New WVAS Station Manager

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

Radio and journalism veteran, Julius White, is now the new station manager of Alabama State University’s WVAS-FM 90.7 (The Voice of Alabama State University). White says that some of his earliest radio experience took place while he was a student at ASU.

"In assuming my role as station manager at WVAS, I have now come full circle in my radio career in that as a student attending the University in the late 1980's-1990's, I served here both as a student volunteer and then as a paid radio personality, all the time while studying Art," said White. "Now, I come back as the manager of the now 39 year-old station, which has grown into being an integral part of the community's musical repertoire.” 
 

WHITE'S IMPRESSIVE RADIO BACKGROUND 

 

The Birmingham native comes to ASU after working several years as a news anchor and reporter with The Black Information Network, which may be heard on the radio in Birmingham and Montgomery, as well as across many different states, placing White’s voice and news reporting skills in many major news markets in the nation. He also was frequently seen as a news analyst on Alabama Public Television's Capitol Roundup, and has much more news experience. He explained that he was proudest of his association with Roy Wood, Sr., at WENN in Birmingham. 

 

MENTORED BY RADIO GREAT ROY WOOD, SR.

 

Early in his career, White was mentored by one of the most famous of the Black radio Heritage personalities, WENN's Roy Wood, Sr. 

"I was taken under the wing of Mr. Wood at his radio station at the tender age of 13," White stated. "Mr. Wood taught me the basics such as diction, punctuality, integrity, and being a stickler for detail. His influence on my life still touches my professional career today."

 

PLANS FOR ASU

 

White began his tenure at ASU on July 1 and said he is impressed by the staff and their dedication to service.

 

"My plans at WVAS are to continue its effort at upgrading and modernizing its equipment and to continue its outreach to the greater community that it serves because we, the radio station, belong to the community," he explained. "I love the entire concept of what I have noticed that is sewn deep into ASU's fabric, which is President Ross's commitment to CommUniversity, which is the radio station offering service and assistance to the residents in the many counties it impacts within its 80,000-watt service. We are here to serve them in any way possible."

 

ABOUT THE STATION

WVAS-FM is a member-supported public radio station licensed to and located on the campus of Alabama State University, in historic Montgomery, Ala. The station’s programming may be heard locally at 90.7 FM. It may also be heard globally, via the worldwide web, courtesy of the station's internet stream at www.wvasfm.org. Apps such as TuneIn Radio also provide access to the station’s signal.

The radio station has maintained its popularity as one of the premier music and news centers serving listeners in 17 Alabama counties. Known for its diverse jazz and blues jazz playlist, WVAS also focuses on impactful station-hosted CommUniversity events, such as non-partisan political debates, town-hall meetings, veterans panels, mental health outreach and music festivals. The station partnered with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to create the popular "Halloween Spooktacular."

The WVAS news department provides award-winning coverage of daily community and campus events, as well as major historical events such as the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. WVAS is also preparing for the installation of new radio broadcasting equipment and the return of its student-managed HD radio channel known as "Bama State Radio."

For more details on WVAS: Visit www.wvasfm.org or call 334-229-4708.

News media contact: Kenneth Mullinax, 334-229-4104. 

 ###ASU###