Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
Faculty Friday: Miriam Ragland
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Miriam Ragland
*
Presbyterian College theatre professor shares excitement about strengthening the performing arts program to better support students
The performing arts have been a lifelong passion for professor of theatre Miriam Ragland, who grew up dancing until a broken ankle put an end to her ballet career.
Ragland wasn't stopped by her injury, though. Still feeling called to perform, she auditioned for a play in her senior year of high school, where she fell in love with theatre
... Show Full Article
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Miriam Ragland
*
Presbyterian College theatre professor shares excitement about strengthening the performing arts program to better support students
The performing arts have been a lifelong passion for professor of theatre Miriam Ragland, who grew up dancing until a broken ankle put an end to her ballet career.
Ragland wasn't stopped by her injury, though. Still feeling called to perform, she auditioned for a play in her senior year of high school, where she fell in love with theatreand everything it had to offer.
Following her heart
Ragland's first introduction to being an educator was her master's program in directing, which heavily revolved around teaching and instructing.
"I have an MFA in directing, and it was very focused on teaching. I had a teaching assistantship as part of it as well," she said. "That's when I realized that my place was in the classroom."
On the tail end of a year-long stint in Seattle as a freelance artist, Ragland came to the realization that freelancing wasn't what her heart desired - teaching was.
From that moment forward, she began applying to positions all over the country, including at Presbyterian College, which she came to visit after being extended an offer.
Despite being on the other side of the country, the campus immediately felt like home.
"I came and visited campus, and I just fell in love," she said.
Since then, Ragland has been at the college for 24 years, teaching classes such as Introduction to Theatre, Theatre for Social Change, and African American Theatre.
It's exciting for all of us to come together as one artistic unit, and to work together to make the performing arts at PC stronger than it's ever been."
Miriam Ragland, Professor of Theatre
Looking into the future
Recently, Ragland's passion project has been refurbishing the black box theatre that's been sitting unused in Harper Arts Center for several years, a stepping stone to rebuilding the theatre program as a whole.
Another stepping stone has been PC's partnership with Laurens County Community Theatre, who will be performing a show every spring, with PC performing a show every fall.
Ragland and her colleagues couldn't be more excited about building the arts program at Presbyterian College, having combined art, music, and theatre to become the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
"It's exciting for all of us to come together as one artistic unit, and to work together to make the performing arts at PC stronger than it's ever been," she said.
***
Original text here: https://www.presby.edu/faculty-friday-miriam-ragland/
Faculty Friday: Dr. Lincoln McGinnis
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Dr. Lincoln McGinnis
*
Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Program professor and medical director makes a difference in healthcare by teaching the next generation
Dr. Lincoln McGinnis didn't always have his heart set on the medical field, but his own experiences with the healthcare system ignited a spark within him.
"I had some health problems," he said. "My parents were elderly and both had health problems, and I wasn't completely satisfied with the care that we were all getting."
... Show Full Article
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Dr. Lincoln McGinnis
*
Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Program professor and medical director makes a difference in healthcare by teaching the next generation
Dr. Lincoln McGinnis didn't always have his heart set on the medical field, but his own experiences with the healthcare system ignited a spark within him.
"I had some health problems," he said. "My parents were elderly and both had health problems, and I wasn't completely satisfied with the care that we were all getting."
Discovering his calling
Prior to discovering his interest in medicine, McGinnis had worked his way up to being the controller of a small company before it was eventually sold to a larger company.
He had not finished college when he was younger and knew that he would need to obtain a degree in order to continue providing for his family, and the combination of his past experiences and dissatisfaction with the healthcare system inspired him to take the leap toward following his passion.
"My wife asked me, 'What would you like to do when you go back to school?' and I said, 'Well, I don't know if it would ever work out, but I really feel that God has given me a second chance at life, and I have a responsibility to do all I can to help others, so I'd like to try to go to medical school,'" he said. "And my wife's response was, 'If it's God's will, the doors will open.'"
From that point forward, McGinnis began to take the prerequisites for medical school at a small college in Mississippi while still continuing to work.
"I took the medical college admissions test in August, and I scored well on it, and was accepted into medical school without a college degree," he said. "I was accepted in October, and I started the following August when I was 39 years old."
It's very exciting to me to make an impact on young people going into the healthcare profession. My excitement revolves around doing all I can to make a difference for the students in our program."
