MTV coming to University of Michigan Thursday to tape pilot program
MTV is coming to the University of Michigan.
And no, it's not to shoot Rihanna's new music video or an episode of the "Jersey Shore."
MTV has loftier aspirations while in Ann Arbor.
MTV's college network mtvU will videotape a lecture by Conforth at the Ross School of Business Blau Auditorium Thursday at 6:15 p.m.
Conforth, who has taught at U-M since 2001, has become well-known at U-M for his end-of-the-year lectures. In his spare time he plays country and blues music on the guitar.
"He's very highly respected professor at the university," said Jake Urbanski, an MTV representative. "He's really in demand and we figure sometimes it's hard for these students to get into these classes and lectures and so we have a great venue."
Urbanski said U-M is the first campus featured on the program, which is so new it still doesn't have a name. No other campus visits have been scheduled yet, he said.
Students who attend the 45-minute event will have a chance to appear on mtvU, which reaches nearly 9 million students on more than 750 college campuses. The event is open to students in all disciplines.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
Paul Wiener
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
Wouldn't Ralph Williams be the most perfect candidate for this kind of show?
xmo
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
I wonder if the MTV crew will need the "Walk of Shame" taxi service while here?
SonnyDog09
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
EmptyVee??? I didn't know that they were still around. Video Killed the Radio Star.
Jimmy McNulty
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
...and Internet killed the Video Star.
tdw
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
Jersey shore.....The dumbing down of American youth
smokeblwr
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
MTV and higher education don't seem to really go together. I can't imagine this working unless they really just hang out at Rick's or Skeeps and get footage of athletes drinking.
Chrissa
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
I think you're underestimating how much that demographic is changing. Geekdom is the new black.
smokeblwr
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
I'm not saying he is not a great teacher, just that I really don't see this appealing to the MTV demographic.
Emma B
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
You've definitely not had a class with him. As someone still within MTV's target demographic, I'd love to see the "Bruce" of universities all over the country.
Mike Folk
Wed, Feb 22, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
I think it's great that there will be a show on TV that can showcase young people being excited to learn from people who are excited to teach. Kudos to MTV and U-M for being the first one featured!