Seattle TV Icon Mary Nam Joins WSU Board of Regents to Expand Westside Presence
A Puget Sound legend leaves the anchor desk to guide the future of a land-grant institution
The Pacific Northwest is a landscape defined by its intricate relationship between water and land and the growing cities that straddle both. For more than two decades, Mary Nam served as a familiar face in the living rooms of the Puget Sound region. She anchored a significant presence for the KOMO news team. Now, with the final sign-off on her broadcasting career, Nam is stepping into a new role to serve her academic roots. She has accepted a position on the Washington State University Board of Regents. This transition represents a return to her alma mater where she intends to focus her energy on expanding the university's footprint on the western side of the state.
Her passion for the university is evident in her statement. Nam expressed her eagerness to help in any capacity possible. She is particularly focused on bolstering WSU’s presence in a region where the university is deeply loved but has room to grow. The visual landscape of the western side of the state is filled with evidence of this affection. There are innumerable WSU flags fluttering in the breeze and vanity plates adorning vehicles throughout the Puget Sound basin. Nam believes this abundance of Cougar Pride warrants a deeper exploration into what more the university can achieve in the area. She stated that she is looking forward to seeing how the campus can capitalize on its current representation and reputation to add more depth to the region.
The journey to this point began in the Puyallup area during her high school years. It was there that WSU’s journalism program initially captured her interest. While she initially aimed for a career in print journalism, she quickly realized the value of the opportunities offered by the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. The curriculum provided hands-on experiences that were outstanding. She noted that these opportunities were something she did not expect to have until after college. The college offered more than just broadcast media classes. Students had the chance to learn about radio and television production. This multifaceted approach was meaningful and eye-opening for those involved.
Before her professional career took off at major networks, Nam took part in a work-study program with a local public broadcasting station. Her very first job was as a camera operator for a fly-tying show. The role required a keen eye that focused specifically on the hands of the hosts as they explained the different feathers and hooks they were using. Looking back, she described the job as a pretty cool experience if not a little weird. Her professional ascent continued with her first job out of college at KXLY-TV in Spokane. Like many starting professionals, the experience swung between overwhelming and exhilarating. She learned quickly that any mistakes she made would be seen by thousands of audience members. Despite the pressure, she soldiered on.
In 2003, Nam covered a deadly avalanche in Revelstoke British Columbia Canada. This assignment was part of a collaboration between KXLY and KOMO. Her work on this story was significant enough to result in an offer from KOMO for a morning reporter role. She accepted the offer despite her personal aversion to early hours. Looking back, she is not surprised that three years turned into two decades in Seattle. The city served as a destination market for broadcast journalists and a place where she worked alongside fellow Murrow graduates. She believes that having gone to WSU and lived in Pullman created a common language that leads to incredible bonds.
As she prepares for the board’s next meeting in September, Nam is currently coming to grips with board policies and procedures. It is an interesting time for the university and public colleges across the country. She is excited to help ensure WSU is taking advantage of emerging opportunities. Bruce Pinkleton who serves as the dean of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication expressed his pleasure regarding her appointment. He stated that she is an outstanding communication professional. He added that her education and experience as a journalist will serve her well in her new role.
She joins a noteworthy list of other Murrow-affiliated individuals who have served in leadership roles at WSU. Pinkleton is proud of this group of exceptional people. Mary Nam’s story is a testament to the enduring connection between a university and its alumni who leave but never truly leave.
First reported by news.wsu.edu.
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