Leannda Carey News Director Phone: (304) 696-6640 - E-mail Leannda - View Leannda's bio

Spring 2009 to Mar. 15
Fall 2008
Spring 2008



Monday-Friday 5-5:30p ET

Daily 30-minute news program covering Marshall, the Tri-State and beyond.

In The Know: Marshall This Week
Fridays 6:30-7p ET

Week in review of Marshall University news as told by the Newscenter 88 team.

On The Table
Wednesdays 8-9p ET

Host Deven Swartz moderates the often heated discussion that goes on between conservative Eric Divito and progressive James Roach. It focuses on local issues. Listeners can also call in.

The Sowards-Roudebush Report
Tuesdays 7-9 ET

News/talk program featuring progressive hosts Matt Sowards and Jay Roudebush. It focuses on national issues, and the duo often interviews top policymakers. Listeners can also call in.


See the stories in the left column? Those could have your name by them. Even if you have no journalism or broadcasting experience, you can become an award-winning journalist just by volunteering at WMUL! We are more than happy to train newbies on how to make great programming. Here are two easy ways to get started:

1. Fill out an online application. We will contact you as soon as possible.

2. Attend the weekly news meeting TBA. Need directions? Here's a station map. CB201 is labeled "Classroom" on the map, and CB204 is labeled "Staff Room."

WMUL's coverage of the 39th Memorial Fountain Ceremony

Listen to Leannda Carey's report, with clips from the ceremony itself (2:12)

Listen to Cicely Tutson's report, with post-ceremony reaction (2:03)

Nov. 14 - The main speakers this year were Joe Gillette, who attended for the first time due to dealing with survivor's guilt, and Maurice Cooley, the director for the Center for African American Students' Programs and Marshall student in 1970.

Students discuss plans for Fall Break

Listen to Alyssa Rae's report (1:12)

Nov. 12 - It has been nearly 50 straight instructional days since the last official break, and more than a week before the next one, students are already noticing fewer people in class.

FBI subpoenas Marshall employees in Emily Perdue grade change investigation

Listen to coverage from Friday's news (3:29)

Nov. 6 - Provost Gayle Ormiston and Laura Wyant, the instructor of record for the course in question, have been asked to go before a federal grand jury.

Hungry for Change trying to raise awareness about Darfur

Listen to Leannda Carey's report (1:57)

Nov. 6 - The conflict in western Sudan is quickly approaching its seventh year, and activists feel the world has yet to do anywhere near enough to bring about peace.

MU Dance team holding tryouts soon

Listen to Alyssa Rae's report (1:33)

Nov. 5 - Those who want to help fire up Herd basketball crowds through dance this season will get their chance to show off their stuff Nov. 15.

Jamie Oliver visits campus

Listen to a live recap from Tuesday's News (1:44)

Nov. 3 - The British chef spoke with student media about the reality TV show he's been filming in town since September. Among other things, he discussed the controversy he has faced during production.

Vets at Marshall juggle PTSD along with usual college stress

Listen to Cicely Tutson's report (2:33)

Nov. 2 - West Virginia has one of the highest rates per capita of military participation, but the unwavering commitment to country sometimes comes with the unpleasant memories of war.

Is the current advance registration system fair?

Listen to Lundyn Ransom's report (1:49)

Oct. 29 - Seniors burn the midnight oil on Nov. 10 to get closer to graduation, and some freshmen will be waiting 11 long days to lock up whichever classes are still available.

Octubafest brings the background to the forefront

Listen to Adam Cavalier's report (1:31)

Oct. 28 - Tubas, halloween costumes, halloween classics--the possibilities are endless at this annual event in Smith Recital Hall.

Faculty Senate tackles Emily Purdue grade controversy

Listen to live report from Friday's news (3:17)

Oct. 23 - Adam Cavalier and Leannda Carey tag-team report on Thursday's meeting, in which only finance professor and former Faculty Senate Vice President Dr. Dallas Brozik made public comments about the scandal. The rest was dealt with in executive session.

Marshall's bathrooms go green--environmentally

Listen to Adam Cavalier's report (1:47)

Oct. 23 - The toilets and sinks in Smith Hall have already been upgraded to a setup meant to both conserve energy and save the university much-needed money.

Marshall's flu isolation floors still operational

Listen to Katie Wise's report (1:12)

Oct. 22 - Student health services set up the floors last month as a way to calm fears after three people died of swine flu in Cabell County.

Wimba allows students to attend class virtually

Listen to Melody Fitzgerald's report (1:45)

Oct. 16 - Wimba is also being used at WVU and in nearly 1,000 other schools and universities around the world.

Parent Weekend an important time for parents and kids alike

Listen to Joshua Rose's story (1:20)

Oct. 6 - During Parent Weekend, everybody's happy. The parents are happy to see their kids, and the kids are happy to get much more than what the typical care package contains.

Marshall band's new home is all to themselves

Listen to Aaron Payne's report (2:32)

Oct. 5 - Up until now, the Marching Thunder didn't really have much of a home. But thanks to the Rec Center, some of the vacated space at Gullickson Hall is now filled with music.

Noise aplenty at Homecoming Parade

Listen to Katie Wise's report (2:20)

Oct. 2 - Huntington came alive Friday as thousands arrived in town for homecoming, and it all got started with Thursday night's parade.

Personal trainers among fitness services offered at Rec Center

Listen to Alyssa Rae's report (1:24)

Oct. 1 - The Heather referred to in the story is Heather Smith, assistant director of fitness programs and services.

University officials: Emily Perdue's grade was "earned"

Listen to Cicely Tutson's report (1:45)

Sept. 30 - College of Education Professor Laura Wyant told the Associated Press that two grades for the daughter of state treasurer John Perdue were changed from "incomplete" to "A."

Kopp says university on track with his plan

Listen to John Gibb's report (2:17)

Sept. 30 - The Marshall President spoke at the annual State of the University Address at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Nationally published artist displaying work in Birke Art Gallery

Listen to Melody Fitzgerald's story (1:15)

Sept. 30 - Ericka Osbourne's work, which has also won several awards, will be up until Oct. 8.

Local health departments stressing flu safety

Listen to Alyssa Rae's report (1:09)

Sept. 24 - Besides the usual seasonal flu, Americans are now wondering if they will get the Swine Flu, officially known as the H1N1 virus.

Supreme Court returns to campus as part of Constitution Week

Listen to James Roach's report (1:50)

Sept. 23 - The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals was forced to cancel their appearance in Marshall's annual Constitution Week last year, but the university welcomed its return this year with open arms.

The Dan Hollis Story

Listen to Melody Fitgerald's report (1:19)

Sept. 23 - We normally don't do reports about ourselves, but so many non-journalism majors have said great things about professor Dan Hollis that we would do a great disservice if we didn't talk about him. His work will be seen on Marshall's cable channel, Channel 25, soon.

Rockefeller and Gingrich camps go point-counterpoint on healthcare

Listen to interview with Elizabeth Noelcke of the Newt Gingrich-backed Center for Health Transformation (12:15)

Listen to interview with West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller (22:07)

Sept. 22 - The Sowards-Roudebush Report tackled both sides of the debate on healthcare reform Tuesday night.

MCTC exec. dean explains split from Marshall U.

Listen to James Roach's report (1:32)

Sept. 17 - The community and technical college still bears Marshall's name, but by July 2010 it must no longer do so.

Sowards-Roudebush Report tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy

Listen to opening minutes of 9/1 program (6:15)

Sept. 1 - Sen. Kennedy died the day after last week's program, so the staff had a full week to put this together. We hope that it is a respectful tribute to the senator's powerful legacy.

The Sowards-Roudebush report airs live Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. Listen online here.

Spring '09 Reports - Click Headline to Listen

NOTE: Because WMUL relies mostly on student volunteers, reports are only filed when classes are in session, except under special circumstances.

What Dead Week really feels like

May 1 - From generation to generation and college to college, every degree-seeker can relate to the roller coaster ride that occurs the week before final exams. Newscenter 88's Caleb Whisenant captures all of the emotions in this three-minute tribute to Dead Week.

Meteorology program on the way

May 1 - If you know what cirrus, stratus and cumulonimbus refer to, Marshall is working on a new degree program just for you. Newscenter 88's Leannda Carey updates the progress of the first meteorology program in the state.

