WNZR is saying goodbye to Assistant Station Manager Eric Brown as he, his wife Jenn and step daughter Maddie, who is a sophomore in high school, prepare for a new chapter in Florida.

Eric’s adult son William and his younger son Jonathan, who is also a sophomore in high school, are staying with their mom in Newark while Jenn’s adult sons Alex and Jaden are staying in Zanesville.

As part of Friday’s edition of The Morning Thing, WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart joined Eric for a special Friday Favorites conversation, asking him to look back on five of his favorite memories from his time at the station.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Eric’s connection to Mount Vernon Nazarene University goes back much further than his time at WNZR. He is an MVNU alumnus, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.

Before joining the WNZR staff in December 2024, he spent nearly eight years working in MVNU’s College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) as an Academic Services Specialist and Adjunct Professor teaching communications classes.

During Friday Favorites, Eric reflected on several moments that stood out during his time at WNZR.

One involved student Isabel, whose singing could sometimes be heard from the neighboring studio. Eric recalled having to ask her to sing just a little more quietly so he could get his own recording work done.

Another favorite memory came almost immediately after he started at WNZR. Just days into the job, Eric helped host the station’s Food For The Hungry broadcast. He said the experience gave him an early chance to meet people, learn more about the community and understand how important the annual campaign is to WNZR and Knox County.

Eric also looked back on covering the Hartford Fair with WNZR students and on the memorable moments that came with taking the station on location.

Two of his favorite memories came from the Christian Music Broadcasters University conference in Nashville. Eric traveled with WNZR students for the event, giving them the opportunity to learn more about Christian broadcasting while also spending time together outside the station.

The trip itself created plenty of stories, including a cold wait for food and an eventful drive home through winter weather.

Looking back, Eric said what has made leaving WNZR especially difficult is the people. He thanked listeners for the support they have shown him and said the connection between the audience and the WNZR team is unlike what he has experienced elsewhere in broadcasting.

He also reflected on how meaningful it has been to serve the community while helping spread the message of Jesus through WNZR’s ministry.

Although Eric is leaving his full-time role and moving to Florida, listeners will still hear his voice on WNZR. The station plans to continue working with him remotely through a contract arrangement for news coverage. He will also return to teaching as an Adjunct Professor in the CAPS program for MVNU.

Marcy thanked Eric for his leadership, experience and time with WNZR and said the station will continue praying for him as he makes the move and begins a new chapter.

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