Dr. Lincoln McGinnis, Medical Director and Professor of PA
A love of teaching
During his training, McGinnis knew he wanted to work in academic medicine, but factors like his age and the cost of his education drove him to traditional practice instead.
However, McGinnis knew his heart still belonged to academic medicine.
"I spent the best part of my career working in an intensive care unit and would have family medicine residents at Self Regional rotate with me, and that always brought me a lot of satisfaction," he said. "I've always believed that healthcare professionals have an absolute responsibility to help train the next generation."
Finding his way to PC
McGinnis officially began teaching at PC in October of 2023 after working as a clinical preceptor for the Physician Assistant Degree program for several years under previous medical director Dr. Greg Mappin before applying and being offered the position of medical director himself.
In the time he's been here, McGinnis has worked with three classes, teaching didactic year students pharmacology and advising clinical year students, and has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the PA program.
"The PA program was well established by the long-term faculty before I was hired - Amanda Stevenson-Cali, Mary Leonardi, Dr. Mappin and all the faculty - the people who actually built the program did an outstanding job," he said.
The future of the program
When McGinnis thinks about the future of the PA program at PC, he thinks of growth, expansion, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of students.
"It's very exciting to me to make an impact on young people going into the healthcare profession," he said. "My excitement revolves around doing all I can to make a difference for the students in our program."
***
Original text here: https://www.presby.edu/faculty-friday-lincoln-mcginnis/
Faculty Friday: Dr. Kara Shavo
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Dr. Kara Shavo
*
Presbyterian College mathematics professor sets an example for students to follow their passions
Dr. Kara Shavo has always had a love for mathematics, but her high school calculus teacher opened the door that led to her pursuing it as a career.
"There was just something about calculus that was sort of mysterious and magical to me," she said. "It sounds a little over the top, but that's really how I felt."
When she entered college, she was initially an art major,
... Show Full Article
CLINTON, South Carolina, March 13 -- Presbyterian College posted the following news:
* * *
Faculty Friday: Dr. Kara Shavo
*
Presbyterian College mathematics professor sets an example for students to follow their passions
Dr. Kara Shavo has always had a love for mathematics, but her high school calculus teacher opened the door that led to her pursuing it as a career.
"There was just something about calculus that was sort of mysterious and magical to me," she said. "It sounds a little over the top, but that's really how I felt."
When she entered college, she was initially an art major,though she quickly realized that she missed the structure that her math classes offered.
She briefly switched to engineering before once again realizing that she was more interested in the math aspect than anything else, and by the time her sophomore year rolled around, she had declared as a mathematics education major.
Discovering her passion
While teaching wasn't always in the picture for Shavo, it was a career path she'd been open to since she was a little girl.
Many of her friends had always known they wanted to be teachers, but she didn't discover her passion for education until she was in college.
"Once I decided to be a math major, I thought I would try teaching, because I had been helping some friends and doing a little bit of tutoring," she said. "I really liked talking about math, so it seemed like a good fit."
The road to PC
Shavo found herself at PC by happenstance.
While in graduate school working toward her Ph.D., she studied with Dr. Brian Beasley, a former professor at PC who was finishing up his own doctorate.
Beasley talked about PC often and encouraged Shavo to visit campus once she had finished with the program.
"He talked a lot about PC, and he said, 'You know, when you're done, you should come check it out. It's a small college where teaching is the thing that's valued most,' which is what I was interested in," she said. "Eventually I came, and I really loved it, and I guess the rest is history."
Shavo's experience at the college has now come full circle, as her own daughter, Maggie, currently attends PC and is thriving in the tight-knit atmosphere.
"It's been great to see PC from that other viewpoint, which I'd never had before," she said.
I'm working with a student on some honors research, and I'm really excited to be doing that again since it's been a few years. I just love doing math research, too, so it's really exciting to be able to do that with a student because it kind of combines both of my roles at PC."
Dr. Kara Shavo, Professor of Mathematics
Hopes for the future
Recently, Shavo has been working with a student conducting honors research, something she's thrilled to be able to dip her toes back into.
"I'm working with a student on some honors research, and I'm really excited to be doing that again since it's been a few years," she said. "I just love doing math research, too, so it's really exciting to be able to do that with a student because it kind of combines both of my roles at PC."
Shavo said she also hopes to build renewed interest in the mathematics program and inspire more students to major in math.
