Cumberland University has always emphasized the importance of community, and few embody that spirit more than Susie James. As the owner of Lebanon’s WANT-FM and WCOR-AM radio stations, which proudly broadcast Cumberland University sports, James has been a vital force in fostering local connections through her dedication to community-focused programming. Her contributions were recently recognized when she was named the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters’ 2023 Distinguished Service Award Recipient, underscoring her significant role in both the industry and the Lebanon community.
The following is written by CU Board of Trust Chairman, Sam Hatcher:
For her service in the broadcasting industry and in the local community, Susie Hunt James, owner of Lebanon radio stations WANT-FM and WCOR-AM, was named the Distinguished Award Recipient for 2023 by the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters at a ceremony held Tuesday August 20th at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The recognition, presented annually to a single recipient by the TAB, is regarded as the highest and most prestigious awards presented to a member of the broadcasting industry in Tennessee. Noted past recipients of the award include the late Irving Waugh, an icon in country music, the Country Music Association, and chief executive at WSM radio and television; Anne Holt, the longtime news anchor at Nashville’s WDCN-TV; Tom Griscom, former Director of White House Communications under President Ronald Reagan; Chris Clark, former news anchor with WTVF-TV Nashville; and the late Bill Barry of Lebanon, James’ stepfather, who owned a number of radio stations and had a remarkable career in the broadcasting industry.
James began her career in the broadcasting industry some 31 years ago acquiring ownership and becoming the general manager of her two Lebanon based radio stations. She has also been significantly involved in the TAB serving in a number of leadership roles including stints on the organization’s board of directors and on the board of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
Appreciating the local community her stations serve, James has placed a special emphasis on community interests, local news reporting, local sports coverage, and the broadcast of a “real country” format which blends the traditional sound of today’s hottest new artists with the greatest country classics.
A member of the Lebanon Kiwanis Club for more than 30 years and a Distinguished Past President of Kiwanis, James has been engaged in a number of civic and community organizations. She has been a longtime member of the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, served on the Chamber’s board of directors, as the organization’s treasurer, and has held several key leadership posts on committees and in other capacities.
A graduate of Leadership Wilson, her service in the community also includes membership on boards with Hearthside Senior Living, United Way of Wilson County, Wilson County Community Help Center, the American Heart Association, Prospect, Inc., and being a charter member of Wilson County Women of Impact.
A former recipient of the “Business Person of the Year” award presented by the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, James has also been recognized as a “Woman of Influence “ in 2018, served as Grand Marshall of the Lebanon Christmas Parade in 2021, and was selected to be the honoree at the Lebanon/Wilson County Library Roast in 2018.
Notably in 2016 Cumberland University presented her and her husband Ed the Algeron Sydney Sullivan Award, a prestigious recognition available to only a select group of universities in the South denoting excellence in character and service to humanity.
James, who attended McClain Elementary School, a former Lebanon public school, is an alumnus of Friendship Christian School, Cumberland College (now Cumberland University) and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.
She is the daughter of the late Joyce Bobo Barry and William O. (Bill) Barry (stepfather). Her father, the late Richard E. Hunt, was a regional commercial construction contractor. She is a lifelong member of the College Hills Church of Christ where she and her husband continue to hold membership.
James is most proud of her children, their spouses, and her 2 grandsons. Son, Christopher (Trish) Bay live and work in NC. And daughter Chelsea (Greg) Nyce live in Wilson County with Gordon (7) and William (3).