Posted on Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The Broadcasting Education Association (BEA) nationally recognized Westminster College among its Top 100 Schools for 2026.
The rankings are based on the quality and consistency of student creative work. Entries are evaluated against submissions from colleges and universities nationwide during the BEA Festival of Media Arts through a blind-juried process conducted by academic and industry professionals from across the U.S.
“These rankings reflect the quality work our students produce every day,” said Brad Weaver, lecturer of broadcasting and sports communications. “Competing alongside much larger universities shows that our emphasis on hands-on learning and cross-training that is preparing students to succeed in today's media environment."
Schools may submit their content in a variety of multimedia categories, including audio, documentary, film and video, interactive multimedia and emerging technologies, news, scriptwriting and sports.
“The rankings show how smaller schools like Westminster produce high-quality work and opportunities for students,” said Keith Corso, assistant professor of communication. “I firmly believe that as a smaller school, our students have unique experiences that are harder to find at larger institutions.”
Weaver and Corso also presented research at the BEA conference held in April in Las Vegas.
Corso shared his work “Social Media Content Distribution Framework: From Pillar to Multi-Platform Strategy” as part of a panel discussion examining how social media can be used to promote student media productions.
“The content of this presentation should serve as a practical way for students to think about how they use social media to promote their work and the work of the School of Communication. The plan is to integrate this information into a practical class in digital and social strategy this fall,” said Corso.
Corso has been a member of the Westminster faculty since 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westminster, a master’s degree from the University of Akron and a Ph.D. from Capella University.
Weaver presented “Student Media at Liberal Arts Colleges: Opportunities, Challenges and Unique Student-Centered Experiences—The Relevance of Well-Rounded Student Media.” His presentation focused on Westminster's converged newsroom model and the importance of cross-training students across multiple forms of digital media production.
“My presentation focused on how giving students experience on multiple platforms and cross-training them in digital media helps prepare them for today's media industry, where adaptability is increasingly important,” Weaver said. “While technology continues to change, the ability to communicate, collaborate and tell stories across formats remains essential.”
Weaver joined the Westminster faculty in 2000. He received a bachelor’s degree from Alderson-Broaddus University, a master of science degree from the University of Kansas and a master of education degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
To learn more about Westminster’s School of Communication visit www.westminster.edu/communication.
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By Kristen Aleprete
Kristen Aleprete is a staff writer in Westminster College’s Office of Marketing and Communication.
