Jacob Woods
Jacob Woods
B.S. Professional Meteorology, emphasis in Broadcast Meteorology, 2024
“I have always been career-focused through my academic career, so choosing an institution that was highly reputable for broadcast meteorologists was a must,” said Jacob Woods, a 2024 Mississippi State University graduate. “MSU holds that reputation better than any school in the country, so I knew from a young age MSU was meant for me. Once I attended a College of Arts & Sciences Academic Insight Day in high school, I saw how interactive the meteorology program was and immediately fell in love.”
During his time at MSU the meteorology practicum courses had an impact on Woods and the trajectory of his career. “The state-of-the-art green screen room we used weekly for practice molded my television delivery into what it has become today. Without that space, Mrs. Lindsey Poe as our fantastic instructor, and the team of meteorology professors I learned from daily, I would not have made it to my dream television market so soon,” said Woods. “An organization I fell deeply involved in––from secretary to vice president––was the East Mississippi Chapter of the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society chapter where I gained lifelong friends and could still nerd out about weather outside of the classroom. This chapter taught me how to network with professionals, organize large events, and become comfortable with stepping into an unstable industry.”
He said Lindsey Poe played a part in shaping his career in a lasting way. “Her diligence to run parallel with the rapidly changing industry and keeping us informed on the best career moves was invaluable for me. When I first graduated, I was torn between two great opportunities and she led me toward the right path. She was and still is always an encouragement well after we leave MSU, willing to be our point of reason whenever it’s warranted.”
Woods began his career in Birmingham, Alabama, at CBS-42, where he spent a little over a year as the weekend meteorologist. He soon began a job in his dream TV market of Denver, Colorado, for FOX-31 Denver and Colorado’s CW 2 in September 2025.
Woods said being the youngest meteorologist in Denver, one of the top 25 television markets, is his proudest moment.
Outside of work, Woods takes weekly trips into the Rocky Mountains. He enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, and kayaking and refers to himself as an “outdoor junkie.” His ten-year-old Border Collie mix, Aspen, usually accompanies him on his outdoor adventures. Some of his other interests include traveling, finding great food, and spending time with friends.
Woods stays connected to his community through social media and going on annual trips with his closest friends from college. He remains connected to MSU by checking in on alumni to discover upcoming events of interest.
When asked what advice he would give to today’s Mississippi State students he said, “Having a degree from MSU does most of the work for you. While you still need to continue growing and never settle for less, simply studying at this institution will take you further in life and your career than one could ever imagine.”
One word he would use to describe his MSU and CAS experience is “incomparable.”
“No other school in the country can come close to the close-knit community of students and professors that MSU has,” Woods said. “The comfortable environment allows you to excel fast with no regrets.”