ABC News President Kim Godwin will be the keynote speaker at Morgan State University’s 10th Fall Commencement ceremony this Friday, Dec. 15.

Godwin is the first African-American woman to lead a major American broadcast network. She became president in May 2021, making the jump from executive vice president of CBS News.

She’s trusted with overseeing shows like “Good Morning America,” “The View,” and “World News Tonight.”

Godwin is a fellow HBCU graduate, having earned her journalism degree from Florida A&M University in 1984. The rattler alumna is also the Fall Commencement speaker for Florida A&M University’s graduation, which will be held this Friday at 6p.m. 

She says she remembers being in the same seats as the graduates she will be addressing and looking up to successful figures in her life.

“I’m really thrilled because seeing is believing. If you can see it you can believe it. When I was in their position I said, ‘How am I going to get there?’” 

The ABC President looks to inspire Friday’s graduates and show them that they have the tools necessary to be successful as they enter the real world.

“I really hope that I connect with them on an emotional and real level on meeting their potential.”

She credits all of her success to her spiritual faith, calling it the “foundation” of everything she does. 

The university’s faculty look forward to hearing Godwin’s commencement speech. Benjamin Davis, chairman of Morgan’s Department of Multimedia Journalism, said, “Her work transcends journalism into politics and into social issues. What she does affects millions and millions of people.” 

Baruti Kopano, School of Journalism and Communications professor, said, “I hope that all students regardless of major can look back and say ‘I am capable of achieving at the highest level. Here is a person that looks like me, and has some of the same experiences as I’ve had who has attended, and graduated from a historically black college and achieved.’” 

Godwin is a pioneer in the world of journalism, representing two groups that are minorities in areas of corporate leadership. Women, especially Black women, tend to be underrepresented in executive positions at large companies. 

“[Students] should recognize her as someone that they must become. Not everyone is going to become president of a network, but they must become successful. They must use all of their abilities,” Davis said. “You have to display excellence at every turn.” 

Morgan’s 2023 Fall Commencement will be held Friday, Dec. 15 at Talmadge Hill Field House at 10 a.m.