Kevin Wallevand, Alumni Leading Our Community

Kevin Wallevand

Emmy Award-Winning Reporter, WDAY TV | Mass Communications

"The best leadership advice I’ve received is to do your best. When someone tells you that, they are telling you they have confidence in you to meet their expectations."

How did your time at MSUM shape you to be a leader?

I came from a really small town so I thought I'm either going to get lost in a university setting or I’m going to embrace it, so I got involved in things like The Advocate and Campus News. It wasn’t until I graduated that I realized how well MSUM prepared me for my career and for life.

What has been the biggest obstacle for achieving success in your career?

People go into creative fields like broadcasting, writing or photography because they love it and they should realize they probably are not going to become millionaires doing this type of work. I have journalism students who have done great things in bigger markets, but I chose to stay here because working for a locally owned family media outlet I had opportunities to do a lot of fun and exciting stories that I wouldn't have been afforded in a bigger TV market.

What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?

The best leadership advice I’ve received is to do your best. When someone tells you that, they are telling you they have confidence in you to meet their expectations.

What advice would you give someone striving to become a better leader?

A good leader should listen to the people who have been around the block, the ones who are in the trenches every day and know what’s going on. They make you a better and more successful leader.

What makes you excel as a leader?

After 33 years of working in this business, I still have a passion for the stories we tell and I still get excited about new assignments. I don’t know if you call that being a leader; I just call it a great job.

How do you deal with days when you don’t have passion for what you’re doing?

We put out three to four news shows 365 days a year, so some days are definitely challenging. I think of all my travels and the opportunities I’ve had, and the many people who don’t have jobs or homes. I feel very lucky to come to work every day and do a job I love.