Nikki Butler Skips to Her Own Beat

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Radio Major Nikki Butler came to Columbia to pursue her dream because of inspiration she received from a local on-air personality.

"I would listen to this jock back home, "Nick at Night," thinking I could take over that show one day because we had the same name. I would record his show on tapes and then mimic him. I was a guest DJ on his show when I was 12 doing the Top 8@8. It won me Britney Spears tickets!

"The first radio class I took at Columbia scared me because it was "hands-on" with the equipment, but it also made me realize that this is what I came here for. After a couple of weeks of working out my nerves, I was golden." 

Nikki also spends a great deal of time perfecting her skills on the turntables. In fact, she has been a DJ for several Columbia school-wide events including: Student Engagement, Student Government Association, Multicultural Affairs, and the Student Programming Board.

In addition to hosting her own show on Monday mornings from 7-11 a.m. on WCRX, 88.1 FM, Nicole is an intern at Urban Contemporary station, WGCI, 107.5 FM, where she has been able to get experience in production, programming, and working with on-air talent.

Fall plans include another internship, continuing to host Monday mornings at WCRX, and expanding her DJ experience at clubs and events throughout Chicago.

Nikki had this to say about her stay at Columbia, "With the classes I've taken and the guidance from teachers and faculty I feel prepared for the industry and have confidence I can do any job at a radio station."