***
Original text here: https://www.presby.edu/faculty-friday-kara-shavo/
Globally recognised academic named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador
CALLAGHAN, Australia, March 9 -- The University of Newcastle posted the following news:
* * *
Globally recognised academic named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador
*
A University of Newcastle academic has been honoured with Lake Macquarie's top annual civic award for her tireless work as a global leader in community violence prevention.
Professor Tamara Blakemore was named as the city's new Ambassador at Friday evening's 2026 Lake Mac Awards, which recognise quiet achievers and local legends who embody the spirit of Lake Macquarie and inspire positive change across the city.
Professor Blakemore was
... Show Full Article
CALLAGHAN, Australia, March 9 -- The University of Newcastle posted the following news:
* * *
Globally recognised academic named 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador
*
A University of Newcastle academic has been honoured with Lake Macquarie's top annual civic award for her tireless work as a global leader in community violence prevention.
Professor Tamara Blakemore was named as the city's new Ambassador at Friday evening's 2026 Lake Mac Awards, which recognise quiet achievers and local legends who embody the spirit of Lake Macquarie and inspire positive change across the city.
Professor Blakemore wasa driving force behind the groundbreaking "Name, Narrate, Navigate" program helping young people deal with violence in their lives.
She has also trained more than 2500 practitioners in her field, helping shift the way they understand and respond to youth violence, and attracted $6.5 million in research funding to the region.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said Professor Blakemore's work exemplified how regional communities could lead global innovation to address complex social challenges.
"Tamara is a shining example of the resilience, dedication and innovation that define our community," he said.
"The judging panel was extremely impressed with her many career and personal achievements, and I very much look forward to working with her as our Ambassador over the next 12 months."
Professor Blakemore said being named Ambassador of Lake Macquarie, where her family has lived for generations, was a deeply meaningful honour.
"I feel like this gives me a chance to bring what I know from work, from practice and from life back into my community," she said. "As someone who has grown up here and knows what this place has been like in good times and in bad, I can bring a real, genuine and authentic voice to Lake Mac."
She said her work was driven by a commitment to support young people with experiences of violence.
"Young people who use violence have often lived with violence themselves, and too often those experiences aren't understood together," she said. "My focus is on working with them in a way that recognises who they are and who they can become, and we're hoping to see the value of the way that we work extended to other programs and communities in the future."
University of Newcastle Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Belinda Tynan said Professor Blakemore's recognition as the 2026 Lake Mac Ambassador was a testament to the extraordinary impact her work was having, locally, nationally and globally.
"We are incredibly proud of Professor Blakemore's contributions to our region, and we're delighted to see her honoured by the Lake Macquarie community," she said.
"Her leadership in preventing community violence and supporting vulnerable young people reflects the very best of our University's values."
This year's Lake Mac Awards, sponsored by Avondale University and Glendale City Centre, covered 12 categories.
Other winners on the night included the 2026 Young Ambassador, Shania Aiolupotea, whose leadership at Southlakes Roosters Rugby League Football Club belies her young age, and Belmont Hospital Volunteers, who took out Community Group of the Year for their fundraising and support work.
Not-for-profit community greening organisation The Groundswell Collective won the Contribution to Sustainability and the Environment award, while Jamal Box won Volunteer of the Year for his work strengthening flood rescue capabilities across the region's NSW State Emergency Service units.
Mayor Adam congratulated all the night's finalists and winners.
"Each year, the Lake Mac Awards shine a light on the amazing people, organisations and initiatives quietly making our city a better place," he said.
"We are grateful to all of them, and I'm proud to be part of helping celebrate all that they have achieved."
*
* Partnership to grow Pacific research pipelines and accelerate Pacific led solutions
* Heart Foundation joins forces with 'No Money, No Time' to improve Australians' nutrition-related heart health
* Looking closely at wellbeing data
* Narrating Return at Newcastle Art Gallery
***
Original text here: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/news/2026/03/globally-recognised-academic-named-2026-lake-mac-ambassador
UAPB Museum Preserves the Legacy of Elizabeth Cash Green, Honoring a Life That Spanned Slavery to the Civil Rights Era
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas, March 8 -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff posted the following news:
* * *
UAPB Museum Preserves the Legacy of Elizabeth Cash Green, Honoring a Life That Spanned Slavery to the Civil Rights Era
*
A framed photograph donated by alumnus LTC (RET) Amos King Jr. ensures the story of his great-grandmother-recognized by some historians as one of the last surviving formerly enslaved women in the United States will be preserved for future generations through the UAPB Museum and Cultural Center.
