Al Powell went on the air in local radio in 1968 and loved it. He earned his BA in Broadcasting from WSU in 1973. He worked in commercial radio in Colorado, Oregon and Washington for a few years, then returned to WSU and in 1979 earned a Master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education. In 1980 he joined the WSU Extension faculty, produced the WSU College of Agriculture’s first educational programs on videotape, created a two-state radio news service with the University of Idaho, built a videotape library for statewide Extension use, and introduced video projection for use in public meetings.
In 1985 he moved to Texas A&M University where he supervised an audio and video production unit, produced education video programs and satellite teleconferences, oversaw development of a satellite communications network for A&M centers through Texas, and pioneered satellite use as a tool for statewide communication. In 1997, he earned a PhD from Texas A&M.
In 1998 he moved to Colorado State University as Director of Distance Education Development, and eventually retired as CSU’s Director of Learning Technologies. His unit developed a system of lecture capture and recording that is among the most advanced in the US, providing critical support for students when COVID closed campus and instruction moved online. He continues to teach an online Master’s degree class in technology for Thomas Edison State University. He also does voiceover recording and voice acting for a variety of clients.
During his career, he received a Pioneer award and awards of Excellence in Electronic Media and in Distance Education from Agricultural Communicators in Education. He also received the Superior Service Award from Texas Ag Extension and a Star Employee Award from CSU.
Al is a past President of the WSU Alumni Association. He enjoys music, cars and autocrossing, scuba diving, and computer technology. He plays bass in a country and classic rock band.