(Photo Courtesy Power 88)
Vic Michaels is an extraordinary individual who has accomplished much at Dean College. He is a full-time associate degree Professor of Communication and holds the position of General Manager at WGAO (88.3FM). Unsurprisingly, he received the prestigious Teaching Excellence Award in 2010 – a well-deserved recognition for his work. During my recent conversation with Vic Michaels, I was captivated by his insightful and compelling responses to my questions.
1) When did you come to Dean College?
Vic replied, "I started teaching audio production part-time in January 1986." Vic was notified of a job possibility at Dean College by a friend. He applied for and received a position as a part-time instructor at Dean College. After months of being a part-time professor, he got hired and asked to be a full-time professor.
2) Was there a student who impacted your career that students will remember/learn about?
Vic mentioned, “A student faced an initial fear of public speaking and radio but excelled in their education and secured a position with Vic's DJ firm after graduation. This opportunity led to successful careers in the NFL and NBA”. This shows that Vic's impacted this student's career and education.
3) What is Power 88? Why is radio the future?
Vic stated, "Power 88 is located at Dean College, and radio 88.3 FM is on the dial. We go out in a 20-mile radius. Power 88 also streams on the Internet: http://www.power883.org/. Anyone can listen to us everywhere. Power 88 is on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The radio station is still online even when students are away during the holidays. Power 88 once showed up in the Boston ratings. We brought in about 25,000 listeners monthly, a nice milestone for Power 88. We're noncommercial; Power 88 doesn't have to worry about commercials. Power 88 plays classic rock from the 1970s to the present with a pop-rock or classic rock feel”.
Vic is proud to have taught various classes as an expert in the field. Including audio production and podcasting classes, Dean Radio, and previously taught Media Writing. Throughout Vic's career, he has taught many courses, and students gain valuable skills and knowledge to help students succeed in their careers in his classes.
4) What do you want students to know about you?
Vic states, “Thirty-eight years at Dean College.” Vic has worked in Providence Radio over the years as a DJ and had a couple of jobs behind the scenes in his thirty-eight years at Dean College and three decades working in Providence Radio. Since Vic has been a promotion director of music director and has done many formats, including Top 40, easy listening, and even talk radio. Vic states, “spent fifteen years doing communications and political consulting for elections and people running for office and on the Board of Family Effect Treatment Rhode Island.”
Vic is active in the autism community and has a son with autism and has served for the Families Effective Autism Treatment of Rhode Island and the Seven Hills Advisory Board for Seven Hills, Rhode Island. Vic was also an adjunct faculty member at Stone Hill College for several years.
5) What advice would students provide to an incoming Communications first-year student?
Vic states, “Every opportunity. Students can join the Dean News Network for film productions”. For incoming Communications first-year students, Vic says he, “encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity available.” “Join Dean News Network for film productions, newspapers for writing, Power 88 for radio, or even try operating behind the scenes”. These experiences also serve as internships and provide valuable hands-on experience and new skills.
Vic also recommends seeking employment in the industry, as it is an excellent way to gain practical experience and learn something new. As a professor, Vic encourages all students to strive to improve and try new things to expand their skills and knowledge and be able to add these skills and expertise to their resumes and never say no. If students have questions about Power 88, email Vic Michaels at vmichaels@dean.edu.