As Black History Month transitions into Women's History Month, the University
... Show Full Article
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas, March 8 -- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff posted the following news:
* * *
UAPB Museum Preserves the Legacy of Elizabeth Cash Green, Honoring a Life That Spanned Slavery to the Civil Rights Era
*
A framed photograph donated by alumnus LTC (RET) Amos King Jr. ensures the story of his great-grandmother-recognized by some historians as one of the last surviving formerly enslaved women in the United States will be preserved for future generations through the UAPB Museum and Cultural Center.
As Black History Month transitions into Women's History Month, the Universityof Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is helping preserve a powerful piece of American history through its University Museum and Cultural Center (UMCC).
On February 20, 2026, UAPB accepted a framed photograph honoring Elizabeth Cash Green, a woman recognized by some historians and descendants as the last surviving formerly enslaved female in the United States. The photograph was presented to the University Museum and Cultural Center by UAPB alumnus Retired Lieutenant Colonel Amos King, Jr., Green's great-grandson.
The presentation reflects UAPB's commitment to preserving historical narratives that deepen understanding of American history and African American heritage.
Elizabeth Cash Green was born on June 2, 1862, in Midland, Georgia, during the final years of American slavery. In 1882, she relocated to Arkansas, settling near Elaine and Oneida in Phillips County before later moving to Helena. Over the course of her remarkable 112-year life, Green witnessed some of the most defining events in American history.
Her life spanned Reconstruction, the turn of the twentieth century, World War I, the Elaine Massacre, the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Despite the immense historical changes surrounding her, Green remained deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. After moving to Helena, she joined Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where Reverend J.W. Webb served as pastor. There, she faithfully served on the church's Mother Board until her passing on February 20, 1975.
According to family and community members who knew her, Green lived a remarkably active life well past 100, continuing to cook, clean, and participate in church and community activities. She was married twice and raised three children.
Her great-grandson, LTC (RET) Amos King, Jr., often reflects on the life lessons she shared with him.
"She told me there are two things I should never forget," King said. "Never take anything that does not belong to you, and if the Lord is for you, then who can be against you?"
King notes that not many people can say they were raised by someone who was once enslaved.
"Not many people can say they knew someone who was born into slavery," he said.
Green is buried in Oneida Community Cemetery.
A special program honoring her life was held at Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Helena, Arkansas, the same church where she worshiped for decades. More than 100 attendees gathered in the intimate setting to celebrate her legacy through reflections, music, and fellowship.
Community outreach helped ensure the program reached a wide regional audience. A radio commercial promoting the event aired through Mondy Broadcasting, owned and operated by Elijah and Belinda Mondy of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. Their station, KJIW-FM 94.5, has served the Mid-South region since 1991 as a prominent Christian gospel radio station and trusted community voice.
UAPB Alumnus Ivan Whitfield, president of the Pine Bluff Chapter of the NAACP, served as master of ceremonies for the program and reflected on the significance of the moment.
"It was an honor to stand in the presence of history," Whitfield said. "To witness this photograph presented in my hometown and in the church where Mother Green served was deeply meaningful. I'm grateful that Chancellor Anthony Graham welcomed this piece of history to UAPB, and I believe the university and community will be blessed under his leadership."
Additional tributes were shared throughout the program. Pine Bluff Councilwoman and UAPB alumna Yvonne Denton presented the occasion, while Green's great-granddaughter, Laura Willis-Shirley, shared reflections on her life. Musical selections were performed by Marg Lucas-Pointer.
Councilwoman Denton described the experience as deeply moving.
"One of the most touching moments for me was hearing her great-grandson, Retired LTC Amos King, Jr., share the history, lessons, and quotes his grandmother instilled in him," Denton said. "Listening to him speak, knowing that four generations were present, was truly moving. It was a beautiful reminder of how faith, strength, and perseverance can carry through a family line."
Family members traveled from near and far to attend the program, which concluded with a fellowship dinner.
During the ceremony, King presented the framed photograph of Elizabeth Cash Green to UAPB for preservation and educational use. Mary Hester-Clifton, UAPB Director of Communications and a Helena native, accepted the photograph on behalf of Chancellor Dr. Anthony Graham, Vice Chancellor George Cotton, Sr., the Executive Cabinet, and the University Museum and Cultural Center.
Carla F. Bryant, Director of the UAPB University Museum and Cultural Center, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to preserve the historical legacy.
