Craig Melvin, a graduate of Wofford College and co-anchor of “TODAY,” recently returned to Columbia for a special hometown tour segment, set to air on NBC this week. This segment promises to take viewers on an exploration of Melvin’s roots and connections to the Midlands.
Nearly a year after assuming Hoda Kotb’s chair on “TODAY,” the Emmy-award-winning journalist shared his insights on what his role entails, telling the Post & Courier Free Times, “You don’t just host the show, you’re not just one of the pieces of the show. You’re kind of the mayor of this small town, and the name of the town is ‘TODAY.’” Reflecting on his experiences, Melvin expressed a greater appreciation for his hometown following his move, stating, “I’ve traveled the world, I’ve seen a lot, but man, Columbia’s it.”
Melvin, a native of Columbia and a graduate of Columbia High School, began his broadcasting career at WIS-TV while still in high school. He noted the pivotal role this city played in his development as a journalist, recounting a profound experience where he spent time on the streets to highlight the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
After earning a degree in government from Wofford College in 2001, Melvin described his excitement upon returning to WIS-TV in a 2020 interview, calling the newsroom “a professional paradise.”
During his recent trip to Columbia, Melvin revisited his preschool, sharing emotional memories of his early learning experiences. He also visited Lizard’s Thicket to purchase artwork from local artist Ernest “The Chicken Man” Lee and reflected on the community that shaped his upbringing as he spent time at his old barbershop. Melvin characterized Columbia as a warm place that welcomes him home, emphasizing the deep-rooted love he has for the city.
His journey also took him to Finley Park, now newly revitalized yet familiar, along with the post office on Assembly Street, where his father worked for four decades. Melvin highlighted the immense sacrifices made by his parents, with his mother being the first in their family to attend college and his father, who worked tirelessly to support them.
Viewers can look forward to catching Melvin’s heartfelt hometown segment on NBC or TODAY.com on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7 a.m. This nostalgic trip home not only showcases Melvin’s personal history but also underscores the importance of community and familial bonds, inspiring others to cherish their roots.