WZIP: Akron's unique voice in radio
Akron’s unique voice in radio WZIP, the University of Akron’s student-run radio station, reaches between 80,000 and 100,000 unique
listeners per week, making it a major player in the local media landscape. While it has often ranked as the No. 1 station in Akron among 18- to 24-year-olds, its influence extends across all demographics.
Unlike commercial stations, WZIP fills a gap in Akron’s radio scene with its heavy concentration of hip-hop and rap, a genre largely overlooked by other local broadcasters. The station continues to evolve, recently expanding its Late Night. Local Talent segment to spotlight more homegrown artists, with further expansion expected in the coming year
In addition to music, WZIP has revived live sports broadcasting, reintroducing play-by-play coverage of boys’ high school basketball in December 2024 — marking the station’s return to live sports after more than 15 years. High school football broadcasts are also set to launch this fall, reinforcing WZIP’s commitment to local content and community engagement.
Listen online at elasticplayer.xyz/wzip or locally at 88.1 FM.
UA to launch Operation Teach
In response to critical teacher shortages nationwide, UA will launch Operation Teach, aimed at helping military personnel and their spouses transition into teaching careers. Supported by a $482,389 grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce through the Governor’s Ohio Military Veteran Educators Fellowship Pilot Program, the two-year initiative seeks to address both the national educator shortage and veterans’ career transitions. Developed by UA’s LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education and the Urban STEM Center, the program will support 15 military participants with tuition, fees and learning materials as they progress from recruitment to their first year in the classroom.
Led by Dr. Karen Plaster, Operation Teach will partner with Barberton City Schools and Manchester Local School District to provide hands-on support and mentoring. UA’s Military Services Center will assist participants in navigating their career change, while a professional development institute and individualized mentorship will ensure a smooth transition into the education workforce.
Recruitment efforts will target regional military and veteran centers and digital outreach, with the first cohort beginning career planning with University advisors in spring 2026.
New vice president and general counsel appointed
Mia Yaniko joined The University of Akron as vice president and general counsel on March 10.
Yaniko has dedicated most of her legal career to representing Ohio’s public universities and colleges. She spent more than 12 years over two periods of service in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, most recently having served as chief of the Education Section. She previously served as assistant Education Section chief and assistant attorney general.
Between her terms of service at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Yaniko served for more than two years as assistant general counsel in the Office of General Counsel at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.