Dorothy M. Bland, a professor of journalism at Florida A&M University's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, has been named the new dean of the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism. Her appointment will begin in June. Bland will replace M. Jean Keller, who has served as the school's acting dean since September 2012.

Bland directed Florida A&M University's Division of Journalism — the first accredited journalism program at a historically African-American university — for five years.

Prior to joining FAMU, Bland worked in various newspaper positions for 25 years. She was a reporter and editor at USA Today. She has served as president and publisher of the Chillocothe Gazette in Ohio and the Fort Collins Coloradoan in Colorado and earned three Gannett President's Rings for outstanding performance.