WKAR television station manager Susi Elkins has been named interim director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University.
MSU recently renewed its commitment to over-the-air broadcasting with the decision not to participate in an FCC auction of television broadcast spectrum. MSU also has formed a new partnership with Detroit Public Television to coordinate community outreach between WKAR and Detroit’s WTVS.
"This is a critical time for WKAR," said Prabu David, dean of the MSU College of Communication Arts and Sciences. "With her leadership experience at the station and community engagement expertise, Susi Elkins is the right person to keep the momentum going as we move forward into a new era of broadcasting for MSU and the state of Michigan."
A nationwide search for a permanent director is expected to take up to a year.
Elkins, who has served as WKAR television station manager since 2012, has overseen all programming, including original content production and partnerships for the station’s three broadcast channels and digital platforms.
Under her leadership, WKAR has been named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Public Television Station of the Year for five consecutive years (2011-2015), and has earned numerous regional Emmy Awards and top awards from the MAB and the National Educational Telecommunication Association.
Prior to her appointment as TV station manager, Elkins served as content and community engagement manager for WKAR, where she oversaw the convergence of media and programming in TV and radio and the growth of original content across platforms.
Under her direction, WKAR increased capacity for providing experiential learning opportunities for MSU students, offering one of the highest number of student-paid positions available on campus. Elkins also increased WKAR’s commitment to early childhood education and solidified its reputation as a community institution through strategic partnerships and collaborations.
Elkins holds a bachelor's degree in telecommunication and a master's degree in educational technology, both from MSU.
Elkins succeeds Gary Reid, who is stepping down from his position as director of broadcasting and general manager of WKAR, after guiding MSU's public broadcasting stations through an unprecedented period of revitalization and growth. A hall-of-fame broadcaster and University Distinguished Senior Specialist, Reid will pursue new opportunities in the college, and will continue to consult with WKAR leadership through the transition ahead.
"MSU and this college have been fortunate to have Gary Reid as director of WKAR for these five critical years in the station's long history of service to the land-grant mission," said David. "During his term, Gary eliminated a significant annual budget deficit; led a boom in the creation of new, awarding-winning original shows for television and radio; and greatly expanded opportunities for students to learn and work alongside top broadcast professionals."
Elkins’ appointment is effective May 15.