Winner of multiple awards from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, What it Takes features experts and committed citizens to our studio to discuss timely issues affecting Southwest Virginians. Hosted by BRPBS Director of Educational Innovation Tom Landon, WIT embodies the spirit of our ECHO Channel, featuring topics on Education, Community, Health and Opportunity.
Also, streaming on ECHO
COMING UP...
December 3 - What It Takes to Take the Helm at Virginia Western
Dr. Laura Traenor is the new president of Virginia Western Community College, and while she has big shoes to fill with the departure of longtime president Dr. Robert Sandel, she's looking forward to continuing to make college more accessible and affordable for all. She sat down with Tom Landon to discuss her priorities and her initial impressions of Roanoke and the surrounding area.
December 10 -What It Takes to Be a Resource for Families
Enrolling children in school is a lot more complicated than it used to be, especially for families with limited English skills or economic resources. That's why Roanoke City Schools opened the new Community Empowerment Center at Booker T. Washington, where families can do everything from get a physical exam to learning parenting and financial skills. Host Tom Landon is joined by Superintendent Dr. Verletta White and RCPS Director of Community Engagement Corey Allder to discuss all of the ways the new center is helping families.
December 17 - What It Takes to Create Iconic Murals
In recent years there has been a blossoming public art scene in our region, as localities, businesses, and non-profits have replaced formerly blank walls with gorgeous and often mind-bendingly huge murals that tell the stories of Roanoke and beyond. Jonathan Murrill is a former teacher and trained portraitist who has transitioned to a pied piper of public art, and his work can be seen all over the region, and he joined Tom Landon to talk about his work and the value of murals, especially when produced with community involvement.