Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Dan Balla joined UNT as KNTU’s General Manager on September 1, 2020. He has worked in commercial radio for most of his career, and today retains an ownership stake in a radio company. He has been a Texas certified teacher since 2007, and taught science and social studies in the Frisco ISD.

Balla began his radio career in high school at a small town station in Michigan. He later attended Central Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science degree. His early career included jobs in news, on-air DJ, and morning show host.

He has been a program director in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan; Oklahoma City; and Houston. He also held positions with Clear Channel and Cumulus Media as Operations Manager for radio clusters in Columbia, South Carolina, and Mobile, Alabama. While teaching in public schools, he moonlighted as a news anchor in Dallas at KRLD and Metro Networks.

In 2008, Balla ventured into radio ownership as president and majority owner of Falls Media, LLC., based in Wichita Falls, Texas; the company owns and operates KWFB and KXXN.

Dan served on the Executive Board for the Media Arts Department at UNT starting in 2011. He also served as a board member with the Texas Association of Broadcasters.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Round Rock, TX

Angela Smith-Johnson, widely recognized by her professional moniker “Val Wilson,” is an esteemed veteran in the radio broadcasting industry, boasting an impressive career spanning over four decades. With a wealth of experience in both on-air broadcasting and commercial voice-over production, Val has consistently demonstrated her remarkable talents and expertise.

Val kick-started her journey in broadcasting at KTSU-FM, the campus station of Texas Southern University’s School of Communication, where she graduated from. Since then, she has made significant contributions to several prominent commercial radio stations in the Houston area, assuming various roles in broadcast management throughout her illustrious career.

Notably, Val’s affiliation with Texas Southern University carries a deep personal significance, as she hails from a proud lineage of TSU graduates. Her grandfather, the Rev. Dr. John Reuben Sheeler, served as the former Chair of the History Department at TSU. Furthermore, Val’s parents, multiple family members, and even her daughter all share the distinction of being esteemed TSU graduates, with accomplishments spanning undergraduate and graduate degrees.

To complement her academic achievements, Val holds both a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Texas Southern University and a Master of Business Administration from Huston-Tillotson University, two of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Texas. This educational foundation has undoubtedly enhanced her multifaceted skill set and broadened her understanding of the industry.

In 2011, driven by her passion for nurturing future talents and giving back to the industry that shaped her, Val embarked on a rewarding journey as an Instructor in the School of Communication. Her role aims to develop, prepare, and mentor the next generation of aspiring broadcast and voice-acting professionals, solidifying her dedication to fostering excellence in the field.

Val Wilson stands as a highly respected figure in the radio broadcasting community, combining her extensive practical experience, academic prowess, and unwavering commitment to inspiring others. Her remarkable contributions continue to shape the industry and leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of aspiring broadcasters and voice actors alike.