Lance Strate: Media Ecology | Professor at Fordham University, United States
Lance Strate is a distinguished scholar in the field of media ecology, bringing decades of academic leadership, research contributions, and teaching experience. Known for his deep explorations into how media and communication technologies shape human experience, Strate has influenced the study of communication by bridging historical perspectives with contemporary digital media landscapes. Currently a Professor at Fordham University in the Department of Communication and Media Studies, he has spent much of his career examining the nuanced relationships between media, culture, and consciousness. His work, spanning published books, articles, and public lectures, has significantly advanced media ecology, positioning him as a respected thought leader in the field.
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Education
Lance Strate’s educational background reflects his longstanding commitment to media studies and communication. He earned his PhD from New York University’s Department of Culture and Communication in 1991, presenting a dissertation that explored the intersection of media environments and hero archetypes. Prior to that, he completed his MA at Queens College, City University of New York, focusing on cultural hegemony and popular culture within scholastic publications. Strate’s academic journey began at Cornell University, where he obtained a BS in Communication Arts, setting the foundation for a robust academic and professional career. His educational path, from a BA in Communication Arts to a PhD in Culture and Communication, provided a solid grounding for his future contributions to media ecology.
Experience
Throughout his career, Strate has held numerous influential academic positions. Since joining Fordham University in 1989, he has progressed from instructor to tenured professor and has also held significant administrative roles, including Department Chair and Associate Chair. His leadership extended beyond Fordham, with appointments as a Chair Professor at Henan University in China and as the Harron Family Endowed Chair in Communication at Villanova University. He also served as Executive Director of the Institute of General Semantics, promoting media literacy and communication ethics. His international roles, including visiting professor positions and faculty seminars across North America and China, underscore his global impact in media ecology and communication studies.
Research Interest
Strate’s research interests encompass a broad yet interconnected spectrum within media ecology. His primary focus lies in understanding the impact of media technologies on cultural and cognitive development, a perspective influenced by figures such as Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman. His work explores themes of orality, literacy, digital environments, and the symbolic power of media in shaping societal norms. Additionally, Strate is known for investigating how communication technologies mediate human relationships, consciousness, and social systems. His research has resulted in numerous published works and collaborations that enhance the academic discourse surrounding the societal implications of media and technology.
Awards
Strate has received numerous awards in recognition of his scholarly achievements and service. His accolades include the J. Talbot Winchell Award for Service from the Institute of General Semantics (2022), the Distinguished Research Fellow Award from the Eastern Communication Association (2019), and the Marshall McLuhan Award for Outstanding Book from the Media Ecology Association (2018) for his work on “Media Ecology: An Approach to Understanding the Human Condition.” Other notable awards include the Walter J. Ong Award for Career Achievement in Scholarship and the Neil Postman Mentor Award, highlighting his dual impact as both a researcher and mentor. These honors underscore his dedication to advancing media ecology and supporting the next generation of scholars.
Publications
“Media Ecology: An Approach to Understanding the Human Condition” – Peter Lang, 2017; Cited by the Media Ecology Association.
“Amazing Ourselves to Death: Neil Postman’s Brave New World Revisited” – Peter Lang, 2014; Cited in Communication Research Trends.
“Echoes and Reflections: On Media Ecology as a Field of Study” – Hampton Press, 2006; Cited in the Journal of Communication Inquiry.
“Concerning Communication: Epic Quests and Lyric Excursions Within the Human Lifeworld” – Institute of General Semantics, 2022; Cited by the Institute of General Semantics.
“Diatribal Writes of Passage in a World of Wintertextuality” – Institute of General Semantics, 2020; Cited in Semiotica.
“The Many Meanings of THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE” – NeoPoiesis Press, in preparation; Anticipated citation in Media Ecology Review.
“Introdução à Ecologia das Mídias” – Edições Loyola/PUC-Rio, 2019; Cited by the Brazilian Communication Society.
Conclusion
Lance Strate’s career embodies a profound dedication to media ecology, marked by academic leadership, groundbreaking research, and impactful teaching. His work has provided insights into the critical roles of media and technology in shaping societal values, human interaction, and consciousness. As a mentor and advocate for media literacy, Strate has consistently enriched the lives of students and colleagues, making him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Media Ecology. His contributions not only advance theoretical understanding but also offer practical frameworks for engaging with the increasingly complex media landscape, making his scholarship invaluable in today’s digital age.