Whitney Chirdon holds dual degrees in media studies and French as well as a minor in women’s studies from Penn State. Before assuming her role with the MPP program, Chirdon served as the public relations specialist for the Rock Ethics Institute in the College of Liberal Arts at Penn State. She worked in public broadcasting for 15 years, including more than 13 years with WPSU Penn State where she produced, directed and hosted programming for the PBS and NPR member station. She also worked at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta where she produced and directed a live daily news talk show for NPR.