Getting to Know ONU Media Services
At the heart of Olivet Nazarene University’s campus is a team quietly working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly—Media Services. Whether it’s setting up audio-visual equipment for a class, supporting a major university event, or making sure a mic works just right before chapel begins, Media Services is there. They’re the ones who keep the lights, cameras, and sound rolling. From a fully equipped professional television studio to the campus radio station, Shine.FM, the team offers hands-on experience and critical support across campus. It’s a place where technology meets storytelling.
Meet Katie
Junior, Kate DeVries, is majoring in both Multimedia Communication with a concentration in Film Studies and Theatre Production and Performance and has been working for Media Services for the past couple of years. Her passion for media started with an interest in audio recording, which sparked a deeper love for storytelling through sound and visuals.
In her current role, Katie supports chapel services on a rotating schedule, typically working every other week. DeVries has helped set up events like Ollies Follies, Purple & Gold Days, sporting events, and musicals from time to time. She is responsible for running the camera for chapel services and ProPresenter along with learning aspects of Adobe Pro. The structure allows for consistency and hands-on learning, as students often perform the same responsibilities across both services. DeVries values the flexibility and support provided by the Communication Department, noting how intentional the Media Services is about ensuring students are well-trained before stepping into new roles.
Impact of Chapel Services
Media Services has played a valuable role in DeVries’ college experience by providing a flexible and hands-on campus job that complements her primary focus in theatre. While theatre remains her passion and favorite form of storytelling, Media Services has offered her practical skills in video production—helping her learn everything from wrapping cables properly to directing multi-camera setups for chapel services. This experience has deepened her understanding of behind-the-scenes content creation and broadened her skill set in ways that align with her future aspirations. Whether she pursues a career in marketing, communications, video production, or her dream role as a theatre director, Katie feels well-prepared thanks to the leadership opportunities and real-world training she’s received.
“Our job, as part of Media Services, is to be invisible.”
Katie devries, class of 2026 at Olivet nazarene UniverSITY
Making a Difference in the Communication Department
DeVries’ experience within the Communication Department has been both impactful and affirming. She describes her role in media and audio as a deeply rewarding, experience-rich job where the professors genuinely care about students and their success—regardless of the path they choose to pursue. What stands out most to her is the department’s remarkable flexibility; whether students are heavily involved or working every other week, the team welcomes anyone with a willingness to learn. This form of behind-the-scenes communication has showed her the quiet but essential role media plays in delivering meaningful content.
For students considering a role in media services, she encourages them to take advantage of the opportunity—it’s not only a job but a chance to build confidence, grow professionally, and be part of something that supports the broader Olivet community.
