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A group of dancers gathered on a dark stage. Photo credit: Mackenzie Shields

School of Communication, Media and the Arts

Say, Create, Master, Achieve

The School of Communication, Media and the Arts (SCMA) unites the departments of art, music, theatre, cinema and screen studies, and communication studies.

SCMA provides you with the knowledge and experiences to pursue successful careers and rich interpersonal relationships. We offer a range of majors and minors, hands-on learning opportunities and flexibility to attain your goals.

You’ll find that we offer a rich selection of classes, learning opportunities and career directions to better prepare you for whatever is on the horizon. Explore all the possibilities of your major through class work and studios, diverse internships and study abroad programs. Immerse yourself in Oswego’s vibrant arts scene. From theatrical performances to film series, art showings to the opera, the symphony to dance performances, our campus is a cultural center for the college and the region.

Our Faculty

Our faculty members bring their professional experiences into the classroom while guiding you toward your best work in performances, exhibitions, research, writings and broadcasts. In a school that emphasizes learning by doing, our faculty lead the way through their accomplishments, knowledge and approachability.

Jennifer Knapp

"Our fiercely proud and successful alumni are a result of the talented, approachable, and collaborative faculty of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts.  Students work side-by-side with nationally and internationally recognized artists, scholars, performers, and practitioners who teach process and product with style and substance.  No matter how you want to tell your story, our faculty will support and guide you."

–Dr. Jennifer Knapp, Dean

Strong students, strong alumni

Our alumni finish our programs knowledgeable and capable of making the first leap into the professional world. Our graduates land jobs in well-known national, regional and local companies including:

  • Amazon
  • BET
  • Clear Channel Radio
  • Comedy Central
  • Corning Museum of Glass
  • Country Music Television
  • Crane School of Music
  • Disney
  • ESPN
  • The History Channel
  • MLB Network
  • MTV
  • NBC
  • Real Simple magazine
  • Stella Adler Studio of Acting

SCMA Advisory Board

Gabriel Almanzar '05

Supervising Art Director for CBS This Morning
I lead a team of designers, in the execution and delivery of graphics and specs for a variety of shows on CBS News, specifically CBS This Morning.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
5

Why Did You Join the SCMA Advisory Board?
I believe in paying it forward. I have been extremely fortunate in my career, and being part of my alma mater's advisory board is a great way to share and communicate ideas in my area of expertise.

What expertise do you bring to the board?
I have worked in media for over ten years. I have experienced first hand the merging of how art and media impact the way we consume information. I am well versed in broadcast television and technology, and can offer insight on how this particular field is evolving towards the future.

What makes you proud to be an alum of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at SUNY Oswego?
I am very fond of how SUNY Oswego has made it a point to stay connected to their alum's. Again, I believe in paying it forward. I have kept close relationships with faculty and have always made myself available. I believe students need an opportunity, most will take that and run with it. I am proud to be part of such a close academic community.

Issack Cintron '17

Human Resources Assistant/Recruiter at Quality King Distributors
I graduated with a double major in Journalism and Cinema. I'm looking to enter the industry and help others achieve their visions as well as achieving my own.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New member Fall 2021

Kelly Culver '98

Creative Director
HBAC, Conair Corp.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Jeffrey Favalo '96

Sales Director
DIY Media Group

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Michelle Garcia '06

Managing Editor, Out magazine (previously a senior editor at Vox, Mic, and The Advocate)
I manage the digital operation for one of the largest LGBTQ+ editorial brands in the country, with a staff of 10 writers, editors, and other contributors.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
5

Why Did You Join the SCMA Advisory Board?
I want to help make an impact on the educations and careers of Oswego students interested in media and journalism.

What expertise do you bring to the board?
A career in editing, writing, leadership, and hiring reporters.

What makes you proud to be an alum of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at SUNY Oswego?
What I loved about being at Oswego as a student was the ability to just make things. The value in being a media student at Oswego is that we're scrappy, and that translates well to the field of professional journalism.

