Debra Buenting

Dr. Debra Buenting is a Lecturer at the School of Information at San José State University. With 45 years of experience in audio/video production and communication, she specializes in media production, non-profit communication, and intercultural communication.

• Ph.D. in Communication (Media Effects), Regent University (2006)
• M.A. in Communication (Television and Film), Regent University (1989)
• B.A. in Communication (Journalism), University of Texas at Arlington (1986)

Her research focuses on entertainment-education for social change, media effects, and storytelling. She has published extensively on topics like missionary communication and safe-sex campaigns in Africa.

Dr. Buenting’s recent publications include work on media for behavioral change (2002–2013), with a focus on digital communication and global development.

She has taught seminars in over 60 countries and emphasizes transformational education that cultivates character, reasoning, and empathy. Outside academia, she enjoys hiking, music, and vintage camping in Colorado.