Award-Winning Journalist Janet Lomax, 2018-19 RIT Minett Professor Kicked-off the DDI Speaker Series | October 2018

“I consider myself to be a shy person. I had to learn how to reach out to others for help in college and in my profession,” said Janet Lomax, 2018-2019 RIT Minett professor.  Janet inspired RIT students, staff, faculty and friends on September 18, as she kicked-off the Division of Diversity & Inclusion Speaker Series in the MOSAIC Center, Student Alumni Union. “Early in my career, I needed to learn how to not allow fear to truncate my journey, so asking for help was key to my success,” which she highlighted as a pivotal point in her life.

As an award-wining journalist with over 40 years of experience, Janet shared some of her experiences after over three decades as a News Anchor at News 10NBC in Rochester, NY before retiring in December 2016. She fondly shared how the news profession has changed from filming and producing in 16-millimeter film, as a one-man show. And now, with Multimedia Journalists or MMJs, who work alone, the industry has evolved to similar expectations, affirming “what is old is new again,” she said with a smile. 

“I’ve learned Rochester is a very giving community. People care about each other and I’ve dedicated myself to representing everyone in this community, no matter who they were or where they lived. I took that responsibility very seriously,” said Janet. “I came to the Rochester market thinking this was a one-year opportunity, now three decades later, I’m humbled to have been welcomed and blessed to be able to raise my family here.”

Her career started shortly after her college graduation at WAVE TV3 in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky where she was hired as a reporter/photographer. With her grace, moral compass and continuous dedication she was quickly given additional duties as host/producer of Urban Insight, a weekly public affairs program. Janet worked for 4½ years at WAVE-TV3 before a job offer brought her to News 10NBC.

Throughout her career, Janet covered a variety of stories from national political conventions and the NYC visit by Pope John Paul II to a number of one-on-one interviews with prominent newsmakers including Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington D.C.

Her professional acumen, ability to mentor others and conscious values, has earned numerous honors for excellence in journalism, including a Regional Edward R Murrow Award, a New York State Associated Press Award and she has been inducted into the New York State Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Janet believes “to whom much is given, much is expected” and is a firm believer in giving back to her community. Janet’s dedication to volunteering and philanthropic values has attracted her to many organizations, like The Links, Incorporated, the Rochester Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc (a past president), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists and the Rochester Association of Black Journalists, the local affiliate.

As a RIT Minett Professor, Janet Lomax is looking forward to sharing her experiences to coach and mentor students who are interested to working both in front and behind the camera, as communications professionals. Her poise, presence and authenticity will surely create ripples of transformation for our RIT students. 

For additional coverage regarding Janet Lomax, as the 2018-19 RIT Minett Professor, click on the links below.