Michael Zinberg, award-winning director and entertainment executive, has been named the 1994-95 College of Communication Outstanding Alumnus.

Zinberg earned a bachelor's degree in radio-television-film from The University of Texas at Austin. He also received the Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award from the Texas Exes, was named one of the 125 Extraordinary Exes by The Alcalde and has served five three-year terms on the College of Communication Advisory Council.

Zinberg is the recipient of the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing In Television for a Dramatic Series. His recent directing credits include “Lie To Me,” “Monk” and “Private Practice” to name a few.  Other shows include “JAG,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Lost.” Zinberg is a life member of the Writers Guild of America, West. He has been nominated for four Emmy awards, both in comedy and drama.

Zinberg is one of the few members of the creative community who has also held executive positions with a major network. As vice president, NBC comedy series, he developed “Hill Street Blues” and “Cheers.” Later as president, NBC productions he supervised “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno,” “Late Night With Conan O'Brien” and “Homicide, Life on The Street” (a Peabody Award Winner).

Zinberg is currently at work on several new projects. He recently finished his first novel, “The Burn Box,” and he also advises and coaches people outside the entertainment business through DirectionMZ, a company he founded to educate and improve presentation and performance of business men and women in today's multi-media universe.