Student Emmy winner and Klein Commencement speaker Lauren Haley Morris launches reporting career with ABC news affiliate
Lauren Haley Morris, a Klein College journalism major, is a Student Emmy winner and commencement speaker who will launch her reporting career at 13News Now in Norfolk, Virginia.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Name: Lauren Haley Morris
Degree: Journalism
College: Klein College of Media and Communication
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina: “The Queen City”
Next stop: General assignment reporter; 13News Now, an ABC affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia
Why I chose Temple:
"I was drawn to Temple because of the strength of its alumni network, especially in broadcast journalism. I looked up to journalists like Tamron Hall, and seeing that connection here meant a lot. Temple also offers hands-on experience you can’t find everywhere, including a live TV studio on campus, and being in Philadelphia, a top media market, gave me direct access to the industry from day one."
Transformative Temple experience:
"Covering the presidential election cycle was one of the most transformative experiences for me here at Temple. I traveled to New Hampshire for the primaries, where I reported on the ground, spoke directly with voters and attended campaign events across the political spectrum. It felt like being in the room where it happened. That experience helped me better understand what kind of journalist I want to be and showed me the value of learning by doing before stepping into the real world."
The moment I won my first Student Emmy:
"Winning a Mid-Atlantic Student Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for Best Talent in News and Sports Reporting was an incredible honor. It was something my professors encouraged me to pursue, and to see that work recognized at that level meant a lot. Being in the room, surrounded by journalists I’ve looked up to for years, was surreal—I kept thinking, ‘I’m supposed to be watching them,’ and instead they were celebrating me. It was a full-circle moment that showed me how far I’ve come and pushed me to keep striving for more."
What’s next:
"After graduation, I’ll be joining 13News Now, an ABC affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia, as a general assignment reporter. Temple prepared me to step into this role with confidence, from reporting and producing to going live. I’m excited to keep learning, growing and telling meaningful stories in the community I’ll serve.
I’m also honored to have been selected as the Klein College student commencement speaker. It means a lot to be able to represent my classmates and reflect on our shared experience at Temple. I’m excited—and a little nervous—but grateful for the opportunity to stand on that stage and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished."