James Ford is a 1985 graduate of Shaw, earning his B.A. degree in Mass Communications, with a minor in Biology. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, James held positions in student government and student affairs since his sophomore year, while concluding his undergraduate tenure as Senior Class President and Senior Resident Advisor. James was one of four members of his graduating class to be inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Rho honorary Broadcasting Society in 1985 and inducted into Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

James is also a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated being initiated through the Delta Psi Chapter at Shaw University in 1984. Currently, James is the Graduate Advisor to the Delta Psi

Chapter, under the jurisdiction of the Iota Iota Chapter, in Raleigh, NC.

Professionally, James has been employed with WRAL-TV (Capitol Broadcasting Co.) since his initial hire as a Production Intern in 1984. He has grown through the ranks to hold positions as Production Crew Chief, Newscast Director, Senior Newscast Director, Supervising Director and currently holds the position of News Production Manager. He manages a staff of 27 technicians who are responsible for the daily broadcast of WRAL News and special programming. His 30 year career includes the Direction of the World’s first all High Definition newscast in 2000; winner of 10 regional Emmy Awards, and 42 regional Emmy nominations through competition as a member of the Mid-South region of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2011, James was elected to the NATAS MidSouth region’s Board of Governors as Vice President.