Gary Wickham: A beloved faculty member

by Daniel Matishek -- ONEONTA, NY

At SUNY Oneonta, the Department of Mass Communications employs nearly three dozen faculty members, all of whom contribute valuable knowledge and expertise to students studying broadcasting and communications. Of this diverse group, one of the most beloved members is Gary Wickham, a lecturer who has been teaching at the collegiate level for over a decade.

Gary Wickham, SUNY Oneonta

Wickham got his start in radio when he himself was a student at SUNY Oneonta, laughing as he recalled he “was a horrible student.” When he pursued a Master’s degree, he got his act together, and did very well academically. But before all that, Wickham had already started teaching - in the army.

As his final semesters as an undergraduate, the war was in full force and the draft was looming, and Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army. He would go on to serve 35 years between active and reserve time, and while in the army he was able to finish his Bachelor’s degree and also begin instructing other soldiers and younger members of the military. He knew he liked teaching, and when he was honorably discharged from the army, he decided to continue his teaching career - and that’s how he found himself back at SUNY Oneonta.

Many of Wickham's classes use industry-standard equipment

In Wickham’s undergraduate times, the now-communications department did not exist. Rather, the courses were still part of the ‘Speech and Theater’ department, which has since been dissolved. Now, the communication arts department offers four different tracks in both communications and mass communications, and Gary’s personal niche is in the production track.

He teaches courses in broadcast media, radio broadcasting, interviewing, reporting, audio production, audio documentary, and more. He’s well-versed in the history and evolution of radio and TV technologies, and says he has no problem keeping up with industry-standard technology in 2016, such as Adobe Audition. “I really enjoy seeing the students’ creative processes,” Wickham said. His passion for seeing students grow is noticed by those in his classes.

“[The classes] were a lot of fun. I knew that if I was going to TA a class, this is the professor and the class I would TA for,” said Sam Butcher, one of Wickham’s teaching assistants. Sam is not alone; as students from all backgrounds and experience levels are able to enjoy the experience Wickham creates. Alex Park, broadcasting student and editor of the state times said, “He really encouraged us to think outside the box, and I think that’s really what made me like his class so much.”

Wickham lectures during an Audio Production class

Some of Wickham’s students have even gone on to mirror his career. Rilwan Ameen, a fellow instructor at SUNY Oneonta’s Mass Communications department, was one of Wickham’s students just a few years ago. He has since gone on to earn his Master’s from Syracuse University and says Wickham’s style has had an impact on how he himself conducts his classes. “I think as a student, Wickham gives you that hands-on experience, it’ll serve you well in terms of the real world, the job market.” Ameen himself teaches courses in Broadcast where students use utilize cameras and digital editing software.

As far as Wickham’s teaching philosophy, he wants to make sure students know what they’re doing. “I try to make any classes I teach as practical as possible. I try to teach skills I think people will use if they go out and work in this industry.” His hard work is appreciated by students past and present and his influence in the department is felt far and wide.

For MCOM256, I’m Dan Matishek.