WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
WNZR 90.9 FM, the broadcast ministry of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, has been recognized as the Christian Music Broadcasters University Station of the Year for the second time in four years.
The honor was presented during the annual CMB Momentum conference in Orlando, Florida, and marks the station’s third nomination during that same four-year span.
Founded in 1986, WNZR has served Knox County and surrounding communities for nearly four decades, providing Christian music, local news, sports coverage, and student-produced programming while serving as a hands-on training environment for students pursuing careers in communication, broadcasting, and digital media.
The award-winning submission was created by a team of seven MVNU students. Graphic design major Naomi Kinne joined communication and media majors Ethan Hershberger, Daniel Russell, Xander DeVault, Josiah Pletcher, Olivia Skillings, and Gabriella Stanley in producing the materials submitted for judging.
Stations from across the country were evaluated by industry professionals based on community impact, ministry outreach, on-air performance, production quality, and digital media engagement.
Joe Rinehart, MVNU communication program director and assistant professor, credited the students for embracing the challenge.
“This recognition from CMB happened simply because our student leaders took the challenge of the award submission seriously,” Rinehart said. “To win this award a second time reflects our program’s ongoing commitment to giving our students real opportunities and experiences with a community-focused radio station, and connections to industry professionals through CMB.”
The award highlights WNZR’s unique role as both a community ministry and an educational platform. Students gain real-world broadcasting experience while serving listeners throughout Knox County through programs such as The Morning Thing, The Afternoon Drive, local news coverage, and high school and college sports broadcasts.
Station Manager Marcy Rinehart, who has led WNZR for nearly 30 years, said the recognition reflects the support of the entire community.
“This award is a celebration of what God has done through WNZR and the incredible community that has supported this ministry for nearly four decades,” Rinehart said. “We share this honor with our listeners, donors, students, staff and ministry partners who have helped make WNZR a source of hope and encouragement throughout Knox County and beyond.”
The award comes as WNZR prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Oct. 1. The station’s history dates back to 1982 when MVNU received Federal Communications Commission approval to establish a Christian radio station at 90.9 FM. Four years later, WNZR officially signed on the air and has continued serving the region through music, ministry, local programming, and community outreach.
Students involved with the station said the recognition validates both their professional growth and the station’s mission.
“Winning CMB University Station of the Year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the opportunities I have received at WNZR,” said Josiah Pletcher, sports director and co-host of The Morning Thing. “This award motivates me to continue growing both personally and professionally as I prepare for my future career.”
The national recognition places WNZR among the top Christian radio stations in the country and further solidifies its reputation as one of MVNU’s most visible ministries and educational programs.
