A brief history of KXUA
Beginning in 1973, KUAF served as the University of Arkansas’s student-run radio station. In 1986, KUAF became an NPR member station, bringing public radio to the area for the first time. In 1989, KRFA (Radio Free Arkansas) brought student radio back to campus, broadcasting to campus over cable and carrier current. KRFA disbanded in spring 1994.
In the fall of 1994, a student organization called KRZR was formed, with the intent of forming an FM station that could reach outside of campus, into Fayetteville and it’s suburbs. The station hired an engineer to do the technical portion of securing 90.1 FM. In 1996, we hired a communications lawyer to complete the rest of the FCC application for that frequency, but another organization was competing for 90.1 FM and 88.3 FM. After a months-long legal struggle, we took 88.3 FM, and in the meantime, changed our callsign to KXUA. In the spring semester of 1999, KXUA joined the Student Media Board.
We signed on for the first time on April Fool’s day, 2000. In that spirit, we played only political speeches, saying that we weren’t allowed to play music. On April 2nd, we became the station you know today, the Eclectic Destination of the Ozarks.
Become a DJ!
Our current programming focuses on two types of shows: Music and Talk Show/Podcast.
You must be a current student at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. All DJ positions are volunteer.
DJ applications are currently closed, but follow us on instagram @kxua for announcements about DJ application dates.
Meet The Staff
Although KXUA has been a station since 2000, our staff often changes since we are a fully student-run radio station.
Station Manager
Luke Dumpert
What up, I’m Luke and i’m the Station Manager here at KXUA! I handle a lot of the technical side of things within KXUA and strive to expose NWA to the eclectic sound of the ozarks!
I host my show, “Check It Out,” where I explore deep cuts all across different genres and eras on Thursdays 11 am – 12 pm.
Favorite Artists:
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, This Heat, Sonic Youth, Jim O’Rourke, The Stooges
Music Director
Caleb Burkholder
My name is Caleb and I’m 1/2 Music Directors for KXUA! I’m from Arlington, TX and am studying Broadcast Journalism. I love to play guitar, collect records and go to live shows.
Favorite Artists:
Khruangbim, Isaiah Rashad, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Yussef Dayes, and Tom Misch
Music Director
Belle Chapel
I joined KXUA as a DJ in the Fall ‘23 semester, and I joined staff as a Music Director in January of 2024. I host my weekly show “Women in Music” on Tuesdays at 6 P.M. I am relatively new to the Northwest Arkansas area, and being a part of the KXUA community has helped me get more involved with the local music scene!
Favorite Artists:
Stella Donnelly, Pretty Sick, Lady Wray, Life Without Buildings, Blood Orange
Programming Director
Jaden Reynolds
Hey I’m Jaden! As the Programs Director, I’m in charge of onboarding and scheduling for our DJs and music/genre shows.
I joined KXUA in the Fall of 2022 and have loved every second of it. I love digging for new music, going to shows, and traveling!
Favorite Artists:
JPEGMAFIA, Armand Hammer, Chat Pile, Georgle Clanton, Flying Lotus, and Knocked Loose.
Music Director
Jason Marecki
Hey everybody! I’m Jason Marecki, music director and 1/3 of The Corduroy Boyz. I’ve been a DJ at KXUA along with my two co-hosts for nearly 2 years now. We’re on from 7-8pm on Thursdays. Other than that, I love to read and write, take pictures, and go to live shows.
Favorite Artists:
Bladee, Aphex Twin, Mount Eerie, Have a Nice Life, Jane Remover, and Lichens
I joined KXUA as a DJ in February of 2024, and was hired into this role in August of 2024. I host my weekly show, Matthew’s Hat on Mondays from 5pm-6pm.
As Marketing Director, I manage our online presence through this site and our social media platforms. I also created and manage the reviews program. I enjoy attending several music festivals and doing concert photography including shooting for The Greeting Committee, Maggie Rogers, Faye Webster, and more.
Favorite Artists:
The Greeting Committee, Zach Bryan, The Moss, Tyler Childers, Faye Webster, Miya Folick, and Del Water Gap