WANM 90.5 FM Celebrates 50 Years of Student Broadcasting at FAMU
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For five decades, Florida A&M University's WANM 90.5 FM, known as "The Flava Station," has served as a training ground for aspiring broadcasters, journalists and media professionals. As the student-run radio station marks its 50th anniversary, generations of Rattlers are coming together to celebrate its legacy, accomplishments and continued impact on the media industry.
The anniversary celebration included an alumni reunion Oct. 1, ahead of World College Radio Day on Oct. 2, providing former and current students an opportunity to reconnect, share experiences and reflect on the station's evolution.
For some alumni, the gathering marked their first return to campus in nearly 50 years. Many recalled their experiences broadcasting from Tucker Hall before the opening of the current School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (SJGC) building in 2006.
Terrence Ward, director of WANM 90.5 FM, said reconnecting with former student broadcasters provided an opportunity to learn more about the station's beginnings and the individuals who helped establish its foundation.
"Celebrating 50 years of WANM has been an incredible opportunity to reconnect with the alumni who helped build this station and see the impact it continues to have on our students. Hearing stories from alums Xavier Higgs, Ken Darby & Joyce Evans and watching them share their experiences with the next generation of broadcasters reminds us why this station is so important to FAMU. We're not just celebrating 50 years of radio; we're celebrating generations of students who have found their voices and carried that experience into their careers," said Ward
WANM 90.5 FM, Florida A&M University’s student-run radio station, celebrates being
named Best College Station by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. (Graphic courtesy
of WANM 90.5 FM)
Ward began his journey with WANM as a student in 2004, serving as an on-air personality, program director and operations manager before becoming the station's director.
He recognized early station participants Xavier Higgs, Ken Darby and Joyce Evans, whose experiences helped shape WANM's history.
For Ward, the anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate the past but also to recognize the station's continued commitment to preparing students for careers in an evolving media industry.
Comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley, third from right, poses for a photo
with a group at WANM 90.5 FM, Florida A&M University’s student-run radio station.
(Photo courtesy of WANM 90.5 FM)
Ward said one of his personal motivations has been to provide current students with even more opportunities than he experienced during his time at the station.
That commitment is reflected in WANM's hands-on training opportunities, which allow students to develop skills in broadcasting, news, sports, entertainment and digital media.
Students participate in auditions and training before assuming on-air responsibilities, gaining experience operating broadcasting equipment, producing content and delivering information to audiences.
"It's a learning and teaching environment, just as much as it is an official, legitimate radio station being broadcast," Ward said.
Beyond traditional radio programming, WANM has expanded its reach through podcasting and multimedia storytelling. The station has produced more than half a dozen podcasts in recent years, with students earning recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists for their work.
A hallway inside FAMU's WANM 90.5 FM features vinyl records, music posters and memorabilia
reflecting the station's rich broadcasting history and connection to music culture.
Known as "The Flava Station," WANM celebrates 50 years of student broadcasting and
creative expression.
Among those productions is "Halftime with the Playmakers," a sports-focused podcast featuring interviews with collegiate and professional athletes.
Ward emphasized that these experiences introduce students to career opportunities extending beyond working behind a microphone, including production, programming, guest booking and content development.
Finding Their Voices Through WANM
For Nadia Sharís Felder, founder of LOWKEY Communications and a former WANM student broadcaster from 2015 to 2018, the station provided opportunities to develop journalism, public relations and communication skills while discovering her professional voice.
"This ultimately helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and positioned me to speak confidently throughout my career," Felder said.
Nadia Sharís Felder, a former WANM 90.5 FM student broadcaster, smiles inside the
station's studio during her time at Florida A&M University. Felder was involved with
the station from 2015 to 2018, gaining hands-on broadcasting experience that helped
her find her professional voice. (Photo courtesy of Nadia Sharís Felder)
Felder said WANM's creative independence has played an important role in its longevity and connection to the Tallahassee community.
"Creative freedom is what makes FAMU so special and I think WANM has done a great job showcasing that over the past 50 years," Felder said.
Her professional journey also reflects the station's influence beyond broadcasting. Felder returned to FAMU on Oct. 22 as a panelist for "Change Makers: Own Your Voice, Chart Your Trajectory," part of the university's Grads Are Back 2026 programming.
The discussion brought together industry leaders to explore how professionals can use their voices, values and experiences to create influence across advocacy, consulting, leadership and public impact.
Felder's participation highlighted the connection between the confidence she developed as a student broadcaster and the communication and leadership opportunities she continues to pursue professionally.
