Faculty Spotlights | Columbia College Chicago Academics Faculty Spotlight At Columbia College Chicago, we believe that those who are actively engaged in the subjects they teach are uniquely qualified to share their expertise in the classroom. That's why our faculty comprises industry leaders who bring the most contemporary, innovative thinking to the structure and delivery of our curriculum. At Columbia, you’ll find talented, diverse educators who share a passion for creative work that reflects, supports and, most importantly, shapes the culture of our times. Faculty Listing A comprehensive directory of full- and part-time faculty. Adjunct Faculty Member’s Game Wins Award for Technical Achievement Apr 08, 2026 When not developing award-winning games, William Chyr, adjunct professor of instruction, teaches graduate students at Columbia College Chicago about the games industry and how music intersects with interactive media. Columbia Professor Blends Sound and Technology to Produce a Unique Audience Experience Mar 19, 2026 Teerath Majumder, an assistant professor at Columbia College Chicago, taps into his roots for an upcoming performance at Chicago’s Elastic Arts Foundation. Record Deal Gives Momentum to Professor Joe Cancellaro's Latest Band Mar 17, 2026 Joe Cancellaro, a Columbia College Chicago professor and composer, plays bass in a newly signed band, showing students that opportunities for creative collaboration extend far beyond college. Columbia's Wenhwa Tsao Screens Personal Short Film at DC Indie Festival Feb 06, 2026 Wenhwa Tsao, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago, brings a story of labor, love, and resilience to the DC Independent Film Festival. Czech Edition of 'Vogue' Spotlights Professor’s Leadership Dec 15, 2025 “Vogue CS” lists Associate Professor Sandra Kumorowski among their featured leaders thanks to her work advancing arts marketing education via Columbia’s Prague Global Marketing practicum. Columbia Filmmakers Win Big at Festivals Dec 04, 2025 “Traces of Home,” produced by Associate Professor Dan Rybicky, wins the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC, while “The Game Camera,” produced by Associate Professor Carolina Posse and created with Columbia talent, receives several festival awards. Columbia Professor Wins Award for Media Relations Excellence Sep 24, 2025 Kevin Christophersen, an associate professor at Columbia College Chicago, takes home the Silver Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago. Columbia Filmmaker’s 'Lineage' Screens at Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Festival Aug 18, 2025 Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago’s Semester in LA program, wrote, directed, and produced the very personal film in collaboration with Columbia alums and faculty. Two Columbia-Connected Films Find a Home on Streaming Jul 28, 2025 Make plans to watch “American Parent” and “Dawn Dusk”— two films rooted in personal storytelling and backed by Columbia College Chicago talent. July 6-11 Named International Fernando Jones' Blues Camp Week by Illinois Governor Jul 02, 2025 Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Fernando Jones, an adjunct professor at Columbia College Chicago, will offer a free blues camp for school-aged musicians at Columbia’s Music Center. Columbia Associate Professor Awarded Prestigious Fellowship for Innovative Teaching Jun 20, 2025 Erin McCarthy has been awarded a national teaching fellowship from the HistoryMakers. Columbia's Jerry Brindisi Wins 2025 Music Business Educator of the Year Award May 15, 2025 Columbia College Chicago congratulates Jerry Brindisi, interim director of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, on his Music Business Association win. Columbia Audio and Music Professor Named Finalist for American Prize in Composition Apr 30, 2025 Philip Seward received recognition for the opera “A House Divided,” which he composed with the support of a Columbia College Chicago Faculty Development Grant. Columbia Associate Professor Molly Schneider Wins 2025 Broadcast Historian Award Mar 10, 2025 Molly Schneider, PhD, receives the prestigious award for her book “Gold Dust on the Air: Television Anthology Drama and Midcentury American Culture.” Ten Women Who Shaped Film: Columbia Professor Shares Her Picks for Most Influential Female Filmmakers Mar 07, 2025 Karla Rae Fuller, PhD, a professor at Columbia College Chicago and author of a recent book on inclusive screenwriting, shares her perspective on the women who have had the most profound impact on film. Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards Mar 05, 2025 Columbia College Chicago alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre. Academy Award Voter Kubilay Uner Talks Oscar-Nominated Film Scores Feb 24, 2025 Kubilay Uner, director of Columbia College Chicago’s top-rated Music Composition for the Screen program, reflects on his first year as voting member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and shares his insights on this year’s five nominated original film scores. New Article by Columbia Professors Explores the Legacy of Sonic Pioneer Steve Albini and Electrical Audio Feb 13, 2025 The authors look at the entrepreneurial approach and lasting impact of the late Steve Albini on the music industry, highlighting his dedication to artistic integrity and fairness through his studio, Electrical Audio. Columbia College Chicago's Carolina Posse Selected for Prestigious Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship Sep 26, 2024 The fellowship, offered by the Television Academy Foundation, provides