Meet the Candidates

Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Chris Keppler

Voting for CBI Board members takes place through February 2. Please access your electronic ballot in the email associated with your CBI membership. Each media outlet may cast one ballot.

Vice President
John Owens, University of Cincinnati
My name is Dr. John Owens, and I am seeking a second term as the Vice President of CBI.  I am the faculty advisor for BearCast Media at the University of Cincinnati and have been in that role since 1999.  In my first full-time teaching position at Western Carolina University, I advised WWCU-FM and then moved to the University of Cincinnati in the fall of 1999 with the challenge of starting a student-run, streaming radio station.  In January 2001, BearCast Radio began regular operations, and, with the development of more robust video production efforts, it was eventually rebranded as BearCast Media. It has been a pleasure to be a part of CBI’s leadership over the last two years and I am excited about where the organization can go in the future.  One area in which I hope to make a difference is to connect more industry professionals to our events.  Specifically, I hope to develop more career-oriented programming at the National Student Media Convention to benefit our student members who want to find an internship or their first entry-level job.

Secretary Candidate
Asher Korn, Colorado State University
Hello, my name is Asher Korn and I am the General Manager and Adviser for 90.5 KCSU-FM, Fort Collins at Colorado State University. 2024 marks my 5^th year with KCSU; I started in 2018 as a live DJ (M.C. Asher). During 2020, my last year of college, I lead the station as the student Station Manager, returning professionally in 2022, earning a CMA certification shortly after being re-hired. During the year between graduation and returning to KCSU, I continued working in radio as the mid-day host on a (commercial) alternative music station, the backup in-studio host for our live AHL program, and board operator for CSU games like Football and Men’s/Women’s Basketball. It is an honor to run for Secretary of the CBI Board of Directors. I would love to expand my knowledge on radio, be able to contribute to the future of college broadcasters, and to help support CBI.

Secretary Candidate
Galen Perkins, Arkansas State University
I bring a wealth of experience over a decade in curriculum development, media production, and administrative leadership. As an educator, I’ve crafted over 50 courses, cultivated award-winning student media outlets, and contributed to the enhancement of the program’s academic framework. Moreover, my active involvement in various committees demonstrates a proven track record of effective collaboration and dedication to academic development. My professional background aligns seamlessly with the outlined responsibilities of the Secretary role. I’m well-versed in meticulous record-keeping and dissemination of information. Additionally, my involvement in numerous committees attests to my organizational skills and adeptness in overseeing multiple tasks concurrently. I am well-prepared to undertake the responsibilities of maintaining membership databases, coordinating registrations, and executing on-site duties at NSMC. If elected, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in recording and distributing meeting minutes. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am eager to contribute my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the role of Secretary and to further the objectives of CBI.

IT Content Candidate
Adelina Cooper, Mount Union University
Dr. Adelina Cooper has more than 30 years experience in the media field. She started working in public affairs during her stint in the army as a photographer and writer. After graduating with a degree in public relations from the University of Akron, Adelina worked in printing, as a freelance public relations specialist, and in advertising. She earned a master’s degree in media and pursued a PhD in journalism and communication from The Ohio State University. She attended NPPA’s Multimedia Bootcamp, an intense three-day workshop, developing new skills leading to the transition to digital storytelling. She has a passion for rescue dogs and is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ populations. She is currently an Associate Professor and Department Chair in Visual Arts & Media at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio where she teaches courses in production, film making and social media strategies.

Student Representative Candidate
Mackenzie Jackson, John Carroll University
Hello! I am Mackenzie Jackson from WJCU 88.7 FM at John Carroll University. I am a current junior majoring in communication with a concentration in digital media and minoring in entrepreneurship. As a CBI student representative I intend to be a voice for all broadcasting students by creating effective and creative content for the CBI website and engaging NSMC sessions. At WJCU, I’ve learned valuable skills as the Student Promotions Director. Learning how to effectively and appropriately promote station content and giveaways. I also serve as a Heights DJ and Genre Show Host where I am constantly promoting the station and speaking to listeners as well as performing giveaways. I also serve as a Senior Resident Assistant. Through this position I have learned how to effectively communicate with a range of individuals as well as how to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. I’m employed by Kim Moss PR as a Public Relations Ambassador in which I promote films for major film studios as well as create a comfortable environment for movie screenings. I recently completed an internship with CLE Cotton Candy. At CLE Cotton Candy I learned how to create engaging posts for web and social media. I also learned how to plan out posts to receive the most engagement. I feel I would be a great candidate for this position based on my educational background,
professional experience, and campus involvement. I am excited to be considered for this position and look forward to seeing what I can contribute!

Student Representative Candidate
Clara Ketchell, University of Kansas
My name is Clara Ketchell, and I am currently the Content Director for KJHK 90.7 FM at the University of Kansas! I have been involved with KJHK since Fall 2021 and served as the station’s Communications Director last year. As Content Director, I oversee all audio, video, and web content our station produces. Outside of my leadership positions, I’ve hosted the radio show Alternative Flashback for the past two years. I’ve also attended the last two CBI conferences and had the honor of speaking on a panel entitled “Representations and Partnerships with Other On-Campus Orgs” at last year’s conference in Orlando. My experience at KJHK has instilled a love of college broadcasting in me, and if chosen for the CBI Student Representative position, I would work to promote unity and collaboration between stations across the country. CBI has provided me opportunities to network with professionals, grow my career skills, and meet other students who love college broadcasting as much as I do. If elected, I will work to bring that enriching experience to every student who attends CBI. 

Student Representative Candidate
Bella Lardin, University of Pittsburgh
I believe in a student-led approach to college broadcasting. My ideas for web and social media content, such as articles highlighting the unique programming of individual organizations, or allowing students to conduct social media “takeovers” where they can showcase their organization, are reflective of this approach. When curating NSMC sessions, I would aim to have as many student-led sessions as possible. I believe that the greatest part of the convention is the exchange of ideas between students, and I would like students to have more opportunities to showcase their work in a professional setting. I have experience in a variety of different areas of broadcasting, having served as WPTS Radio’s Technical Assistant Station Manager, Underwriting Director, and Assistant Music Director. As such, I am comfortable with community outreach and have direct experience with website management. I believe that my student-led approach to broadcasting will best support CBI’s mission of fostering experiential learning and professional opportunities for the students it represents.