September 24, 2007 - Network Producer Teaches at FVSU

The energetic journalist seen guiding student videographers and reporters at Fort Valley State University events is adjunct instructor Chata Spikes.

Spikes, an FVSU alum, recently joined the university’s Mass Communications Department. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and was an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. Participation in the organization was a key to success, she says. “From a pool of thousands, I was one of 10 students chosen to participate in the NABJ scholars’ program. It jump-started my career.”

Before graduation, Spikes accepted a position in Greenville, S.C. as WYFF TV’s morning show producer. The next stop was WSB in Atlanta, where she worked as a field producer and assignment editor. At the DeKalb County government access station, Spikes coordinated news coverage of Coretta Scott King’s funeral with the Secret Service and the Central Intelligence Agency. She also hosted a show called “Let’s Talk DeKalb” and was a reporter for “Inside DeKalb.”

Her resume includes an interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

“I knew at age 3 that I wanted to be in television. My dreams have come true and I think it’s only fitting now to help make the dreams of FVSU students come true.” Spikes is an Atlanta-based southeast regional producer for Fox News providing stories for the Network News Service. She writes and produces copy for more than 100 commercial television stations, including the major networks.

“My students are very excited about getting hands-on experience. The proof is in the Wildcat Commons DVD. It is the first video some had produced on their own,” she said in reference to a student production about the Wildcat Commons’ grand opening.

This semester, Spikes teaches a Photojournalism lab along with News Writing and Reporting. Students enrolled in the lab will produce a weekly newscast. “I want them to be prepared for the newsroom, whether it’s on air or behind the camera.”