Motlow State Community College: Student Success, Seam Club, and the Future of Media

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:11 am by Producer



Motlow State Community College is proving that education is the ultimate pathway to transformation, regardless of where your journey began. In this episode, Professor Charles Whiting and host Bill Kraus sit down with student leaders Amber Powell and Ashley Torres to pull back the curtain on the vibrant media and arts scene at the Smyrna campus. From the revitalization of the Motlow Buzz student publication to the high-impact launch of "Buzz Radio," discover how these students are bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world professional application.

The conversation dives deep into the diverse backgrounds of the Motlow community, featuring an inspiring look at non-traditional student success. Amber Powell shares her transition from a decade-long hiatus to the honors program while balancing family life, alongside Ashley Torres's journey from Venezuela to aspiring for a career in political journalism and immigration law. Whether you are interested in the evolution of campus media or the personal grit required to pursue a degree later in life, this episode highlights the power of community-driven education.

Key Takeaways:

Tags: Amber Powell Ashley Torres Bill Kraus Buzz Radio Campus Media Career Pathways Charles Whiting Community College Success Creative Arts Digital Storytelling Educational Technology higher education Tennessee Honors Program Immigration Law Media Ethics media studies Motlow Buzz Motlow State Community College Non-traditional Students Podcast Production political journalism Professional Communication Seam Club Smyrna Campus Student Journalism Student Leadership Student Mentorship Success in Innovation Grant TBR Tennessee Board of Regents
Sections: Roundtable from WGNS