Fife and Drum Corps to play at Heritage Farm

May 1 - The musical style of the 18th Century makes a comeback at Heritage Farm this weekend as the John Marshall Fife and Drum Corps is set to perform there. Newscenter 88's Alyssa Rae has the story.

African Drum and Dance Ensemble finishes 10th year

May 1 - Culture, dance and stress relief. These are three things students in the African Drum and Dance Ensemble say are the perks of being in the group. Newscenter 88's Cicely Tutson has the story.

Rec Center to stay open in summer

Apr. 30 - Hopefully there won't be many days this summer in which the weather is too bad to exercise or play outside, but Newscenter 88's Kasha Shull reports Marshall's rec center will be a failsafe for students staying in town.

The new (old?) generation of Facebook

Apr. 29 - Facebook has been a useful way for college students to connect with each other for years, but the trend is starting to appeal to a different demographic. Newscenter 88's Ashton Marra has the story.

Lewis College of Business celebrates 40th Anniversary

Apr. 24 - It took four decades, but now the Lewis College of Business has a place designed only for chilling out. Newscenter 88's Alyssa Rae recaps all the events centering around LCOB's 40th anniversary celebration.

Water bucket carrying part of Be Hope to Her fundraiser

Apr. 24 - Marshall was one of 11 campuses across the country that organized a moving awareness campaign featuring hundreds of gallons of water. Newscenter 88's Leannda Carey walked alongside them yesterday and chronicled some surprising perspectives.

Artists say Ritter Park has rare outdoor beauty

Apr. 24 - It's easy for an artist to manipulate an indoor setting to create a masterpiece. But Newscenter 88's Caleb Whisenant reports artists come to one outdoor place in town that is so beautiful it makes the lives of artisans much easier.

Walking a mile in her shoes

Apr. 23 - Most men wear tennis shoes or flip flops, but these men were wearing high heels for a good cause. Newscenter 88's Kasha Shull has more on the second annual event.

Christian band performs on campus

Apr. 22 - A warm night on campus not only attracts students to the Memorial Student Center Plaza, but if students catch a really good night...they could hear some music as well. Newscenter 88's Erin Hill has the story.

One senior's "Epic Proportions"

Apr. 22 - A senior's final semester is always bittersweet, especially for those who have dreams to perform for a living. Newscenter 88's Ashton Marra has the story of one theatre senior who's in the final stages of her career at Marshall.

Tattoos may get in the way of landing summer jobs

Apr. 21 - As temperatures increase, the amount of skin people show outside also increases, and that naturally leads to an increase in wanting tattoos. But Newscenter 88's Laura Hatfield reports those looking for summer jobs may want to reconsider adding the body art.

Poetry and music fuse in Birke Art Gallery

Apr. 21 - The first floor of Smith Hall was full of harmony Monday night as local writers, Marshall faculty and students gathered to enjoy the sound of music. Newscenter 88's Hannah McCargish tells us the story of several local artists who have a way with words.

Columbine wounds still fresh 10 years later

Apr. 20 - There have been only a few times in the past two decades that has made the entire country stop in their tracks. One of those was the Columbine High School shootings that took place 10 years ago today. Newscenter 88's Caleb Whisenant reports the sting is still too fresh for some.

Sigma sorority hosts softball tourney

Apr. 20 - With Greek Week behind them, local fraternities are beginning to support some of the other Greek community members. Newscenter 88's Laura Hatfield reports on one of the ways they're doing this.

Students react to current campus pet policy

Apr. 17 - You may have heard by now that some students and faculty are trying to fight a recent Marshall Board of Governors proposal to ban all pets indoors except for guide dogs. Well Newscenter 88's Erin Hill decided to get some feedback about the current policy, including one possibly damning admission.

Fall class registration not as bad compared to past, registrar says

Apr. 17 - Many classes of underclassmen have complained over the years about Marshall's class registration process. But Newscenter 88's Alyssa Rae reports the registrar says it has actually gotten better over the years.

Miss West Virginia has Marshall connection

Apr. 16 - A Marshall alum is prettying herself up to increase her odds Sunday in Las Vegas. NewsCenter 88's Cicely Tutson has the story.