"Thank you again for sharing the legacy of your great-grandmother, Elizabeth Cash Green, and this important moment in history with UAPB," Bryant said. "We are honored."
The program also received support from Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Danny Robinson, Evelyn Akinboboye for catering, and the Eliza Miller Museum.
Preserving stories like that of Elizabeth Cash Green reflects UAPB's mission as an 1890 land-grant institution committed to education, research, outreach, and service that respond to the social and cultural needs of the communities it serves. Through the work of the University Museum and Cultural Center, UAPB continues to document and share historical narratives that educate students, strengthen communities, and ensure that the experiences of those who shaped our nation remain visible for future generations.
By preserving Green's story, UAPB not only honors the past but also advances its role as a steward of history-connecting scholarship, community engagement, and cultural preservation in ways that inspire learning and understanding for generations to come.
Share this:
* Print (Opens in new window) Print
* Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
* Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
* Share on X (Opens in new window) X
* Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
*
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Keeper of the Spirit: Stephanie Sims takes helm as university museum and cultural center director
12 years ago, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) alumna Stephanie Sims worked as a student assistant in the University Museum and Cultural Center (UMCC). She returned to the UMCC in July as director of the place where her love of history began. With initial aspirations of being an...
September 13, 2019
In "News"
University Museum and Cultural Center Launches New Collections and Archive Search Portal
The portal will serve as a valuable resource for students, faculty, researchers, and the general public to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Pine Bluff and the surrounding area.
March 15, 2023
In "News"
Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture publishes articles by UAPB archivist
Two articles were recently selected for inclusion in the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture. Written by Siony Flowers, archivist in the University Museum and Cultural Center (UMCC) at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the articles highlight the life and legacy of two important figures in Arkansas history...
January 17, 2018
In "Faculty/Staff"
***
Original text here: https://uapbnews.wpcomstaging.com/2026/03/08/uapb-museum-preserves-the-legacy-of-elizabeth-cash-green-honoring-a-life-that-spanned-slavery-to-the-civil-rights-era/
FMU Board of Trustees Meets, Names Facility for Longtime Faculty Member
FLORENCE, South Carolina, March 8 -- Francis Marion University issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
* * *
FMU Board of Trustees meets, names facility for longtime faculty member
The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting Thursday at The Cottage on FMU's main campus. During the meeting, the Trustees approved the naming of a facility in the FMU Performing Arts Center in memory of a longtime faculty member.
The D. Keith Best Black Box Theatre, located inside the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence, is named for longtime FMU Professor D. Keith
... Show Full Article
FLORENCE, South Carolina, March 8 -- Francis Marion University issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
* * *
FMU Board of Trustees meets, names facility for longtime faculty member
The Francis Marion University Board of Trustees held its quarterly meeting Thursday at The Cottage on FMU's main campus. During the meeting, the Trustees approved the naming of a facility in the FMU Performing Arts Center in memory of a longtime faculty member.
The D. Keith Best Black Box Theatre, located inside the FMU Performing Arts Center in downtown Florence, is named for longtime FMU Professor D. KeithBest. Best served on the faculty in the FMU Department of Fine Arts for 32 years. During this time, he served in various positions across the university, including service as chair of the Department of Fine Arts, associate provost, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, chair of the faculty, and secretary of the faculty.
Throughout his career, Best shaped the lives of thousands of students through his teaching and mentoring. He was an important part of state and regional arts organizations through his leadership, advocacy for the arts, and support for other actors and the theatre profession.
"Keith was close to everyone on campus. There were simply no strangers in his life," said FMU President Fred Carter. "He earned every conceivable award available to faculty, and we all took pride in celebrating each achievement. His dignity, charm, and generosity won him accolades throughout the state, but being a trusted colleague and a good friend were the attributes he valued the most."
"We can never replace a Keith Best, but we can be appreciative of the years he spent here. We can also savor all of the memories he left our students, faculty, and staff."
Trustees also approved a resolution authorizing the use of funds to develop two pedestrian crosswalks across Highway 327 to connect FMU's main campus with the west campus. The west campus includes the Griffin Athletic Complex, FMU Education Foundation Building, and the under-construction Forestry and Environmental Sciences Building, as well as the Pee Dee Field Office of the Department of Natural Resources and the Pee Dee Regional Office for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The crosswalks will provide a safer passage for students, faculty, and staff traveling between the two areas of campus.
