Josh Rugger

LIFE UPDATE: After three amazing years with KNWA & FOX24 News, I am so happy to announce that I've officially earned my meteorology degree with Mississippi State University! God has blessed me with so many things, and my passion for the weather has always been a significant part of my life! Back in May of 2022, I was attending a Naturals game at Arvest Ballpark and was getting ready to move to Starkville, MS to pursue a graduate degree with MSU. Little did I know, Dan Skoff would reach out to me over the phone with an offer to join the team! We talked extensively about my goals at the time, and ended up deciding that I would come into the studio one day to make a quick reel on the green screen. Two months later in July, I landed the job with KNWA and have been working here ever since then! In tandem with the job, I was also working tirelessly to earn my meteorology degree through Mississippi State. The process has been an absolute grind at times, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world! This community is so special to me, and I couldn't be more thankful to work in this wonderful area! There are so many people that have supported me over the last three years to help me get to this point: Dan Skoff - Words cannot describe how much you mean to me man! You've been there with me every step of the way, and the knowledge I've gained from you has been invaluable! You are a blessing in my life, and I'm so thankful you reached out to me all of those years ago! You're an amazing mentor and friend, and I will forever be grateful for what you have done for me! Lisa Brence and Lisa Kelsey - Thank you so much for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity to serve this incredible community! This has been such a blessing for me, and both of you have been instrumental in fueling my passion for weather! Josh Harvison, Jesse Cordova, Jake Tackeberry and Patrick Meredith - You guys are so awesome, and it's been so fun getting to interact with all of you every day! You guys continue to motivate me everyday to be the best possible version of myself, and have also been great encouragers as I worked on my degree! Rhonda Rugger, Steve Rugger, Grace Rugger, Joseph Rugger and Elizabeth Saunders - Thank you guys so much for being my biggest supporters over the last three years. I wouldn't be in this position without your constant encouragement and love for me, and I'm so blessed to be apart of this wonderful family! I love you guys so so much! Colby Ward, Ryan Lemery, Matthew Lowe, Brandon Davis, Kender Carroll and Charles Peek - You guys are the best friends a guy could ask for! Whether it be checking in on me while I was struggling to manage school/work, or giving me amazing pieces of advice as I navigate this career, you have all been a constant source of joy in my life that I'm so thankful for! Can't wait to spend more time storm chasing and playing College Football 26 with all of you haha! I am so excited to see what the future holds, but for now I'm going to take in this moment and enjoy it! Thank you again to everyone who has been there with me every step of the way and God bless!! #ARwx #NWANews