Category: Mount Vernon Nazarene University

WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Odessa Wellman

One of 13 new voices joining the WNZR airwaves this year is Odessa Wellman.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

A sophomore at MVNU majoring in Communications and Digital Media, Odessa is stepping into the world of radio with enthusiasm and a growing passion for connecting with listeners.

Originally from Bucyrus, Ohio, Odessa’s decision to attend MVNU felt like a natural fit. Having grown up in the Nazarene church, coming to a university within her district just made sense. Since arriving on campus, that sense of belonging has only deepened—especially through the friendships she’s formed while living in the residence halls. One of her favorite memories from this past year has simply been the joy of being surrounded by close friends and doing everyday life together.

Odessa first got involved in radio as part of her major, but it quickly became something more than just a class requirement. She’s found it to be a fun and meaningful way to express herself, build skills, and engage with the WNZR audience. That excitement carries into other areas of her campus life as well. She serves on the student class council and has already been selected as next year’s Junior Class President, where she’ll help plan events and create memorable experiences for her classmates.

When she’s not in the studio or focused on school, Odessa enjoys spending time with friends, taking trips off campus, and making the most of her weekends. She also loves basketball—especially the WNBA—and enjoys watching players like Caitlin Clark. While she admits she’s not the most athletic herself, her enthusiasm for the game is undeniable.

Music is another big part of Odessa’s life. She’s a fan of TobyMac, with Heaven On My Mind ranking as one of her favorite songs. And when it comes to comfort food, you can’t go wrong with her top choice: mac and cheese.

There are also a few fun facts that make Odessa stand out. Her name is inspired by Odysseus from The Odyssey, and she holds a close relationship with her mom, who she calls her built-in best friend. She also has a younger brother who keeps life interesting.

As Odessa continues to grow in her time at MVNU and WNZR, she’s already making an impact both on and off the air—and clearly enjoying every step of the journey.

You can catch Odessa on WNZR Wednesdays from 1–2pm and Thursdays from 11am–12pm.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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FirstNaz of Mount Vernon’s Executive Pastor Mark Owen on Trusting God and Letting Go of Fear

Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are the simplest ones—trust God, don’t be afraid, and let Him lead.

That’s what Executive Pastor Mark Owen of FirstNaz of Mount Vernon shared in a recent conversation with WNZR’s Zane Menzie.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mark talked about how God has been faithful in his life, reminding him that there’s no need to fear. Instead, he’s learned to leave everything in God’s hands and trust that He will follow through on His promises. For Mark, it comes down to something simple but powerful—God is true to His word, and all we need to do is ask.

Part of that journey took him away from Mount Vernon for a time, living in Cincinnati and serving as a part-time worship pastor. During that season, it became clear that God was calling him to pursue worship as a full-time path, and that became evident to him over time.

Now back in Mount Vernon, Mark sees how God has been at work in his story all along.

He also shared something else God has been teaching him—people aren’t drawn to faith by something we create. It’s not about what can be manufactured. Instead, it’s God who draws people to Himself.

Even in a world filled with misinformation and mistrust, Mark says he still sees a hunger for truth. And for him, that truth is found in the Bible. It’s a reminder that while everything else may change, God does not.

And through it all, Mark says God continues to prove faithful.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Through Loss and Faithfulness: The Heart Behind ‘God Did It’ and WNZR’s Theme for Lifeline 2026

There’s something special about a song that doesn’t just sound good—but means something deeply personal. For Micah Tyler, that’s exactly what this year’s Lifeline theme song, “God Did It,” represents.

Micah tells WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that the heart behind the song is simple, but powerful—God loves it when we remember. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His provision. Remember what He’s brought us through

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

And for Micah, that remembering has taken on a whole new depth this past year.

He shares openly about walking through the heartbreaking loss of his little brother, Daniel. In the middle of grief, questions, and pain, Micah says he has seen God remain steady and faithful. That’s not just a lyric—it’s his reality. “God Did It” became a way to mark those moments… to look back and say, even here, even now—God was working.

That’s why this year’s Lifeline theme verse hit him so hard.

