Radio Radiance: Five Questions with Tradia McCoy (Class of 2015)

 

Five years after receiving her communications degree from SC State, Tradia McCoy has made a name for herself in the radio business. 

To date, her resume (on LinkedIn) shows her getting her foot in the door in her native Charlotte where she gained valuable experience on-air in both commercial radio and television. Then her talents took her to Richmond, Va. but this turned out to be a short stint due to her station making cutbacks because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Tradia rebounded nicely and in the fall returned to the Carolinas as the midday host of Fayetteville's WZFX-FM. She graciously took time to answer some questions about her career. Her emailed responses, we hope, will be helpful to current students hoping for careers in broadcasting.  

Question #1  Your radio work in recent years has taken you away from your hometown of Charlotte to Richmond, Va. and now Fayetteville, N.C. What has that been like for you to pick and move for new jobs? Did you expect you would be doing this in your field?

      Tradia: Yes! The world of radio has been very exciting and a whirlwind for me for sure, life moving around in radio for me has been thrilling but at the same time it's taken a toll on my mental health, if I can be very transparent.

      Moving from Charlotte to Richmond was very exciting for me because in my eyes I was getting my “BIG BREAK” not only in my career field but in my actual life. Moving from Charlotte to Virginia was the first time in my adult life that I had to face the world how it is, with no one to protect me from it and no one to guide me through it, just myself learning how to live as the adult I was. I never had my own place, never paid rent, never really had to deal with the real world until I was faced with the option to grow as a radio personality. Even though fear was there, God showed up for me in ways I wouldn't even imagine and I made it! It taught me so much. 

I stayed in that position for four months before being let go due to Covid-19 taking a toll on the radio industry and six months later I was picked back up in Fayetteville, North Carolina to continue being a radio personality serving in a similar role.  

      So for me moving a lot in the last year has been a lot. I’ve been told in radio you jump from city to city, state to state and I didn't know how real that was until I found myself jumping and moving for an opportunity in radio especially with the current climate, I’m blessed to be back but I wasn't expecting to be doing so much moving. I would love to one day be in a city where I can learn the audience and grow with my audience.

Question #2   Do you feel good with where you are in your career? Broadcasting is such a competitive field, especially for on-air jobs.

Tradia:  I feel amazing where my career is at this moment! I'm blessed to be back in especially during a global pandemic.

I've made it this far! I must be talented! I'm still
in, lol. 

Question #3: What are the best and not so best parts of working in radio for you?

      Tradia: The best part of working in radio for me is that I get to be myself. I get to speak to millions of people a day and connect with people on a different level. I’m able to bring a sense of joy to people's lives by simply providing them with their song request or concert tickets! 

      I also love the “community” aspect that comes with radio! When people call in to the radio station and talk to me then see me out and about it feels like we are family and that's what I love about radio! Not to mention it's a fun industry to be in! 

      The not so great parts are the bouncing around and the uncertainty of your position. It’s sort of like here today gone tomorrow, so my goal is to have longevity in this industry.

Question #4  What advice would you give current SC State communications students interested in getting where you are today or in other media fields?

      Tradia: The best advice I would give to the current SC State communications students who are interested in this field is to build genuine connections with people in the industry.

Start to follow people you would like to be like or study on social platforms like LinkedIn and more! 

      Connect with people who you trust who could be your mentor and take the advice of your university communication department!
Seek out radio station internship programs and opportunities! 

Question #5 How was your experience at SC State as a student? Did your courses, student life and your "Front Row" amazing experiences all help prepare you for the "Real World"?

      Tradia: My life at SC. State was an amazing one that I look back on and simply smile because that moment in my life really got me to where I am today. Cherish your college years because they go quick! All of my teachers helped to mold me into the woman I am today. The courses I took were always hands-on and helped me to really apply it in the work field. 

      And my Front Row days were my favorite because at the time no one else was really tapping into vlogging or producing like we were and it was nice to see after we left how that creativity sparked many to pursue their dreams and desires without caring what others may think! Front Row has really taken me to new heights and was a huge stepping stone for myself, Valerie and Taylor! 

Thank you so much Tradia McCoy!  Thank you for your time. Continued success to you and Happy Holidays! 

       UPDATE: In 2022 Tradia left the radio profession and now works for the news and entertainment site BuzzFeed. Congratulations Tradia! 

U.                 

The Many Hats Worn By Multi-Media Talent and Social Media Influencer Kris Kaylin Bennett

SC State senior Arabia Green participated in a recent Zoom call with Class of 2016 graduate Kris Kaylin Bennett. In the call with students, Bennett, a Charleston native, spoke about what it means to be a so-called "social media influencer." It's a title we seem to hear about more and more. And Bennett helped break it down for us. Arabia wrote an excellent recap of Kris Bennett's busy life. The story is on Arabia's blog: 

Read Arabia Green's article here. 

Bennett has become a true queen of all media with her radio job at Charleston's Z-93, television appearances here and there, original video productions and now her alliance with Michiel Perry, founder of the Black Southern Belle, a prominent blogger, brand ambassador and social media influencer based in Walterboro, S.C. Bennett also handles social media for several companies, including her radio station. 

This fall, as part of her work with the Black Southern Belle,  Bennett stayed (for free!) at Emeline, a new boutique hotel on Church Street in Charleston. 

Arabia Green is a senior communications major from Adams Run, S.C. She graduated from Baptist Hill High School and is set to graduate from SC State in December. Check out Arabia's blog, Raye of Sunshine, here. 

Comm Alumnus Jalen Ryant Publishes Book

 

At SC State Jalen Ryant beat his drum while a member of the famed Marching 101. Now, in his newly published book, "Chops for Life- Who is Jesus?," Jalen beats his drum for the great man above, Jesus Christ. 