essential support for educators attending the foundation’s annual Media Educators Conference, which occurs October 9 to 11. Work of Columbia Alum and Adjunct Professor Shines on the Emmy-Winning Show FX’s ‘The Bear’ Sep 19, 2024 Adjunct Professor Lisa Korpan ’19 reflects on her pride in working as art director on FX’s “The Bear,” the impact of her Columbia education, and how her experience informs her teaching. Theatre Advisory Board Launches with Inaugural Event Honoring Sheldon Patinkin Sep 04, 2024 The new Theatre Advisory Board, comprised of alumni and industry leaders, celebrates the life and legacy of Sheldon Patinkin at their inaugural event, September 21. Columbia TV Expert Predicts This Year’s Emmy Winners Sep 04, 2024 Dr. Sharon Marie Ross, an associate professor in Film and TV, shares her best bets for this year’s Emmy winners, from the epic revival of “Shogun” to the controversial comedy nominee “The Bear.” GRAMMY-Winning Columbia Faculty Member Inducted Into Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Aug 08, 2024 Michael Freeman, who teaches in the School of Audio and Music at Columbia, inducted as a "Legendary Producer." Students Paint the Town: Columbia and Partners Expand Wabash Arts Corridor With New Murals Aug 01, 2024 Columbia College Chicago, in strategic partnership with Behr Paint, The Home Depot, and One Summer Chicago, is transforming the Wabash Arts Corridor with vibrant new murals. Columbia's Kubilay Uner to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Jul 01, 2024 Kubilay Uner leads Columbia’s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by “The Hollywood Reporter.” Columbia Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards Jun 25, 2024 The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two Columbia College Chicago alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards. Adjunct Faculty Member to Perform at Midsommarfest Street Festival Jun 07, 2024 Ryan Black, who teaches Audio classes at Columbia, joins NÆ on stage in Chicago’s Andersonville Neighborhood on June 8. Columbia Professor Jackie Spinner Wins Prestigious Media Award May 14, 2024 Jackie Spinner takes home award for her opinion piece about student journalism. Ask the Expert: How to Style Yourself for Graduation Apr 30, 2024 Columbia College Chicago Adjunct Professor Rachel Jimenez Penca uses her personal styling expertise to advise graduates on what to wear on their big day. Celebrating World Book Day with Caldecott Award Committee Member Katie Paciga Apr 22, 2024 Dive into the world of children’s books and culture with associate professor Katie Paciga from Humanities, History and Social Sciences at Columbia College Chicago. Ask the Expert: Beth Davis-Berg on Environmental Science Apr 02, 2024 From microplastics to sustainable swaps and the Columbia College Chicago Green Buildings Program (CCC – GBP), Science and Math Chair Beth Davis-Berg covers environmental sustainability ahead of Earth Day. DARKROOM Leap Night Celebrates Excellence in Photography on the Rare Extra Day of the Year Mar 11, 2024 Silver Camera Awardee Dawoud Bey was honored at DARKROOM for lasting legacy on Columbia College Chicago’s Photography Department and the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MoCP) . Associate Professor Yonty Friesem Presents Keynote Address on Media Literacy in Brussels Mar 07, 2024 Yonty Friesem, PhD, shares their experiences with the Illinois Media Literacy Coalition and Columbia’s Media for Social Impact program. Film Composer and Professor Discusses Original Score Oscar Nominees Mar 04, 2024 Kubilay Uner, who leads Columbia's top-ranked music composition for screen program, on his favorite Academy Award-nominated score and his best bet for this year's winner. Fashion Studies Chair Colbey Reid Publishes New Book and Article on the Domestic Posthuman Feb 12, 2024 Columbia College Chicago’s Colbey Reid and her co-author look at various iterations of the posthuman and assert the need for alternative, feminist readings of technology and the future of humanity. Learn 5 ASL Signs to Spread the Love at Columbia College Chicago Feb 08, 2024 Share signs of love and kindness through American Sign Language (ASL). Want to learn ASL? Columbia offers an ASL institute for beginners and intermediate learners. Super Bowl Ads: What Matters and What Works Feb 05, 2024 Tom Eslinger, an advertising pro and assistant professor at Columbia College Chicago, offers his insights on Super Bowl advertising. Book by Professor Larry Minsky and Co-Authors Named Finalist for Prestigious Marketing Award Jan 22, 2024 Authors explore conversational AI’s impact on engagement, behavior, and brand image in book honored by the American Marketing Association Foundation. Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago’s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace Jan 18, 2024 The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts. 