Micah admits he was honestly taken aback when he first heard it. It wasn’t just a nice verse—it felt personal. Like a reminder placed directly in his path at just the right time. The kind of reminder that says, “You’re not alone in this story.”

And that leads right into one of the most meaningful lines in the song:
“New mercies each morning, re-writing my story.”

For Micah, those words are a daily reset.

They remind him that no matter the struggle—or even the mistakes we’ve made—God is still writing something good. The story isn’t over. There’s still purpose. There’s still a plan. And there’s still grace for today.

Looking ahead, Micah says his prayer is simple but focused. He wants to stay centered on the mission. Not the platform. Not the numbers. Not even the music itself.

It’s about lifting up the name of Jesus in everything he does.

That perspective didn’t just appear overnight. It was shaped over time—going all the way back to his days as a youth pastor. Micah remembers encouraging students to be intentional about what they listened to, filling their lives with music that pointed them toward God.

And then something unexpected happened—God opened doors.

What started with local Christian radio eventually led to more stations, more listeners, and ultimately a record deal in Nashville. It’s a journey that makes you think of the parable in Matthew Chapter 13—the farmer scattering seeds. Micah sees Christian radio, including stations like WNZR, as part of that process. Planting seeds. Not always seeing the immediate results, but trusting that God is working beneath the surface.

And sometimes… those seeds grow in ways we never expect.

Micah shared a story that puts everything into perspective. A woman, feeling completely alone and abandoned, found herself at a breaking point. But in that moment, she heard something on the radio. A song. A message. A reminder that she wasn’t forgotten.

That moment changed everything.

She chose life—for herself and her unborn baby.

Stories like that are why Micah does what he does. Sure, people may compliment the music or his voice—but that’s not what drives him. It’s moments like those. Lives changed. Hope restored.

Because at the end of the day, the message is bigger than the music.

And if you ask Micah, it all comes back to one simple truth:

God did it!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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MVNU President Shares Perspective on Lifeline 2026

When Dr. Carson Castleman, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, talked with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about Lifeline 2026, the conversation centered on a simple theme: giving God the credit.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shared how the song “God Did It!” speaks to him. He said it’s a reminder that God is in and through all things, and that everything ultimately points back to Him. He connected that idea to Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” For Dr. Castleman, that message calls him to humility and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

He also talked about his own journey, saying that God is rewriting his story each day. He emphasized that he isn’t held to past failures, but instead sees each day as a renewed opportunity to continue forward.

That same perspective carries into his view of MVNU. Dr. Castleman said the campus is continuing to be shaped and that its mission—who MVNU is and why it exists—is becoming clearer. He noted that the university is growing and pointed to God as the reason for that growth.

Looking ahead, he said he would like to see God continue to have His hand on MVNU and that it would be evident. He also expressed a desire that gatherings on campus would reflect God’s presence.

Dr. Castleman also spoke about the impact of WNZR. He described the station as a gift in his life and said it has helped redirect his focus toward what’s important.

He added that Christian radio can be a quiet way to bring hope and truth into places people can’t physically go, and that God is present in those places as well.

For Dr. Castleman, that’s part of what Lifeline 2026 represents—continuing that work and pointing people back to God.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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“The More You Listen, The More You Hear”: WNZR’s Journey of Growth and Connection

Back in the early 2000s, radio was starting to look a little different. Technology was changing quickly, and stations everywhere were asking the same question—how do we keep up? At WNZR, that question turned into an opportunity.

WNZR’s Olivia Skillings recently sat down with Marcy and Joe Rinehart to talk about one of the station’s most pivotal moments: the launch of online streaming. At the time, WNZR was limited to its local signal, but leadership recognized something important—listeners weren’t just in Knox County anymore. Families, alumni, and supporters were spread out across the country and even around the world.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

So, on October 1st, 2003, the station took a big leap. A one-day fundraiser was held to make online streaming a reality. By the end of the day, more than $8,000 had been raised—enough to cover the equipment, software, and licensing needed to get started. That moment didn’t just add a new feature. It changed everything.

Streaming broke down geographic barriers. Suddenly, parents could hear their students on the air no matter where they lived. Alumni could reconnect. Listeners could tune in from across the globe. It laid the foundation for what WNZR would become in the years ahead—more accessible, more connected, and more far-reaching than ever before.

