About Troy:
I’ve spent the majority of my life in the South—Tennessee to be exact. Growing up, I always enjoyed telling stories with my dad’s video camera, so I got a degree in broadcasting and spent the early years of my career working at various TV stations. It always looked like the meteorologists at the station were having lots of fun, so I went back to school to get my meteorology certification. That led me to my first on-air job in Missouri as my station’s morning meteorologist (“Hey, don’t you do the weather on TV?” was how I was affectionately known to strangers). After almost 15 years in news, I left to work for Mississippi State University Extension in their agricultural communications department. I’ve been at UNL since August 2018.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I’m the host and producer for Market Journal, a weekly TV show dedicated to giving farmers the information they need to make the best decisions for their operation. That’s done through news packages as well as interviews with University personnel and ag industry representatives. Basically, anything you see during the broadcast was researched, written, shot, edited or created by myself or the other Market Journal producer. Our show can be seen throughout the state on NET, on cable and even in Canada. Check us out online and on social media too!
What drew you to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I’ve always been partial to college towns. Lincoln and UNL checked all the boxes as far as quality of life, and having the opportunity to work on a show that impacts a lot of people.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
At a university you’re always learning, always collaborating and always at the forefront of innovation. That’s all great for me since a big part of my job is telling a story to an audience. Plus, the work/life balance in local news isn’t always the best. It’s nice not having to set the alarm for a 2:30 a.m. wake-up call or go into work on a holiday.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Before landing my first on-air job, I’d been going on lots of interviews and nothing was a good fit. I told myself I’d give it six more months before letting the dream go and moving onto something else. I didn’t know what it was, I just knew I could be doing more than what I was already doing. Four months later, I signed my first contract to be the morning meteorologist at KTVO in Missouri. My parents and I loaded a pickup with anything that would fit, and sold or donated the rest. I moved eight hours away from my family, friends and house to a place and a career that was brand new. I always think back to that moment as a time when I stepped out of my comfort zone and did something I was pretty scared to do. I got to my new city on a Saturday, and a few days later was live on-air for the first time. Pretty surreal. Over the course of that job, I really found my niche and learned how to operate on all cylinders. For the first time in years I was fulfilled creatively, personally and professionally.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
My wife and I flipped a house—I’m talking pulling out carpet, painting every wall, installing new appliances, laying down hardwood, refinishing kitchen cabinets and more. It was really rewarding, but I’m not sure I want to do it again anytime soon.
What is your life like outside of work?
Since my wife and I are still pretty new to the area, we spend a lot of our free time going on adventures around the city and state. That could be anything from finding a new restaurant or visiting an interesting state landmark (Carhenge, anyone?). Going for a run, following NBA basketball, and eating tacos are also some favorite pastimes.