Susi Elkins, GM and director of broadcasting for dual licensee WKAR Public Media in East Lansing, Mich., is leaving the station next month.
Elkins will become chief community development officer at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. Her last day with WKAR, which is licensed to the university, is May 27.
An interim GM will be announced at a later date, according to a news release.
“Under Susi’s leadership WKAR has become a model community station with a national reputation for quality programming and innovation,” said Prabu David, dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. “We have made progress on so many fronts with a sense of purpose and a focus on the community. We have accomplished all this under Susi’s watch, guided by her innovative thinking and thoughtful leadership.”
Elkins has worked for WKAR since 1998. Her titles have included producer, director and content and community engagement manager. She became television station manager in 2012 and was named the licensee’s interim leader in 2016 before becoming permanent leader in 2017.
During her tenure, WKAR was the first noncommercial station to be granted an ATSC 3.0 license. The station has continued to experiment with ATSC 3.0 technology. Elkins also helped launch the Michigan Learning Channel, a statewide educational channel.
Before WKAR, Elkins was studio supervisor of interactive video services for Michigan State University. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
“I grew up at WKAR and I’m so grateful to all those who nurtured my professional growth with such care and kindness,” said Elkins in a meeting with WKAR staff Thursday, according to the news release. “What a joy it’s been to work with people who truly love their craft. It shines through in everything you do, delighting our members and making my time here incredibly rewarding.”