But technology wasn’t the only thing growing. The heart of the station remained the same. As Marcy and Joe explained, WNZR’s positioning statement—“The more you listen, the more you hear”—captures something deeper. It’s not just about music or entertainment. It’s about hearing messages that matter. It’s about encouragement, hope, and ultimately pointing listeners toward the love of Christ.

Another major milestone came in 2010, when the station increased its broadcast power from 130 watts to 1,300 watts. For years, signal interference had been a challenge. This expansion changed that in a big way, improving coverage across Knox County and reaching into surrounding areas. It was a technical upgrade, yes—but also a meaningful moment for the people behind the mic. Students were part of the journey, witnessing firsthand how the station was growing its impact.

And as listening habits continued to evolve, WNZR kept moving forward.

With smartphones becoming a central part of everyday life, the station knew it needed to meet listeners where they are. That led to the development of the WNZR mobile app—making it easier than ever to tune in. Whether through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a quick tap on a phone, listeners can now stay connected wherever they go.

Today, the app has become a daily companion for many—at home, at work, and on the road. It’s simple, accessible, and always within reach.

Looking back, it’s clear each step—streaming, increased signal power, mobile access—was part of a bigger picture. WNZR didn’t just keep up with change. It used each moment as a way to strengthen its mission and expand its reach.

And through it all, one thing remains constant: the connection between the station and its listeners, made possible by faithful support year after year.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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From Humble Beginnings to Something Bigger: The WNZR Story Across Generations

There’s something meaningful about watching a vision grow, especially when it carries across generations. That’s the story of WNZR through Jim McMillan and his son, Jayme.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Jim McMillan, now principal at Grove City Christian, has spent nearly 29 years in education. But his connection to media goes back much further. As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Class of 1983), he helped build WNZR from the ground up.

In the early days, the “station” was a cleared-out 4×8 closet with a turntable, a microphone, and a four-channel board. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get started. What mattered more was the energy around it. Students believed in what it could become.

During his sophomore year, Jim went through the application process to formally join the station. It meant research, preparation, and commitment. A turning point came during a weekend trip to the NRB Convention in Minnesota with Professor Dr. Smith. Somewhere along the way, it stopped feeling like just a project and started to feel like a calling.

Jim eventually served as production director and later station manager while WNZR was still taking shape. As construction on a real studio began, the anticipation across campus grew. Students broadcast over the breezeway so others could listen in passing. By his senior year, they were calling play-by-play for sports. It felt real.

At the time, WNZR operated on a limited carrier current system, but the goal was always to become a full FM station. Being there at the beginning made it even more meaningful to see that vision come to life.

Years later, that story continued with his son.

Jayme McMillan, Class of 2012, grew up hearing about WNZR, but living it was different. By the time he arrived, the station had grown, but it was still evolving. Sports broadcasting was central, and much of the work was hands-on. Running cables, setting up equipment, figuring things out as you went.

Video production started gaining traction during his later years, helping shift WNZR into something broader than radio. The station expanded its FM reach, and while online streaming existed, it was still finding its place. Even so, there was a clear sense of momentum. Leadership’s excitement, especially from Marcy, carried through the entire team.

One major step forward was “Big Blue,” the mobile broadcast unit. Before that, students packed gear into cars and vans for every event. Big Blue gave WNZR a visible presence and made the operation feel more established.

Some of the most memorable moments, though, were personal.

During Jayme’s freshman year, station leaders trusted two freshmen to keep things running while they were away. When the other student couldn’t make it, Jayme stepped in and ended up hosting an afternoon drive show with his dad. At the time, it was about handling responsibility. Looking back, it was something more.

For Jim, it was nerve-wracking. Even with experience, he didn’t want to let anyone down, especially Jayme. But it also gave him something he never had as a student, the chance to be on air, and to share it with his son.

Moments like that reflect what WNZR has always been about. It’s grown into radio, TV, and live streaming, but at its core, it’s about people and shared purpose.

