Hello, dear reader! My name is Grace Jensen and I am the new General Manager of KNWD. I am thrilled to be in this position and I can’t wait to share all of the things I have planned for the station.

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I have always loved the thought of working at a radio station. When I came to Northwestern State University of Louisiana and found out that our radio station was fully student-led, I was ecstatic. I have worked for KNWD since my second semester here at NSU. I was the Music Director for the past three semesters and I fell in love with everything I did for the station. I have also been a DJ since the first semester of my freshman year.

Funnily enough, I wasn’t even a communication major when I started college. I was a forensic science major, but after attending Media Fest in the fall of 2022 in Washington D.C., with The Current Sauce and Potpourri, I realized that forensics wasn’t the career path I wanted to pursue. A week after getting back from D.C., I changed my major to communication and chose to minor in photography. I am much happier in the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts and the only regret I have is not changing my major sooner.

I have made so many connections within this department and the radio station, and I couldn’t be happier with my second family and my home away from home (or my second home away from home if you count my dorm room).

KNWD is my pride and joy, and I love getting to talk about what I do. That is something I want to continue as GM. I want the radio station to be a place where people of all backgrounds can connect with each other through a common interest, and to make a space where everyone will feel welcome as soon as they walk into the doors.

I also fully intend to restore KNWD to its former glory by bringing our name back to the forefront of people’s minds. So no one asks “What is KNWD?” They just know.

I have many people I credit my love of radio to, and many people I want to thank, so bear with me.

To my amazing boyfriend, Matthew, who has always supported me in everything I do, and has pushed me to be the best version of myself in both my work and my personal life. I am forever grateful for you.

To my predecessor, Colin Vedros, who was my biggest support when it came to new ideas for KNWD, who helped me settle into my new leadership position and for being an all around amazing person and great friend. Thank you.

To my parents, who supported me when I decided to change my major, and who still support me with my love for radio. Thank you.

To my best friends, who have always and will always be there for me, and who listen to my weekly radio show as much as they can. Thank you.

To my amazing staff for the Fall 2023 semester, who have put their trust in me as their GM, and to my fellow Student Media leaders: Haley, Izzy and Lia, whom I love dearly and adore working with. Thank you, and I am so excited to see what we accomplish this year!

Thank you to assistant professor Nick Taylor, Matthew Craig and the entirety of the department for accepting me with open arms and always encouraging me to pursue my passions with both the radio station and my love for media.

Last, but certainly not least, you, the one reading me being sappy and talking about how much I love my job. You are the reason I am able to do what I love, and to share it with you all. Thank you for putting your trust in me to keep KNWD the best version it can possibly be. I am so honored to be in this position and I can’t wait to share all of my ideas for KNWD with you!

Thank you for reading.

Also listen to Graveyard Grooves, Tuesdays at 2 p.m.!