by Bethany Priest, Public Relations Writer
Many working professionals dream of reaching the pinnacle of their profession. Cedarville alumna Mandy Young has been living her dream at Air1 Radio, a nationwide Christian radio network, since 2009, and things recently got even better.
Young joined Air1 in 2009 as a morning show co-host and was recently promoted to music director and assistant program director for the 270-station network that reaches more than six million listeners in 44 states. She will continue in her mid-day responsibilities.
As music director, Young works with record labels and conducts music research to determine what songs play on air. As assistant program director, she is part of the leadership team that creates and develops on-air strategies for Air1.
“In terms of scope and reach, K-LOVE and Air1 really are the pinnacle of Christian radio,” said Young, “So to think that somehow this girl who was so inept in believing in herself has gotten here is crazy. This promotion is a reflection of how people’s belief in me helped me to see something I didn’t see in myself. I still have to pinch myself.”
Air1 is the sister station to K-LOVE, which has more than 16 million listeners.
While Young has excelled in her various roles with Air1, she credits her time at Cedarville University for effectively preparing her for her life’s work. Young gained experience through Resound Radio, the student-run radio station.
Young graduated from Cedarville University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and digital media.
“I came to Cedarville University wanting to be an elementary school teacher,” said Young. “But I left with a deep desire to go into the radio world. My experience shows how Cedarville can help you grow, learn, change and find your potential. It’s not always what you expect.”
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 3,963 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.