Summer 2005 - John Brown University

Melody Miller ’00KLRC Program DirectorWhen KLRC was born in thesummer of 1983 as a trainingground for JBU broadcasting students,perhaps no one, even the station’sinitiator, former communications professorMike Flynn ’58, could have envisionedwhat KLRC would become.Twenty-two years have passed sinceProfessor Flynn’s vision was realized,and while the station continues toprovide quality, hands-on experienceand training to JBU students, theKLRC of today far exceeds its foundingpurpose. These days, KLRC extends itsservices and caring reach not only toJBU students, but also to thousands ofpeople in Northwest Arkansas.Without a doubt, the ministryof KLRC is changing lives with itsdedication and commitment to “makea positive difference...for Christ,” allthe while, retaining its status as one ofthe top Christian radio stations in thecountry.So what makes KLRC so unique?How is it that a college radio stationwith such humble beginnings is ableto so intensely make its mark? Perhapsone reason is that KLRC has remainedtrue to the objective for which it wascreated—to serve JBU students.Melody Miller assumed the position ofKLRC Program Director after her graduationfrom JBU. In addition to her responsibilitiesfor the day-to-day operation ofKLRC, Melody hosts the station’s morningshow, airing weekdays from 6:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m. When asked what aspect she loves most about her job,Melody says, “The short answer would be, I get to be aroundmusic that I love and music that changes people’s lives on a dailybasis. I get to play a small part in what God is doing in the livesof thousands of people in Northwest Arkansas—through a song,through a promo, through something I say on air. I get to workwith students, teaching them what I know, encouraging themto find their passion and calling, coaching them to be the bestthat they can be, and then sharing in the process of watchingthem grow both on-air and off-air.” Melody continues, “But Ithink for me the most exciting moments are when you know forcertain that you are right in the middle of something that God isdoing.”“Student involvement is an integralpart of who we are,” KLRC generalmanager Sean Sawatzky ’96 stated.“As the station becomes more andmore popular, our commitment to thiselement only grows.” JBU studentsparticipate in station activities such ason-air announcing, promotional efforts,event planning, and general officeduties.Former KLRC student announcerand JBU Walton Scholar VivianEchegoyen ’94 recalled her experienceat the station, saying, “I had the timeof my life working at KLRC. I lovedgetting behind the microphone andknowing that through what I was doing,the Lord was using me to bless manylisteners.”KLRC continues to shape andinspire current JBU students. Servingas a student announcer at KLRC, JBUjunior Daniel Silver said, “KLRC hashad an amazing impact on my life.Being able to be on the radio and try tohelp lift others up in Christ is somethingI will treasure forever.”Regarding student involvement,Sawatzky added, “When a student putsKLRC on their resume, they’re tellingan employer that they’ve worked at anational award-winning radio station,and they graduate with a tremendousamount of real-world experience.”In fact, KLRC is the only studentoperatedradio station in the countryto win Dove Awards from the GospelMusic Association (GMA). In 2001 and2002, KLRC accepted the outstandingChristian artists regularly take part in KLRC broadcasts and programs. Artists pictured above,left to right: two members of the group Alathea, Shaun Groves, George Rowe, Taylor Sorensen,Ginny Owens, Michael Olson.John Brown Bulletin Summer 2005 13