Emmy-winning television producer and Carsey-Werner Productions co-founder Marcy Carsey was recently named chair of the UCSB Foundation Board of Trustees, a non-profit organization that collaborates with the university to cultivate and accept private donations and grants.

Carsey, who has been named one of the 50 greatest women in radio and television, played a role in developing and producing popular sitcoms such as “Happy Days,” “The Cosby Show,” “Roseanne,” “3rd Rock from the Sun” and “That ‘70s Show.” An honorary UCSB alum and 14-year member of the foundation, Carsey will assume the position on July 1, replacing current chair Bruce G. Wilcox.

Carsey-Wolf Center Executive Director Richard Hutton — chosen by Carsey herself to head UCSB’s Carsey-Wolf Center — said her contribution to the university as a renowned figure in show business has lent a great deal of prestige to the university’s Film and Media Studies Department.

“Marcy has always been very involved with UCSB — both her children went here — and has been a staunch supporter of various programs here,” Hutton said. “She has long championed the idea of creating a center here for film, television and new media … we wouldn’t have the [Carsey-Wolf] center without her.”

As a recipient of the Emmy award, the Peabody Award, the NAACP Image Award and the Women in Film Crystal Award and Lucy Award for her innovative, positive impact on perception of women through television, Carsey has been honored by many foundations in various fields of telecommunication including the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Broadcasting and Cable Magazine.

According to Hutton, Carsey’s advocacy for the preservation and promotion of public education, along with her desire to allow students to explore more dynamic, creative and breaking-edge methods of studying film and media, have played a crucial role in the progression of the university’s film and media studies department.

“As a staunch supporter of UCSB, she strongly believes that sophisticated citizens of the 21st century need to understand the power and potential of media,” Hutton said. “That’s why she helped found the Carsey-Wolf Center, along with Dick Wolf and other generous donors. But she’s not only a charitable giver; she’s a wonderful person. I’m proud to work in a place named for her.  I’m one of her greatest fans.”

The UCSB Foundation Board of Trustees is made up of 90 elected trustees and 14 university representatives who are responsible for directing the organization in its efforts to supplement university funding with private revenue. Carsey said her dedication to maintaining the accessibility of public education stems from her own college experience and the opportunities it has afforded her.

“Coming from parents who were proud and relieved to be able to afford a public education, I know the importance of preserving an affordable education for generations to come,” Carsey said in a press release.

A version of this article appeared on page 1 of April 2nd, 2013′s print edition of the Nexus.