Rudolph turns passion into purpose

BY COLTON BRADBERRY / Multimedia Journalist

At 36, Jade Rudolph is preparing to graduate from Tarleton State University this December. As a nontraditional student, he has taken an unconventional path to earning his degree, blending a passion for music with a drive to succeed in business.
 

Rudolph’s story begins in the Stephenville area, where he spent his childhood attending school from pre-K through eighth grade, before moving to Colorado.
 

“About half my life I grew up in the Stephenville, Lipan and Dublin area,” Rudolph said. “And then for  high school, I went up to Colorado and made my first attempt at college there.”
 

Years later, Rudolph returned to Texas and enrolled at Ranger College, where he earned an associate degree before transferring to Tarleton. He decided to major in marketing and minor in music—two fields that mirror his lifelong passions.
 

Rudolph has been immersed in the music industry for over 20 years. He spent his early 20s as a touring musician before starting his own record label at 23. While the label didn’t succeed, the experience taught him invaluable lessons about business and the challenges of breaking into the industry.
 

“I started promoting and organizing shows in Denver,” Rudolph said. “We were selling out clubs and that’s when a radio station noticed me. They asked me to do an interview on air and during the commercial break, the station owner told me I had a voice for radio and he offered me a radio show.”
 

After spending time in Colorado working at the radio station, Rudolph eventually settled in California. It was there that his passion for music and radio took a significant turn. While searching for a platform to host his own radio show, Rudolph realized that no existing service aligned with his vision.
 

Rather than compromising, he decided to create his own platform. 
 

In November 2017, Rudaroo Radio was born, founded on the principle of being “the home of the underground.” 
 

For Rudolph, the platform wasn’t just a business—it was a way to support emerging artists and build a community around shared values of creativity and collaboration. Over the past seven years, Rudaroo Radio has grown steadily, fueled by Rudolph’s commitment to giving underdog musicians a voice in an increasingly crowded industry.
 

“I wanted a platform that fit the mold of local music but in a worldwide context,” Rudolph said. “When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create it myself. Rudaroo Radio became a way to not just share music, but to build a community for artists who might otherwise go unnoticed.”
 

Today, Rudaroo Radio has expanded its reach to Texas, where Rudolph works alongside another Tarleton graduate, Justin Cummins. They plan to move the station to Denver in January to tap into a larger market.
 

Rudolph’s decision to major in marketing was driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a clear understanding of what his business needed to thrive. For Rudolph, earning a degree wasn’t just about personal growth, it was a strategic move to strengthen his business and secure its future in a competitive industry.
 

“I had a lot of musical knowledge and customer service experience, but marketing was the missing piece,” Rudolph said. “When seeking investors, having a degree gives you credibility.”
 

Rudolph credits Tarleton with helping him refine his skills and broaden his perspective.
 

“I’ve learned so much about how to market to younger generations,” Rudolph said. “Being in my 30s, I wouldn’t normally have the chance to hang out with 19 and 20-year-olds.”
 

Rudolph hasn’t just attended classes, he’s fully immersed himself in campus life. He served as vice president of the choir last year and is an assistant grand treasurer for Kappa Sigma, where he’s a founding father of the fraternity’s Tarleton chapter.
 

“I probably dove into college life more than most 30-somethings,” Rudolph said. “It reinvigorated the youth in me. I feel 22 again.”
 

Rudolph also worked as music director for the school’s radio station, an experience he cherished but had to step away from due to his demanding schedule.
 

Rudolph is also a musician with a single, “Now This Is What I Call Livin,” available on his YouTube channel. Though he performs live regularly, he has been intentional about delaying a larger release of his work.
 

“I have several albums’ worth of material, but I want to release it professionally,” Rudolph said. “I’m waiting until I can find the right studio and producers to match the vision I have in my head.”
 

Throughout his time at Tarleton, Rudolph has found inspiration and guidance from several professors who left a lasting impact on his academic and personal growth. 
 

Among them is Dr. Troy Robertson, who Rudolph described as a model of grace, empathy and professionalism. As a professor and mentor, Dr. Robertson has not only provided expertise in music but has also demonstrated an unwavering ability to handle every situation with composure and kindness.
 

“For lack of a better phrase, I’ve never seen someone with such good bedside manner. When he’s in front of a class he has the ability to deal with every type of situation with grace and poise and it’s very impressive,” Rudolph said. 
 

Robertson spoke highly of Rudolph, noting the unique perspective he brings to the classroom. 
 

“He’s a non-traditional student and has led a very interesting life.” Robertson said.
 

Rudolph also highlighted the significant impact of Bill Leaverton, a professor whose no-nonsense approach to teaching left a lasting impression. For Rudolph, Leaverton’s straightforward style was both refreshing and insightful, offering students a glimpse into the realities of their education and their future careers.
 

“I haven’t had a teacher be so blunt and forward and truthful about their own situation, about the class situation or the school’s situation. That level of honesty is something I’ve really appreciated,” Rudolph said. 
 

Another standout professor for Rudolph was Dr. Pellegrino, whose teaching philosophy stood out for its emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning.
 

“He makes you really, sort of investigate your own methods, of how to access information and to gain knowledge. He teaches you more about how to gain knowledge than knowledge,” Rudolph said. 
 

After earning his degree, Rudolph is eager to return to Denver, a city that has played a significant role in his journey. With several of his employees joining him, he plans to expand Rudaroo Radio into the heart of Colorado’s vibrant music scene. 
 

While he’s excited about the opportunities awaiting him in Denver, Rudolph looks back on his time at Tarleton with deep appreciation. For him, the university has been more than just a place to earn a degree—it’s been a transformative chapter filled with personal and professional growth.
 

“Tarleton has been an amazing experience,” Rudolph said. “I’m proud to be a Texan and I’m ready for what’s next.”