Hidden amongst the static of the AM radio waves, the Big Country community can find the voices of Dr. Paul Fabrizio, Dean of the McMurry School of Social Sciences and Religion and Professor of Political Science, and Bill Libby, Athletic Director, sharing an insightful look into the community and world on KWKC 1340.

Dr. Paul Fabrizio

Beneath a giant wooden pencil, inspired by their opening phrase asking listeners “if they have their #2 pencils,” the Professors dive into topics ranging from current news to UFOs to elections, and everything in between. Sigmund Freud, evolution, the history of drinking in America, Biblical interpretations—the topics are always interesting, provide valuable information, or both. “Psychology Professor Greg Schneller’s show on dreams is one of my favorites,” said Dr. Fabrizio. “Former McMurry Physics professor Joe Christensen’s show explaining quarks is another.” One of Bill’s favorite shows involved a man who just returned from Afghanistan. The professors talked with him and his spouse about the difficulty of personal separation, financial arrangements during that period and care for their children.

Professor Bill Libby

Both agree that the guests are one of the most enjoyable parts of the show. Guests include a former CIA agent, a Christian Science lecturer, various McMurry professors, local elected officials and the list goes on and on. “During local elections we want to give candidates a forum for people to hear them. Additionally, we also serve as a forum for community events. Local organizations ranging from volunteer firefighters to the United Way have all been invited to appear on the show,” said Dr. Fabrizio. It’s this diversity of topics and guests that keep people tuning in, and makes the show so enjoyable for the hosts.

While many radio duos fill time with stories about stupid criminals or poke fun at political figures and celebrities, The Professors’ focus remains on real issues that are relative, interesting and useful to the common listener. Their goal is both teaching and learning. “I like learning about things, so every day I go into a show wondering what I will learn today. I like teaching too, and the show, when it provides the opportunity, allows me to teach a little about American politics,” said Dr. Fabrizio. Professor Libby agrees, “The intellectual give and take with Fabrizio or the people being interviewed is what I enjoy most about my work on The Professors.”

Dr. Fabrizio first began speaking on KWKC 1340 in November 2000 to explain the disputed 2000 election. His popularity and insight led to an invitation to join a show called “Community Forum.” In the fall of 2002, Professor Libby and Dr. Fabrizio spoke jointly at the Rotary Club, where Dave Boyll, the host of “Community Forum” invited Libby to join Fabrizio on the show. In 2005, the station’s ownership changed hands, and The Professors was born as a permanent daily show on July 1, 2005.

The Professors is the only local call-in radio program for Abilene and the surrounding area. Throughout the show, a box on the wall flashes announcing another call from a listener, eager to ask questions or give an opinion on the topic being discussed. “We provide the only forum for people to talk with their local political and community leaders without attending an event,” said Dr. Fabrizio. “We also provide the only forum for people to hear their local leaders speak for longer than two minutes on TV.”

In addition, the show provides an avenue to show the community the amazing faculty here at McMurry. While traditional advertising provides only limited ability to communicate the quality of the McMurry faculty, the show provides the public with the opportunity to experience our professors for themselves. In a sense, the community has a chance to visit a McMurry classroom without leaving home.

You can join The Professors every weekday from 4-5 p.m. on KWKC 1340, or visit this link to listen to past shows.