News Summary
Heather Haley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, will transition from television to academia as an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee. Starting in August, she will educate future journalists while also serving as a meteorologist and climate reporter for WUOT 91.9 FM. With over 17 years of experience in weather reporting, Haley aims to prepare students for the challenges of reporting on natural disasters and environmental issues. Her return to UT reflects her commitment to community engagement and nurturing the next generation of media professionals.
Knoxville – Heather Haley, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a Knoxville native, is making a significant career shift by returning to the University of Tennessee (UT) as an assistant professor of practice in the School of Journalism and Media, starting in August 2023. In addition to her teaching role, she will serve as a meteorologist and climate reporter for WUOT 91.9 FM, a public radio station associated with the university. This announcement was made by the College of Communication and Information on June 9, marking a new chapter for Haley in her professional journey.
Haley’s educational background includes a graduation from UT in 2005, followed by a prolific 17-year career at WVLT-TV, where she worked her way up to chief meteorologist, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the Knoxville market. Her extensive experience covers critical weather events, including covering record heat waves, tornado outbreaks, and severe flooding. Her wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences will be pivotal as she prepares to educate the next generation of journalists.
At her new position at WUOT, Haley’s responsibilities will center on providing vital insights and updates concerning the weather and climate in East Tennessee. This is particularly significant in the context of severe weather events, following the impact of Hurricane Helene. Haley’s transition to this role signifies a commitment to enhancing community outreach and education regarding climate and weather-related challenges.
Excitement surrounds Haley’s return to UT, as she expresses eagerness to reconnect with the academic environment. She envisions her teaching as an opportunity to “pass the baton” to future journalism students, stressing the importance of preparing them for the rigors of reporting on natural disasters and severe weather events. Her personal connection to UT is notable, as she previously contributed to the establishment of the Broadcast Meteorology minor while serving on the school’s alumni advisory council.
Haley aims to foster a positive learning atmosphere for her students, focusing on the real-world implications of journalism. Her teaching strategy will incorporate lessons that highlight how weather affects various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and community safety. She believes that understanding the impact of weather on society will enhance her students’ ability to report effectively and responsibly.
With this transition from television to academia, Haley looks forward to a more balanced lifestyle that allows her to spend quality time with her family. The demanding schedule of a television meteorologist often limited her personal life, making this new role particularly appealing. Haley values community engagement in media and journalism, emphasizing that for media professionals to be truly effective, they must invest in their local community.
Haley grew up in Cedar Bluff and attended Farragut High School before pursuing her career. In her personal life, she enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking and camping, often spending time with her family in nature. Her passion for the environment and commitment to educating her community are evident in her approach to teaching journalism.
This new chapter for Heather Haley is poised to create a meaningful impact at the University of Tennessee and the larger community in East Tennessee, as she shares her knowledge and experiences with future reporters while contributing to the essential conversation about weather and climate issues.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Heather Haley’s Career Shift
- Wikipedia: Meteorology
- KSWO: Heather Haley Author Page
- Google Search: Heather Haley Meteorologist
- WSAW: Heather Haley Author Page
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate
- Knox News: Heather Haley Named Chief Meteorologist
- Google News: Heather Haley Meteorologist
