Stephanie Thomas
2025 Recipient
Bio
Stephanie Swindle Thomas has made a career out of combining communications experience and multimedia skills with her passion for creativity and arts advocacy. Thomas joined the Department of Advertising/Public Relations with almost 20 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit communications roles. As a professor, she emphasizes experiential learning, emerging technology and engaged empathy. Above all, she values mentoring students and supporting their professional development. Thomas was a Multimedia Consultant for Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology, a participant in the IMEX VR Pilot Program, and the inaugural faculty member for the Dreamery Classroom Pilot Program.
Campus: University Park
Impact Statement
Not only has TLT provided me with the opportunity to teach in one of their spaces, but they have also supported me with workshop facilitation in everything from Virtual Reality to Adobe Express. My class recorded presentations in the One Button Studio, learned best practices for using Adobe software for creative projects, and gained technological empathy with the help of their Impact Deck activity. Most of all, TLT supported my efforts to bring AI into the classroom in a meaningful and positive way.
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So many of my students are preparing to graduate and enter a field that is being revolutionized by AI. While that feels daunting, having Ryan Wetzel (TLT Associate Director, Creative Learning Initiatives) as a guest speaker and his team as a resource made all the difference. Students realized how AI could streamline their workflow, serve as a brainstorming partner, and even help them prototype their projects, all while learning ethical best practices. Their enhanced familiarity and confidence with AI have already led to internship opportunities and job placement.
Thanks to TLT’s unwavering support, I also received honorable mention for the 20th Annual AEJMC (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication) Best Practices in Teaching Competition (AEJMC) and will present my submission, at the national conference in August. The 2025 Theme: “Leading in Times of Momentous Change: Individual and Collective Opportunities” encouraged topics related to the ethical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging media technologies (such as AR/VR) within media disciplines, particularly with approaches that prepare students to navigate and influence these changes both individually and collectively, fostering adaptability, critical thinking, and leadership.
Most of all, it means so much to be recognized for doing what I love, while spending time with some of my favorite people.
Programs and Events
Through collaboration, creativity and a commitment to ethical AI practices, TLT empowers the Penn State community to embrace AI confidently—shaping the future of teaching and learning with enthusiasm and purpose.
IMPACT is an exploratory, card-based game that aims to introduce students, faculty and staff of all ages and backgrounds to a wide variety of situations in which established and emerging technologies impact society.