Howard Blumenthal

Howard Blumenthal has a diverse work experience spanning several industries and roles. Howard is currently serving as a Senior Scholar and the Executive Director of the 21st Century Learning Project at the University of Virginia. Howard is also the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Producer of the National Archives of Game Show History (NAGSH) at The Strong National Museum of Play.

Prior to their current positions, Blumenthal worked as a Senior Scholar at the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, where they focused on the future of school and learning in the 21st century. Howard also founded Kids on Earth, a global initiative that interviews children and teenagers to provide them with a platform to share their stories.

Blumenthal is the Co-Executive Producer and Host of Reinventing School, a weekly interview and discussion program that explores various topics related to the future of education. Howard has also held roles as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, a CEO of Independence Media/MiND TV, and an Executive Director and President of NJN (New Jersey Network) and NJN Foundation.

Earlier in their career, Blumenthal served as the CEO and President of New Century Television, a pioneer in video streaming. Howard also worked as a Senior Vice President of Marketing and Media at CDNOW, where they played a key role in the success of the internet's second most popular retail site.

Overall, Blumenthal's work experience showcases their expertise in education, media, and technology, as well as their commitment to exploring innovative approaches to learning and storytelling.

Howard Blumenthal has a diverse and extensive education history. Howard holds a Doctor of Humane Letters - Honorary Degree from The State University of New York, which they received in 2022. Prior to this, Blumenthal pursued the 21st Century Learning Project at the University of Virginia from 2021 onwards. From 2019 to 2023, they were a Senior Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on the Positive Psychology Center.

Blumenthal also had a visiting scholar role at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania from 2017 to 2019. During this time, their research interests revolved around connecting children and teenagers worldwide. Howard also served on the Advisory Board for the UNESCO Chair on Global Understanding for Sustainability at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, beginning in 2019.

Additionally, Blumenthal became a fellow of the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) from 2018 to 2020. Howard co-taught a graduate-level course centered on community engagement through media and creativity at The Wharton School in 2016. Prior to this, Blumenthal held an adjunct position at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania in 2006.

Earlier in their education, Blumenthal obtained a BA degree from SUNY Geneseo, where they studied English, Journalism, Communication, and Education. Howard also pursued drawing and painting at Parsons School of Design - The New School from 1985 to 1990. Furthermore, Blumenthal served as faculty at The New School from 1985 to 1990.