Professor follows her own beat
Communications adviser splits time between students, her Scottish roots
By: Amber Russell
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Lifestyle
"Linda is really talented," Bodet said. "She is a master-open class drummer, which is the best there is. And she is the best."
Bodet also said bagpipes were formerly known as war pipes - the great Scotland bagpipes. Pipers led soldiers into battle during both World Wars.
Williams became a professor and adviser after more than 30 years in radio and television. While attending college at Lindenwood University, Williams worked on the college radio station. From there, she went to Columbia, Mo., to earn her master's degree from University of Missouri, while working at a local television station.
In the late 1970s, Linda's career took her to Kansas and from there to Tampa, Fla. Williams decided to return to St. Louis and got a job at KSDK Channel 5, where she worked as a news producer for 17 years.
The last two years Williams worked as a news producer, she was at KDNL-TV in St. Louis. Williams explained that after the Sept. 11 attacks, KDNL closed down their local news station. The layoffs were due to a significant loss in revenue, because the station didn't air any commercials for three days after Sept. 11, Williams said.
When given a two-week notice because of the loss, Williams said "that was my cue to get out of TV news."
Williams said she was dodging phone calls from news directors in other cities because she didn't want to move again to find a job. She decided to teach.
Williams said it is rewarding when an advisee comes into her office and thanks her for her help.
"It feels good to think I may have helped (students) in a significant way," Williams said. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment."
With 160 advisees, Williams has a lot of students to guide. She said she loves her job, but sometimes it can be overwhelming with so many students to help.
"This is a sign WU is growing, and that's a good thing," Williams said.
Phillip Diehl, a sophomore video production major, is one of Williams' advisees. He said she has been one of the most helpful people he has encountered at WU. Diehl said he recently changed majors from broadcast journalism to video production, and Williams talked extensively with him about it. He said instead of just saying "OK, here's how you do it," Williams asked why he wanted to change majors and gave him good advice.
"It's not a minor thing to switch majors, and she seemed genuinely concerned," Diehl said. "She is really easy-going and easy to talk to."
Wiliams' band will be playing Mar. 15 in downtown St. Louis for the St. Patrick's Day parade. They will also play Mar. 17 in the Dogtown St. Patrick's Day parade. The band will compete in a pipe band competition during Tartan Days, April 5 and 6 in St. Charles. Tartan Day is a national day to honor Americans of Scottish descent.
Bodet also said bagpipes were formerly known as war pipes - the great Scotland bagpipes. Pipers led soldiers into battle during both World Wars.
Williams became a professor and adviser after more than 30 years in radio and television. While attending college at Lindenwood University, Williams worked on the college radio station. From there, she went to Columbia, Mo., to earn her master's degree from University of Missouri, while working at a local television station.
In the late 1970s, Linda's career took her to Kansas and from there to Tampa, Fla. Williams decided to return to St. Louis and got a job at KSDK Channel 5, where she worked as a news producer for 17 years.
The last two years Williams worked as a news producer, she was at KDNL-TV in St. Louis. Williams explained that after the Sept. 11 attacks, KDNL closed down their local news station. The layoffs were due to a significant loss in revenue, because the station didn't air any commercials for three days after Sept. 11, Williams said.
When given a two-week notice because of the loss, Williams said "that was my cue to get out of TV news."
Williams said she was dodging phone calls from news directors in other cities because she didn't want to move again to find a job. She decided to teach.
Williams said it is rewarding when an advisee comes into her office and thanks her for her help.
"It feels good to think I may have helped (students) in a significant way," Williams said. "It gives me a sense of accomplishment."
With 160 advisees, Williams has a lot of students to guide. She said she loves her job, but sometimes it can be overwhelming with so many students to help.
"This is a sign WU is growing, and that's a good thing," Williams said.
Phillip Diehl, a sophomore video production major, is one of Williams' advisees. He said she has been one of the most helpful people he has encountered at WU. Diehl said he recently changed majors from broadcast journalism to video production, and Williams talked extensively with him about it. He said instead of just saying "OK, here's how you do it," Williams asked why he wanted to change majors and gave him good advice.
"It's not a minor thing to switch majors, and she seemed genuinely concerned," Diehl said. "She is really easy-going and easy to talk to."
Wiliams' band will be playing Mar. 15 in downtown St. Louis for the St. Patrick's Day parade. They will also play Mar. 17 in the Dogtown St. Patrick's Day parade. The band will compete in a pipe band competition during Tartan Days, April 5 and 6 in St. Charles. Tartan Day is a national day to honor Americans of Scottish descent.
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