WKU News

When Hunter Robinson, a Business Management major, graduated from Union County High School in 2020, many unknowns existed.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he celebrated the end of high school by recording videos of his classmates for their virtual graduation ceremony - unsure of what his WKU experience would look like in the fall.

Now, four years later, Robinson’s strategic plan to advance his knowledge in college, while also building his business outside the classroom, has led to a college experience full of certainties.

For certain, Robinson came to WKU with years of experience in photography, filmmaking, and flying aircraft. With this experience and an existing business, Robinson wanted to build upon it.  

“I was particularly drawn to the entrepreneurship major they offered because I was seeking something to help me grow my own video production business, which I started in 2016,” Robinson said. And, at the age of 15, he started Hunter Films. “As I learn in class, I apply the techniques to managing my business.”

Hunter grew up on a farm, and often spent time taking photos and recording videos of him and his friends on dirt bikes. When his grandmother purchased a drone for his dad, Hunter soon began capturing content for other farms and homes. This later led to documenting weddings at farm venues and starting a film company. “I ended up booking 20 weddings in one year, all while still a junior in high school,” Robinson said. 

Many photographers and videographers continue running a business without going to college, but Robinson wanted more. “I came to WKU originally to help myself run my business, but when I changed courses and began to focus on flying, I did not need it as much. I decided that I needed to stay here and finish what I have started,” Robinson explained. “I'm glad I did because of the experiences I have gained along the way. College has taught me how to manage my time and helped me become the person I am today.”

Flying a drone for filmmaking is different than flying an aircraft though, and Robinson meeting a photographer who was also a pilot started his path to obtaining his license.

“Seeing the sunset from the air and looking at my family farm from above was surreal. After that flight, I knew I had to find out what it took to get my pilot's license,” Robinson expressed. “I had a great instructor who put safety first and taught me many valuable lessons throughout my training. I met many new pilot friends who taught me so many tricks and tips along the way. After about 12 hours of training, it was time to take my first solo flight.” 

While a student at WKU, Robinson obtained his commercial pilot’s license. “The Gordon Ford College of Business has given me the tools to manage and run my business. They have helped me make improvements, and I understand how many different industries work,” Robinson said. “I have learned valuable financial advice that will forever change how I handle money. They have set me up for success.”

As Robinson looks toward graduation, he plans to continue flying with Ervin Cable Construction. Moving to a full-time position, he will serve as a corporate pilot and also create videos for the company when opportunities arise. 

To learn view some of Hunter’s films visit www.filmsbyhunter.com or follow his flying career on YouTube searching Hunter Robinson.

Hunter Robinson is a first-generation college student from Morganfield, KY, graduating from WKU on May 2, 2024 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a concentration in entrepreneurship. 

To learn more about the business degrees at WKU, visit https://www.wku.edu/business. 

#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=default&categoryid=799&multinewsid=187