Theater

Higher Ed PodCon, an awards program that celebrates higher education podcasts, named Eastern Michigan University public relations professor Lolita Cummings as Podcaster of the Year on July 17, 2026. Cummings is a co-host and producer of "Enlighten U," EMU's mental health podcast. She received Podcaster of the Year for her leadership on the podcast.

The Eastern Echo spoke with Lolita Cummings, co-host and producer; Melissa Thrasher, co-host; and Aesha Mustafa, co-host and resident mental health expert, about their experiences at Higher Ed PodCon and the award that Cummings received.

"That experience was surreal," Cummings said. "I did not expect to win. It never occurred to me that I was going to win. Hundreds of other people were in a ballroom eating lunch, and then the awards ceremony started. I was sitting there, very nonchalantly, grateful to be one of the finalists because for me, that was what I thought was the highest honor."

Cummings said she had no idea that she was going to win Podcaster of the Year.

"When they called my name and put my face up on the huge screen, I was in shock," Cummings said. "The only thing that brought me out of that stage were my two co-hosts, Aesha Mustafa and Melissa Thrasher. They were jumping up and down and screaming which brought me back to life so that I could go on stage and get my award."

Thrasher and Mustafa told The Echo how proud of Cummings they were in that moment.

"We were so proud that Lolita received the Podcaster of the Year award, and it was truly unexpected. She has been instrumental in the success of 'Enlighten U,' and I'm grateful to be part of such an amazing team. Celebrating this recognition together made the experience even more meaningful," Thrasher stated in an email to The Echo.

"I was recording her reaction to see what was going to happen," Mustafa said. "Then they said Lolita's name and I just started yelling, screaming and jumping up and down."

Previously, "Enlighten U" had been named the top mental health podcast in Michigan.

"I'm always going to be grateful to be the No. 1 podcast in Michigan. But to put us on a national stage with major universities, and have this blind review process where the judges spent hundreds of hours reviewing the finalists, that just increases the credibility that we have with the stories that we're telling and the students who are sharing their stories," Cummings stated.

Cummings added that winning Podcaster of the Year increases the importance of what "Enlighten U" does for others. Thrasher agreed with this, saying in her email to The Echo that receiving this recognition reinforces that "Enlighten U" is making a positive impact.

"Our goal has always been to create meaningful conversations that support student well-being, reduce stigma around mental health, and remind students they are not alone. Awards like this are encouraging because they show that these conversations are resonating with listeners and making a difference," Thrasher wrote in the email.

Mustafa told The Echo that since this particular award was given to Lolita specifically, that it showcases the work that she has been putting into creating "Enlighten U" as the producer and co-host.

She also talked about the significance of "Enlighten U" being a student-centered podcast.

"This podcast is not simply about us being podcasters. It's more about sharing the message and really responding to what students need," Mustafa stated. "It is really nice to be connected with students. While it is amazing to give back to the EMU community, it also is very fulfilling to connect with different types of students."

Cummings had previously thanked EMU President Brendan Kelly for contributing to "Enlighten U" and believes that winning this award would not have been possible without his help.

"I thanked President Brendan Kelly because when he came on campus and I met with him for the first time as president, I coyly informed him that it was the president's office that funded 'Enlighten U.' So I asked him if he would continue that and he never hesitated," Cummings said.

Cummings told The Echo that Kelly had known about "Enlighten U" prior to becoming president of EMU. He has talked with Cummings about how student mental health is one of his top priorities on campus.

"I want to always thank him for elevating the awareness of student mental health," Cummings told The Echo. "And not just saying he supports it, but actually doing what it takes to provide us with the support that we need to address mental health."

Moving forward, Cummings, Thrasher and Mustafa have new ideas for "Enlighten U" and hope to remain recognized by many.

"We're always looking to do something different," Cummings said. "We're always looking to improve."

A couple of years ago, students had communicated with "Enlighten U" that they wanted a live broadcast instead of a pre-recorded one because many of them wanted to be able to ask their own questions. Cummings told The Echo that her, Thrasher and Mustafa are currently working on having a live broadcast during homecoming week for the fall 2026 semester.

Additionally, "Enlighten U" is about to begin its fourth season.

"We're excited to be entering our fourth season!" Thrasher wrote in an email. "Listeners can expect more insightful conversations on topics that matter to students, along with stories that educate, inspire, and encourage personal growth."

"We have the most amazing team on 'Enlighten U' that I could ever imagine," Cummings said. "My co-hosts, Melissa Thrasher and Aesha Mustafa, are not just my co-hosts, but have become my friends. I think we have built a team that is so cohesive with our videographer, Jason Willis, and our student interns. Everyone owns this show. Everyone looks out for it. Everyone makes recommendations. Everyone has a voice. I would never won that award had it not been for my phenomenal team."

For those who would like to tune in to "Enlighten U," the podcast can be found on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.