Staff Bios



Malachi Crane- Executive Director


Malachi Crane came to Spring Arbor University in November of 2007 to oversee the daily operations for 89.3 The Message and SAU Radio. Malachi is a graduate of John Brown University where his career in radio started.

Malachi has worked with a number of radio stations throughout the country and is proud to call SAU Radio his home. Malachi enjoys sports and is trying his best to root for Michigan teams when possible. His first love is baseball and he is an avid fantasy baseball participant. Malachi and his wife Sarah enjoy movies and being active in the community.

Email Malachi

 


Rachel Ryder- Promotions Coordinator/The Morning Message Host (6-9 am)


Rachel Ryder has been around SAU Radio since 1999, and still loves every minute of it. She has always been a morning person. Rachel is involved with promoting the radio station in fun ways, developing contests, giveaways and community involvement. She knows a thing or two about music and computers. She’s the one to ask about the latest technology or what song you just heard on the radio. If she isn’t sure, give her some lyrics and she’ll look up the song on her iPhone for you.

When she’s not on the air or her iPhone, you might find her twittering, watching movies or taking pictures around Jackson with husband, David.

Follow Rachel's Morning Message Blog.
Email Rachel

 


Gary Thompson- Afternoon Host (3-6 pm)

Gary entered radio at the age of 14 as a volunteer weekend DJ at a college radio station in his hometown. Gary is originally from South East Kansas & was a pastor's kid growing up. Yes...that means he was the most rebellious kid in class until Christ got hold of him at age 17. Six months later, one week out of high school, Gary sent a demo tape to a Christian radio station & was hired just days after that to host overnights.

"Christian radio gave me the encouragement to be who Christ called me to be during my last year of high school" says Gary. "I've been blessed to be part of Christian radio ever since in some way or another."

Gary, his wife, & 3 kids are thankful to be a part of the ministry of 89.3 the Message.

Email Gary


Tonya Hernandez- Program Director

Tonya Hernandez started her radio career right out of high school and quickly became involved with SAU Radio her freshman year. Tonya then went and worked at a few radio stations in southeast Michigan. She returned to SAU Radio in Summer 2010 as the Program Director. She loves being back in the greater Jackson community where she was born and raised.

Tonya is often listening to music. If she’s not tuned in, she’s probably catching a movie with her husband Tim or spending time with friends and family (okay, maybe she’s still tuned in, but softly, and in the background).

Email Tonya

 

 


Eric Iden- Midday Host (11 am-1 pm)

Eric Iden is passionate in what God is doing in his life and others. Studying youth ministry at Spring Arbor University allows him to communicate his love for Christ to children and teens. He gets to enjoy Christian music while also working on a farm, driving all sorts of equipment.

When not in the fields, he enjoys sharing that same music with others through the power of radio and keeping up with sports.

 

 

 

Email Eric

 


DJ Baker- Mid-Afternoon Host (1-3 pm)

DJ Baker studies photography. He is relatively new to radio, although it’s something he’s always wanted to do. In his spare time, DJ likes to bowl. He was the captain of his high school bowling team in Stockbridge. He is an avid music-lover and plays the guitar and clarinet.

He loves to help other people when they need him, and would like to someday help missionaries over seas.

 

 

Email DJ

 


George Jackson- Evening Host (6-7 pm)

George Jackson III came to SAU radio in fall of 2008. George studies broadcasting as a senior at Spring Arbor University. He first became interested in radio after being told multiple times that he has a nice low voice that seems perfect for it. George is an avid sports fan and loves to participate in fantasy sports year round.

When he’s not hosting during the evening, you can find George doing homework, playing video games, doing something sports related, or being active in the SAU choir.

 

Email George

 




Sarah Beardslee

Sarah Beardslee came to SAU radio in the fall of 2011 all the way from sunny Fort Myers, Florida. Sarah studies professional writing and broadcasting at Spring Arbor University. She hopes to one day become a photojournalist. She loves the movie “What About Bob”, raspberry iced tea, and anything Hello Kitty.

When she isn’t hosting in the morning, you can find her doing homework and hanging out with friends.

Email Sarah

 

 

 

 


Aaron Lee

Aaron Lee is from the Toledo, Ohio area. He enjoys witty banter and being interesting and/or classy. He can usually instead be found playing guitar, singing, playing video games, reading & hanging out with friends.

Aaron currently studies Computer Science and Psychology at Spring Arbor University.

Email Aaron

 

 

 


Devin Inbody

Devin Inbody got his start in radio in Sandusky, Michigan. Hailing from the small town of Deckerville, Devin has had interest in radio for years and is studying broadcasting at Spring Arbor University.

When he’s not in the studio, you can find Devin playing basketball and encouraging others.

Email Devin







Feedback

  • There are no songs like Christian songs that speak to your heart and inspire you as you go about your day. I especially like the a.m. show with Rachel Ryder. She always says interesting things and plays lots of great music.
    Barb in Jackson