by Rachel Ward, Student Public Relations Writer
In today’s digital age, where social media and streaming platforms dominate the media landscape, radio broadcasting faces both challenges and opportunities. That’s why the industry needs experienced, innovative leaders — leaders like Cedarville University alumnus Craig Vinson.
Craig Vinson Returns to Lead Resound Radio
Thanks to the mentorship of retired broadcasting professor Jim Leightenheimer, Vinson secured a leadership position at The WayFM Network immediately after his college graduation. This year, following Leightenheimer’s retirement, Vinson returned to Cedarville as the new manager of Resound Radio, the university’s student-operated radio network.
History of Resound Radio and Its Educational Impact
Leightenheimer founded Resound Radio, originally known as WSRN, in 1990. Over the years, Resound has given hundreds of students broadcasting experience both on air and behind the scenes.
Broadcasting Careers Begin at Cedarville University
As a student, Vinson served as Resound’s operations manager for two years and as the station manager for one. With his degree in electronic media, Vinson walked from the commencement stage into the station manager position at Way FM — a role he held for 17 years.
As Leightenheimer prepared for retirement, he knew he wanted to leave Resound in good hands.In 2023, he contacted Vinson about returning to lead the station.
“He wondered what I would think of coming back,” said Vinson. “Resound meant so much to me, so I was very excited to come back and reinvest in the program.”
Student Radio Inspires Faith and Leadership at Cedarville
In just a few months, Vinson has built a strong rapport with students, helping them develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for radio.
“Resound and Cedarville are blessed to have a person like Craig to lead this extremely valuable training ground for professional communicators,” said Leightenheimer. “Craig has the heart and vision for this role, the mind, and the experience.”
Andrew Locke, a junior majoring in economics and global business from Roswell, New Mexico, has been a DJ at Resound for three years and co-hosts a two-hour evening show.
“Mr. Vinson is always quick to smile,” said Locke. “That’s the first thing I noticed about him. He remembers our names and is more than happy to talk. I feel very comfortable talking with him, and with his leadership, our concerns are heard.”
After Locke lost a family member to cancer, he wanted to bring hope to listeners facing similar struggles. He brought the idea to Vinson, who helped him refine and launch the Faith Over Fear event during breast cancer awareness month in October. The event featured uplifting music, testimonies, and moments of encouragement — and quickly became one of the most meaningful broadcasts of the year. Locke hopes the event will become a yearly tradition at Resound.
Vinson is excited to see students who, like Locke, take initiative and share a vision for radio.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
