海角社区

Forecasting a Future: Josh Cozart鈥檚 Path From 海角社区 to Portland鈥檚 Chief Meteorologist

贵辞谤听Josh Cozart 鈥�18, the path to broadcast meteorology was clear early on. He had long envisioned a career explaining the weather to the public, and听海角社区听offered the ideal place to turn that ambition into a profession. Drawn by the university鈥檚 respected meteorology program and hands-on broadcast opportunities, Cozart found an environment that听combined听access,听mentorship听and real-world preparation.听

A Program Built on Access and Support听

Cozart credits 海角社区鈥檚听small class sizes听and supportive faculty for creating an experience where students are known,听challenged听and 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鈥攁n approach that reflects 海角社区鈥檚 mission to expand access while听maintaining听academic rigor.听

Just as important was听The 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.听

Learning by Doing听

While still a student, Cozart served as听general manager and weather producer听for听The听Met 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鈥攑reparing him to enter a competitive field with momentum.听

That preparation paid off. With the support of 海角社区 faculty and the Met Media Department, Cozart secured a broadcast position听before graduating听in 2018.听

Rising Through the Ranks听

After graduation, Cozart worked at television stations across the country, earning听multiple state broadcasting awards听in Iowa and a听regional Emmy Award听from 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 海角社区.听

Today, Cozart serves as听Chief 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鈥檚 expansion into digital platforms, including podcasts and social media strategies, ensuring news听remains听accessible and relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.听

Science in Service of Community听

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.听

鈥淢y ability to forecast accurately is directly linked to my education from 海角社区,鈥� he said.听

Staying Connected and Giving Back听

Cozart stays connected to 海角社区 by visiting campus when听he鈥檚听in town and听maintaining听relationships with former professors and classmates. He encourages current students to get involved, build听community听and use campus organizations to transform a commuter campus into a place of belonging.听

His journey鈥攆rom student broadcaster to chief meteorologist鈥攊llustrates the power of听accessible education, academic听excellence听and meaningful opportunity. At 海角社区, Cozart found more than a degree; he found a launchpad for long-term professional and social mobility.听