EMU Today

 Watch new episode of EMU Today TV on the Eastern Michigan University YouTube channel

YPSILANTI  --  The latest episode of EMU Today TV features Eastern Michigan University's features a look at diversity and inclusion at Eastern Michigan and why Eastern’s diversity is a point of pride -- and a difference maker for students attending Eastern. The special guest is EMU Professor Devika Dibya Choudhuri, Ph. D., Chair for the Eastern Michigan President's Commission for Diversity and Inclusion.

The program also provides an inside and behind the scenes look at the production process involved in putting Eastern on the national stage with sports broadcasts on ESPN. Many people don’t realize that athletic events televised from the Eastern’s Convocation Center are locally produced with extensive student involvement.  That’s thanks to a partnership between ESPN, EMU and the Mid-American Conference.  

In the third segment, viewers will meet Dr. Melody Werner, the EMU Title IX Coordinator. She leads the University’s wide-ranging efforts to ensure a learning and working environment free from gender-based discrimination or harassment. 

EMU Today TV appears on Xfinity On Demand and on the University’s YouTube channel. The half-hour program features positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern, and provides opportunities for viewers to learn more from EMU deans, faculty, students and administrators about activities at the University.

Co-hosts for the program are Sarah Poteracki, a senior double majoring in Electronic Media and Film Studies, and Entertainment Design and Technology; and, Mark S. Lee, host of CBS Radio’s Small Talk with Mark S. Lee. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus, and part time lecturer of Marketing at Eastern. He is an entrepreneur, Crain's Detroit blogger and frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics.

Natalia Escalante is a field reporter to provide coverage of events occurring on campus.

“EMU Today TV allows Eastern students to play an important role in helping share information about the many positive activities and people that make Eastern Michigan University a special place,” said Walter Kraft, vice president for communications. “In this fragmented media environment it is more important than ever for organizations and businesses to develop their own content on their own channels -- and EMU Today TV is an example of that. Additionally, Eastern students get the added media and production experience they can include on their resumes, helping them to great jobs once they graduate.”

In addition to viewing on the University's YouTube channel, the program airs on the following days/times through the month on Xfinity On Demand, beginning Thursday, January 17:

Thursdays @ 8:30 pm (Premier Day)

Saturdays @ 8:00 am

Sundays @ 10:30 am

Tuesdays @ 9:30 am

Wednesdays @ 4:00 pm

The program is directed by Keith Damron, associate professor of Electronic Media and Film Studies. During his career, Damron has worked as a production engineer and writer for E Entertainment Television, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers Animation. He has worked at Eastern since 2002.

Steve Martin, radio and TV engineer in the School of Communications, Media & Theatre Arts is chief engineer and responsible for set design.

Lewis Hershey, head of the department of marketing and professor of marketing in the University’s College of Business, and Walter Kraft, vice president for communications, are co-producers along with Lee, who originated the program concept.

New episodes of EMU Today will be produced monthly through March 2019 and available on Xfinity On Demand. Xfinity customers can access the program by the following: Using their remote press Xfinity>On Demand>XFINITY Services>Get Local. For non-Xfinity customers, all episodes also will be available on the Eastern Michigan University YouTube channel.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.