Taking her hard work and dedication to a new level, Neriah Etheridge, a 2018 graduate from the University of West Georgia, paved the way for her career using resources provided her in her UWG experience. Etheridge is now part of the iHeart Radio team in Atlanta, following her dream of working in radio and digital media.
Etheridge, a recipient of an Honorable Mention for Student of the Year in 2017, came to UWG with plans to eventually transfer. Instead, she became deeply rooted in UWG’s Department of Mass Communications.
“I found The WOLF Internet Radio and other organizations,” she explained. “I began to get involved with College Girls Rock and the National Broadcasting Society. Soon, I realized transferring maybe wasn’t the best option anymore and that UWG is the place I belong.”
Remaining a UWG Wolf and using her talents to make history with her UWG family, Etheridge describes being part of the mass communications department as a truly transformative experience.
“The mass communications program is amazing – that’s something I realized as soon as I got involved,” Etheridge said. “Because of my work in class, I can walk into opportunities and networking events with more knowledge than the next person.”
Etheridge credits several inspiring faculty members in the mass communications department for pushing her to find her potential – including Dr. Brad Yates, interim chair and professor for mass communications; Shawn Isaacs, general manager of WOLF Internet Radio and adjunct professor; Michael Tucker, operations manager at WOLF Internet Radio; and Dr. Hazel Cole, public relations head and associate professor of mass communications.
“Dr. Yates pushed me to find the confidence to become the leader I didn’t know existed,” Etheridge said. “Shawn and Michael showed me how to become better at all things related to radio. And Dr. Cole helped to mold me in ways she probably doesn’t know, always persistent in reminding me that I am not average. To this day, she mirrors the type of professional woman I want to be.”
With many accomplishments already under her belt and at the start of a rising career in the radio industry, Etheridge shared a bit of advice for students who aspire to fulfill big dreams as well.
“The greatest opportunities are on the other side of fear,” she concluded. “Don’t be afraid to take that leap.”
