COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Mississippi University for Women alumnus Joey Barnes will deliver the commencement address to Mississippi University for Women graduates Friday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. in Whitfield Hall, Rent Auditorium. Approximately 180 candidates have applied for December graduation.
Barnes is a 15-year veteran reporter and currently serves as the lead anchor and managing editor at WCBI in Columbus. He is a seven-time award winner by the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Association that includes two first-place finishes in “Best Newscast” and “Best Spot News Story.”
Barnes began his newsroom career as an intern at WCBI in 2002. He rose to senior reporter in five years before leaving for to be an admissions counselor at The W, a reporter in Davenport, Iowa, and a reporter and weekend anchor at WLBT, in Jackson.
Throughout his career, his work has helped convince the Legislature to ban use and possession of Salvia in the state, provided non-stop coverage after deadly tornadoes raked across North Mississippi and West Alabama on April 27, 2011, and was there when former President Barack Obama brought his presidential campaign to Columbus in 2008.
During his time at The W, he was elected president of The Brotherhood of the Beta Kappa Tau and participated in the Hearin Leadership program.
Barnes serves the community in multiple capacities as a Columbus-Lowndes Economic Development LINK Ambassador, member of LINKd’ Young Professionals and volunteering for Main Street Columbus’ annual events.
When not at work, he usually can be found outdoors or watching his favorite sports teams. Barnes is a native of Millport, Ala., but grew up in Columbus and calls the Magnolia State home. He and his wife, Sarah, will soon be the proud parents of a brand new baby girl.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 8, 2017
Contact: Tyler Wheat
(662) 241-7863
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