Doing laundry on the cheap

Apr. 16 - Politicians, celebrities, and lawyers all have dirty laundry, and so do students. Marshall held a campus wide 25 cents per laundry load day yesterday. Newscenter 88's Jo Troller has the story.

Strawberry Breakfast wakes campus up early

Apr. 16 - When you combine butter and strawberries you get breakfast served by many girls at the Alpha Xi Delta house on 5th Avenue. Kasha Shull has more on the 58th annual Strawberry Breakfast.

Making "Invisible Children" visible again

Apr. 15 - Last year Invisible Children consisted of just a movie. But as Newscenter 88's Hannah Henderson reports, the program intended to help build schools in Uganda will try something new for awareness this year.

Gay Pride Week continues through Friday

Apr. 13 - Today was day four of the eight-day annual celebration known as Gay Pride Week, and Newscenter 88's Laura Hatfield reports how the festivities have been going so far.

Tri-State getting more nonstop flights

Apr. 10 - Allegiant Air's flights from Huntington to Orlando have been wildly successful, and as Newscenter 88's Alyssa Rae reports, it is leading to an expansion of nonstop service for Tri-State residents.

Old Central City a bargain hunter's dream

Apr. 10 - The West Side of Huntington gets a bad rap for crime, but as Newscenter 88's Caleb Whisenant reports, there are areas like Old Central City that are thriving.

Marshall groundskeepers fighting Mother Nature

Apr. 10 - The Tri-State saw a major temperature drop earlier this week, and Newscenter 88's Leannda Carey reports that had Marshall's grounds crew a little worried.

Crunch time leads to tons of stress

Apr. 10 - There are exams and term papers. There are jobs and social situations to deal with, too. As the end of another collegiate semester nears, Newscenter 88's Erin Hill finds out how some students are handling the stress.

RateMyProfessor.com a universal college favorite

Apr. 9 - Today's college students love the Internet--so much so that they trust it when making major decisions, such as determining which professors to take for class. Newscenter 88's Jo Troller shares some students' experience with the site.

Final part of Israel-Palestine conflict causes similar controversy to first part

Apr. 8 - The second and final part of a controversial series took place last night at the Memorial Student Center, and as Newscenter 88's James Roach reports, while there were some moments of tension, it didn't completely boil over.

Camping in College

Apr. 8 - Living on campus might not be ideal for some students, but there are some perks to living in residence halls. Newscenter 88's Ashton Marra tells us about one of these perks that can only be had if you sign up for a room.

Haven't exercised lately? Well, Walk It Up!

Apr. 7 - Organizers of one event are hoping that a one-mile walk today will help lead to better health down the road. Newscenter 88's Kasha Shull has more on the 2nd annual Walk It Up.

Empty Bowls breaks previous fundraising record--and then some

Apr. 7 - One person purchasing a $12 bowl at the Empty Bowls fundraiser wouldn't have made a significant difference. But Newscenter 88's Brian Dalek reports so many people purchased bowls on Tuesday that it shattered the previous record.

Students making summer living arrangements

Apr. 6 - Students are busy in these last few weeks writing term papers, but Newscenter 88's Laura Hatfield reports that between their marathon study sessions, some of them are looking for places to live.

Panel, film on Israeli-Palestinian conflict causes controversy

Apr. 3 - Marshall professors tried last night to present a discussion of a topic that has been passionately fought for thousands of years. But Newscenter 88's Brian Dalek reports there were more questions than answers by the end, and as a result some audience members got testy.

Board of Governors proposing campuswide animal ban

Apr. 3 - The Marshall Board of Governors has a proposal up for review online (view PDF) that would ban animals on campus with only a couple of exceptions. Newscenter 88's Leannda Carey reports some students and faculty are fighting to keep this from becoming reality.

Marshall Foundation loses $3 million in assets in FY08

Apr. 3 - Marshall's students aren't the only ones struggling in this bad economy. Newscenter 88's Adam Cavalier reports the office responsible for raising private funds has had its first drop in assets for the first time in several years.

Marshall hosts state Thespian Festival

Apr. 3 - Few places in West Virginia offer the opportunity for aspiring actors to perform on a quality stage. Newscenter 88's Erin Hill reports Marshall's Joan C. Edwards playhouse has served as an inspiring tool for hundreds of the hopefuls of tomorrow.

