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Twelve years ago, Scott Carpenter arrived at Heidelberg with two goals in mind: crush college life and shine on the golf course. But by his own admission, Plan A quickly gave way to Plan B.

That shift turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened. Today, the 2017 alum has built a successful career as a news anchor, with opportunities that have taken him across the country. Looking back on his journey from first-year student to seasoned broadcaster, Scott says the biggest lesson he’s learned is simple: always be your authentic self.

That’s the message that Scott delivered as the keynote speaker for Heidelberg’s Opening Convocation on Thursday, the official start of the 2025-26 academic year.

“I don’t know how you are all feeling, sitting out there,” he told the 367 new, transfer and re-admit students, joined by ‘Berg faculty and staff in Seiberling Gym. “You may be overjoyed by the freedom of being away from home, sad to be missing your buddies, nervous for what lies ahead. Whatever you’re feeling, embrace it. Don’t shy away from it.

“Over the next four years, you will learn so much – and not just in your field of study.”

What Scott discovered was his love for broadcasting (Plan B) – and that playing on the Student Prince golf team (Plan A) was not in the cards.

“I had a simple plan … play great golf and see where that takes me,” he shared. But one of his first days on campus, he spontaneously stopped by the then-Media Communication Center to check it out.

“I immediately fell in love with the place and signed up to do some radio shows and TV newscasts. I was stoked to be hosting my first radio show days into my college career,” he said.

But the golf course – that was a different story. During freshman tryouts, Scott developed a case of “the yips.” He was too nervous to hit a good shot. Missed 3-foot putts. It did not get better.

“My score was embarrassing and I did not qualify for our first event of the year.”

But as nervous as he was on the golf course, he found a sense of calm in the radio and TV studios. “That started to feel more and more like home. The golf course started to feel more and more like a bad fever dream.” During his sophomore year, Scott made a decision that changed the trajectory of his college experience and ultimately, his career: He told his coach he was done golfing.

“In that moment, I stopped looking at broadcasting like Plan B. It was Plan A all along. It just took me a little longer to find. But I found it here because of the opportunities at Heidelberg,” he said.

So, why did he share his personal story? Two reasons. “It speaks to embracing how you’re feeling. I didn’t run away from it. … TV and radio felt like my connection to this world. My way to give this world a part of me in a meaningful way,” he said.

He told the students to trust themselves “and know the dots will connect for you.” It just might not be right now, and that’s OK.

It’s about trusting your inner voice, no matter the crossroads, challenges detours and outside noise. Mastering that will lead you to your dreams, he added.

“You can’t lose if you dream big. You certainly can’t lose if you are your authentic self.” 

He concluded, “If you embrace every moment along the way, from this moment on … not just the highs and lows, but the blah days, the freezing cold walks across campus, the timeless memories with friends, the deep conversations late into the night … you may just look back and think, ‘Everything I wanted, everything I dreamed about becoming started right here, in this moment.’”

The Heidelberg days

During his years as a student, Scott anchored WHEI newscasts, hosted WHEI radio shows and started the Siggy awards in 2015, a yearly sports award ceremony that still runs today. He also worked for WTTF as a sports broadcaster, where he became the voice of Heidelberg football.

Scott’s career today

After graduating from Heidelberg with a double major in Communication and Integrated Media, Scott landed his first job as a sports anchor in Columbus, Georgia. In 2020, during the pandemic, he decided to make a career change, shifting from sports anchor to news anchor. He moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to be a weekend morning news anchor and general assignment reporter for KCCI, widely regarded as one of the best local TV stations in the country. Soon after, he was promoted to weekday mornings anchor on one of Iowa’s most-watched morning newscasts.

In 2024, he was promoted within the company and moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Today, viewers can watch him every weekday morning from 4-7 a.m. He also makes appearances during the Today show throughout the mornings.

Though his career is still young, he has traveled the country, covering tornadoes, blizzards, hurricanes and major sporting events. He has investigated businesses and government policies to get answers for his viewers. He’s also shared heartwarming stories of people overcoming challenges and communities coming together in the wake of tragedy.

He also still enjoys a good round of golf!

Watch the 2025 Convocation Address: