Faculty Profile: Robert Stiftinger

            This semester’s newest teaching Assistant for the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, is not exactly a stranger to the Fresno State Campus or even Fresno County.

          Born and raised in Fresno, Robert Stiftinger actually grew up in a house that is located on the same street that runs through the center of campus, Barton Avenue.

          Because of the close proximity to home, affordability, and the highly esteemed MCJ program, Stiftinger decided that he did not need to venture too far for college. He attended Fresno State where he received his bachelor’s in mass communication and Journalism with an emphasis in broadcast management in 1999 and will complete his master’s degree in the summer of 2006.

          In the fall semester of 2005, Stiftinger was the MCJ Department’s Graduate Assistant, assisting with MCJ 1.

          This semester, Stiffinger has two sections of MCJ 1 all on his own. Mass Communication and Society, which is a lower division course that MCJ students are required to take, but is also open to any student as a GE class.

          Elated to be starting his professional career at Fresno State, Stiftinger said he feels like he is finally doing something meaningful with his life. “My students are learning information previously unknown to them and will hopefully remember,” he said. “I want them to be informed and develop ideas and new opinions about the media.”

          “I am a Bulldog and hope to always be one. If the MCJ department will have me back I’d love to continue teaching here at Fresno State.”