Joe Misiewicz, a retired media professor and Echo alum, is set to be inducted into The Eastern Echo Hall of Fame, along two others.
Misiewicz worked at The Echo in the late ‘60s during his time as a student at Eastern Michigan University. College was not part of Misiewicz’s plan, but thanks to encouragement from friends, he ended up at EMU.
After working as a reporter, Misiewicz was an Assistant Editor and later served as Summer Editor. In addition to that work, Misiewicz spent time writing editorials, taking photographs, and supporting the layout of the newspaper.
After graduation, Misiewicz found success in radio news locally at WEMU, where he became News Editor.
He also worked with the EMU Forensics team and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, where he learned both photography and radio.
Later, Misiewicz attended the University of Michigan for his doctorate while he simultaneously taught full-time at EMU and WEMU.
“It was kind of a crazy time,” Misiewicz said.
During his time in the Reserves, Misiewicz created a radio show that was sent to troops deployed during the Vietnam War.
“[The Echo] taught me that there’s more to news than sports,” Misiewicz said. “If I was really talking to troops who were risking their lives over in Vietnam, they needed to hear all about this, not any special focus.
Misiewicz went on to teach media at several universities across the United States.
“[The Echo] really moved my butt and made me say, ‘Woah,’” Misiewicz said. “This isn’t just about the campus, this isn’t just about listening to the administration — there’s a whole city here.”
In 2012, Misiewicz retired as a teacher from Ball State University, but he still keeps himself busy. Misiewicz hosts a weekly radio show in Muncie, Indiana, as well as works as a consultant.
Misiewicz has pledged an endowment to The Eastern Echo, where he got his start.
“I was never supposed to go to school,” Misiewicz said. “[But EMU] gave me a degree, they gave me two degrees.”
Misiewicz will be inducted into The Echo Hall of Fame alongside Kim Kozlowski and Kristy Montee at the annual Student Media Gala on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The event will be at 7 p.m. at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
