Cementing the Future with SMPTE Students

              Last week, SMPTE Leadership paid a visit to Atlanta, Georgia to meet with students and faculty of the  Atlanta University Center. The AUC is comprised of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Clark-Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.

              President, Renard T. Jenkins, Executive Director, David Grindle, Membership Director, Zandra Clark, and Director of Business Development and Outreach, Michele Wright, sat down with Chairperson of the Theatre and Communication Studies Department (CAU), Eve Graves, Chairperson of the Mass Media Arts Department (CAU), April Lundy, Associate Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences (CAU), Brian Bentley, Chairperson of the Cyber Physical Systems Dept (CAU), Roy George, Associate Professor of The Department of Theatre and Performance (Spelman College), Keith Arthur Bolden, Adjunct Professor (CAU), Shawn Bulloch, a number of students and alumni from all three schools.

              The meeting opened a new line of communication between SMPTE and CAU. “There is great interest in building a SMPTE student chapter that crosses the three schools and their film, television, computer science, and communication studies areas.” says David Grindle. “The research that is going on among faculty in those departments as well as in Cyber Infrastructure could be great for SMPTE members to learn about.”

              “This was a novel meeting in SMPTE’s history, but it won’t be the last of it’s kind.” Says Michele Wright, who’s been a strong advocate for SMPTE’s DEI initiatives, like the new “SMPTE for a Change” campaign. “We look forward to more synergistic collaborations with HBCU’s all over the nation.”

              The SMPTE for a Change campaign has been focused on student outreach and DEI since it’s inception. SMPTE firmly believes that students are our future, and the industry needs to focus on paving a path for them so the future of cinema remains bright. The Change campaign also seeks to diversify the industry to make it more accessible and equitable. It will achieve this through mentorship programs, grants, access to webinars and online classes, and an improved job board.

              “The research that is going on among faculty in those departments as well as in Cyber Infrastructure could be great for SMPTE members to learn about.” Says Grindle. “This work along with helping connect students to the industry are a first step in building a more diverse workforce and Society. I think there will be great opportunities for partnership with these faculties and appreciate the partnership we all brought to the table.”