Executive Board

The executive board of WCCS 96.5 FM is the driving force behind one of the nation’s premier college radio stations, a team of dedicated Wheaton College students who transform a passion for broadcasting into a professional, around-the-clock operation. Far more than a student club, this leadership group manages programming, finances, community relations, and technical infrastructure, ensuring that every voice on the air reflects the creativity and spirit of the campus. From late-night jazz shows to live play-by-play of Wheaton athletic events, the board’s decisions shape what listeners hear and how the station engages with the world. Through their work, board members cultivate invaluable skills in management, teamwork, and media production, often launching careers in broadcasting, journalism, and beyond.

The Purpose of the Executive Board

At its core, the WCCS executive board exists to provide vision and stewardship for the station’s student-run model. Unlike commercial outlets where decisions trickle down from distant corporate offices, WCCS thrives on the direct involvement of undergraduates who understand their audience intimately. The board upholds the station’s mission: to educate, entertain, and connect the Wheaton College community through live and recorded content. Each board member assumes a specific functional role, ensuring accountability across every operational area. The board also acts as the primary liaison with college administration, articulating the station’s needs and advocating for resources. This structure empowers students to take real ownership, fostering an environment where initiative is rewarded and mistakes become learning opportunities.

Structure and Key Positions

The executive board is organized into roles that parallel professional radio hierarchies, adapted for the college setting. While the lineup may shift annually based on the station’s needs and the interests of its members, the typical roster includes:

• Station Manager – The chief student executive, responsible for overall strategy, budget oversight, and team leadership. The manager sets the tone for the semester and coordinates the board’s efforts.
• Program Director – The architect of the station’s on-air identity, crafting the show schedule, mentoring DJs, and ensuring content diversity and quality.
• Music Director – Curator of the station’s music library, with the power to shape the soundscape by selecting tracks for rotation and spotlighting emerging artists.
• News & Sports Director – Head of journalistic content, organizing coverage of campus news, local events, and Wheaton College athletics, including live game broadcasts.
• Production Director – The creative lead for audio imaging, producing sweepers, promos, and public service announcements that give WCCS its distinctive sound.
• Business/Sponsorship Coordinator – Manages underwriting relationships and fundraising initiatives, securing the financial support vital to the station’s operations.
• Web & Social Media Director – The digital voice of the station, maintaining the website, live stream, and social channels to engage audiences and promote shows.

Depending on current priorities, the board may also include roles such as Events Coordinator, Training Director, or Technical Director. These positions are not silos; collaboration is constant, and board members frequently pitch in on one another’s projects, reflecting the close-knit Wheaton community.

“Serving on the WCCS executive board was the single most formative experience of my college career. I learned to lead a team, manage real budgets, and make judgment calls under pressure—skills I use daily in my profession. But beyond the resume lines, I found a family of creative, passionate people who will be friends for life.” – A former Station Manager

Decision-Making and Governance

The board’s governance is guided by a constitution and bylaws that emphasize fairness, transparency, and student agency. Weekly meetings are the engine of decision-making, where board members present updates from their departments, deliberate on new initiatives, and vote on substantive issues. Routine matters, such as approving a new show or updating the station’s logo, are handled efficiently, while larger shifts—like a format change or major equipment purchase—may involve research, campus feedback, and multiple rounds of discussion. The process teaches students how to navigate organizational dynamics and build consensus, a vital skill for any future leader. Additionally, the board holds at least one open forum per semester, inviting all WCCS members to voice ideas or concerns, thereby ensuring that authority remains accountable to the community it serves.

Programming and Content Oversight

The audience’s experience of WCCS is a direct reflection of the executive board’s programming philosophy. The Program and Music Directors, in close consultation, craft a lineup that balances mainstream appeal with niche discovery. DJ applications are reviewed for creativity and fit, time slots are assigned to maximize listenership, and ongoing feedback helps hosts refine their craft. The board also champions specialty programming, such as dedicated hours for jazz, hip-hop, talk, or international music, often developed in response to campus interest. Live sports broadcasts—from football under the lights to basketball in Chadwick Court—are a particular point of pride, with the board ensuring that equipment and announcers are ready for every game. To hear the board’s work in action, you can Listen Live and catch the latest shows.

Community and Campus Engagement

WCCS is deeply woven into the fabric of Wheaton College, and the executive board actively strengthens those ties. Members coordinate remote broadcasts from high-profile campus events, including Homecoming, Big Bash, and student organization fairs, bringing the station directly to the student body. They collaborate with other clubs—from the theater department to the political science society—to produce cross-promotional content and share resources. The board also spearheads community-oriented initiatives, such as inviting faculty and alumni to host talk segments that enrich intellectual life. Outreach extends beyond the campus gates: the station builds relationships with local businesses and nonprofits, often featuring interviews that highlight community issues. For those eager to get involved, the board organizes regular open houses and training sessions—visit our Engage page to learn how you can join the WCCS family.

Training and Development of New Members

Continuity is critical for a student station, and the executive board invests heavily in training the next wave of broadcasters. Each semester, the board designs and delivers a comprehensive training program that demystifies radio production. Newcomers learn the basics of studio operation, from mixing consoles to digital audio software, before moving on to on-air communication, FCC compliance, and interview techniques. Seasoned members serve as mentors, shadowing trainees through live shows until they’re ready to fly solo. The board also hosts specialized workshops on topics like sports announcing, music curation, and podcast creation. This commitment to education ensures that every Wheaton student, regardless of major or prior experience, can discover the power of their own voice and contribute meaningfully to the station’s legacy.

The Board’s Relationship with Station Advisors and the College

While students drive the day-to-day, the executive board benefits from a close partnership with faculty and staff advisors who provide institutional memory and professional guidance. Advisors meet regularly with the board to review budgets, discuss equipment lifecycles, and navigate college policies, but they deliberately step back from creative decisions, preserving the student-led ethos. This balance allows WCCS to comply with legal and ethical standards—including FCC regulations—without stifling the innovative spirit that makes college radio unique. The board also serves as the station’s representative in college-wide committees, advocating for resources such as renovated studio space or upgraded digital infrastructure. Through this symbiotic relationship, WCCS remains not just a student activity but a respected pillar of the Wheaton College experience, shaping future leaders one broadcast at a time.