When Bailey Mutschler arrived at PennWest Edinboro, journalism wasn’t even on her radar. A STEM major in her first semester, she never imagined herself stepping behind a microphone, let alone leading a campus radio station or building a career in television news.

But one semester and a leap of faith later, everything changed.

“I never saw myself being involved in campus media, let alone broadcast journalism,” said Mutschler, who will graduate in fall 2025 with a degree in journalism and a minor in environmental studies. “I made a major change after one semester, from STEM to journalism. With lots of encouragement from my advisors, I entered leadership roles in WFSE and started my own radio show.”

That encouragement and the vibrant, welcoming energy she found inside Compton Hall transformed the trajectory of her college experience. As a commuter student, Mutschler expected to spend most of her time in class and on the road. Instead, she found a home in campus media.

“Campus media and Fighting Scots Radio changed my perspective on not only the college experience, but also community,” she said. “Being a part of something bigger and finding a home on campus was such a blessing over the years.”

Her radio journey began in spring 2024 with a practicum class that quickly became a passion. At WFSE 88.9 Fighting Scots Radio, she hosts “The Sound Wave,” a weekly broadcast that blends indie, alternative and rock music with imaginative segments ranging from animal facts to eerie stories. Her voice, curiosity and creativity helped her rise into the role of program director, where she now helps lead and mentor the next generation of student broadcasters.

“Radio broadcasting is both a training ground and a powerful communication platform,” said Dr. Ron Raymond, professor and advisor of WFSE. “Beyond career preparation, WFSE offers students a space for creative expression, meaningful discussions and diverse perspectives.”

No one had a greater impact on Mutschler than Raymond himself.

“The person who inspired me to take the leap and follow this career path was our WFSE advisor, Dr. Ron Raymond,” she said. “I wouldn't be where I am today without him. With him as a mentor, he changed the trajectory of my life.”

One of her most meaningful college projects also came from his classroom. In Raymond’s audio production course, she created a radio documentary that explored the life of her late father.

“I never knew much about him until this project,” she said.

Her hands-on experience didn’t stop on campus. Mutschler interned at Erie News Now, where she discovered her passion for television journalism and secured her future in the field. Shortly after graduation, she will officially join JET24, Your Erie, as a news reporter.

“Before radio, I did not know what my goals were,” she said. “But now, I know where I want to be, and radio is getting me there.”

Her involvement in WFSE also connected her to major opportunities, including helping organize “The Great American Eclipse” broadcast, a four-hour live show featuring themed music, trivia, interviews with NASA representatives and since-retired Edinboro Planetarium Director Dr. David Hurd. Their work earned WFSE a top-five finish for “Best Community Outreach Event” at the IBSNYC conference in New York City.

The trip allowed students to network with peers and professionals, including Paul “Cubby” Bryant and Al Roker, while exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.

“It validated their hard work, boosted their confidence, and reinforced their ability to produce high-quality broadcasts,” Raymond said.

As a member of the PennWest Honors Program, a native of Waterford, Pennsylvania, and an emerging media professional, Mutschler credits her growth to the mentors, courses and experiences that shaped her.

“I’m so grateful to have been a part of the communication department during my time at Edinboro,” she said. “I couldn’t be more prepared for the next step in my journey.”

To the students just beginning their own journeys, she offers simple but heartfelt advice:

“It’s okay to not know where you want to end up at first, or not even know where you fit in,” she said. “You’ll end up where you’re meant to be, and you’ll find your community at Edinboro.”