WANM 90.5 FM alumna Nadia Sharís Felder poses inside a SiriusXM studio. Felder credits
her experience at FAMU's student-run radio station with helping her develop the confidence
and communication skills that have shaped her professional career.
For current students, WANM continues to provide similar opportunities for growth.
Elyza Kates, a senior journalism student and assistant news director at WANM, said
the station provided a space to explore her interests and connect with others after
transferring to FAMU.
"90.5 gave me a platform to be able to share my experiences and music with others," Kates said.
Members of FAMU's WANM 90.5 FM, known as “The Flava Station,” are featured in a graphic
recognizing the student-run radio station's selection as a finalist for three Intercollegiate
Broadcasting System (IBS) Media Awards. The recognition highlights WANM's continued
commitment to student excellence and broadcasting innovation as the station celebrates
its 50th anniversary.
Kates said student-run radio allows students to apply classroom lessons while strengthening their communication, writing and production skills in a professional environment.
Reflecting on the anniversary, she acknowledged the responsibility current students have to build upon the station's foundation.
"The founders have set the pace for us and for future broadcasters," Kates said.
Jorde Jones, a public relations student and assistant program director at WANM, described the anniversary as a reminder of the station's commitment to professionalism, integrity and providing opportunities for student voices to be heard.
Jones said the station allows students to develop their skills while providing artists and other contributors a platform to share their work. As streaming services continue to transform how audiences consume music and entertainment, Jones believes radio remains an important medium for connecting with listeners through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.
Honoring Five Decades of Broadcasting Excellence
As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, WANM scheduled a special recognition program for Oct. 21 at FAMU's School of Journalism and Graphic Communication to honor five individuals whose contributions helped shape the station's legacy and influence in the broadcasting industry.
WANM 90.5 FM student broadcasters engage in an on-air discussion inside the station's
studio at Florida A&M University. For 50 years, “The Flava Station” has provided students
with hands-on broadcasting experience while preparing the next generation of media
professionals. (Photo courtesy of WANM 90.5 FM)
The honorees represented generations of broadcasters, media professionals and industry leaders whose careers reflect the opportunities WANM has provided throughout its history.
Cheryl "Capp" Hayden, a 2002 FAMU journalism graduate, has served as an on-air host for Power 99 in Philadelphia with iHeartMedia since 2012.
Keith Miles, a former WANM general manager, is the founder of Vantage Media Partners of Florida.
Andrew "Andy" Hanus served as WANM's chief engineer from 2011 to 2024, contributing to the station's technical operations and broadcasting capabilities.
Carmen Cummings, a former WANM newscaster, built a career as a television anchor and investigative reporter, earning more than 200 awards throughout her professional career.
Meaghan Taylor is a digital content producer for "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" and founder of Women in Radio.
The recognition of these five individuals highlights WANM's longstanding commitment to developing talent and providing students with a foundation for success in the media industry.
WANM 90.5 FM celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring five individuals whose contributions
helped shape the station's legacy in broadcasting and media. The 2026 honorees included
Cheryl “Capp” Hayden, Keith Miles, Andrew “Andy” Hanus, Carmen Cummings and Meaghan
Taylor. (Graphic courtesy of WANM 90.5 FM)
Building on a 50-Year Legacy
WANM's continued development includes improvements to its facilities and plans to expand its technological capabilities.
Ward said support from former Student Government Association presidents Laura Mays and Zachary Bell, along with assistance from Christian Whitaker, helped advance renovations to the station's recording spaces through Capital Improvement Trust Fund resources.
Zachary Bell, former FAMU Student Government Association president, speaks into a
microphone while representing WANM 90.5 FM during an outdoor event. Bell helped support
improvements to the student-run radio station through Capital Improvement Trust Fund
resources as WANM celebrates 50 years of broadcasting excellence.
The station also hopes to incorporate video production into its broadcasting operations, allowing students to gain experience with multimedia programming while expanding WANM's reach.
In addition to technical skills, Ward emphasized the importance of teaching students ethical reporting practices and the responsibility that comes with having a public platform.
"Our intent is never to cause harm. It's never to misinform our audience. It's to
be informative," Ward said.
As WANM celebrates 50 years on the air, its mission remains rooted in providing students with opportunities to learn, create and prepare for careers in media.
For generations of Rattlers, the station has represented more than a place to broadcast music or deliver the news. It has served as a platform for discovering their voices, developing professional skills and carrying forward a legacy that continues to shape future broadcasters.
WANM 90.5 FM alumni gather at Florida A&M University's School of Journalism and Graphic
Communication during the station's 50th anniversary celebration. The reunion brought
generations of former student broadcasters together to reflect on the station's history
and lasting impact on the media industry.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