Jalen, a 2017 communications graduate living in his native Charlotte, N.C., announced recently on LinkedIn the release of his first book. 

He has the book for sale on Amazon ($7.99 paperback and $2.99 for the Kindle version). 

Graduates Making Moves!

 It is always great to hear from our Communications graduates. Here is some recent news from two alumni both working at television stations. They are Jerel Palmer (left) and Destinee Chambliss. 

Jerel Palmer, Class of 2016, continues his move up television markets. In November Palmer is taking his videography and editing talents to Charlotte's NBC affiliate WCNC.  Charlotte is America's No. 21 TV market based on the number of homes with televisions in the viewing area. See the full list of U.S. TV markets here. 

Jerel, a graduate of Marion (S.C.) High School, will be moving across the Tar Heel state to Charlotte from Raleigh where since September 2019 he has been a photojournalist at WNCN-TV. Prior to Raleigh, Palmer was a photojournalist at stations in South Carolina (Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia where he was a Content Specialist). 

May 2020 Communications Graduates

It was not the Dawson Stadium graduation that everyone wanted but that doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of  SC State’s more than 400 May graduates.

A virtual commencement was produced and streamed on the university website on Sunday, May 31. It continues to play via the homepage at www.scsu.edu or click here for direct access.

Each graduate could provide a photograph, wearing a cap and gown or otherwise. And a short personal quote or phrase could be included. Here are screen captures from our 20 May 2020 communications graduates. Congratulations to all of you!

Graduate School News and Updates

It is never too early or too late for SC State communications graduates to think about getting an advanced degree that can help advance their careers.  Here is some news about May 2020 comm grads and older graduates too.

Tony Daquan Phillips (Class of 2020) and Jaelyn McCrae, also graduating May 2020, are both heading to the graduate communication program at Florida State University.  We are sure these Bulldogs will look good also in FSU Seminoles colors!  

Graduating Senior Expresses Frustration Over COVID-19 Crisis

Jaelyn McCrae, Class of 2020, worked very hard to get to the point where today she should be waiting for the big moment when she will cross the stage in Dawson Stadium (where she was a cheerleader for Bulldog football) to bask in the glory and satisfaction of receiving her South Carolina State University degree. 

The communications major who hails from Concord, N.C., like hundreds of other SC State graduating seniors, will be denied this special moment due to the coronavirus crisis that has shut down the school since mid-March. 

For an assignment in Professor Kat Landes' class, McCrae produced this thoughtful and emotional video about losing the graduation ceremony. Click on her image to view it. 

The university is planning a virtual ceremony for May graduates. That, of course, will not be the same. Details are forthcoming on when and how the online graduation will be held. 

Congratulations Jaelyn. Your future is bright with promise!

Dr. Mims Featured in the Orangeburg Times and Democrat

Our creative, multi-talented (the man can carry a tune!) Dr. Joshua Mims is featured in today's Orangeburg T&D.  He is using video to create smiles and laughs amid the coronavirus crisis.
Click here to see the article.

Dr. Mims' many videos are on his YouTube channel.

Also, check out this previous post about how Dr. Mims starred in a full-length feature film!

Sophia Galvan Shares Her "Life in Isolation" Video

Communications major Sophia Galvan gives some insight into what things have been like for her since SC State closed amid the COLVIN-19 pandemic.

Thank you Sophia for letting us share your video!  Click on the image to go to her YouTube channel.

SC State Campus Quiet as School Shuts Down

You can almost here a pin drop at SC State these days as the school along with much of the nation shuts down amid the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.

As of March 30, only essential personnel can be on campus. Faculty and staff were told Sunday was the last day they could get things from their offices. The dorms have been emptied except for some international students unable to leave.

Students have not had classes on campus since midterm exams in early March. Spring Break followed for a week, was extended, then soon followed by school President James Clark’s announcement that classes would be taught remotely through the end of the semester.

May commencement has been canceled. It may be held in a June or July.

I took these photographs Sunday. No telling when the school will reopen. The rest of the spring semester will be taught via distant learning, as previously stated. Advising and registration for Fall 2020 is underway (see previous post).

Hopefully we will all be back on campus by late August when classes are scheduled to begin. Stay safe Bulldog Nation! 

Fall 2020 Advising Underway

Communications Program Director Dr. Joshua Mims has this creative "heads up" that Fall 2020 advising is getting underway.  Students- your advisors will soon be contacting you about this. 

Take it away Dr. Mims! 

Harold W. Crawford: The Dapper Dean of Industrial Education

Photo from a late 1960s yearbook

For decades Harold Wakeling Crawford (1903-1980) walked the halls of what today is still commonly called the "Old Crawford Engineering Building" on SC State's campus.

Just who was Harold Crawford for whom the old building is named? Keep reading and you will know!

This report is the result of weeks of research conducted as part of two of my journalism courses and valuable information provided by a guest speaker who knew the man himself.

From receiving a B.S. degree in mechanic arts in 1927 to retiring as industrial education dean in 1969, Crawford was a strong, distinguished presence at SC State.  And he was a heck of a football player too for the Bulldogs!

Today's Crawford "Engineering" Building

Communications Senior Gains Newspaper Experience

Senior Arabia Raye Green of Adams Run, S.C. and Baptist Hill High School has a neat new position with the Charleston Post and Courier. Arabia is writing and producing stories for the paper's Wednesday food section "Daily Digest" feature. 

Her first piece and byline appear in today's P&C. Well done Arabia!

"Daily Digest" is a fun feature about what one person ate and drank during a single day. Arabia finds the people, conducts the interviews, takes the photos, types the story, then sends it to her editor Hannah Raskin.