There’s even a bit of friendly competition in the story. Jayme was named employee of the year twice. Jim earned it once. Jim jokes that someone had to build the foundation first. From a small student-built studio to a full media operation, the difference is hard to miss.

Through all that growth, one thing hasn’t changed.

Both Jim and Jayme point to the role faith has played in WNZR’s journey. Built in a small market with limited resources, the station has grown beyond what anyone expected, supported by both campus and community.

Jayme hopes that support continues, along with prayers for the station’s future. As technology changes, he wants WNZR to keep growing while staying true to its mission of serving and uplifting others.

Looking back, Jim doesn’t remember doubt in those early days. What stands out is the excitement. The belief that something meaningful was being built.

Decades later, that belief still holds.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Lifeline 2026 is THIS WEEK! For our Friday Favorites, the Morning Thing hosts shared our favorite Lifeline Theme Song from WNZR and how that song has impacted our life.

  1. Xander – Keep Me In The Moment by Jeremy Camp – Lifeline 2021
  2. Josiah – Fix Our Eyes – Fix My Eyes by for King & Country – Lifeline 2018
  3. Eric – Testify To Love by Avalon – Lifeline 1999
  4. Marcy – The Proof of Your Love by for King & Country – Lifeline 2013

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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How MVNU and WNZR Helped Launch Mike Basko into Christian Radio

Mike Basko’s journey into radio didn’t start in a studio—it started as a kid listening to Christian radio and imagining what it might be like to be behind the mic.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Fast forward a few years, and that curiosity turned into something much bigger during his time at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. As a 2024 graduate, Mike became part of something special at WNZR, including being on the team when the station earned Station of the Year in 2023.

What stands out most about Mike’s experience is just how hands-on it was from the very beginning. He didn’t have to wait years to get real experience—he was on air during his first year. That early exposure made a huge difference. By the time he started looking for jobs, he already had practical skills and confidence that set him apart. It’s a big reason why he’s now working at River Radio, a Christian station reaching listeners across much of Ohio.

Even though Mike says he wasn’t heavily involved in the official CMB entry for Station of the Year, he clearly remembers the energy surrounding it. His classmates poured themselves into the project, working together to tell the story of WNZR. Being there to accept the award was a meaningful moment, not just because of the recognition, but because it represented the collective effort of students and faculty. For Mike, events like Momentum go beyond radio—they’re about building connections across the entire Christian media landscape.

He’s also quick to point out the people who made a lasting impact. Faculty members like Marcy and Joe invested deeply in their students, and Mike sees the Station of the Year award as a reflection of that dedication. It wasn’t just a win for the station—it was a spotlight on the culture of mentorship and excellence that defines WNZR.

Of course, not every moment was smooth. Mike still laughs about his first time on air, remembering just how nervous he felt. Thankfully, his mentor was right there with him, offering calm guidance and reassurance. By the end of that first shift, everything was still standing—and Mike had taken his first real step into broadcasting.

Beyond the studio, it’s the relationships that stick with him the most. The class of 2024 was one of the largest WNZR had seen, and it created a tight-knit, energetic group. Whether they were working, learning, or just hanging out, those shared experiences made his time unforgettable.

Looking back, Mike’s story is one of growth, opportunity, and community. From a kid listening to Christian radio to a professional voice on the airwaves, his journey shows what can happen when passion meets the right environment.

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Mondays w/Noah Warkentine

Noah Warkentine a sophomore communications major at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and he’s quickly becoming a fun and recognizable part of the WNZR radio team.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Originally from Uhrichsville, Ohio, Noah says his decision to come to MVNU was rooted in his desire to attend a Christian college. It also didn’t hurt that his dad once attended MVNU, and a close high school friend made the same choice—making the transition feel a little more like home.

Noah’s interest in radio didn’t just happen overnight. He was inspired by someone he knew growing up—Richy Johns—who also made his way to WNZR. Seeing someone from his hometown get involved sparked something, and Noah decided to follow in those footsteps. Now, he’s on the air himself, hosting from 11pm to midnight on Mondays and Thursdays.

Beyond the radio booth, Noah also occasionally helps out with the video crew for sportscasting, showing he’s just as comfortable behind the scenes as he is on the mic.

