<p>As the associate dean of the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/center-for-publishing-writing-and-media.html" title="Center for Publishing, Writing and Media">Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media</a> at NYU SPS, Andrea Chambers oversees programs that focus on a diverse range of disciplines including publishing, language, writing, storytelling, and media. The Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media is home to three graduate degrees: the MS in Publishing, the MS in Professional Writing, and the MS in Translation and Interpreting, along with numerous continuing education courses and certificates. With a deep-rooted passion for publishing and media, Chambers brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media stays at the forefront of these rapidly changing industries.</p>
Chambers' Mark on the Industry
<p>Chambers' path to publishing began with a love for reading, writing, and the arts. Like many students in the MS in Publishing program, she was an English major eager to build a career around her passions. An early role as a film reviewer and an MS in Communications set the foundation for a thriving career in media. </p>
<p>Moving to New York, Chambers began her professional life as a researcher, writer, and editor for TIME Magazine. For over 25 years, she held executive positions in books, magazines, and digital media, including serving as vice president and executive editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons, now Penguin Random House. These experiences solidified her place in the industry and sparked an entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to create a study center for high school students focused on literature and writing.</p>
<p>Now, as the leader of the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media, Chambers finds joy in imparting her passion for publishing, writing, language, and media to students. "I can't tell you how happy it makes me at this point in my career to impart that passion for publishing, writing, language and media to our students," she shares.</p>
Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
<p>Guiding the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media’s programs to remain relevant and innovative requires a strong focus on industry trends and faculty expertise. Chambers emphasizes the importance of expanding classroom walls and engaging students with real-world experiences. "Emerging media is a priority for all our programs," she explains. The curriculum includes a new continuing education certificate in Communications and AI, complemented by several AI workshops.</p>
<p>For Chambers, industry involvement in the learning process is key. Publishing students have participated in industry visits each semester for over 15 years, meeting with leadership teams at book publishing houses, digital, and magazine media businesses. Guest speakers from various sectors regularly share their perspectives in the classroom, providing valuable networking opportunities and industry insights.</p>
We also make sure that the publishing professors, and all our professors, bring in guest speakers on a regular basis to share new and different perspectives, provide networking opportunities, and help transport the industry into the classroom.
Fostering Global Perspectives
<p>With NYU's global reach, the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media places a strong emphasis on cross-border communication and cultural awareness. Chambers and her team actively pursue international experiences for students. Annelise Finegan, academic director of the MS in Translation and Interpreting program at NYU SPS, recently took students to Valencia, Spain, for the annual Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) conference. She also plans to involve students in the upcoming conference in Montréal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the MS in Professional Writing program partnered with the United Nations, allowing students to contribute to the creation of an inclusive style guide and digital toolkit. Continuing education academic director Jenny McPhee is also taking students on a Global Field Intensive to Buenos Aires, focusing on literary translation and Latin American publishing. The MS in Publishing program has established long-standing relationships with international book fairs, providing students with volunteer opportunities at renowned events like the London Book Fair and Frankfurt Book Fair.</p>
Exploration and Innovation as Guilding Principles
<p><span class="p-body">Chambers envisions continued growth for the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media by hosting conferences and events that establish the center as a leading hub for publishing, writing, translation, and media. She is excited about initiatives such as the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/center-for-publishing-writing-and-media/2024-api-program-highlights.html" title="NYU Advanced Publishing Institute (API)">NYU Advanced Publishing Institute (API)</a>, a reimagining of the iconic publishing course at Yale University. The API “launched to great acclaim last January, and will return for a second year January 6–10, 2025."</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">For Chambers, success in publishing requires exploration and keeping an open mind. She advises students to take advantage of every opportunity and resource available through SPS. "While I commend those who arrive with a firmly fixed academic plan, I also applaud those who want to explore, find what resonates with them, and let their career take shape over time," she concludes.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">The world of publishing is waiting for you. Step into the center of it all when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html" target="_blank" title="MS in Publishing">MS in Publishing</a> from the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media at NYU SPS.</span></p>