The University of Olivet supports thriving student media opportunities, including experience writing for the school newspaper, broadcasting on the College radio station and publishing a literary and arts journal. Participation in these opportunities is offered to students looking for major-specific practicum experiences, as well as students looking for an extracurricular experience. Leadership skills, networking opportunities and time management proficiency are all developed through student media experiences. Each student media program is student-led and advised by a faculty member.
The Echo Newspaper
Nina Butts, a junior media production and communication major, is the editor in chief of The Echo — The University of Olivet’s newspaper. Joanne Williams, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, is the faculty adviser for The Echo. “Since Olivet is also a very small town, we function in part as a community newspaper for the community of Olivet,” Professor Williams said.
“As editor, I am responsible for managing the team that puts The Echo together,” Nina added. “When the Echo was still offering printed copies, I was responsible for designing each issue and choosing which stories would go on each page. Now that we are online, I design the website and upload the stories and photos to the site.”
Nina originally didn’t see herself as editor of a college newspaper. “I reapplied because I had experience writing and designing pages as copy editor for The Echo. I also felt that I had been prepared well for the position by the previous editor, and I wanted to put my personal mark on The Echo’s legacy,” she said. “I’m very lucky that I have such a great team of people helping me continue The Echo’s great legacy, and I hope I can be as helpful to the next editor.”
Check out the online Echo at www.ocecho.com.
WOCR, 89.1 “The One”
Travis Garner, a senior media production and communication major, is the station manager for WOCR, 89.1 “The One,” the official radio station of The University of Olivet. The station is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
“Some of my duties include helping people with their broadcasting content and making sure people go on air at the right times for their show,” Travis said. “Also, I’m in charge of who represents us at events and things of that nature.
“I have a passion for radio, so this was a way to expand that passion, and it’s good experience for the future. This is a very good career building experience, and I would encourage anyone interested in radio to apply to become the next station manager!”
Listen to WOCR at 89.1 FM or online at www.wocr891fm.com.
Garfield Lake Review Literary and Arts Journal
Andrenae Johnson, a senior English major and writing minor, is the editor of the 2020-21 edition of the Garfield Lake Review. “The Garfield Lake Review is an annual literary journal that allows students and other national creators to submit poems, art, photography and prose under an annual theme,” Andrenae said.
“As editor, I have to check in with our faculty adviser. We have a meeting once a week to create an agenda. Then, when I meet with the group, I lead those meetings. I’m in charge of time sheets by keeping track of the hours each person has worked in an Excel sheet.
“Professor Meredith Dodson, chair of the Arts and Humanities Department, encouraged me to apply for the position. I didn’t know anything about it, but I decided to give it a shot because it was an opportunity for me to do something out of my comfort zone.
“The position is a lot of work. There are duties that you have to remember, and people are depending on you to guide them. But after a while, you get the hang of it and if you feel lost there are people you’re surrounded by that will help.”
Learn more about the Garfield Lake Review at www.garfieldlakereview.com.
Student Media Social Media
Julia Bidelman, a junior media production and communication major, is the current student media social media coordinator.
“I am currently in charge of running all of the social media accounts for The Echo, WOCR and general student media accounts,” Julia said. “I am currently posting things on nine different social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.”
“Professors Joanne Williams and Daine Pavloski wanted me to apply for this position because they really liked the work I did on a group project in my video production course. I wanted this position because I wanted to get involved in my major.”
Learn more about student media by following @OC_Student Media on Twitter or Instagram.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admissions at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.
This feature was written by senior Leah Miller, marketing and communications student intern. She is a writing and history double major and a music minor, a field commander of the Marching Comets and a member Alpha Lambda Epsilon Literary Society. After college, she aspires to use her writing to educate people about different cultures and work to normalize embracing differences, potentially in a field related to intercultural relations.
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