With humble origins in a Florida town known as Fort Meade, Charlie Tuggle grew up eager to pursue a career in agriculture. Fortunately for the University of North Carolina, Tuggle became intrigued by a new profession during his early college years. Today, Professor Tuggle serves as UNC Chapel Hill’s cherished leader of the broadcast news program in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. After a 16 year career in news and media, he decided to share his extensive expertise with the Tar Heels.
Throughout high school, Tuggle was deeply engaged with all things agriculture. He attended the University of Florida with the intent to become an agriculture teacher; however, one day he stumbled upon the UF journalism building. Tuggle then had a change of heart and fell in love with the thought of becoming a journalism and media professor, instead of a high school agriculture teacher. Ultimately, “When I got into college, I decided I liked this atmosphere better than high school, so I wanted to teach on this level one day,” said Tuggle.
At a school with prestigious academics and athletics, the possibilities for students at Hussman are endless. Specifically, those involved with Sports Xtra – an Emmy-award-winning program for students interested in entering broadcast. Because Tuggle attended the University of Florida and the University of Alabama, it is expected that he will favor their journalism and media programs, yet this is not the case. Tuggle believes what sets UNC’s program apart from others is that “instead of teaching you about something, we teach you how to do something.”
When selecting a career, students often lean towards ones that lead to wealth. Unfortunately, the hard truth about journalism and media is that wealth is not guaranteed, but a fulfilling life is. In such a competitive field, success does not come easily. In a generation often hidden behind a screen, it is common for students to shy away from meeting face-to-face. In Tuggle’s eyes, it is crucial for a student to establish a meaningful connection with people, not simply send an email. In order to be successful in such a field, Tuggle says, “be assertive, without being abrasive.”
UNC is a school that encourages students to have fun alongside their studies, especially students in the presence of Tuggle. While some students navigate their high school years set on one career, a different career may be creeping around the corner. Whether pursuing a career in reporting, editing, writing, etc there will always be hardship; yet, a student who is dependable is a student who will thrive.
