Contact: Maridith Geuder
Two veteran staff members at Mississippi State's on-campus television facility are assuming permanent positions as directors.
Ralph R. Olivieri is leader of operations at the University Television Center, while Michael R. Godwin heads its technology section. Since 2000, each has held his respective position on an acting basis.
"These professionals have a wealth of knowledge about the rapidly changing broadcasting field and have a proven track record at the university," said Dennis A. Prescott, MSU vice president for external affairs.
Established in 1988, the center provides full-service radio, television and related electronic media productions for the state's largest university. Campus-produced programs consistently have earned a variety of state, regional and national awards.
The Wise Center-based facility also offers its instructional and service capabilities to off-campus constituencies.
In addition to his management duties, Olivieri directs "Farmweek," a 30-minute weekly program produced by the MSU Extension Service for Mississippi educational television. He also teaches an advanced television class for the communication department and provides production support for the university's television sports programming.
As technology director, Godwin oversees operations and production support, technical facilities planning and support for WMSV-FM, the popular 24/7 radio station that reaches a 60-mile radius of campus. He also serves on the university's instructional technology services coordinating group and the information technology advisory group, among other activities.
Godwin previously worked as the UTC's chief engineer and held similar positions at commercial stations in Meridian and Jackson.