'Jeopardy!' Invites Columbia College Chicago Staff Member Back a Second Time Jan 02, 2024 Andrew Whatley, Senior Director of Enrollment Marketing Communications, is BACK for a second time on Jeopardy! after making his first appearance on the show last year. Associate Professor in Communication Is Keynote Speaker at Fulbright Conference in Romania Nov 01, 2023 At the International Conference and Training on Digital and Media Education, Yonty Friesem discusses how Columbia students learn to identity misinformation. Columbia Associate Provost Editor of New Book on 'Desperately Seeking Susan' Director Susan Seidelman Sep 26, 2023 Film producer and feminist film festival co-founder Susan Kerns is editor of “ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman,” which includes Kerns’ interview with the director. Columbia Professor, Alum Explore Conversational AI in New Book Aug 16, 2023 Professor Laurence Minsky and Scot Westwater '99 delve into the evolving landscape of marketing, analyzing the power of Conversational AI in their new book. Corporate Collaboration Presents Students Opportunity to Bring Gift Bag Designs to Market Jul 31, 2023 Students at Columbia College Chicago learn the art and business of design thanks to partnership with gift bag seller and marketing firm. Columbia Faculty and Alum to Be Featured on ABC7 Chicago’s Juneteenth Special Jun 16, 2023 “Our Chicago: Freedom Music,” a celebration of freedom expressed through the music of Chicago’s Black community, will feature Adjunct Faculty Member Andre Daniels (aka Add-2) and Alum CaSera Heining ’17 (aka DJ Ca$h Era). Adjunct Faculty Member Ryan Black to Perform an Experimental Soundscape Jun 06, 2023 Performance artists Ryan Black and JaNae Contag will present “Temporal Biomes,” an original project commissioned by 150 Media Stream, on June 14 and 15 at 150 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago. Columbia Professor Gilbert Nominated for Tony Award May 25, 2023 Professor Heather Gilbert is nominated for second Tony in lighting design. Professor Susan Imus on the Therapeutic Impact of the Arts Apr 17, 2023 Columbia College Chicago Professor Susan Imus shares how the healing power of art and performance led to a fulfilling career with a global impact. Professor Stephen Asma Launches Podcast 'Chinwag' With Actor Paul Giamatti Apr 10, 2023 Columbia Professor Stephen Asma partners with actor Paul Giamatti to dive into world of oddities in “Chinwag.” Columbia Faculty Reveal Keys to the Trade in New Book on Music Marketing Apr 03, 2023 How experience and partnership inspired two BUSE faculty members to write the book they wished they saw in the world. HHHS Associate Professor Publishes Book Decades in the Making Apr 03, 2023 Columbia College Chicago History, Humanities, and Social Sciences Associate Professor Rami Gabriel’s new book “A Suspicious Science” was published by Oxford University Press. Assistant Professor Dave Pabellon on Design, Equity, and Communities of Protest Mar 13, 2023 Why leaning into connections and fostering relationships is more important than ever. Adams Brings Journalism Skills to ECW Classroom Mar 06, 2023 Journalist and new English and Creative Writing faculty member Joshua Adams follows his passions for teaching, writing to the Columbia College Chicago classroom. New Faculty Member Brings Expertise in Virtual Production to Columbia Mar 06, 2023 Associate Professor James Brust joins Columbia to equip students with in-demand skills in virtual production and emerging technologies. Trip to Ghana Emphasizes Importance of Music, Culture, and Connection Feb 27, 2023 Associate Professors Robert Hanserd and Rami Gabriel visited Ghana as part of their collaborative research on culture, identity, and diaspora. Instructor and Alum Vanessa Wright '02 on Filmmaking, Marketing, and Success at Cannes Feb 20, 2023 How intention and community led to a life of advocacy and change-making. Ellen Winters Reynolds' Second Act as Professional Vocalist and Teacher Feb 20, 2023 A love of music leads to a life-changing career shift for Ellen Winters Reynolds, an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago. CTVA Associate Professor to Discuss Her New Book on Diverse Screenwriting at the Chicago Cultural Center Feb 13, 2023 Associate Professor Karla Rae Fuller will read from her latest book “Do the Right Thing: Five Screenplays That Embrace Diversity.” Advertising Innovator Brings His Passion for Branded Entertainment to Columbia Feb 13, 2023 Assistant Professor Tom Eslinger pitches branded entertainment to Columbia students. HHSS Associate Professor Co-Authors Groundbreaking Book 'Five Hundred African Voices' Feb 13, 2023 Associate Professor Robert Hanserd explores previously unknown African slave ship survivor tales in “Five Hundred African Voices.” Columbia Journalism Professor to Discuss Documentary with Pulitzer Prize Winner in D.C. Feb 06, 2023 “Morocco, Morocco” was directed by Associate Professor Jackie Spinner and funded in part by Columbia College Chicago. Chicago Reporter Names Hugo Balta Executive Editor Feb 06, 2023 Adjunct faculty member and Columbia parent Hugo Balta hopes new role at "The Chicago Reporter" brings opportunities to Columbia students. Fashion Studies Associate Professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc Pushes Boundaries Jan 30, 2023 Trained as an architect, Columbia College Chicago’s Justin Dougan-LeBlanc takes on challenges in both fashion and art. The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago Announces Interim Director Jan 06, 2023 Meredith Sutton will become the interim director of the Dance Presenting Series. Singer and Music Instructor G. Thomas Allen Celebrates Second GRAMMY Nominated Project Nov 21, 2022 “When you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work,” says Allen. Animation Offers Unexpected Professional Opportunities for Assistant Professor John Losacco Nov 21, 2022 New full-time faculty member John Losacco worked as an arcade game animator for years before realizing that teaching animation could be just as fun. To Be Replaced Faculty Listing A comprehensive directory of full- and part-time faculty for each school. Audio and Music Business and Entrepreneurship Communication and Culture Design Fashion Film and Television Theatre and Dance Visual Arts