Elizabeth Fitch Featured on WGNS-AM/FM Program 'Rutherford Issues'

         SMYRNA -- Dean of Academic Affairs Elizabeth Fitch (second from left), was a recent guest on the WGNS-AM/FM radio show "Rutherford Issues." Fitch said that Motlow has the highest graduation rate in the state, with a third building expected to open on the Smyrna campus in late 2019. The campus will eventually have six buildings with a grassy quad in the center, providing a university feel. She added that more weekly and evening courses are being offered to Tennessee Reconnect students, who often work full time. Ladawna Parham (third from left) shared information about Nourish Food Bank, which recently landed a $10,000 grant from the state of Tennessee. Motlow partners with the food bank to provide support for students in need. "Rutherford Issues" is co-hosted by Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks (far left) and WGNS Operations Manager Bryan Barrett (far right). To hear the show, visit https://www.wgnsradio.com/thursday-may-9th-2019-nourish-food-bank-motlow-state-community-college--cms-50980.

Radio Pro Bryan Barrett to Kick Off Spring Famous Communicator Talks at Motlow Smyrna

         SMYRNA -- Bryan Barrett, the operations manager and afternoon drive personality for WGNS-AM/FM in Rutherford County, will visit the Motlow Smyrna campus on Feb. 22 (Thursday) as part of the Famous Communicators Speakers Series.

         Bryan's presentation will occur from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Room 205 of the MLA Building. He will share insights on the impact of radio in today's digital age. According to Learn.org, graduates of associate degrees in Mass Communications can land a host of entry-level jobs in broadcasting, publishing and public relations. The talk is open to everyone (with seating on a first-come, first-served basis).

         Bryan began his broadcasting career at WGNS while in high school. After hosting the morning news/sports for six-years, he left to become the morning news anchor on the Tennessee Radio Network. TRN has more than 80 radio affiliates across the state, including WGNS. He was promoted to TRN's associate news director in 2003, assistant news director in 2004, and news director in 2006. 

         In 2007, the radio professional was called back to WGNS in Rutherford County to become the station's operations manager and afternoon drive personality. He hosts "Rutherford Issues" (10 a.m. weekdays), a show about just that... issues that affect Rutherford County.

         All these years, Bryan continued to play an important role in WGNS programming, even while at TRN. He's been a part of the Primetime Sports team since 1993, has been doing play-by-play for high school football on WGNS since 2002, and has been doing play-by-play and color commentary for basketball since 1994. Bryan is also co-host of the Prentice Alsup Heating and Air Coaches Corner (8 a.m. Saturdays) with Jon and co-hosts the iDEAS Tees Primetime Sports Scene (6 p.m. Thursdays).

         In his free time, Bryan enjoys being with his family and working in his church. He has two children, Dalton and Bobbye Susanna. Bryan has been married to his wife, Heather, since 1998. Bryan and his family attend Holly Grove Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and music director.

         Other upcoming speakers for the Famous Communicator Series include professional songwriter-performer Lisa Aschmann (March 28) and digital marketing firm executive Suzie Schulenberg (April/TBA)

Famous Communicator Series to Feature Three Area Professionals

         SMYRNA -- Three top communications professionals will visit the Smyrna campus at various times this spring to provide insights about the radio, recording, and digital marketing fields.

          The Famous Communicators Speakers Series was launched last fall to give students the opportunity to learn from communications experts in Middle Tennessee.

         Bryan Barrett, the operations manager and afternoon drive personality for WGNS-AM/FM in Rutherford County, will speak to students on Feb. 22 about the impact of radio in today's digital age. 

         Lisa Aschmann, a performing songwriter and author who has written songs for more than 800 movies and TV shows, will visit the Smyrna campus on March 28 to share how she has achieved success in the highly competitive recording industry.

 

         Suzie Schulenberg, founder of the digital marketing firm FaverWebs, will visit in April to explain why communication skills are essential for career success in every field. 

 

         The talks, which are open to everyone, will occur at various locations on the Smyrna campus. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Airing It Out On Radio Station WGNS

     Motlow Smyrna Academic Dean Elizabeth Fitch, Smyrna Town Manager Harry Gill, and several Motlow students joined Rep. Mike Sparks and WGNS Operations Manager Bryan Barrett on Sept. 28 for the live airing of "Smyrna Issues," a show on radio station WGNS. Hear the show: http://www.wgnsradio.com/thursday-september-28th-2017-live-from-motlow-college--cms-41687 (Photos by Jonathan Graham)