Clark Atlanta University (CAU) has paved the way for inclusivity and representation within the motion picture and television engineering industry by becoming the first historically black college or university (HBCU) to establish a student chapter of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Dr. Michele Wright, an HBCU alum herself as a Tuskegee University grad, and the larger SMPTE team—including President Renard Jenkins, Executive Director David Grindle, and Membership Director Zandra Clark — on dynamic projects to foster student success and professional sustainability,” Dr. Brian Bentley, assistant professor and associate dean of arts and sciences at Clark Atlanta University, told the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers.
The formation of this SMPTE chapter is in line with the university’s long-standing tradition of addressing underrepresentation and fostering leadership among its student population. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, this SMPTE student chapter at CAU stands to be a vital component in readying students for a competitive field that benefits from diverse perspectives.
“The SMPTE Student Chapter at CAU is a tremendous addition to our stellar group of chapters across the world,” Michele Wright, SMPTE Director of Business Development and Outreach, said in a statement. Wright emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting that while the university community gains access to a wealth of industry knowledge and connections, SMPTE will benefit from the university’s research initiatives and student involvement. Additionally, the partnership will apparently take solid form with CAU playing host to the landmark 2024 Power of Color Symposium, a unique SMPTE event that dives into the portrayal of diverse colors and human features in visual entertainment mediums.
