When Alexander Schwind left The University of Toledo in 2016 to work full time, his goal was always to go back and finish his degree. But as he began to move through the ranks at local TV affiliate 13 ABC, the prospect of returning to school seemed to move further out of reach.
“When I had to get a full-time job, I kind of fell into broadcasting,” Schwind said. “Most people in the broadcasting world have a communications degree. The station is open 365 days a year. The hours are kind of crazy. I thought my situation was impossible.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2022 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at spring commencement.
Then, amidst the pandemic, UToledo launched its 100% online University Studies Degree Program that allows students to complete a personalized bachelor’s degree at their own pace.
Schwind, lead director for the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts at 13 ABC, will graduate in May with a bachelor of arts degree from University College. Although his on-the-job experience is valuable, Schwind knew adding “college graduate” to his resume would benefit him down the road.
“I think going back to school online has really been a game-changing experience,” he said. “I don’t know if I would have finished within the next 10 years had I not had that opportunity to take advantage of.”
Schwind tailored his degree to align with his future goal of pursuing executive-level positions at television stations. With the help of his advisor, Schwind enrolled in courses focused on business management, ethical leadership and communication theory.
“I feel it will come in handy later in my career as I continue to advance into management positions that require higher education,” Schwind said. “I learned how to excel and how to successfully direct on the job. What I have always said about going back to school is filling in the blanks, filling in the theory and learning better ways to look at things.”
Alexander Schwind is lead director for the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts at local TV affiliate 13 ABC. He graduates Saturday with a bachelor of arts degree from University College.
Schwind has visited UToledo’s campus on occasion to speak to communications classes and mentor students.
“Alex has a wealth of knowledge and spoke with great passion about his professional experience,” said Tisha Mays, assistant lecturer in the Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Letters. “He expressed the importance of internships, utilizing UToledo’s media and production resources and encouraged students to apply for positions with 13 ABC.”
Schwind’s shift at the station is from 3 p.m. until close to midnight, so he works on assignments before and after work. The flexibility of the online degree program has been one of the biggest benefits.
“You have to want to do it,” he said. “If you want to do it, it’s a revolutionary tool to do it. It helps eliminate so many pressures and stressors.”
Schwind is moving to Atlanta and will start his new role as director of CBS 46 later this month.
