ULM’s director of university broadcasting, Joel Willer, retired in July after 30 years of employment with the University of Louisiana System.
“It’s something I’ve been pondering a while, and it will be quite an adjustment to make,” said Willer.
Willer joined the faculty of what was then the Department of Communication Arts at ULM in 1984 and was named supervisor of the student radio station KXUL in 1985. In 2008 he assumed additional responsibilities as the general manager of KEDM Public Radio, taking on the title of Director of University Broadcasting.
Jay Curtis, KEDM’s program director, said they expect to conduct a national search to replace Willer as soon as they possibly can. Until then, Curtis has taken on Willer’s duties as interim general manager. Curtis earned a bachelor of arts in Radio/TV/Film Production at ULM and worked in video production for more than 10 years before joining KEDM full time. Curtis still regularly freelances in sports television production for ESPN, Cox Sports and others.
Curtis worked with Willer for more than three years and had also previously had him as a professor when he was a student in the then Radio/TV/Film Department in the early 90s.
“Joel also has a tremendous history working with students. Through his mentorship and guidance, many have gone on to professional careers in broadcast management in top markets around the country,” said Curtis. “I’m fortunate to have had the chance to work with him during the time he was Director of University Broadcasting. He will be missed by KEDM, by KXUL and by the Department of Communications.”
Early in his ULM career, Willer assisted with much of the preliminary planning and grant preparation for KEDM, which first began broadcasting in 1991.
Since officially joining the KEDM staff, Willer supervised the expansion of the station’s coverage through a power increase 100 kilowatts, oversaw KEDM’s transition to three channels of digital transmissions and began the design process for a new radio studio facility.
“Being full-time with the station has been very valuable,” said Willer. “Much of the work I’ve done on a national level and student level has been very rewarding.”
Willer has been a frequent presenter at national student media conferences. He also served as chairman of an ad hoc committee that planned a national organization for student operated electronic media, College Broadcasters, Inc.
“I’ve had many opportunities, and I’ve been involved in many different people’s lives over the years,” said Willer. “The many generations of students I’ve worked with who keep in touch is rewarding.”
Willer is also a recipient of the Reid H. Montgomery Distinguished Four-Year Broadcast Adviser, and has received a presidential citation from the College of Media Association.
Having worn so many different hats, Willer said it’s been a good ride and relaxing will be welcomed.
