She then added public relations to her resume, even working with the 1996 Olympics. But even during those award-winning years, teaching was still a top priority.
"In my heart, I'm a teacher first," said Kimbrough. "The most important thing for me to do is to be present, I mean fully present, when a student arrives."
Even now, this dean is still teaching a course this semester, but that extra work is not slowing down her department.
She oversees FAMU-TV 20 that reaches 80,000 people; WANM-FM and a Siris XM radio show; the campus newspaper and magazine, and is getting ready to launch a digital media degree. Dean Kimbrough also spearheaded a partnership with the Black Television News Channel.
And everything she does is always for her students.
"The things that I fight for… are those things that are going to help the students blossom. Then you know you've done your job," said Kimbrough.
Kimbrough thrives on her students' successes. She get chills thinking about graduation day, is quick to brag about the work they're doing -- displaying their awards in her office instead of her own.
"I genuinely am honored to be here every day. Every day. And my enthusiasm never diminishes," she said.
Kimbrough says her spirit is a reflection of her own icons, who include her parents and grandparents. Every day, she wears something of theirs, like a pin, to connect a piece of that history to a new generation.
To Kimbrough, success is found in service to others. She serves on the Alzheimer's Project board and volunteers each week as a Reading Pal...everyday things that add up to an extraordinary life:
"Your power is in your message," said Kimbrough. "You've got to serve. If you don't serve, you've missed the point of life."
Our African American Icons series continues each Tuesday in February at 6 p.m., only on WTXL ABC 27.
