From Global to the Grammys: Mark Carpentieri Brings PR Expertise to the Classroom

When Mark Carpentieri began teaching at CSU Global, he knew he found a great fit. He earned his master’s degree online over a decade ago, making it easier for him to connect with his students. “The students at CSU Global resemble me when I was working toward my master’s,” shared Carpentieri. “I worked while completing my degree and can certainly relate to trying to juggle balls.” 

In 2017, Carpentieri joined CSU Global as a lead faculty member for the university’s public relations courses. When not guiding his students toward their professional and education goals, he’s the president of M.C. Records, an eight-time Grammy-nominated music studio in Long Island, N.Y. 

Carpentieri prioritizes bringing his diverse, creative background and real-world experience  into every course.  While educating students and producing music might seem like two very different endeavors, the overlap is extensive. “I love teaching public relations and how it relates to social media. Whether it’s for a campaign, a product, an event, or a record release, my students appreciate how it all ties together.” 

“I am proud that the success of my record label benefits my students. The work I was doing yesterday is relevant in my coursework today.”

Carpentieri’s students certainly take an interest in his work, both in and out of the classroom. In 2022, Carpentieri was nominated for a Grammy Award – well, two, actually – twice in the same category! He admitted, “The nominees were in the [Traditional Blues] category and I only get one vote. I don’t tell either of them who I voted for. It’s like picking between children, you love them both!” 

Carpentieri founded his record company nearly 30 years ago after his band needed to record a demo. After negotiating some recording studio time in exchange for hauling away office waste, Carpentieri was hooked. Since then, M.C. Records has released over 60 recordings, and Carpentieri heads all of the public relations efforts. “In my public relations courses, what I teach is not just theoretical. I’ll record something today and have something out tomorrow. It shows my students that there’s a dynamic process,” shared Carpentieri.

Through his experience, Carpentieri recognizes that today’s best practices in public relations might not hold true in a few years. Instead, he gives his students a foundational education and teaches critical thinking as it relates to the industry. “If students have a foundational education, they’ll understand what those best practices are. When the industry shifts, CSU Global students will be able to adjust.” 

“Bringing true, current experience into my courses is something I feel very proud of.”

Carpentieri is just as passionate about teaching as he is about his music. He appreciates the extra mile his students are going to reach their goals, especially because adult learners are often juggling families and work. Adding school into that busy schedule is a heavy lift and is that much more impressive in his eyes. “I simply enjoy the students. I can’t say enough about them.” 

One of Carpentieri’s main priorities as an educator is accessibility. With CSU Global’s eight-week-long courses being so concentrated, he wants students to connect with him when they need support. “Sometimes students will apologize for reaching out, and I always tell them that my job is to be available,” said Carpentieri. “If my office hours don’t work for you, let me know. Students are never a burden and I want to be as accessible as possible.” 

CSU Global’s instructors are specially trained to teach adult learners, a fit that Carpentieri feels lucky to have found. “I’m just very happy that CSU Global has embraced me. It’s been such a positive experience – the students, staff, and faculty are all wonderful. These are some of the best people I’ve worked with, and I’ve worked at several high-level schools,” shared Carpentieri. “CSU Global truly understands the needs of its students and is always listening. I am so proud of that.”