But if you ask Noah about his favorite parts of college life, he’ll probably bring up the memories made in Oakwood dorms. One story that stands out? An RA stepping in after someone created a fan Instagram account for him—claiming he was single. It’s the kind of random, hilarious moment that seems to follow Noah wherever he goes.

And that’s kind of his thing—bringing humor into everyday life. In fact, one of his signature moves is showing up to events in a full gorilla costume… just to confuse people and get a laugh. It’s unexpected, a little ridiculous, and completely on brand.

When he’s not on air or making people laugh, Noah enjoys the music played on WNZR and keeps things pretty simple when it comes to food—he’s a big fan of burgers from Steak ‘n Shake, topped with onions, cheese, and just a bit of ketchup.

He also spends part of his weekends giving back in a unique way—regularly donating plasma.

Ask him who he enjoys spending time with most, and he’ll quickly mention Zach Townsend. Whether it’s hanging out, joking around, or just enjoying college life, those friendships are a big part of what makes his experience meaningful.

One more thing that might surprise you—Noah has been serving in the National Guard for the past 2 years, adding another layer of commitment and discipline to his already full schedule.

From late-night radio to gorilla costumes, Noah Warkentine brings a mix of energy, humor, and heart to WNZR. If you haven’t caught his show yet, make sure to tune in—you never quite know what you’re going to get, but it’ll definitely be entertaining.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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From Launch to Leadership: Alan Reed Was There As WNZR Took Shape

Sometimes, the path you end up on isn’t the one you started—but it turns out to be exactly where you were meant to be.

That was the case for former WNZR Station Manager and MVNU graduate Alan Reed. Before arriving at Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Alan had already started his college journey elsewhere. But in the fall of 1985, everything shifted. After visiting MVNU and its campus radio station, WNZR, he saw something different—something that made him want to be part of it. With just two weeks before the semester began, he made the decision to transfer and jump in.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

At the time, WNZR was still finding its footing. Broadcasting on 560 AM, the station was designed primarily for campus use. The signal could reach parts of Mount Vernon, but it didn’t extend very far beyond that. Still, there was a bigger vision taking shape behind the scenes.

That vision became reality in 1986.

Alan was there during one of the most defining moments in the station’s history—when WNZR officially went on the air at 90.9 FM. After efforts to secure an FM signal, the excitement quickly turned into action. Alan remembers Dr. Smith walking in with the news that they had received approval, and from there, everything moved quickly. By early May 1986, the station launched on FM, expanding its reach across Knox County and transforming what WNZR could be.

It wasn’t just growth—it was a turning point. And Alan was right there to witness it.

He also recalls the physical construction that made it possible. The FM tower, built on the southeast corner of campus, rose piece by piece until it stood 300 feet tall. It was an exciting and unforgettable time, even including the memory of Dr. Smith climbing the tower during construction. For those involved, it felt like they were building something meaningful from the ground up.

Alan’s role with WNZR continued to grow as well. In the spring of 1988, when the station manager stepped away, Alan stepped in as interim station manager. While he understood the technical side of radio, working closely with students brought new experiences and challenges. One moment, in particular, stuck with him—while covering a shift during an inspirational segment, something malfunctioned, and a student test broadcast unexpectedly aired rock music. It was unplanned, but it became one of those classic live-radio stories you never forget.

Through all the changes and milestones, one thing remained constant: the mission.

Alan emphasizes that WNZR has always been more than a campus station. From the beginning, it was an outreach to the community—a way to connect, encourage, and share a message beyond MVNU. That purpose shaped the station then and continues to define it today.

Being part of WNZR helped shape Alan’s own path in broadcasting and education. It gave him a sense of identity and purpose within the industry, and a connection to something bigger than himself. Now, 40 years later, he’s still at MVNU as a professor in the same department. While he no longer works directly with the station, being around it again feels familiar in the best way.

Like coming home.

Looking back, Alan finds it remarkable not just how much has changed—but how much hasn’t. The technology has advanced. The reach has expanded. But the mission remains the same: to spread the word of Christ to the campus and the community.

What started as a small AM signal—and a last-minute decision—has grown into something lasting, meaningful, and still making an impact today.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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