Ava Perrine is a full-time instructor teaching news and broadcast writing courses and advising WDSU “The Hive,” the campus’ radio station at Delaware State University. A self-described “Mass Comm Animal” in a career spanning more than 25 years, Perrine has worked in every area of mass communications-- radio, television, print, public relations, film, the Internet.
The Chicago native and United States Air Force veteran began her career as a student broadcaster with WSUM Radio at the Universtiy of Wisconsin-Madison. Years later, after separating from the US Air Force, Ava worked in radio news, and moved on to television news. In her varied career she has worked as a TV sports reporter/special events commentator, print news editor, columnist, radio talk show host features producer, and voice-over talent.
In a public relations capacity, Perrine worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former Delaware Governor, now U.S. Senator, Thomas R. Carper, publicist for Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Dover Air Force Base, public affairs officer and public information officer for three government agencies.
Perrine hosted and associate produced for 10 years, “Comcast Connects” and "Comcast Local Edition," two television public affairs interview programs for The Comcast Network. Perrine acted as a member of “The Grown-ups Playground” an improv theater group in New York City, appeared in small roles in three independent films, as an extra in one feature film, “Changing Lanes” starring Samuel L. Jackson & Ben Affleck, and in a small speaking role on "The Chris Rock Show" on HBO.
Currently, she is collaborating with a colleague to produce a children’s television show and pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership.
She has volunteered with the League of Women Voters, the United Way, Delaware Parents Association and by mayor-appointment, the Dover Arts Council. Golf, reading, gardening, cooking, Latin dancing, Crocheting, entertaining and traveling are among her diverse ininterests.
*Recently asked why she teaches, Mrs. Perrine responded, “ I do this work, because I love it and see it as a natural extension of my profession. In order to keep myself marketable I always have projects going, but it’s more than gratifying to help and guide new professionals along the path at the start of their careers. Nurturing, mentoring, coaching, cajoling and occasionally slapping someone upside the head, whatever strategy needed at the time I’m up for it. That’s what it’s about.”
Instructor|
Delaware State University
From January 2005 to Current • 21 year(s)
Teach Mass Communication courses including Broadcast Newsgathering, Communications Writing, and Public Relations Writing. Advisor for WDSU Radio and Lambda Pi Eta honor society.
Freelance Writer/Columnist|
Various Publications
From January 1986 to Current • 40 year(s)
Freelance writing for The News Journal Papers, Delaware State News, Dover Post, Delaware Today Magazine and other publications.
TV Sports Reporter/Associate Producer/Talk Show Host|
Comcast
From January 1989 to January 2009 • 20 year(s)
First sideline reporter for TCN sports, hosted Comcast Local Edition and Comcast Connects talk show.
Adjunct Instructor|
Wesley College
From January 2004 to January 2007 • 3 year(s)
Taught Business Division courses in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management.
Adjunct Instructor|
Wilmington College
From January 2003 to January 2007 • 4 year(s)
Taught Business Division courses including Business Ethics, Principles of Advertising and Principles of Management.
Public Affairs Officer|
Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization
From January 1996 to January 2005 • 9 year(s)
Developed and managed agency public relations program, oversaw up to 13 PR projects simultaneously. Won 2002 Public Participation Award from Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Features Producer/Talk Show Host|
WDOV RADIO
From January 1994 to January 1996 • 2 year(s)
Created special radio programs and promotions, hosted 30-minute public affairs talk show.
Deputy Press Secretary|
Office of the Governor - State of Delaware
From January 1994 to January 1996 • 2 year(s)
Wrote talking points, news releases, and constituent correspondence. Enhanced relationships with ethnic constituents and coordinated with local and national media.
Producer/Host|
WKEN RADIO
From January 1991 to January 1996 • 5 year(s)
Produced and hosted weekly 15-minute arts and entertainment program for Dover Arts Council.
Public Information Officer II|
Delaware Department of Transportation
From January 1992 to January 1994 • 2 year(s)
Revamped agency newsletter serving 2,000 personnel, managed media relations and trained managers in public speaking.
Public Information Officer I|
Delaware Technical & Community College
From January 1990 to January 1992 • 2 year(s)
Campus public relations representative, wrote media releases and publications, photographed events and edited quarterly newsletter.
Publicist|
Morale, Welfare & Recreation Squadron - Dover Air Force Base
From January 1989 to January 1990 • 1 year(s)
Public relations for 10 MWR facilities, weekly contributor to base newspaper, editor of monthly MWR supplement.
Managing Editor|
The County News Newspaper
From January 1988 to January 1989 • 1 year(s)
Promoted from General News Editor, supervised staff of 10 reporters and administrative support for weekly start-up newspaper.
On-Air News Reporter|
WMDT TV 47
From January 1985 to December 1985 • 0 year(s)
On-air news reporter covering Delaware and Maryland for ABC affiliate.
News Director|
WAFL RADIO
From January 1984 to January 1985 • 1 year(s)
Managed entire news operation for the station six days per week as sole newsroom staffer.
