Mary C. Schaffer

Mary C. Schaffer, professor of cinema and television arts at California State University, Northridge, has been elected president of the Broadcast Education Association, an international organization representing educators and industry professionals in telecommunications and electronic media.

Schaffer, who oversees the university’s multimedia option, will be officially sworn in at the organization’s meeting next month.

“It is an honor to have been elected president of this international organization that represents faculty who teach film, television, communications and journalism,” Schaffer said. “I am humbled by the support of my colleagues and look forward to working with the BEA board and staff in continuing the work to advance the association’s goal of providing forums for scholarly research and dialog in all aspects of the electronic media.”

Schaffer, who joined CSUN’s faculty in 2000, teaches courses that cover all aspects of multimedia production and design. Her research includes new media, digital literacy and the uses of technology by active retired adults.

The Broadcast Education Association was established in 1955, originally as the Association of Professional Broadcast Education. Its more than 1,600 members share a diversity of interests involving all aspects of telecommunications and electronic media.

Cal State Northridge’s Department of Cinema and Television Arts has an international reputation for producing dedicated and talented entertainment industry professionals who recognize the value of hard work as they learn and continue to perfect their crafts. The department’s alumni work in all aspects of entertainment media, from writing, producing and directing to manning cameras and having the final say in what project is made.