Robin Forman Howard Is Appointed Director Of Syracuse University Los Angeles Semester Program

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A veteran film and television producer, Syracuse alumna and professor, Robin Forman Howard has begun her new position as the director of Syracuse University's Los Angeles Academic Semester Program (SULA Semester).

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Howard's entertainment career has spanned more than 25 years, culminating with her role as president of Spring Creek Television, where she served as executive producer of HBO's Iron Jawed Angels, a film about the women's suffrage movement. The movie, starring Hilary Swank and Angelica Huston, was nominated for Emmy, Golden Globe, and Humanitas awards.

When asked about the connection between filmmaking and her new position as the director of the SULA Semester, Howard notes, "The producer on a movie has to start with an overall creative vision for a project and then provide the leadership necessary to execute that vision. Running the SULA Semester requires those same skills. Our vision for the SULA Semester is to produce students who excel academically and are committed to the highest level of professional and social engagement. We work closely with everyone on campus to execute that vision every day."

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Howard received a master's degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, which she attended on a teaching fellowship. In recent years, Howard has worked as an adjunct professor for the SULA Semester. 

"The time I spent in Syracuse opened the door to the world of possibilities, and gave me the courage to drive across the country to L.A. with little money and no contacts. Syracuse will always be in my heart and that's why I welcomed the opportunity to teach for the newly formed SULA Semester program four years ago. To now step into the director's position is a real honor. I'm very excited to be able to give back to the school that gave me so much."

Newhouse School Dean Lorraine Branham notes, "I really feel that we hit the trifecta with Robin. First, she's an alumna of the Newhouse School and has deep affection for her alma mater. Secondly, she is also a wonderful teacher who understands the program because she's been involved since its inception. Lastly, she has an impressive professional background and extensive industry contacts, which will serve our students well. She's a wonderful addition to SULA Semester, and will build upon the program's success in a way that will take us to the next level."  

When asked about the unique opportunities that the SULA Semester experience offers, Howard adds, "Our students have interacted with high-profile alumni, including Aaron Sorkin, Rob Light, Jason Blumenthal, Doug Robinson, Brian Frons, and Diane Nelson. Our professors have had long and illustrious careers in the entertainment industry, and bring to class a variety of practical and professional experiences. The students also have the opportunity to try their hand at living and working in Los Angeles with a support system in place to help them."

SULA Semester program: www.lasemester.syr.edu  

SOURCE Syracuse University