Florida A&M University Names Rachel James-Terry as Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) has appointed Rachel James-Terry as senior director of strategic communications. In this role, James-Terry will lead the development and execution of comprehensive media relations, branding, and social media strategies. She will also spearhead targeted marketing and executive communication initiatives aligned with the University's strategic goals.
Reporting to Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Alonda Thomas, Ph.D., in the Office of Communications, James-Terry brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism, issues management, and brand enhancement.
“Rachel is a gifted storyteller, and I am excited to welcome her to the Office of Communications,” said Thomas. “Her experience in building award-winning teams and amplifying student and faculty voices will be invaluable. I look forward to collaborating with her to further enhance the FAMU brand to prospective students while strengthening our engagement with our alumni, donors, and stakeholders.”
Previously, James-Terry served as director of public relations at Jackson State University (2016–2025), where she led a decorated team. Under her leadership, they executed impactful media outreach campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and strategic collaborations that elevated the university’s profile. She oversaw public relations efforts for major events, including the Sonic Boom of the South’s performances at the 2025 Rose Parade and the 2024 Super Bowl LVIII halftime show featuring Usher. She also played a key role in Jackson State University’s feature on Good Morning America during its live 2022 homecoming broadcast. Additionally, she facilitated appearances and media placements on national platforms such as MSNBC, NPR, Sway in the Morning, Essence, Ebony, and the Biden Inauguration.
“My intention is to build upon the outstanding work of the talented professionals in the FAMU Office of Communications. As a distinguished HBCU, Florida A&M University has numerous achievements and points of pride for future generations of students to discover and bragging rights for its alumni to tout,” said James-Terry. “We will continue to amplify the FAMU brand, reinforcing its legacy, economic impact, and its role in producing impressive graduates who shape the intellectual and cultural landscape of this country. I look forward to what we will accomplish together.”
Among her accolades, James-Terry was named one of PRWeek’s 2024 Women to Watch, representing the only higher-education and HBCU professional among the 15 honorees. In 2023, she was recognized as Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Association of Mississippi. She became a Maynard Fellow with The Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, an organization committed to increasing diversity and equity in media.
Her editorial leadership as the editor-in-chief of JSU’s alumni publication, The Jacksonian, garnered significant recognition, with the Spring 2023 issue named a finalist for the 2023 PRNews Platinum Award for online publications. Notably, JSU was the only university and HBCU recognized in this competitive category, earning an honorable mention.
As a seasoned journalist, James-Terry’s bylines have appeared in USA Today, the Detroit Free Press, the Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting, and other prominent outlets. Her professional affiliations include the National Association of Black Journalists, the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, the Public Relations Society of America, and ForbesBLK.
A Jackson State University alumna, James-Terry holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English. She and her husband have a 16-year-old son, Austin (bonus), and a feisty 3-year-old Pomeranian named Kobe.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
Alonda.Thomas@famu.edu
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