Recent Anderson University graduate of May 2021, Jordan Yaney was a very busy student throughout his years on campus. He was a double major in journalism and sports marketing which led to his exciting career after graduation. Yaney discussed why Anderson University is important to not only his personal life but how it impacted his family’s life as well.
What influenced you to attend AU?
Yaney had many reasons as to why AU was an important place to him. He said that he grew up loving this campus. “I chose to attend AU for a couple of reasons. First of all, my dad, brother and sister all went to AU and had great experiences. I grew up coming to the street fair on homecoming every year, going to football and basketball games, staying on campus overnight as a teenager, so AU just really felt like home to me. I also realized that I would have a lot of opportunities early in my college career to get hands-on experience in my field. By the time I was a sophomore, I was the sports editor of our student paper and the host of my own weekly sports show. At bigger schools I would've had to wait in line for my turn, and most likely share those responsibilities with others. At AU, I had the chance to find what I really loved doing, and do it early and often. Those reps that I got early in college really helped me down the road.”
What were you involved in on campus?
Staying active outside of the classroom was relatively normal for Yaney as he was involved in many things on campus. “While I was on campus I was a double major in journalism and sports marketing. I produced and hosted our sports show on campus, Raven Watch, for two and a half years. I was a member of the Leona social service club. I was a peer mentor for one year, I was a full-time referee for IMs, I also played IMs. I was the sports editor of the Andersonian for three semesters. I was on homecoming court my junior year. I did play-by-play and color commentary for almost every sport.”
What was your favorite part of AU?
The best part about my college experience was the relationships that I made. Almost instantly I made a close group of friends on campus in Smith Hall, and those guys are still my best friends, and will be for a very long time. The best part about AU is the community oriented aspect, really connecting you with people who become friends for life. I also had great relationships with my professors. They always encouraged me to aim high with my career goals, and gave me the opportunities to gain the experience I needed. I also met a pretty special girl at AU. Saved the best for last there
What job did you accept after graduation?
After college, Yaney accepted a job as a multimedia journalist (reporter) for WFIE-TV in Evansville, Ind. After about three months there, Yaney started to anchor shows, and as of the beginning of April his title has shifted to anchor.
What are a few challenges that you face in your career today?
In the beginning of Jordan’s career, there were many large issues happening in the world. He said that In the first eight months of his new job, he has covered a global pandemic, the deadliest tornado in Kentucky history and a brutal war in Ukraine. “There was not a lot of time to adjust to life in the news industry before I was thrown into some pretty heavy stories. I think one of the biggest challenges I have faced is trying to tell these incredibly heartbreaking stories of loss while keeping a professional tone and not letting the emotion of the story stick with me.”
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Yaney said that family and friends are very important to him, “I love to visit my friends and family as much as I can in my free time. I took a big chance moving three and a half hours away from my nearest friends or family member. While I've made some great friends in Evansville, nothing beats getting to see my girlfriend, catch up with college buddies, or hang out with my family. That's probably the thing that brings me the most joy in my spare time.”
Taryn Martzall is a senior from Muncie, Ind., majoring in public relations and minoring in social media marketing. Taryn is a second year associate with Fifth Street Communications®, a student-run public relations agency at Anderson University.