Communiqué
WOUB Senior Spotlight: Tim Hanna
< < Back toATHENS, OH – Tim Hanna Jr., a senior journalism news and information and sports management double-major from Troy, Ohio, is exploring opportunities to combine his passion for sports and storytelling as a graduate assistant or full-time Division I college football video coordinator after graduation this May.
Hanna did not take the traditional route to college but says his journey to Ohio University has taught him resilience and a passion for making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
After graduating from Troy High School in 2017, Hanna completed basic and advanced training for seven months with the Ohio Army National Guard in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Once he returned to Ohio, he began his educational journey at Edison Community College before eventually deploying to Eastern Europe with his unit.
After becoming a Bobcat in 2020, Hanna was deployed again, this time to Iraq. Despite his schedule challenges, Hanna returned to Ohio University once again in the fall of 2023, determined to complete his double major.
“I think choosing Ohio University was the best decision I ever made,” Hanna said. “Aside from all the different opportunities I have had to grow professionally, I have made so many memories. There is a reason I came back after my deployment. There is something about this place that keeps calling you back and you don’t know how much you will miss it until you leave.”
Throughout Hanna’s time on campus, he says one of his most valuable experiences has been working with WOUB Public Media since 2021. While Hanna has worn many hats in the organization, some of his most memorable include being a reporter for Gridiron Glory and Hardwood Heroes, digital host of a social media show called The Full Court Press, and associate producer of Gridiron Glory season 25. Hanna’s experiences at WOUB have helped him learn more about not only what he wants and his future career goals, but also what he doesn’t want in life.
“I came to WOUB thinking I wanted to be an on-air reporter,” Hanna said. “While I’ve realized that’s not the career path I want to pursue, I’ve gained invaluable skills and made memories I’ll cherish forever. The people here are incredible and watching everyone grow throughout the semester has been one of my favorite parts.”
For Hanna, this chapter of his life has been the jumping point for his future career, and he encourages freshmen to take the same leaps he did.
“Take a risk and step out of your comfort zone,” Hanna said. “Even the smallest opportunities can lead to lifelong memories and friendships. Get involved, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.”