On January 29, Lourdes Alvarez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, announced that Bruce Barber will be the new General Manager of WNHU.

WNHU is the University of New Haven’s official FM radio station run by a professional staff, students, community volunteers, and faculty.

The General Manager’s job is to oversee the radio station, hire new employees, and connect with the public. Barber’s duty will be to help tell the stories of what’s happening on campus, in the community, and other areas of the world.

Barber has been in radio broadcasting for over 35 years. He got his start in Geneva, New York at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Barber became a part time announcer in 1978. He has worked in both commercial and public radio, and is known for his part in the Smith and Barber morning show on WPLR.

One of Barber’s first projects as the General Manager is to conduct a listening tour of UNH. The idea is to get a feel for the University and the station’s listeners.

“Bruce is committed to improving the station’s website and promotion, developing podcast distribution capabilities, training more students on audio production and the secrets to telling compelling stories in audio form,” said Alvarez.

Barber has been described as “positive” and “energetic,” with an “outgoing personality.”

“We’re going to do great things,” said Barber. “The students are a committed group of talented young people, and I want them to fall in love with radio, just as I did when in college!”

Barber has also created and hosted a website and radio show called “The Real Life Survival Guide,” which talks about the challenges of modern day living.

“I think he will be a great leader and representative for WNHU,” said Stephen Shepard, WNHU operations manager. “I can’t wait to see the mark he leaves on the station and its students.”

Barber will also begin teaching next fall.

Tune in to 88.7 FM or find him on the University’s website.