MSU alum sparks Matching Gift Challenge for MSPR 60th anniversary
Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR) is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a generous show of support from one of its own. Dr. B. Gail Wilson (Class of 1981, 1985), a proud MSU alumna and longtime advocate for public broadcasting, has pledged a $30,000 matching gift to honor the station’s six decades of service.
Wilson, who earned degrees from MSU in 1981 and 1985, began her broadcasting journey at WMKY, working at the station from 1981 to 1986. Her early experiences at MSPR helped shape a lifelong passion for public radio and its mission to inform, educate, and inspire.
Wilson went on to a distinguished career in higher education, beginning in 1986 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she advised WIUP-FM and taught courses in broadcasting and digital media. She later chaired the Department of Communications & Media and was recognized for her leadership and commitment to student success. She credits MSPR and her MSU experience as the catalyst for her career and created this challenge gift to honor the station’s legacy and encourage others to support its future.
“WMKY is where my journey began, and I’m proud to give back to the station that helped launch my career,” said Wilson. “Public radio plays a critical role in keeping communities informed and connected—but it can’t thrive without listener support. Now more than ever, it’s essential that we invest in the future of independent, local broadcasting.”
Her generous challenge gift aims to double the impact of community contributions. If matched, the campaign will raise a total of $60,000—symbolically celebrating MSPR’s 60 years on the air.
“We are grateful for Gail’s generosity,” said Paul Hitchcock (Class of 1988), MSPR general manager. “MSPR is fortunate to have donors who believe in our mission and demonstrate their confidence in our shared future through ongoing financial support."
Community members and supporters are encouraged to participate in the challenge by making a gift at alumni.moreheadstate.edu/givetomspr.
Listeners can tune in to Morehead State Public Radio WMKY at 90.3FM, online at wmky.org, via the station’s mobile app, or by asking a smart speaker to “Play WMKY.”
For more information, contact Paul Hitchcock at p.hitchc@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2334.
Photo: Dr. B. Gail Wilson (Class of 1981, 1985), pictured here working at MSPR in 1984, recently pledged a $30,000 matching gift to honor the station’s six decades of service.
