VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Henry Zhang: Syracuse university, a school most notable for its media and business programs is stepping into the world of creators. Tonight, students, alumni and faculty gathered for a special event at Whitman that celebrated the launch of the Creator Economy Center at Syracuse University.
Mark Lodato, the Dean of the Newhouse School spoke to NCC News about why he thinks now is the time to capitalize on this partnership with Whitman to enter the creator space.
Mark Lodato: Well of course we want to give all our students the best edge possible when it comes to graduation and being able to seize that next opportunity, and this is really a transformational time in communications and as it intersects with business and we see this multi-billion dollar economy coming to life so we want to make sure that we were bringing everything to our students so they can chart their own careers.
Zhang: The new creator economy Center will utilize Newhouse’s expertise in storytelling and production in conjunction with Whitman’s specialty in branding and business strategy.
And Whitman Dean Alexander McKelvie says the marriage in skills and resource between the two schools is what creates the excitement behind this partnership.
Alexander Mckelvie: So I think our partnership with Newhouse is amazing. We’re really proud to partner with them, the number one school in communications in the country. And I think this partnership really brings together the best of both worlds, which is leveraging the content, the creation, the production, the media side which is what Newhouse brings to the table, but for success in the creator economy you also need to have the business acumen. With us the marketing, analytics, entrepreneurship, etc.
Zhang: For student creators like Alex Cai, he says programs like this help him learn more about the industry and also allows him to learn things that are tailored to his personal projects outside to his normal classes and he is excited for the opportunity to work in the Creator Economy space.
Alex Cai: Since I create content myself, and I’m working with brands as well, this is definitely like a way to like learn more about how I can get better at doing that and also just like learn more about the industry because I feel like in my current classes they’re not really as catered towards that but with this curriculum from this creator economy, that helps a lot.
Zhang: And the festivities for the Creator Economy continues with the creator con held at Whitman and Newhouse from 9-5 p.m. students and creators alike can participate in workshops in both buildings. Reporting from Syracuse University my name is Henry Zhang. NCC News
Aerial photo of Syracuse University’s campus in the spring. © 2025 Syracuse University
SYRACUSE N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Syracuse University, a school known for its prestige in media and business programs is stepping into the world of digital creation. Students, alumni and faculty gathered at the Whitman School of Management to celebrate the launch of the new Creator Economy Center.
The digital creation space is aimed to help students develop and connect with tools, alumni and other creator essentials to elevate their production skills in conjunction with business strategies that help them monetize their content.
“This is a transformational time in communications as it intersects with business, and we see this multi-billion dollar economy coming to life,” says Lodato. “We want to give our students everything so they can chart their own careers.”
Similarily, Dean Alexander McKelvie of Whitman also expressed his excitement about this partnership.
“This partnership brings together the best of both worlds,” McKelvie said, “The creation, production and media expertise from Newhouse, and the business acumen from Whitman in marketing, analytics and entrepreneurship.”
Student creators like Alex Cai believes that this program can offer unique courses and training that aligns with his career goals and content focus. In which he can connect with like-minded people to enhance his learning experience at Syracuse.
“Since I create content myself and I’m working with brands, this is a way to learn how to get better at that and understand the industry,” Cai said, “My current classes are always tailored towards my career goals… but the creator economy helps a lot”
For information on the new Creator Economy space visit the Syracuse Creator Economy website to learn more.