OC alumna wins grant to attend prestigious podcasting seminar at WHYY

Dawn Shelton attended PRX’s Podcasting for Journalists Seminar in February 

February 11, 2020 - Communications alumna Dawn Shelton personifies the kind of individual that Oklahoma Christian University strives to create. OC loves hearing about the accomplishments of past alumni, and Shelton has definitely left her mark in local media around Oklahoma City.

Shelton, a 1990 broadcast journalism graduate, is the publisher and founder of the Luther Register News in Luther, Oklahoma. She recently won a grant from the Public Radio Exchange, along with 20 other journalists, to attend an all-expenses-paid trip to a Podcasting for Journalists intensive seminar at WHYY studios in Philadelphia. 

Shelton posted on Facebook about her excitement at receiving such an honor. 

“I told PRX about our town, and next thing I know, I'm going to a podcast training,” Shelton said. “Luther is that awesome.”

The owner of the restaurant Farmstead Market & Table 116 in Luther also congratulated Shelton and highlighted how impressive an honor it was for Shelton to be chosen.

“PRX is a leading news creator and distributor, connecting audio producers with their most engaged, supportive audiences,” OC alumna Jenn Winton said. “A fierce champion of new voices, new formats, and new business models, PRX advocates for the entrepreneurial producer – that’s Dawn.” 

OC couldn’t be more proud, with Chair and Professor of Communication Brian Simmons commenting on Shelton’s accomplishments.  

“Dawn certainly exemplifies the kind of graduates that we hope to produce,” Simmons said. “She is smart, civic-minded, compassionate and open to life-long learning.”

Once Shelton begins producing her local podcast, those interested can download episodes from the Luther Register’s website. 

Last December, Shelton was also honored with an Oasis Award by the OC Department of Communication for her support of the First Amendment.