Week of December 15

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the final CHDCM Dean’s newsletter of the Fall, 2025 semester! I know that every one of you is wrapped up in the work of the end of the semester (or, perhaps, looking ahead to Winter or Spring courses), but I hope that this email will provide you a good excuse to step back for a few minutes and catch up on the amazing work that is being done by the people of CHDCM!

As Hanukkah begins, I wish you all the warmth, closeness, and peace of this holiday and those yet to come, including Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year! Though it’s true every year, I especially wish this for you all right now—since the news is filled with tragedy, here and across the globe. As our hearts go out to all those suffering and affected by violence, I hope that, throughout the break, you are able to create moments of community, family, friendship, and love…moments that will help carry you through the cold days of winter that are already here, and those that are (likely) yet to come!

We will return in January with our first newsletter of the Spring, 2026, semester. And—speaking of the Spring semester—if you are a CHDCM student and you haven’t registered yet for your classes, now is a great time to do so! As we finish up the finals for fall, don’t miss the chance to add the classes you want and need for next semester!

Dr. Bryan Crable
Founding Dean

David Backer, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Dr. David Backer who, as part of CHDCM's Book Launch Series, discussed his new book, published on December 2, 2025, As Public as Possible: Radical Finance for America's Public Schools. At the event, participants engaged in conversation about the past, present, and future of school finance.

Sadia Cheema, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Dr. Sadia Ehsan Cheema on the publication of her latest co-authored article, Digitally Constructing Marginalized Neurodivergence: Understanding South Asian Diaspora on TikTok. This important piece, published in Social Media + Society, examines how neurodivergence is digitally shaped and represented within South Asian diaspora communities on TikTok.

Daniel Moore, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Moore who recently presented two sessions at the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in Denver: “‘Catching Up’ on Critical Consciousness, Pluralism, and Student Voice in English Language Arts Classrooms” and “Leading Teachers and Students in World-Building and Assessment Advocacy.” Both sessions explored culturally responsive approaches to literacy assessment.

Jess Rauchberg, Ph.D.

Congratulations to Dr. Jess Rauchberg for being featured in Yahoo News for her expert insights on influencer culture and the rise of TikTok star-turned-actor Noah Beck. In the interview, Dr. Rauchberg discusses how Beck’s carefully curated “soft boy–next-door” persona and visual branding contribute to his digital influence and career trajectory. She highlights the evolving role of models and creators in online culture, but also broader ideas about identity and self-presentation.

CHDCM Student Ambassadors

CHDCM Ambassadors are a distinguished group of student leaders who represent various departments and co-curricular areas in the College and Seton Hall University. During undergraduate prospective and admitted student events, CHDCM Ambassadors engage with visiting families by sharing their student experiences, offering advice and answering questions.

Want to learn more? Visit our website to Meet Our CHDCM Student Ambassadors!

If you are interested in joining next academic year, or have any questions, feel free to reach out to CHDCM@shu.edu.

Chris Heite  '28

Chris Heite is a sophomore visual and sound media major with a focus in sports media, who is the Station Manager at WSOU 89.5 FM. One of his biggest accomplishments was being elected station manager. As station manager, Chris is in charge of the over staff, and oversees the day-to-day operations, which is run by a student management board. In addition, he is in charge of the entry level course, where he welcomes and teaches all potential and new staff. Besides his work as station manager, Chris is a DJ and a sportscaster at the station.

One of his favorite things to do at WSOU is to host a specialty show named, For the Record. This show in particular highlights the best in underground 70s rock and has a segment where live vinyl records are played on the air, which is something you don’t see in modern radio. He has a passion for music from the past, which helps in the overall production of the weekly show (10 PM - 12 AM, every Monday). Besides his work at the station, Chris also enjoys playing the guitar and attending Seton Hall sporting events. He hopes to pursue a career in the field of media/radio, and has had no better experience than what he’s had in his time here at The Hall and WSOU.

End-of-Semester All-Staff Meeting
WSOU concluded the semester with its all-staff meeting, during which station members reviewed key accomplishments, received important announcements, and prepared for upcoming spring initiatives.

Basketball Broadcast Crews Hit the Road
WSOU’s sports broadcast crews continued their semester coverage by traveling to Kansas and North Carolina to report on Seton Hall basketball. These assignments allowed students to gain hands-on experience in remote sports broadcasting while representing the station on the road.

Jesse Mead ’02 Leads Imaging & Production Workshop
WSOU hosted alumnus Jesse Mead ’02—Production Director at Hot 97 (97.1 FM) and WBLS (107.5 FM)—for an Imaging and Production Workshop. Mead provided industry insights, guided students through editing and imaging tasks, and demonstrated how production techniques shape a station’s sound. He has served as a long-time mentor to WSOU’s student Production Directors. 

WSOU Station Manager Nominated for ISBC Student Broadcasting Award
WSOU station manager Chris Heite received a nomination from the International Student Broadcasting Championship (ISBC) in recognition of his leadership and contributions to student broadcasting. Way to go!

Student Volunteer Opportunity for NJYS Awards Celebration
NJ Youth Soccer is looking for student volunteers for the NJYS Awards Celebration at the American Dream Mall on February 1, 2026 from 12pm - 6pm. Gain hands-on experience in Event Operations, Media Operations, Broadcasting, Photography and Social Content. Volunteers will receive a stipend and NJYS swag! If you are interested, complete the interest form or feel free to contact christine@njyouthsoccer.com. 

CHDCM’s OCOE Event Spotlights Mental Health Advocacy
As part of the monthlong One College, One Exhibition initiative, the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) welcomed proud alum Emmanuel Mercedes, Ph.D. to discuss immigration, trauma, and mental health advocacy.

ELMP Ed.D. Alumnus Begins Peace Corps Service in Ghana
James Weidenborner Ed.D. ‘18 has been accepted into the Peace Corps and will begin his service as a Deaf education volunteer in Ghana, where he will work with local educators.

Speech and Debate Students Honor Dorothy Day’s Message
On October 29, the Brownson Speech and Debate Team and the ICR hosted the final event celebrating the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media’s One College, One Exhibition Initiative.

Truth-Telling and the Olympics
As part of the monthlong One College, One Exhibition initiative, NBC Sports executive and CHDCM Professional-in-Residence Amy Rosenfeld joined BJ Schecter, Executive Director of the Center for Sports Media, to discuss athletes’ use of the Olympics to advocate for change.

ESPN’s President of Content Offers Advice for Students
At a recent event, Burke Magnus spoke on ESPN’s recent deals with the WWE and NFL Network, and the importance of being open to opportunity.

SHU Alumna Making a Meaningful Impact at St. John’s
Seton Hall alumna Lucy A. Pesce has been honored by Depaul USA with the Dax Champion Award for her outstanding commitment to service and mission-driven leadership. As Executive Director for Mission Initiatives at St. John’s University, Pesce continues to make an impact through her dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and fostering compassionate change.

Admission is always free to Seton Hall Theatre productions on the night of the event. Registration for performances at SOPAC is recommended. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is located downtown at One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079. For more information on SOPAC, visit www.sopacnow.org.

Stay tuned for the updated Spring 2026 calendar!

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