Graduates shine bright in television broadcasting
Lipscomb alumni across the country use their journalism degrees to succeed as professional anchors and reporters
Cate Zenzen |
While students have numerous opportunities for growth in school, the real goal of an institution is for graduates to succeed outside the classroom. For the Department of Communication and Journalism housed in Lipscomb's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, success can be found in the dozens of alumni working in the multimedia broadcasting field across the country. Reporting on various topics from sports to weather to traffic, these hardworking individuals are accomplishing great things with their journalism degrees.
Madeline Montgomery, Lindsey Nance, and Brianne Welch are among a number of Lipscomb alumni with careers in television broadcasting. In a highly-competitive industry, these women have overcome great challenges to earn their roles.
Welch (‘15) is currently the main sports anchor at WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC. She moved across the country to land her first job at a small market TV station and learned to overcome adversity as a woman in sports broadcasting. When discouraged, Welch found joy in proving herself and working hard.
"I like the teams that I have the opportunity to cover and that my job location gives me the chance to cover FBS schools,” said Welch. “I also like that in my role I organize and make the decisions on what we cover for our department.”
Montgomery (‘15) also made a big move to land her job as a morning reporter at WPEC CBS 12 News in West Palm Beach, Florida. Now a public figure in her new community, she knows the importance of a thick skin and peace of mind.
“Not every story is going to be your best and some live shots won’t go as smooth as others, but every day is a new day in journalism and there’s no need to dwell in the past,” said Montgomery, who has grown to embrace the diversity in her role.
"I love that every day I am going somewhere new, meeting new people, and learning new things about my community and the world!”
Nance (‘18) began her career as a multimedia journalist with WSMV-TV in Nashville where she shot and produced her own content. Recently promoted to morning traffic anchor, she enjoys the creativity and personality of this new role. As a recent graduate, Nance recognizes the significance of this promotion and has worked hard to gain the respect of colleagues with decades of experience. Instead of being intimidated, she views this challenge as an opportunity to learn and gain wisdom from her more senior coworkers.
All three professionals give great credit to their Lipscomb professors, especially Department Chair Alan Griggs.
"In Professor Griggs’ on-camera delivery class he taught us to be ourselves on camera, and I still remember things that help me today,” said Welch.
Nance said her classes prepared her for the demanding industry with guidance and tools from professors Jimmy McCollum and Mark McGee.
“Professor McGee was huge in shaping my career. That man knows everyone in Nashville, I got maybe six internships from him alone,” said Nance.
Perhaps the secret of their achievements lie in each journalist’s dedication and appetite to learn. These graduates found new ways to use their skills from school, and continue to seek guidance. Montgomery says she frequently asks advice from her professors at Lipscomb, and Nance has found growth in even the smallest of jobs.
“Don’t neglect the little opportunities because you never know who is watching, the hard work really pays off in the end,” said Nance.
We would like to find out more about our alumni working in the field of broadcast journalism. If you are in this field or know an alum who is, share that information kim.chaudoin [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Lipscomb%20alum%20in%20the%20field%20of%20broadcast%20journalism) (here).
Learn more about Lipscomb's Department of Communication and Journalism. Visit www.lipscomb.edu/communication.