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.
Hey! My name is Hunter and I am the Programming Director at KXUA. I am a senior Political Science and Journalism double major. I grew up in Northwest Louisiana and moved to Arkansas in 2019. I joined KXUA in late 2024 and it was one of the best decisions I made in my college career. I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made to join the station. My show, Huntin’ Lizards with DJ Hunter, airs every Friday at 4 p.m. It centers around folk music and its roots and evolutions. Working for the University’s radio station allowed me to get closer to music than I ever thought possible, especially in the folk genre.
Favorite Artists:
Bob Dylan, Woodie Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Lhasa de Sela, Charlie Crockett, Kassi Valazza, Sierra Ferrell, Sam Shackleton, Sturgill Simpson, Alabama Shakes, Arkansas Native Nick Shoulders, Sade, The Smiths
Station Manager
Belle Chapel
Hi! My name is Belle, and I am the station manager at KXUA. I oversee the technical side of the station’s broadcasting. I host a show highlighting women artists as DJ Perfect Girlfriend on Thursdays from 2-3 PM. I love going to concerts and finding new artists to listen to!
Favorite Artists:
Blood Orange, Cece Natalie, Clairo, Teather, Solange
Music Director
Lindsay Kafka
Howdy! I’m Maeve, a.k.a. dj mighty maeveo, one of the music directors at KXUA. I’m a multimedia journalism major with minors in substance abuse disorders and legal studies. In addition to my position at the station, I’m the social media manager for Hill Magazine and a staff writer for the Arkansas Traveler. My show is called teenage girl outbreak and is live every Thursday at 6 p.m., that’s when I play whatever music is tickling my fancy for the week. I have lots of love in my heart, especially for movies, coffee, and the magical little station we call KXUA
Favorite Artists:
Twen, Four Star Mary, Lorde, The Teenagers, Veruca Salt, Big Thief, Charli XCX, Bratmobile, Bikini Kill
Music Director
Taylor Higgins
Hey y’all, my name is Taylor. This is my fourth semester with KXUA and my first as a music director! I’m from Owasso, OK and majoring in biology. KXUA allows me to continue to pursue my love for music with an amazing community (bonus!).
Tune in to my show (Second Skeleton) – Thursdays at 5pm.
Favorite Artists:
Alex G, Fiona Apple, Earl Sweatshirt, Beach House, Kanye West
Music Director
Jason Marecki
Hey everyone, I’m Jason Marecki, sometimes known as DJ JMoney of the Corduroy Boyz and DJ Headache in certain parts of the EU. This is my third year as a DJ on KXUA and my second as Music Director. Catch me at a local show or here on Fridays at 5pm.
Favorite Artists:
Bladee, Aphex Twin, Mount Eerie, Have a Nice Life, Jane Remover, and smokedope2016
I’m Garrison / DJ Garri and I’m from Little Rock. I’ve been at KXUA for three semesters and this is my second semester as marketing director. Catch my show “The Echo Chamber” on Mondays at 7PM where I explore new new alternative/indie similar to older favorites. I’m also in charge of our instagram @KXUA, FOLLOW US UP!!!
Favorite Artists:
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Beck, Foster The People, Jamiroquai