Chris Strobel has been involved in the media for decades and now uses experiences from his time in the industry to teach the next generation of filmmakers. Strobel, an Electronic Media & Broadcasting (EMB) professor at Northern Kentucky University, began his journey into the classroom with a desire to leave a lasting impact through his work. 

“I wanted to make a difference in the world,” he said.

At first, Strobel thought to make an impact in physics, but a life-changing diagnosis shifted his focus towards media work.

“I got cancer at 17, and then decided to get into media because of going to movies with my friends,” he said.

Strobel grew up in a home surrounded by science, but over time he developed an interest outside of traditional scientific studies. 

“My dad was a chemist, but I was drawn to the light and sound aspects,” he said.

He brought his interest in media elements into teaching, getting a media degree from American University to prepare him for the classroom, where he now enjoys working with students at NKU.

“I got the degree I needed to teach at a place that was right for me and [that] gave me the opportunity to deepen my skills,” he said.

Strobel has faced challenges during his time in the film industry, mainly dealing with setbacks from crew members.

“The biggest challenge I faced was working with a crew from LA that had an ego,” he said.

He was able to navigate this challenge by focusing on the end goal.

“I also had an ego, but I understood that it was important for me to fulfill my role,” Strobel said.

When he started his career, Strobel didn’t know all of the basics.

“There are things I wished I knew more about, lens, lighting, those technical skills and business practices,” Strobel said.

Although he has worked on many projects, one in particular stands out.

“My favorite is a winter film called ‘Sphragida.’ We were able to film it in Cincinnati and Denver at the same time, which was a fun experience,” he said.

Strobel continues to work with the changing world of technology constantly adapting his expertise and teaching styles for his students.

“The technology is just amazing in how it has evolved and the distribution because everyone has a playback device in their pocket,” he said.

Throughout his career, Strobel has had many successes, but he values one particular accomplishment more than any award or trophy.

“We have graduates making a living supporting their dreams and families all across the world,” he said. 

Strobel offers one piece of advice to his students, hoping they carry it with them beyond the classroom.

“Do good work, do good in technical quality and the story you are trying to tell,” he said.

During his time at NKU, Strobel has also left an impression on his colleagues.

“Chris brings a unique perspective to work, whether that is a creative project or a faculty meeting,” said Aaron Zlatkin, a visiting assistant professor in the media and journalism department.

He praised Strobel’s understanding of the needs of both the students and the university. 

“He understands the technological and infrastructure needs of our students and the college, but his views are always rooted in the human and what can make us better,” Zlatkin said.

Strobel has a different approach to storytelling, Zlatkin said.

“The stories that I have worked on with Chris almost always have a deeply personal core, or a message that is centered in family or compassion – things that are sometimes easy to lose our connection to,” he said.

Zlatkin worked on a film with Strobel back in 2023 for a film competition.

“I assisted Chris and his Digital Camera Projects class on a short film titled ‘Healing,’ which we submitted to the Winterfilm X film competition,” he said.

Zlatkin learned a lot about EMB elements while working with Strobel on this project, allowing him to expand his own media skills through collaboration. 

“My role was sound editor and mixer, and it was a lot of fun to bounce some creative ideas back and forth with Chris, who was the editor – among other things – on that project,” Zlatkin said.

The two met in 2007 and it turned into an important friendship that would help Zlatkin get his foot in the door with media education.

“We were both serving on the committee for the celebration of Student Research & Creativity,” he said. “I had asked…his advice on how to begin my own journey into digital media and storytelling, and he became a low-key mentor for me at the beginning.”

Zlatkin also got to experience what it was like being in Strobel’s class.

“He even became one of my first instructors when I signed up for EMB classes while working on campus,” Zlatkin said.

Strobel pushed him to pursue new opportunities outside of NKU while he was a student.

“After that, he would nudge me towards opportunities for freelance work and towards other filmmakers in the area, which led to further opportunities that helped me to build a reputation for sound work,” Zlatkin said.

John Gibson, EMB professor at NKU, has worked with Strobel since 2008.

“It wasn’t until the move to Griffin Hall in 2010 that Chris and I began co-teaching EMB 140 together,” Gibson said.

Gibson said he admires Strobel’s emphasis on holding students to high standards in the classroom. 

“Chris is a professional; he cares a lot about his students and pushes them to succeed,” Gibson said. “In that care, he holds them accountable for deadlines, submitting their best work and more.”

He said he and Strobel have worked out a rhythm for their class. 

“It’s somewhat old hat at this point, as we had a general idea of the high points we need to hit,” he said. “For example…continuity editing is always going to be continuity editing.”

As technology continues to advance in the media, both Gibson and Strobel must adapt.

“What does require us to constantly change our lessons – is how media itself has evolved and what we are engaging in now as audiences,” Gibson said.

They both continue to refine their teaching to connect students to the ever evolving technology. 

“In recent years, Chris and I have tried to bring in many more animated and game related content, as that is something that more and more students are connected to,” Gibson said.

He emphasized how  Strobel’s decision to take him on years ago changed the course of his life for the better and that he will always be grateful for this experience. 

“He hired me; if it weren’t for Chris interviewing me and making the choice to hire me back in 2008, my life would have been completely different,” Gibson said.

After working alongside Strobel for so long, Gibson has learned a valuable lesson in patience.

“That I need to be more zen,” he said. “Chris is able to keep his calm very well, which is something that I struggle with sometimes.”

Strobel may be “zen” but he’s also driven by the need to ensure his students are ready for the professional world.

“It’s exciting, rewarding and challenging especially with the media world we have today. It’s an honor, but something I don’t take lightly,” Strobel said.