Biography
Professor Cecil Houser is an educator, filmmaker, visual storyteller, photographer, and professional actor whose career spans higher education, television production, commercial photography, film, and performance.
Professor Houser is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2012. His background in telecommunications and media production began at Penn State University, where he worked with WPSU Studios as an in-studio camera operator while also serving in a variety of production roles for Penn State Public Broadcasting (WPSU).
Houser later continued his education at Ohio University, completing graduate studies in two highly regarded visual storytelling disciplines. He earned a Master of Art in Commercial Photography from the School of Visual Communication and a Master of Fine Art from the School of Film.
Before beginning his graduate studies, Professor Houser built an extensive career as a professional commercial actor represented by Magna Talent Agency in Oklahoma City. His work initially gained recognition throughout the Southwestern United States before expanding to national and international audiences. He became a recognizable figure in commercial television advertising and achieved global exposure as a spokesperson for Express Employment Professionals, appearing in advertising directed toward the company's English-speaking audiences worldwide.
His passion for performance also extends to the stage. His theatrical credits include roles such as Rooster, the villain in Annie; the Snoring Man in White Christmas; and Ricky Simpson in Bye Bye Birdie. His professional portfolio also includes film, television, commercial, and print work, with performances ranging from leading roles in casino advertising and high-profile concert campaigns to dramatic and action-oriented film productions. Acting remains one of his creative passions and continues to influence his approach to directing, filmmaking, and visual storytelling.
For more than a decade, Professor Houser has taught across Ohio University's School of Visual Communication, School of Film, and School of Media Arts & Studies. His teaching areas include video and audio production, film and video editing, sound design, post-production sound mixing, advanced lighting, and visual storytelling. He has also taught courses in commercial photography and the business practices associated with professional photographic production.
In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Professor Houser oversees the Scripps College of Communication equipment room and its student staff, serving as both practicum instructor and supervisor. In this role, he helps students develop practical experience in professional equipment management, production workflows, technical problem-solving, collaboration, and industry-standard production practices.
At the center of Professor Houser's teaching philosophy is a commitment to experiential learning. He particularly enjoys working with the enthusiastic and creative students of the School of Media Arts & Studies and helping emerging storytellers bridge the gap between technical proficiency and meaningful creative expression.
His professional and creative interests continue to center on visual storytelling, filmmaking, cinematography, editing, lighting, sound, and acting. Away from the classroom and production environment, his greatest joy is spending time with his three daughters, Caya, Sienna, and Alanna.