Michael Gewirtzman '05

Global Programming Director at Advertising Week
I program events and broadcasts for organizations that have featured some of the world’s most influential executives, celebrities, politicians, athletes, authors, and thought leaders, many of whom I have personally interviewed.  I am also the Founder and President of Vinyl Artist Management.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New Fall 2021

Denise Grillo '84

Set Decorations
Production Properties

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Christa Haley '13

Incoming MFA Candidate in Film, Directing Concentration, NYU Tisch, Fall 2021
I began my career in the film industry as an assistant to director Derek Cianfrance. I have also directed videos for Vogue Germany and edited for brands including Coach, Banana Republic and Interview Magazine.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New member Fall 2021

Aunrée Houston '00

NYU Certified Life Coach, Creative & Marketing Operations Executive, and Creative Director
Specializes in empowerment, personal image, personal brand, career coaching, and lifestyle management. As former vice president, led marketing operations team for HBO's programming sales division. His creativity explores and illuminates the multi-faceted view of beauty and wellness through the arts, theatre, mixed media, and experiential arts.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
4

Hannah McHale '13

Program Coordinator
Metro Museum of Art, New York City

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Omy Melo '14

Video Editor
Nickelodeon

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Tom Murphy '14

Senior Project Manager of Creative Ops
Partners + Napier

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New, fall 2022

Joan Pelzer '89

Founder, CEO & President, Joan Pelzer Social/Joan Pelzer Media, LLC
I am also Vice-President of Marketing, The New York Association, United Nations non-Governmental Organization; Social Media Strategist for BNI (Business Networks International).  I currently co-host the ClubHouse App Show titled “Breakfast Bite with Tom & Joan” and was previously a co-host for four years of the Talk Show/Podcast “Follow Me Friday with Joan + Priya” on TalkRadio, NYC and Facebook.  

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New member Fall 2021

Josh Rich '96

Associate master technician at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (1997- present) Local 1 Shop Steward at Lincoln Center's Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater (1999-present)
As associate master technician I perform the head electrician duties at the theater, as well as assisting in other areas backstage. As shop steward I'm part of the contract negotiating committee and I help ensure that contractual obligations are being met, and report back to the union weekly.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
5

Why Did You Join the SCMA Advisory Board?
I'd like to find talented young stage hands to come work for me, and I miss Oswego.  I think it would be fun to be involved in the theater program there again, even to a small degree.

What expertise do you bring to the board?
I've been the assistant at the Mitzi for over 20 years, over 4 dozen shows, some of which have gone on to win Tony awards. My expertise is loading in, opening and maintaining shows in New York City. As shop steward I've helped negotiate contracts between Lincoln Center and Local 1 on five different occasions over the course of two decades. While I wouldn't call myself an expert, I certainly have experience in that area as well.

What makes you proud to be an alum of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at SUNY Oswego?
The knowledge and experience I gained at Oswego is the only reason the Lincoln Center hired me originally. My boss was so impressed with the education I recieved at Oswego that he sent his son there briefly. I'm proud of the fact that I was able to use the education I received at Oswego to get a leadership position in an industry/area notorious for nepatism.

Michelle Roberts '06

President and Brand Expert, NOVUS- Be Known, Inc.
I help evolving organizations ignite purpose at the core to have a greater impact on the world. I do this by clarifying and communicating their message from the inside out. We focus on four key areas of growth; culture, communications, marketing, and customer experience. With the right brand alignment, you can generate more brand awareness, increase revenue and create a more consistent and coherent company culture.

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
5

Why Did You Join the SCMA Advisory Board?
Because I am interested in helping the organization on a strategic level become better, gain more awareness and use my expertise to do so!

What expertise do you bring to the board?
Strategic Branding, Digital and Traditional Marketing Advising, Culture Development, Leadership, Business Strategy, Embedding Purpose, and Experience Marketing.

What makes you proud to be an alum of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts at SUNY Oswego?
Because there is no limit to what you can do with a solid foundation in education.

Lawrence Watson '74

Professor at Berklee College of Music and Founder and CEO of SaveOurSelves Productions LLC
I teach courses in Motown, Stage Performance Technique, and clinics in Rock, Soul, Blues, Gospel, Rhythm, and contemporary music.  I have produced and directed over 600 musical and several original dramatic productions and directed clinics, workshops and performances throughout Europe, Australia, The Far East (China and Singapore) and the United States.  

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
3

Tom Winiarski '91

President of Platform Monetization at NBC Universal’s Advertising and Partnerships Division 
I oversee the continued transformation of the organization and am responsible for mobilizing the entire Sales Team around NBCU’s One Platform business strategy and driving the company closer to an all-audience future. I have over 25 years of advertising sales and sales strategy experience.   

Years on the SCMA Advisory Board
New member Fall 2021

Contact

Dean

Dr. Jennifer Knapp

Associate Dean

Kelly Roe

Administrative Assistant

Candace Rasbeck
315.312.6612
[email protected]