Spring Semester 2025 WOUB Wednesdays schedule released, virtual conversations begin on Feb. 5

WOUB Public Media and the WOUB Alumni Network are excited to announce that Former Miss Universe President Paula Shugart ’81 and Makeup Artist Becky Minger will kick off the WOUB Wednesdays virtual speaker series for spring semester 2025. The two will talk to students about their TV studio style, giving make up and clothing tips to aspiring broadcast journalists.

“WOUB Wednesdays are a great way to provide students the opportunity to talk with industry professionals virtually,” said WOUB Editor-in-Chief Atish Baidya. “It provides them the chance to ask questions about the career they want to get into and network with alumni who are working in the field.”

With nearly 40 years of experience in the television industry, Shugart’s career has been widely recognized in entertainment television production for domestic and international audiences. She oversaw all business transactions of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and was responsible for the production of the live, worldwide telecasts each year. 

Shugart also was responsible for securing the host sites for each event which she negotiated with various heads of state in all corners of the world. Shugart served as a mentor and role model to the company’s three titleholders each year as they traveled the globe as spokeswomen for several charitable alliances on behalf of MUO. Shugart made it her goal to break the stereotypes typically associated with beauty pageants by telling the stories of the women competing and putting a focus on developing the life and leadership skills for thousands of women and teens who participate in the system annually.

“Throughout spring semester, we have several former WOUB students and industry professionals scheduled to talk with current students and alumni,” said WOUB Community Engagement and Membership Manager Cheri Russo. “They are excited to share what they have learned out in the industry with current and other former WOUB students.”

WOUB Wednesdays virtual discussions will be held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and are open to all current and former WOUB students, Scripps College students, as well as WOUB staff. Those interested in participating can join at bit.ly/WOUBWednesday2025.

Spring Semester 2025 WOUB Wednesday Virtual Speaker Schedule:

All programs start at 7:30 p.m. EST

• February 5: Becky Minger and Paula Shugart, Ohio University 1981
• February 19: Covering the CAVS: CAVS Video Producer Nick Langer ’21, CAVS Beat Reporter Ethan Sands ’21 and CAVS Podcast Host Carter Rodriguez ‘13
• March 5: CNN Content Producer Danielle Sills, Ohio University 2009
• March 19: Hollywood Podcast and Commercial Executive Producer Suzanne Hargrove, Ohio University 1986

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