Alumna, Meteorologist Wins Emmy Award

Buffalo State alumna Samantha Thomas, '13, knows a thing or two about predicting the future. As a meteorologist and co-anchor on CBS Newschannel 5 (KGWN-TV) in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Thomas is required to forecast the region’s frequently wild weather conditions.

Still, it’s unknown whether Thomas could have foretold being able to add the credit “Emmy Award-winning meteorologist” to her resume.

Thomas is part of KGWN’s “News Channel 5 This Morning Frontier Days Live” team which was recently awarded a Heartland Chapter Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“It was during my time at Buffalo State that I developed a passion for broadcast meteorology,” Thomas said. “I gained broadcasting experience on campus by co-hosting a weekly weather radio show and provided weather forecasts on the campus television channel, radio station, and newspaper.”

As a geography and planning student, Thomas served as president of the Meteorology Club, secretary of the Wilderness Adventure Club, and a reporter for BSC-TV and WBNY-FM. She also earned hands-on broadcasting experience as an intern for WKBW-TV and the National Weather Service.

“Attending Buff State was the best decision I ever made,” said Thomas. “I had so many great professors and mentors.”

Shortly after graduating with a bachelor of arts in geography with a concentration in meteorology and a minor in geographic information systems, Thomas was hired by KGWN as a weekend meteorologist, then promoted to the morning/noon spot.

“I was lucky enough to get my first job here in Wyoming,” Thomas said. “I now have experience forecasting extreme weather including tornadic storms, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, intense cold, and lots and lots of wind. Thanks to Buffalo State for helping me get my dream job and accomplish so much!”