By Laura Miller, Student Writer
For two decades, KVHU has served as the “Voice of Harding” by connecting generations of students, alumni, faculty and the surrounding community through music and broadcasting. As Harding celebrates Homecoming 2026, the student-led radio station will commemorate its 20th anniversary with an open house and the unveiling of the newly named audio production studio, honoring its history and looking forward to the future.
Since its first broadcast in 2006, KVHU has grown into a resource for students to develop their communication skills while exploring different forms of media to connect with audiences beyond Harding’s campus. Through radio practicum and production courses, the station serves as a tool for students to gain confidence behind the microphone and engage with audiences worldwide, extending their education beyond the classroom.
Jordan Crisco, station and operations manager, emphasized the importance of hands-on experiences for students, explaining that the skills they develop through radio broadcasting can be translated to a variety of communication fields.
“The tools we learn at the radio station are not just radio tools,” Crisco said. “It’s learning to think critically about the order of events and learning how to speak.”
KVHU’s 20-year legacy began with the efforts of those who worked to bring the station to Harding's campus. Dutch Hoggatt, retired professor of communication at Harding, played an instrumental role in establishing KVHU. After arriving at Harding in 1997, Hoggatt was encouraged by then-department chairman, Dr. Mike James, to explore the possibility of bringing an FM radio station to campus. Around nine years later, KVHU officially hit the airwaves.
Hoggatt spent much of his time at Harding overseeing the operations of the station by training announcers, producing content and promoting the station to the larger community.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years,” Hoggatt said. “I’m proud of the station and its unique format and service to the University and community.”
Two decades later, KVHU continues to evolve alongside the broadcasting industry by incorporating new technologies and expanding student opportunities. Crisco has helped lead efforts in modernizing the audio boards and has plans to implement an updated automation system so broadcasting can be more accessible for students.
While KVHU’s technology has evolved, its commitment to connecting students and listeners remains central to its mission. Aaron Burtch, assistant professor of communication and KVHU faculty advisor, works alongside Crisco to mentor students as they strengthen their broadcasting skills. However, beyond developing their radio production abilities, students have the opportunity to build on the station’s legacy by creating meaningful connections with listeners apart from simply introducing music.
“We have the chance to use something powerful, such as music, to have a shared experience with our audience that a Spotify playlist doesn’t give,” Burtch said.
As KVHU looks toward its next 20 years, Crisco and Burtch hope to include more student-produced programming and live broadcasts at community events and eventually establish a second student-run radio station, all while serving the Harding community.
“KVHU allows students to learn how to be creative, how to strengthen their voice, how to be intentional in conversation and relate to their community in a unique way that is separate from what social media allows us to do,” Burtch said.
As KVHU celebrates its 20th anniversary during Homecoming, the milestone honors more than two decades of broadcasting. It recognizes the people, voices and experiences that have helped shape the station’s history while looking ahead to the generations who will carry the “Voice of Harding,” into its next chapter.
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