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
Ben Hobbs
As the Programs Director, I’m in charge of onboarding and scheduling for our DJs and music/genre shows.
KXUA is a great way to flex my creative side and allows me to be passionate about a medium that has given me so much.
Favorite Artists:
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, King Krule, Yo La Tengo, Black Midi, and Paul McCartney
Local MD
Lawrence Anca
Hey, my name is Lawrence, I’m the local music director for KXUA. I do a bunch of interviews of local artists and go to even more local shows. If you see me at any say hey!
Favorite Artists:
The Strokes, Pinkpantheress, Alson Ellis, Steel Pulse, and Mac Demarco
I joined KXUA as a DJ in February of 2021, and joined staff in September of 2022. I host my weekly show, Outliers, at noon on Fridays.
As Marketing Director, I manage our online presence through this site and our social media platforms. I also created and manage the reviews program. Lately I’ve been into interviewing artists, including Glenn Kotche of Wilco, Digable Planets, Big Wild, and more.
Favorite Artists:
Silversun Pickups, Khruangbin, Little Simz, Phoenix, Wilco, Brittany Howard, and Dehd