![\"Joel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1024x768_JOELMITCHELLFM6.jpg\")
Joel Mitchell captures and manages digital content while working behind the scenes\n during a live broadcast production. (Photo courtesy: Joel Mitchell)<\/p>\n
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 Florida A&M University is celebrating the accomplishments of graduating senior Joel Mitchell, whose journey through the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) has
\n been marked by resilience, curiosity and a growing passion for storytelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll you need when getting exposure is not being afraid to speak to someone and get
\n to know that person, no matter who that person is,\u201d Mitchell said.<\/p>\n
\n
Curiosity to Confidence: Joel Mitchell\u2019s Journalism Journey<\/p>\n
(Video By: Jordan Jackson)<\/p>\n
Mitchell transferred to FAMU in spring 2023, entering SJGC unsure of his career path.
\n Early on, he admits he coasted through classes, but his curiosity soon pushed him
\n to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. That shift led to his first hands-on
\n journalism experience with the Office of Communications, where he conducted interviews
\n and wrote his first article, gaining foundational skills in reporting and writing.<\/p>\n
By staying open-minded and continuing to ask questions, Mitchell earned an opportunity
\n with FAMU TV 20, marking the beginning of his interest in broadcasting. What started as a semester-long
\n role as an audio technician evolved into his position as Wednesday show producer.
\n He found fulfillment in creating news packages, interviewing sources and telling stories
\n that mattered to FAMU students and the Tallahassee community.<\/p>\n
Joel Mitchell captures and manages digital content while working behind the scenes
\n during a live broadcast production. (Photo courtesy: Joel Mitchell)<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhat helped get my foot in the door was researching people, companies, internships
\n and alumni I met,\u201d Mitchell said. \u201cI like to be nosy and see their pathway \u2014 where
\n they started and who they became.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mitchell also developed his voice at 90.5 WANM-FM, The Flava Station, where he created his own show, \u201cMari Plays.\u201d The program highlighted both new and classic R&B music while spotlighting emerging
\n artists. Although his time at the station was brief, the experience strengthened his
\n confidence and sharpened his identity as a storyteller.<\/p>\n
![\"Joel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1024x768_JOELMITCHELLFM4.jpg\")
Joel Mitchell poses at the Tallahassee Democrat, where he completed a journalism internship
\n focused on newsroom operations and reporting. (Photo courtesy: Joel Mitchell)<\/p>\n
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The 2024\u201325 academic year marked a pivotal moment in Mitchell\u2019s journey. Selected
\n from a competitive pool of applicants, he earned a spot in the NYU Ed Bradley Journalism Fellowship, which provided training workshops, mentorship and exposure through the New York
\n University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. As part of the fellowship, Mitchell
\n interned with the Tallahassee Democrat, where he reported and wrote stories, discovering an unexpected appreciation for
\n writing and in-depth research.<\/p>\n
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\u201cOnce I walked into the newsroom, I acted like a journalist, not an intern,\u201d Mitchell
\n said. \u201cI wanted to say yes to everything, no matter what story they wanted me to cover.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Joel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1024x768_JOELMITCHELLFM3.jpg\")
Joel Mitchell participates in a national journalism fellowship, gaining firsthand
\n exposure to major media institutions and connecting with industry leaders alongside
\n fellow emerging journalists. (Photo courtesy: Joel Mitchell)<\/p>\n
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Mitchell also attended the National Association of Black Journalists Conference, where he connected with journalists and professionals whose careers he aspires to
\n emulate. Though his path included moments of rejection, he said those experiences
\n fueled his determination rather than defining his future.<\/p>\n
Throughout his time at SJGC, Mitchell built strong relationships with faculty and
\n alumni, particularly through the weeklong \u201cGrads Are Back\u201d events. He credits his growth to entering every space with confidence, humility and
\n a willingness to learn. Several professors left a lasting impression on him, including
\n Christina, Byron and Professor Jones. Jones, in particular, was the first to recognize
\n Mitchell\u2019s potential before Mitchell fully recognized it himself.<\/p>\n
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![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1024x768_JOELMITCHELLFM5.jpg\")
Florida A&M University graduate Joel Mitchell stands outside the School of Journalism
\n & Graphic Communication, marking the completion of his academic journey. (Photo courtesy: Justyn Thomas)<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhen you walk into SJGC as a transfer or freshman, you see people doing great things,\u201d
\n Mitchell said. \u201cBut if you connect with them, talk to them and learn their stories,
\n they will pour into you.\u201d<\/p>\n
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After graduation, Mitchell has secured a full-time position as a news producer at
\n WTXL ABC 27 in Tallahassee. In his new role, he will produce three weekday newscasts and oversee
\n digital content production on weekends, gaining hands-on experience that positions
\n him for continued growth in broadcasting.<\/p>\n
\u201cI advise students to know that you are worthy of where you are right now,\u201d Mitchell
\n said. \u201cGod has put you in this position, so don\u2019t give up on the person you want to
\n become.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1024x768_JOELMITCHELLFM.jpg\")
First day. New title. Same passion. Joel Mitchell steps into his role as a producer
\n after graduation\u2014proof that preparation meets opportunity. (Photo courtesy: Joel Mitchell)<\/p>\n
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Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n