Standing in her cap and gown on graduation day at USC, Adrienne Fairwell could only think to herself “thank goodness I made it.”
Today, Adrienne Fairwell is the new president and CEO of South Carolina ETV and Public Radio.
The 1988 broadcast journalism major recalled her studies as being difficult and not for the “faint of heart.” Fairwell says she was very thankful that she made it through all four years, earning her bachelor’s degree at a prestigious college and university.
Fairwell was passionate about learning from one professor in particular, John Lopiccolo, Ph.D. He was also her advisor, inspiring her daily and noting that “his toughness was demonstrative of how strongly he cared for his profession and students,” she says. He critiqued her work “with such passion” which “allowed [her] to elevate [her] level of thinking and approach to journalism.”
Another inspiring SJMC professor she mentioned was Kenneth Campbell, Ph.D., noting how he would probably be surprised to learn of his impact on her career.
“Seeing a person of color as a professor during my tenure, as an aspiring journalist was something we were not used to seeing in the small town of North Augusta, where I’m from," she says.
Inspired by these professors, she strives to be the best version of herself in her profession.
Fairwell was frank about her biggest takeaway from her college experience. “The importance of time management, making and meeting deadlines, and the importance of high ethics and integrity,” she says.
Editors Note: John Lopiccolo retired in 2001 after 28 years at the University of South Carolina.