50 YEARS of KDLX/KXCV
50 YEARS of KDLX/KXCV
How KDLX/KXCV Changed My Life
For many graduates of NWMSU's Radio/Television program, it paved the way for careers in many facets of contemporary communications. Here are some of the people that have benefited
from what might have one of their best life decisions.
This is not an official site of Northwest Missouri State University. It is a site dedicated to individuals who participated in programs at NWMSU specifically in radio & television.
Mrs. Cathran Cushman
It is sometimes difficult to speak to the meaning of compassion. It takes shape in many forms.
But, we all know compassion when we feel it.
Such was the giving of Mrs. Cathran Cushman for so many.
There's an old adage about how big is a stick of dynamite? I think you can understand the dynamic of what Mrs. C brought to KDLX/KXCV. A few words: wisdom, dedication, tolerance, understanding and truly a love for what she did. There will be no other quite like her.
Truly, the best of the best.
Vinnie Vaccaro
Vinnie is the patriarch of KDLX/KXCV.
You could find him at the Power Plant when KDLX was providing a carrier current signal to the dorms. And when moving day came, he was an integral part of the 3rd floor group that helped turn on the KXCV transmitter for the first time.
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As seen in the far left photo, his enthusiasm made him the perfect talent for "Alive and Living," an hour long show he co-produced with Janet Greenwood. No doubt a radio precursor to television morning shows today.
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The title fits Vinnie even today. A genuine man with a purpose of always putting other people first.
His extraordinary work in Kansas City with non-profits, a savvy business leader and a caring husband, father, grandfather and all things family.
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Mr. Bearcat, he loves all things related to an extraordinary university and he continues to pour his soul and energy into the truly great things in life.
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Doggone, Vinnie. We love you, man.
Vinnie, Bill Musgrave & Dennis Bowman
Bill Oellermann
Bill Oellermann has enjoyed a fantastic career in media. A 1972 graduate of NWMSU, and 1983 Master's degree from SIU, Edwardsville. Bill has been behind the microphone at:
KDLX/KXCV, Maryville, MO
KMA, Shenandoah, IA
WSIE ,Edwardsville, IL
KSD, St. Louis, MO
KETR, Commerce, TX
WBAP & KLIF, Dallas,TX
Assistant VP Communications Texas A & M
Public Address Announcer-Dallas Stars in NHL
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Married with 5 children and 13 grandchildren, Bill though now retired, still loves travel and golf. Bill also served 6 yeas on the NWMSU Foundation Board.
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Post script note: the dazzling guy above next to Bill is Frank Mandarino. Both integral to covering Bearcat Sports on radio.
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Mike Maloney
Mike, a 1972 graduate of NWMSU has worked in both public and commercial radio stations and is still behind a microphone daily. Award winning videographer and editor.
KDLX/KXCV, Maryville, MO
KMCR, Phoenix, AZ
KSSS, Colorado Springs, CO
KASU, Jonesboro, AR
KVMT, Vail, CO
KARN Little Rock, AR
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President Maloney Associates
Online at MikeMaloneyVoice.Com
You can also find Mike on Audible.Com
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Married to Beverly, an NWMSU graduate.
Son, Jake, also an NWMSU graduate.
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Rick Stockdell
KDLX/KXCV, Maryville, MO
KKJO, St. Joseph, MO
KMA, Shenandoah, IA
KRDS, Phoenix, AZ
KSSS, Colorado Springs,CO
KUAF, Fayetteville, AR
Rick, a May ‘73 graduate of NWMSU headed down to Phoenix right out of the gate. He quickly went to Colorado Springs at KSSS radio and became one of the famous "Kosmic Kowboys", along with Mike Maloney.
​He received his Master's Degree from Kansas State and became a news correspondent in Washington D.C. reporting for a Canadian Radio Network and several news stations around the U.S.
In 1980 the University of Arkansas hired Rick to teach broadcast courses and be faculty advisor to the University's
10-watt student radio station. Using the NWMSU model he built a carrier current/cable radio station for students and took KUAF to a full 100,000 watts and became northwest Arkansas’ NPR affiliate.
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Rick stepped down as GM of KUAF in 2019 and since then has continued to teach in the U of A School of Journalism and write about the history of radio at the University of Arkansas—a story that goes back nearly to the Marconi days.
Rick is a father of two daughters, and is a very proud grandfather. He and his wife, Beth travel throughout the globe.
