BEA2026: Full Schedule

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12:00pm PDT

Service Learning & Community Engagement Division Meeting & Showcase

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom. Join us to share ideas that connect students, communities, and media practice.

Meet with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Erika Grodzki, Lynn University
Vice Chair: Chandra Clark, University of Alabama
Vice Chair: Kim Zarkin, Westminster University

This annual competition recognizes service learning and/or Community Engagement project samples from active faculty or Scholastic Highschool teacher participants that engage their students through community awareness, preservation, and heartfelt endeavors.
2026 Winner: Stacey O. Irwin, Millersville University of Pennsylvania; Project Green Lancaster

Moderators

Dr. Erika Grodzki

Professor, Lynn University

Speakers

Chandra Clark

Associate Professor, University of Alabama

Multimedia journalism educator, electronic news/broadcast producer for life, and community journalism advocate. The transition from professional newsroom and freelance producer/pr practitioner includes helping the public and educators understand the role of broadcast journalism in... Read More →

Stacey O. Irwin

Professor, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Current Alpha Epsilon Rho National Chair, Past President of the BEA Board of Directors (2022-23); past Convention Chair.

My most recent book is the textbook through Taylor & Francis titled Survey of Media: Screens, Sounds, Synergies. I also authored the Choice Review recommended D... Read More →

Kim Zarkin

Westminster University

Saturday April 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
W302

Service Learning & Community Engagement BEA

1:15pm PDT

Writing Division Division Meeting

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT

W302

Strong media begins with strong writing. Join us to talk about creativity, craft, and the evolving role of writing across platforms.

Connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Melissa Jackson, CloudCatcher Productions
Vice Chair: Leslie Kreiner Wilson, Pepperdine University
Paper Chair: Carey Martin, Liberty University

Moderators

Melissa Jackson

CloudCatcher Productions

Speakers

Carey Martin

Professor, Liberty University

screenwriting, directing, film & television history

Leslie Kreiner Wilson

Pepperdine University

Saturday April 18, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
W302

Writing, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

3:00pm PDT

Religion & Media Division - Division Meeting

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

W302

Media and faith intersect in complex and meaningful ways. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on the role of religion in media and culture.

At the Religion & Media Division meeting in Las Vegas you'll connect with colleagues, exchange new ideas, and help shape exciting initiatives for the coming year. These meetings are a welcoming space to build community, spark collaboration, and make your voice part of the conversation. Whether you’re a returning member or attending for the first time, this is a valuable opportunity to network with peers, share insights, and play an active role in your division’s future. We’d love to see you there.

Chair: Heather McLaughlin, Olivet Nazarene University
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Femi Folorunsho, Ball State University

Moderators

Heather McLaughlin

Chair, Assoc. Professor, Department of Communication, Olivet Nazarene University

I teach various hands-on courses in multimedia production, including non-linear editing, multimedia storytelling, corporate video production and studio production. I'm well-versed in Adobe Creative software products, various content management systems, and proficient in the operation... Read More →

Speakers

Femi Folorunsho

Ball State University

A dynamic professional with expertise in digital communication, data science, and content marketing and management. My passion lies at the intersection of media, culture, and performance, where I leverage my diverse skills to drive impactful results. With a keen understanding of gender... Read More →

Saturday April 18, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
W302

Religion & Media, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

4:15pm PDT

Religion & Media Division - Top Research Presentations

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

W302

Moderator: Heather McLaughlin, Olivet Nazarene University

Debut Competition
1st Place: Maurice N. Emelu, John Carroll University; Formation at the Frontier: Pope Leo XIV Discourse on AI and Digital Media,

2nd Place: Heba Abd El Fattah Ashour, The American University in Cairo; Exploring the Role of Religious Media in Shaping Public Perceptions towards Climate Change in Egypt

Open Paper Competition
Steve Perry, Regent University; “Memoriam” Listings Reveal Issues of Professional Access, Life Expectancy, and Mobility for Nazarene Women Clergy

Moderators

Heather McLaughlin

Chair, Assoc. Professor, Department of Communication, Olivet Nazarene University

Speakers

Heba Ashour

The American University in Cairo

I am a lecturer and media professional with extensive experience spanning academia and the broadcasting industry. I specialize in teaching hands-on courses in digital journalism, including mobile journalism, shooting, reporting, voice-over, and scriptwriting. My academic work is complemented... Read More →

Steve Perry

Chair & Professor, Regent University

Long-time BEA member, former chair of the History Division and the Publication Committee.

Maurice N. Emelu

Associate Professor, John Carroll University

Director of the graduate program in digital marketing and communication strategy and associate professor of communication (digital media) at the Tim Russert Department of Communication, John Carroll University.

Saturday April 18, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
W302

Religion & Media, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory

12:00pm PDT

1:15pm PDT

3:00pm PDT

4:15pm PDT

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