During his remarks, Carter also indicated that the FMU Education Foundation is considering the purchase of approximately 21 acres of land at the Wildsumaco Biological Station in Ecuador to complement the environmental science programs already there and provide space for additional facilities. Wildsumaco, a unique teaching and research lab, is located in the Ecuadorian Andes. It is one of the University's most popular and successful study abroad programs.
Carter concluded his remarks by announcing the individuals who will receive honorary degrees and deliver commencement addresses during the University's spring commencement ceremonies May 8 and 9.
During Friday's ceremony, Dr. Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Darla Moore Foundation, will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humanities and serve as the commencement speaker.
During Saturday's ceremony, Dr. Mariah Whitehead, senior vice president of land, Open Space Institute, and Michael Hawkins, associate athletic director for media relations at FMU, will receive honorary Doctorate of Humanities degrees. Whitehead will give the commencement address.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fmarion.edu/facilitynamedforbest/
Cal State LA Hosts AI in Filmmaking Symposium to Prepare Students for the Future of Visual Storytelling
LOS ANGELES, California, March 8 -- California State University issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Cal State LA hosts AI in Filmmaking Symposium to prepare students for the future of visual storytelling
More than 80 students, staff, and faculty from multiple California State University campuses converged at Cal State LA for the AI in Filmmaking Symposium, a full-day event exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in visual storytelling.
The Feb. 20 symposium was organized by Cal State LA Professor Nidhin Patel of the Department of Television,
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, March 8 -- California State University issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
* * *
Cal State LA hosts AI in Filmmaking Symposium to prepare students for the future of visual storytelling
More than 80 students, staff, and faculty from multiple California State University campuses converged at Cal State LA for the AI in Filmmaking Symposium, a full-day event exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in visual storytelling.
The Feb. 20 symposium was organized by Cal State LA Professor Nidhin Patel of the Department of Television,Film, and Media Studies (TVFM), with support from the Film Productions Club.
"AI is quickly reshaping the business and craft of visual storytelling," said Professor Patel. "Various AI tools are being integrated into all aspects of filmmaking by production companies of all sizes."
He noted, "It is increasingly clear that artists with no knowledge of these tools might find themselves at a disadvantage. Our goal was to give students structured opportunities to build skills in this area and explore the resources AI offers to visual storytellers."
The symposium opened with welcome remarks from Dean Stephen Trzaskoma of the College of Arts and Letters at Cal State LA, followed by the session, "Supercharge Your Visuals with GenAI," led by DGA Director and Advent Films Executive Producer AJ Bleyer, as well as a session on "Fundamental Ethics of AI Use as a Student and a Creative Professional," presented by Professor Jessica Santos, director of sustainability at Sound of Earth.
Professor April Brown, a Cal State LA faculty member in attendance, said, "The AI symposium provided our faculty and students with a survey of this rapidly changing field, firsthand experience with tools used by today's film and television professionals, and an exploration of the ethical implications involved."
She added, "It also offered guidance on practical tools students can use to improve efficiency, workflow, and creativity, making them more marketable, nimble, and prepared to create and implement their vision."
The daylong event featured 11 speakers, four hands-on workshops, and three demonstrations from representatives of assistive and generative AI-based applications. Participants gained practical insight into how AI is reshaping every stage of filmmaking--from concept development and preproduction to postproduction and distribution.
"This was a massive undertaking, and an important one," Patel said. "More than 80% of survey respondents said events like this ensure that our students stay informed and keep in step with the times."
TVFM student Amirah Myles, one of the event's participants, described the symposium as an informative experience that expanded her understanding of how artificial intelligence is evolving within the film industry.
"Hearing a variety of perspectives allowed me to think more critically about how AI can be used responsibly and creatively," she said. "The event also created opportunities to connect with speakers and other students interested in emerging technology and its impact on our careers."
The symposium concluded with live demonstrations in the Music Hall, marking a successful day of learning, collaboration, and forward-looking discussion about the role of artificial intelligence in media production.
Sponsored by the CSU Entertainment Alliance and Associated Students, Inc., the symposium reflects Cal State LA's commitment to fostering systemwide collaboration and preparing students for leadership in an increasingly technology-driven media landscape.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.calstatela.edu/2026/03/06/cal-state-la-hosts-ai-in-filmmaking-symposium-to-prepare-students-for-the-future-of-visual-storytelling/
