Derek Wood is the new Professional Instructor of JDM

Derek Wood is the new Professional Instructor of Journalism and Digital Media at Ashland University. Derek is currently the General Manager of 88.9 WRDL, Ashland University's award-winning, student-run radio station. At one time, Derek was the youngest FM radio General Manager in the country. Derek will be assigned to teach audio and radio courses at JDM. More importantly, he will lead the sports media expansion that the department is initiating. He holds an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Kent State University and a B.A. in Digital Media Journalism and Sport Communication from Ashland University. His professional experience includes audio production, podcasting, on-air announcing, sports broadcasting and sports media producing. He is the producer of a nationally-recognized podcast and his work in sports broadcasting has garnered a national first place award. Welcome to the faculty, Derek.

Journalism veteran new faculty advisor for The Collegian

It is not often when a highly-decorated and experienced journalist is avaialble to fill the important role to be both a mentor and instructor for budding journalists. However, JDM was fortunate that one was close at hand. Ted Daniels will be the new faculty advisor for The Collegian newspaper this year. Ted's career as a journalist spanned the transition of the newspaper industry from exclusively print to a multi-platform digital environment. He has been the managing editor of the Ashland Times-Gazette, the Wooster Daily Record and the Mansfield News Journal Media. Before these jobs, Ted worked at the Indianapolis Star for 23 years, serving in a variety of senior editing positions, including managing editor. The Star won numerous national awards during that period, including a Pulitzer Prize in 1991.

Eagles Eye: JDM Senior Chante Rutherford

May 2021 graduate and Digital Media Production major Chante Rutherford was a multi-media star at Ashland University. She was the Station Manager of AUTV 20 and hosted the Early Bird's Word morning show on 88.9 WRDL. She wrote for The Collegian newspaper and created stories for AU-Live.

Caleb Johnson is Associate Producer at WGTE Public Media

May 2020 graduate and Digital Media Production major Caleb Johnson is a man of many abilities. A former Ashland University football player and excellent camera operator for both AUTV 20 and Sports Time Ohio telecasts, Caleb is now an Associate Producer of Public Media at his hometown of Toledo's public television station WGTE. He interned at WGTE before his senior year at AU. Caleb so inpressed the management that he was hired full-time in his current position. Best of luck to this talented and creative producer.