NPR elects KOSU’s Hubbard to national board of directors

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Media Contact: Sydney Trainor | Communications and Media Relations Specialist Enterprise | 405-744-9782 | sydney.trainor@okstate.edu

National Public Radio has named KOSU Executive Director Rachel Hubbard to its board of directors to serve as a member director.  

Hubbard’s current term, which began on Feb. 12, will end in November 2026. 

"The media industry continues to be disrupted. NPR and public media are in an amazing position to take advantage of an opportunity and be the best version of what our network was designed to be," Hubbard said. "I look forward to serving with this group of colleagues as we navigate and collectively shape what is to come." 

Hubbard became KOSU executive director in February 2020. She has delivered more than 50% growth in KOSU’s online presence, introduced a daily news podcast and driven increased fundraising success through a new extensive giving program to better meet the information needs of Oklahomans. KOSU is also moving into a new 5,200 square-foot space in Oklahoma City. 

“Rachel joining the NPR board is a win for the public radio news system and for Oklahomans — who will have an advocate at the national level," said Megan Horton, interim associate vice president of the department of Brand Management. “She has championed OSU’s land-grant mission by providing an accessible, credible news source for all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Rachel is a visionary journalist recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the Scripps Howard Foundation Award for National Journalism and the duPont-Columbia Award. I’m confident she will continue to be a pioneering voice for public radio as she serves on the NPR Board of Directors.” 

Hubbard is a mentor for Next Generation Radio, a member of Oklahoma City Rotary Club 29, the Joint NPR Network Leadership Team, the Institute for Nonprofit News and the Online News Association. 

"Rachel has held nearly every job at KOSU over the past two decades. Through those experiences, she has learned what makes the station tick and how to best put us on an upward trajectory,” said Ryan LaCroix, KOSU director of content and audience development. “I'm glad that folks across public radio have taken notice of her leadership, wit and ability to anticipate future changes and needs.” 

NPR's 23-member Board of Directors includes 12 member directors who are managers of NPR member organizations and are elected to the board by their fellow members; nine public directors who are prominent members of the public selected by the board and confirmed by NPR members; the NPR Foundation chair; and the NPR president and CEO.