Elizabeth Valente is an Emmy award-winning journalist who continues to report for national healthcare and travel publications and local news in and around Northern California. 

 

Valente says her background as a former CBS and FOX reporter, and as a CNN field producer covering healthcare and general assignments news, provides a really strong combination of skills and experience in her role as media relations director at Samuel Merritt University (SMU), based in Oakland, California. Her media background gives her valuable insight into media operations, deadlines, and the news cycle.

 

Since starting SMU in 2007, Valente works with campus clients to attract media attention to the University’s academic programs, students, faculty, community service, and scholarships.  Her duties include coordinating activities dealing with the president's office and working closely with local and national media outlets.

 

Valente has garnered several broadcast journalism awards including two Emmys recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Northern California and an Associated Press Television-Radio Association of California and Nevada Award.  Valente is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a degree in International Relations from the University of London.