Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville professor Arthur Ranney can be heard on the radio every Monday evening. Songs by his rock band The Fallen Roadies are a staple on the campus radio station's local music show. Come next fall, WSUP staff members won't have to tune in to listen to the professor.

Ranney is slated to replace fellow communication technologies professor George Smith as advisor to 91 FM WSUP, the student-operated radio station at UWP. Smith has served as advisor and general manager of the station for 25 of the past 27 years.

"Dr. Smith has been a real asset to WSUP over the years, and it is sad to see him leave because we will be losing a connection that we had to the history of the station, as well as his vast knowledge of the radio and broadcast industry," station manager Laura Lohfink said. "I know that Dr. Ranney will do an excellent job serving as WSUP's advisor. He has done a great job with the Exponent, and I'm sure he will extend those qualities to WSUP."

In addition to teaching communication technologies courses, Ranney will continue as advisor to the Exponent, the student-operated newspaper at UWP. He also volunteers as advisor to the local FarmHouse fraternity chapter.

Ranney plans on spending his first semester as WSUP advisor by observing station operations and becoming acclimated to the organization, much the same as he did in his first semester as advisor to the Exponent in fall 1998.

"This is a student-oriented organization and it's going to stay that way. I'm going to watch and learn," Ranney said. "I'm going to start sitting in on executive staff meetings. George is going to start showing me the ropes. I think George has done a great job."

Exponent Managing Editor Brian West has witnessed Ranney's advising style first hand, and cites his "willingness to listen" as one of Ranney's best qualities.

"He doesn't tell people what to do. If people ask for advice, he gives it or he tells you where you can get it," West said. "He can relate to the types of students WSUP has."

Ranney said he values the hands-on learning opportunities WSUP offers. One of the largest student organizations on campus, Ranney wants WSUP to continue to present an enjoyable as well as educational atmosphere for students.

"I think students like it because it's fun, and I think it should continue to be fun," he said.

WSUP will not be on the air during the summer due to renovations to Pioneer Tower. Ranney looks forward to getting to know more of the WSUP staff members before the station starts airing again in September.

"I would encourage the staff in the fall to understand that there is an open door here, and that with a new advisor there are opportunities that might not have occurred to them before," Ranney said. "I want to encourage them to explore the possibilities."