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Miami Dade College (MDC) Professor Billy Oliver, a two-time Endowed Teaching Chair and distinguished faculty member in the School of Entertainment & Design Technology (SEDT), has been selected as one of 18 educators nationwide to receive the prestigious Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship from the Television Academy Foundation. This honor recognizes outstanding media educators who are making a lasting impact on the next generation of storytellers and television professionals.
“Professor Oliver embodies Miami Dade College’s spirit of innovation and excellence,” said Fermín Vázquez, President of MDC North Campus. “His selection as an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellow not only celebrates his extraordinary dedication to student success but also shines a national spotlight on the caliber of our talented faculty and innovative programs.”
A veteran educator and TV Production faculty leader, Professor Oliver has dedicated over 26 years to inspiring students to create powerful, community-driven media content that reflects diverse voices and perspectives. His contributions have helped position MDC as a hub for student-centered, industry-informed storytelling.
“Billy Oliver’s impact on media education at MDC has been transformative,” said Dr. Barry Gordon, Chair of SEDT. “This fellowship is a fitting recognition of his leadership, creativity, and commitment to ensuring our students have access to industry-standard experiences that prepare them for thriving careers in television and digital production.”
Named in honor of the late Alex Trebek, beloved Jeopardy! host, the fellowship provides full travel and admission to the 2025 Media Educators Conference in North Hollywood, California this month. The conference connects faculty from across the country with leading Hollywood executives, creatives, and innovators through cutting-edge panels and workshops exploring the future of television and media.
The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship supports faculty from minority-serving institutions and community colleges, helping bridge the gap between academia and the entertainment industry. Professor Oliver joins an elite cohort of fellows from across the nation who will engage in high-level discussions and bring new strategies and technologies back to their classrooms.
For more information about the School of Entertainment & Design Technology please visit www.mdc.edu/sedt.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
