Telecom Majors

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Comment by Shannon Williamson on August 29, 2009 at 3:31pm

I ran into Powell at a Alabama Press Association meeting. I emailed him a week later, and he said that I he was proud of me. I can't tell you how much that meant to me.
I love how gritty and honest he was. I also liked his dry sense of humor, but that's just me.

Comment by Bobby "SWOB-BOB Demby on August 25, 2009 at 12:43pm

Hotel Rooms are only available at he Westin Hotel in Huntsville with a special rate for A&M Alums...Spread the word we want all of A&M at the Westin..There is Party is Friday Night as well sponsored by the Greeks of 1989... Please call 256 -428-2000 to make reserva

Comment by V on August 16, 2009 at 3:06pm

Absolutely wonderful! Congratulations to Mr. Powell! I will never forget that Mr. Powell is the reason I hate multiple choice tests and the reason why I always said that if ever I become a university instructor, I would not give multiple choice tests. Little did I know...I wouldn't have a choice due to the curriculum and computer-curriculum generated tests. Splitting my time between being a full-time Director of Communications/Media Relations for one of the best school districts in the U.S., and my part-time gig as a university instructor of communicaitons, writing, and business communications courses, I always recall how I felt when I walked into a classroom and met the instructor for the first time. I can honestly say I never have to worry about what my students are thinking about my class or me. We are totally engaged and always have a great learning experience. Mr. Powell and the telecommunications program at AAMU has changed many lives for the better whether former students are working in the field or not! Hope something special is planned for him.

Comment by Frank Jackson on July 27, 2009 at 7:04pm

WOW! Thanks for the info, Erica. Are they planning any sort of ceremony to honor his tenure up there?

Comment by CALIFORNIA on July 27, 2009 at 2:58pm

If it's difficult to read this, go to the school's website, www.aamu.edu and you can read the story there.

Comment by CALIFORNIA on July 27, 2009 at 2:57pm

BREAKING NEWS MY MEDIA FAMILY: MR. JAMES A. POWELL IS OFFICIALLY RETIRING ON AUGUST 1ST! WOW!! Here is the official press release:

NEWS July 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jerome Saintjones
Professor Hopes to Make Impact in Hometown
Huntsvile, Ala. ---- After more than 30 years in the classroom, an assistant professor of
telecommunications will say farewell to Alabama A&M University and has already set his sights on
numerous projects in the small town of his childhood.
James A. Powell, Jr., who will retire from AAMU on August 1 following 31 years of service, says he is
looking forward to dividing his time between Huntsville and his hometown of Evergreen, Ala., where he
plans to participate in Leadership Evergreen, collaborate on a screenplay and even begin work on a book.
As an active Leadership Evergreen member, Powell is participating in a
series of sessions designed to provide empowering information on county
history, culture, governing structure and services; public safety, law
education and wellness; economic developments strategies; and even goal
setting and planning.
Powell joined the AAMU faculty in 1978, not long after traveling to Dar
es Salaam, Tanzania, where he spent over two years as an information
officer in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as
establishing a journalism school that, he says, remains in existence today.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but reared in Evergreen, Powell studied
journalism at the University of Kentucky and earned a graduate degree
from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications.
Considering his time on “The Hill,” Powell is most proud of having
placed literally hundreds of telecommunications students in positions at CNN and other major networks
across the country, as well as in the coveted New York, District of Columbia and Caribbean markets.
The professor also played a substantial role in acquiring internship opportunities for AAMU
telecommunications students and helping to revamp and strengthen the telecommunications program. In
Huntsville, he founded the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Listed in Who’s Who Worldwide Registry, Who’s Who in Media and Communications, and Who’s Who in
the South and Southwest, Powell has served as a television producer in Syracuse, N.Y.; Tuscaloosa, Ala.;
and Pittsburgh, Pa.
###

Comment by Kim Gordon Moore on February 26, 2009 at 8:45am

I received a box in yesterdays mail and to my surprise it was was the Telecommunication Department. Because my contribution check for 2008 was directed to the Department I received gifts from the radio station. I got a shirt, a nice mug, a cap and a car tag, it was such a nice surprise.

Comment by Mitch Smith on November 25, 2008 at 12:25am

What's up ya'll...seems like everyone has a story about Ms. Colston and/or Mr. Powell. I always thought they were tough, but fair. Powell was a straight-up trip. You would see him on the yard between classes and he was a straight nut. And he had the weirdest laugh..anyway..I always thought he a was a little cuckoo--but in a good way.

Comment by Kim Gordon Moore on November 3, 2008 at 9:04am

I have a few pictures of the old Telecom Center when it was in the library. I agree,Mr. Powell is the same and still looks the same. I see he is still hard on the students but I know he only wanted the best for us. Ms. Colston was a strong force in my life. She would tell many of us who were close to her how Mr. Powell was always fighting for us as Telecom students. She would also talk to me about being a woman in the business. I find myself being the same way to students on my job. Technology was really asleep when I was there. We had the large three quarter machines and tapes that you could not run to the local store and buy. I am also proud to see so many female Telecom students working. In my day many didn't seem to be really interested in the production aspect of the business. Time has really changed for the best.

Comment by Kim Gordon Moore on November 1, 2008 at 10:55pm

I can't believe I found this site tonight. Can't stop going through all the group members,I hoped someone had started a Telecom group. I graduated in 82 and am working at Miles College as the library's Media Specialist.

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