Alcorn State University’s (ASU) very own, Jerome Myles Sr., has won his 4th award at the 44th Annual Jackson Music Awards, which was held virtually on Monday, July 30th at the Downtown Marriott in Jackson, Mississippi.
Myles is the Gospel Music Director, Website Coordinator, and Assistant Operation’s Manager at ASU’s radio station, WPRL 91.7 FM. During the tenure of his career, he has helped students within the Mass Communications department who have a desire to go into the field of radio.
“As they say, you wear many hats, and I do,” expressed Myles.
For Myles, this award is more dear to him this year than any other year he has won it. “The first time that I won it was awesome because I had never won it before, but this year it was more special to win than all of the other years, stated Myles. He dedicated this year’s award to his dear friend who recently passed away, Pastor Queen Jackson. His “spiritual mother”, in his words, has been by his side and supported him for over 30 years.
Myles, who is a Natchez native, discovered his talent in radio at the age of 17 at a Job Shadow Program in high school.
“When a gentleman came to my class and asked if anyone wanted to shadow him, I was the only person that raised my hand. I stayed for 3 weeks and I did so well that they brought me back and the rest, as they say, is history,” Myles said.
One of his first on-air jobs was at WTYJ 97.7 FM, in Natchez, Mississippi where he proved to be quite popular with the listening audience. He also worked at WKPG 1320 AM Radio in Port Gibson, Mississippi where he served as manager, on-air personality, and salesman. After leaving commercial radio, he relocated to WPRL 91.7 FM at Alcorn State.
“21 years speaks for itself. I love it and I love making a difference in a student’s life or someone who’s listening to me on the radio. This is not a job for me, this is a ministry. That’s what I look forward to every day,” stated Myles.