Business school changing curriculum

Apr. 2 - The Lewis College of Business is one of the university's crown jewels, at one time being amone the upper echelon of accredited institutions. But Newscenter 88's Alycia Cotten reports the college is making changes to actually make the courseload lighter.

Women Iraq vets speak out at MU

Apr. 2 - Citizens haven't been very supportive of the War in Iraq for a while, but Newscenter 88's Jo Troller reports even some of the veterans themselves have been questioning the military's motives.

Speech and Debate Team to world: "We're back!"

Apr. 2 - Success alone was not enough to generate interest in the Marshall speech and debate team, but as Newscenter 88's Cicely Tutson reports, once they got enough people to sign up again, the team's successes simply picked up from where they left off.

Gas prices creeping back into "concern" category for some

Mar. 31 - It has been many months since gasoline was last at $4 per gallon, but Newscenter 88's Kasha Shull reports that with the economy in sour straits, $2 per gallon is becoming the new $4 for increasingly more people.

Everybody Zumba!

Mar. 31 - First-year grad student Catie Reynolds has come to Herd Country after an undergrad stint in Mountaineer Country. Newscenter 88's Hannah Henderson reports she is now helping students down here have fun with a Latin dance.

Early February ice storm still affecting syllabi

Mar. 20 - The snow looks to have given away to sunshine for good, but Newscenter 88's Erin Hill reports a storm that took place almost two months ago still has students and teachers adjusting.

Rock Wall among Rec Center's most popular attractions

Mar. 20 - Beside the first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament today, Marshall has another new piece of ammo to use against arch-rival WVU: our rock wall is one foot taller than theirs. Newscenter 88's Alyssa Rae tells us about all the other features that make it so popular.

Ritter Park seeing the runners once again

Mar. 20 - Who needs a rec center when you have the great outdoors? Newscenter 88's Caleb Whisenant reports the natural elements are becoming more popular with fitness junkies as spring draws nearer.

Hornbuckle elected new Student Body President

Mar. 19 - Weeks of walking, talking and listening ended Wednesday night for all three SGA candidates, and Newscenter 88's Kenneth Cox reports the students' concensus is that they wanted more of the same.

Marshall softball fans making lots of noise...in a good way

Mar. 19 - If you have listened to any of Marshall's home softball games on WMUL, you might notice a soccer-like atmosphere going on in the background. Well, Newscenter 88's Brian Dalek will prove that our producers aren't adding sound effects to sweeten the broadcast.

Huntington sewer rates may increase

Mar. 18 - The proposal hasn't hit City Council's doors yet, but Huntington residents may need to prepare for an increase in their sewer bill. Newscenter 88's Adam Cavalier has the numbers.

Finding new friends through intramural sports

Mar. 18 - Someone famous once said a little competition never hurt anyone--in fact, as Newscenter 88's Ashton Marra reports, it can help them make new friends.

The good and bad of Goodwill stores

Mar. 18 - More people are looking for alternative means to buy necessities in this economic situation. Newscenter 88's Alycia Cotten reports on one of the most commonly used alternatives...Goodwill.

MUPD urges students to be safe on Spring Break

Mar. 17 - The scene of relieved students leaving campus for Spring Break will begin with a trickle but then explode Friday afternoon. Newscenter 88's Hannah Henderson reports Marshall police want to remind students what could happen if they let their guard down.

Athletes not participating in NCAA tournament pools

Mar. 17 - People are busy filling out their brackets this week, and some will get to take home cash out of a group pool. But Newscenter 88's Leannda Carey tells us why Marshall student athletes are keeping the green in their pockets this tournament season.

Students re-evaluating smoking habit

Mar. 17 - As with many things in this economy, cigarette prices are on the way up, and Newscenter 88's Kasha Shull reports it has some studens questioning whether lighting up tobacco is worth it.

Students respond to changing summer schedule

Mar. 16 - Beginning this year, the same number of summer classes will be offered--and taken--in fewer sessions. Newscenter 88's Amber Hay gathered student reaction about this change.

Undergrad Research Day inundates Charleston

Mar. 16 - It may have happened last week, but the studies in Undergraduate Research Day could affect people for decades to come. Newscenter 88's Laura Hatfield has the story.