Communiqué
WOUB Senior Spotlight: Silver Barker
< < Back toBy Kae Walther
ATHENS, OH – When Silver Barker walks across the graduation stage this May, she knows where she’s headed next. Barker has already accepted a job as a multi-skilled journalist (MSJ) at WTOL TV in Toledo, Ohio. Barker, a senior studying journalism and psychology, says the experience she gained, along with the connections she made with alumni and media recruiters, through her time at WOUB helped her land the position.
“Anytime a person has helped me, I have really appreciated it,” said Barker. “I will always think of them and my time here so highly.”
Barker grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, near Cleveland. She says that she knew upon visiting the Athens’ campus that she could “see herself making a life here.” Barker is thankful that she was able to stay close to home at Ohio University as well as receive a great journalism education.
“I knew that I had a passion for writing, and I liked things that let my personality shine through,” said Barker. “So, I thought ‘What about broadcast journalism?’”
Barker and her family did some research, found out about Ohio University’s journalism program, and decided to visit. “After I came to Athens and visited, I saw their media [program] and I was fascinated,” she said.
After starting at WOUB in fall of 2021, Barker joined the Gridiron Glory team and covered high school football on Friday nights. Barker admits that while she appreciated the experience, she did not know much about sports. Barker then decided to get involved with WOUB TV’s nightly news program, Newswatch.
Barker also participated in the WOUB Job Connection Program where media recruiters come to campus twice a year to interview students for jobs and internships. Barker said she is grateful for that opportunity as it led to an internship at Scripps News in Atlanta.
One of Barker’s favorite moments with WOUB was when she was asked to help host the 2023 WOUB Homecoming live stream and interview Ohio University’s President Lori Stewart Gonzalez.
During her time at Ohio University, Barker was also the recipient of the 73 West State Street Award, a scholarship for students in the Scripps College of Communication established by another former WOUB student, Bill Brand, BSC ’87.
As Barker reflects on her time at Ohio University and WOUB, she encourages incoming students to get involved.
“If I was to do college all over again my biggest thing would be ‘no regrets,’” said Barker. “Also, everyone’s path is different so don’t compare yourself to others.”
Barker also revealed that some of her hobbies outside of Ohio University involve developing her business and entrepreneurship skills, as well as delving into her passion for fashion. Barker reached out to companies with college ambassador programs and currently works with Clinique, Pretty Little Thing, and Bumble.
“It’s a great way to save money and grow my business to business and business to consumer skills.”
One of Barker’s long-term goals is to become a show host on a reality TV show (such as Love Island). Another long-term goal is to start her business either in fashion, skin care or real estate.