BEA2026: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Meaningful change begins with inclusive dialogue. Come be part of a conversation centered on representation, equity, and diverse voices in media.

Join the Multicultural Studies Division meeting in Las Vegas to 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: Marquita Smith, University of Mississippi
Vice Chair/Paper Competition Chair: Tisha Mays, University of Toledo

Moderators

Marquita Smith

Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research, University of Mississippi

Speakers

Tisha Mays

Assistant Professor, University of Toledo

Tisha Mays is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Communication at the University of Toledo. She teaches a variety of courses including Audio Production I, Audio Production |I, Podcasting, Introduction to Social Media, and Communication Principles and Practices. In addition... Read More →

Sunday April 19, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
W313

Multicultural Studies, Business/District Meeting | BEA, Business/District Meeting

11:30am PDT

DEI Under Scrutiny: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in an AI Society

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

W304

As artificial intelligence reshapes media industries and higher education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing political and legal challenges. This panel examines how DEI commitments are being tested across academia and industry, with attention to curriculum design, hiring practices, and evolving uses of AI. Panelists will share strategies for navigating contested definitions of diversity while preparing for a future where equity and technology intersect.
Moderator: Ryoya Terao, New York City College of Technology
Panelists: John J. Gallagher, Borough of Manhattan Community College
Kris Vera-Phillips, Southern Methodist University
Brittney Nix-Crawford, University of North Carolina Charlotte

Moderators

Ryoya Terao

Professor, New York City College of Technology

I am a documentary filmmaker and professor in the Entertainment Technology program at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) in Brooklyn. My films focus on human stories, historical memory, and social issues, and have been broadcast on NHK and PBS. I am currently developing a... Read More →

Speakers

John J. Gallagher

Director, Borough of Manhattan Community College

Brittney Nix-Crawford

Lecturer Professor of Communication Studies and Journalism, University of North Carolina Charlotte

Kris Vera-Phillips

Southern Methodist University

Sunday April 19, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W304

Multicultural Studies, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | AI Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

3:15pm PDT

Multicultural Division - Top Research Presentation

Sunday April 19, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

W305

Moderator: Tisha Mays, University of Toledo

Open Paper Competition
Open 1st Place: Mahitab Ezz El Din, Linnaeus University; Quran Burning Crisis: A Critical Discourse Analysis Study on the Coverage of Arab and Swedish News Media

Stephanie A. Longo, Penn State Scranton; Authentic Storytelling and the Future of Diasporic Tourism Marketing: The Italian American Experience

David Shabazz, Kentucky State University; Theon Greyjoy as a Symbol of African American Oppression: A Fantasy Theme Analysis

Moderators

Tisha Mays

Assistant Professor, University of Toledo

Speakers

David Shabazz

Associate Professor, Kentucky State University

Greetings colleagues,
I'm an associate professor of journalism at Kentucky State University. I teach broadcasting, photography and sports communication classes.

Stephanie A. Longo

Assistant professor, corporate communication, Penn State Scranton

I am an extremely knowledgeable, dynamic multilingual Communications Professor respected for 10 years leveraging traditional and alternative delivery methods to provide instruction and mentoring in student-centered environments. I have a proven track record utilizing applied industry... Read More →

Mahitab Ezz El Din

Associate Professor, Linnaeus University, Sweden

Sunday April 19, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
W305

Multicultural Studies, Research/Theory | BEA, Research/Theory

4:30pm PDT

Mas Que Palabras: Navigating the Future, Promise, and Pressure of Bilingual Media

Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

W303

This panel examines the evolving landscape of Spanish-language media and its impact on higher education. Panelists will explore industry shifts, curriculum adaptation, financial pressures including federal funding cuts, and the growing scrutiny of bilingual offerings. They will discuss strategies to balance innovation, accountability, and community impact while preparing students and organizations to navigate rapidly changing industry, cultural, and financial realities.

Moderator: Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz, Pima Community College
Panelists: Glenda R. Balas, University of North Texas - Dallas
Jennifer Meadows, Chico State University
Raul Aguirre, REA Media Group

Moderators

Terry Filipowicz

Pima Community College

Teresa (Terry) Filipowicz has been a Teamwork and Leadership in Small Groups Online Course Subject Matter Expert, Computer Information Systems Artificial Intelligence Course Development Team Member, Artificial Intelligence Governance Council Member and part of the Business and Industry... Read More →

Speakers

Jennifer Meadows

Professor, Chico State University

Jennifer Meadows is a Professor of Media Arts in the Media Arts, Design, and Technology Department at California State University, Chico. She is the 2025-2026 BEA President. Her research and teaching focuses on communication technology, emerging technologies, diversity and inclusion... Read More →

Glenda Balas

Professor, University of North Texas - Dallas

Dr. Glenda Balas is a Professor in Communication and Technology at the University of North Texas at Dallas. She was formerly Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UNT Dallas; Professor and Chair of the Communication and Journalism Department at the University of New Mexico; and Chair... Read More →

Raul Aguirre

REA Media Group

Sunday April 19, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
W303

Multicultural Studies, Other | BEA, Other

9:00am PDT

11:30am PDT

3:15pm PDT

4:30pm PDT

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