Steve Cochren
KDLX/KXCV, Maryville, MO
KNIM AM/FM, Maryville, MO
KWIX KRES Moberly, MO
KAAN AM/FM Bethany, MO
KJEL/KIRK Lebanon, MO
KASI/KCCQ Ames, IA
KRES DES Moines, IA
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At the urging of his college house mate, he became an important part of the KDLX/KXCV family, where he was rescued from the
potential life as a math instructor.
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Steve and Mac McDonald also took on the duties of PBP for NWMSU.
Their dedication to Bearcat sports was a strong component in each of their careers.
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Married to Nel, it seems their second home is in Chicago at Wrigley Field. The giant "W" banner is well known to Cubs fans. Aside from cooking outside on the bbq, they love to travel and spoil their grandchildren and Gunter, their dog.
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Bill Musgrave
KXCV/KDLX, plus the Northwest Missourian newspaper, Student Senate and Union Board, helped launch Bill's career in journalism, government and pubic relations.
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A newspaper journalist for eight years, he became a Congressman's press secretary and chief of staff for 10 years. Bill was engaged in corporate and non-profit marketing and PR until he retired.
Named Public Relations Professional of the Year in 1999 for work to help pass a Bi-State sales tax to save Kansas City's Union Station.
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Today, Bill is the volunteer president and co-founder of www.TusongeMinistries.org, providing education and a better life for children in Uganda.
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KXCV memories: Spinning "Peppermint Twist" theme song to open his "Mighty Musk" show; announcing Vietnam draft lottery numbers off the AP wire; and, producing a radio play about the 1930s lynching in Maryville with the help of KDLX buddies.
Mary Ellen Merrigan
It would be difficult to argue that Mary Ellen wasn't a force for the past 50 years in broadcast. She set her goals high and right away found herself in major market radio. As many on-air people graduated from NWMSU, she became one of the leading sales professionals in the business. Her tenacity and can-do attitude propelled her to top management. A 1972 graduate, Mary Ellen's career changed to her passion: art and specifically, superb jewelry.
KDLX/KXCV, Maryville, MO
WMKC, Oshkosh, WI
KHAK AM/FM Cedar Rapids, IA
KARN, Little Rock, AR
KCKN, Kansas City, MO
KMJQ, Houston, TX
Merrigan Enterprises, Houston, TX
KKSS, Albuquerque, NM
KRZY AM/FM, Entravision, Albuquerque, NM
Merrigan Group, Albuquerque, NM
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Today, her art is symbolic of her career. Extraordinary.
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Bob May
We pulled Bob's bio recently and in his words, he is one very busy guy. Bob's "No Wake Zone" is a tribute to the fact he'd rather be in the water on a boat.
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"'Been Lovin' Radio since the 60's...been working in it since the 70's. Still get a thrill everyday working with businesses and helping them use radio right!
I still have plenty of air-checks...mostly reel-to-reel that I'm slowly converting to digital...ongoing project when it snows!
Love to hear from anyone that worked at KKJO. It was certainly one of my most memorable times. Radio work experience from KKJO in the mid-70's to KSSS Colorado Springs, also KSPZ and KVOR in the Springs. KWTO in Springfield, MO until we purchased KVIN in Vinita, OK.
Built KGND FM there in 1998. Managed KZMZ and KALB in Alexandria, LA for seven years. Then in Las Cruces, NM managed KSNM-KXDA both FM's for three years. Spent one year in Blacksburg, VA managing a six station group based near Virginia Tech...then to Ohio for three years at The River...then back to Missouri at KDKD in Clinton."
Bob sent out a post looking for a reel to reel tape recorder. Today, these are rare. Your editor just happened
to have a consumer reel to reel. Bob drove back and forth from Clinton, Mo to northwest Arkansas to borrow and return.
Dennis Bowman
Dennis worked in the broadcast industry for 43 years, primarily as a television meteorologist. Many years after Northwest Missouri State, he completed a 3-year program with Mississippi State University to get certified in Meteorology. He also did some radio work, along the way, staying in the business from 1972 to 2015.
KTTS AM, Springfield, MO
KODE Radio and TV, Joplin, MO
KQ-TV, St. Joseph, MO
WTVW-TV, Evansville, Indiana
WSTM-TV, Syracuse, NY
WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh, PA
WIBW-TV, Topeka, Kansas
KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, PA
