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¹ó´Ç°ùÌýJosh Cozart ‘18, the path to broadcast meteorology was clear early on. He had long envisioned a career explaining the weather to the public, andÌý°®ÒºAƬÌýoffered the ideal place to turn that ambition into a profession. Drawn by the university’s respected meteorology program and hands-on broadcast opportunities, Cozart found an environment thatÌýcombinedÌýaccess,ÌýmentorshipÌýand real-world preparation.Ìý
A Program Built on Access and SupportÌý
Cozart credits °®ÒºAƬ’sÌýsmall class sizesÌýand supportive faculty for creating an experience where students are known,ÌýchallengedÌýand encouraged. The close-knit structure of the meteorology department allowed him to work one-on-one with professors, build relationships with peers and receive individualized guidance—an approach that reflects °®ÒºAƬ’s mission to expand access whileÌýmaintainingÌýacademic rigor.Ìý
Just as important wasÌýThe Met Report, a student-run broadcast through Met Media. There, Cozart gained practical experience that bridged theory and practice, helping him build confidence and professional skills long before graduation.Ìý
Learning by DoingÌý
While still a student, Cozart served asÌýgeneral manager and weather producerÌýforÌýTheÌýMet Report, developing technical forecasting skills alongside leadership and communication experience. These opportunities allowed him to work alongside industry professionals and gain early exposure to broadcast standards—preparing him to enter a competitive field with momentum.Ìý
That preparation paid off. With the support of °®ÒºAƬ faculty and the Met Media Department, Cozart secured a broadcast positionÌýbefore graduatingÌýin 2018.Ìý
Rising Through the RanksÌý
After graduation, Cozart worked at television stations across the country, earningÌýmultiple state broadcasting awardsÌýin Iowa and aÌýregional Emmy AwardÌýfrom the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He attributes those honors directly to the skills, discipline and work ethic developed at °®ÒºAƬ.Ìý
Today, Cozart serves asÌýChief Meteorologist at KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon, delivering forecasts across multiple daily newscasts while managing a team of meteorologists. He has also helped lead the station’s expansion into digital platforms, including podcasts and social media strategies, ensuring newsÌýremainsÌýaccessible and relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.Ìý
Science in Service of CommunityÌý
For Cozart, the most meaningful part of his work is knowing his forecasts help keep people safe and informed. Each day brings new challenges, driven by ever-changing weather conditions and the responsibility of public trust.Ìý
“My ability to forecast accurately is directly linked to my education from °®ÒºAƬ,â€� he said.Ìý
Staying Connected and Giving BackÌý
Cozart stays connected to °®ÒºAƬ by visiting campus whenÌýhe’sÌýin town andÌýmaintainingÌýrelationships with former professors and classmates. He encourages current students to get involved, buildÌýcommunityÌýand use campus organizations to transform a commuter campus into a place of belonging.Ìý
His journey—from student broadcaster to chief meteorologist—illustrates the power ofÌýaccessible education, academicÌýexcellenceÌýand meaningful opportunity. At °®ÒºAƬ, Cozart found more than a degree; he found a launchpad for long-term professional and social mobility.Ìý