Susi Elkins is director of Broadcasting and general manager of WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University. WKAR Public Media provides mid-Michigan and the global community with award-winning original programming and the best from PBS and NPR via television channels WKAR-HD, WKAR World and WKAR Create; radio broadcasts at 90.5 FM and FM-HD, AM 870 and WKAR Radio Reading Service; and online at wkar.org and video.wkar.org.Elkins was named to the position in March of 2017, after serving as interim director since May 2016. Prior to May 2016, Elkins served as WKAR television station manager.
As WKAR television station manager, Elkins has overseen all programming, including original content production and partnerships for the station’s three broadcast channels and digital platforms.
Under her leadership, WKAR-TV has been named the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Public Television Station of the Year for five consecutive years (2011-2015), and has earned numerous regional Emmy Awards and top awards from the MAB and the National Educational Telecommunication Association, among others.
Prior to her appointment as TV station manager, Elkins served as Content and Community Engagement manager for WKAR, where she oversaw the convergence of media and programming in TV and Radio and the ongoing growth of original content across platforms. Under her direction, WKAR increased capacity for providing experiential learning opportunities for MSU students. Elkins also increased WKAR’s commitment to early childhood education and solidified its reputation as a community institution through strategic partnerships and collaborations.
Elkins holds a bachelor's degree in telecommunication and a master's degree in educational technology, both from MSU.