PART TIME FACULTY: VALUED EXPERTS
Pros bring Pizzazz, Professional
Principles & Practicality

The university experience is preparation for the professional world. The strength of being in the large media markets of LA and OC provide close proximity to business professionals. As students prepare to enter the workforce, a balance between theoretical applications and current practices is necessary. The part-time faculty in the College of Communications are involved in the day to day jobs students are preparing to enter.

Dr. Zandpour (Associate Dean) suggests a leading edge our students have over others with the same degree is “(they) understand current practices and have a theoretical and global outlook; a necessary leadership,skill in a dynamic workplace.” “Parttime faculty brings a nice mix of experience to the college,” states Dr. Fink. Melissa Huddleson (student, RTVF) agrees the part-time instructors enhance the curriculum and bring in “what’s going on in the industry right now.” This expertise is an added bonus for any Communications major going out into the workforce.

Anthony Fabrizzi (student, ETS) agrees “the instructors benefit students looking for jobs.” Dr. Kitselman speaks very highly of his parttime faculty: “students love their practical experience in the professional industry.” Students know and appreciate how busy some of these professionals are, working full-time within their field, and teaching courses at CSUF.

Christina House (student, photocommunications) describes a part-time instructor, “even though (he) is extremely busy, he is still excited to teach and work with students.”

Dr. Zandpour advocates that our part-time faculty also compliment our internships and provides our clubs/organizations a close connection with the industries students are learning about. “It’s like having a guest speaker as an instructor every day,” comments Esther Trinh (student, PR), describing her part-time instructors. "Part-time faculty make a huge contribution to our instruction in all five concentrations," says Dr. Crow. "They bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge of current professional practice, and valuable career advice to our students."

Each year an outstanding part-time faculty member is honored at the department's Communications Awards Banquet. Past winners include Russ Romain, a long-time graphics designer in the defense industry; Mike Tyler, a digital imaging professional for the Los Angeles Times; Lori Miller, a respected expert in business and advertising writing; Jeff Rowe, a broadcast editor, reporter, and web content manager for the Orange County Register; Debra Conkey, a top marketing communications entrepreneur and freelance editor; and Mark Boster, a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist for the Los Angeles Times.

Other prominent part-time faculty include: Ginger Emry, CSUF alumni, teaches HCOM 325 (Interviewing: Principles & Practice). She is a private communication consultant and has been an executive in a major corporation, and now brings her understanding and skill to the classroom. Amy Starr, another HCOM alumni is the program director for Hospital Association of Southern California. She understands the implications of business and industry to HCOM.

Jeff Lubman, a senior rehabilitation counselor for the California Department of Rehab, has a specialty working with sign language, uses it everyday in the workplace, then brings his experiences to the CD students in HCOM 302 and 312. John Hart, longstanding part-time instructor (RTVF 210, 215, 220), also is a sound recordist primarily for sitcoms. Jule Selbo is a writer with producer credits both on stage and screen. Her experience also includes teaching part-time in the Theatre and Dance Department.

Erica Hernandez (RTVF 370: World Cinema) has experience publishing film critiques, and brings that experience in her classes both here and at other campuses. Marc Lorber (RTVF 350: Story Structure) is a writer and producer, currently working on television movies and deals. Karla Ortiz (student, COMM), sums up the real-life qualities that part-time faculty help teach students when referring to Lynda Hamilton (COMM 362: Public Relations Writing). “She manages her time well, both in and out of the classroom, is explicit, organized, and open to discussions.” All great characteristics within the professional workforce.