The Virginia Tech Years: 5 Surprising Facts About Hoda Kotb's College Life And The 27 Rejections That Forged Her Career

One of television's most beloved personalities, Hoda Kotb, is synonymous with morning news and heartfelt interviews, but the foundation of her extraordinary career was laid decades ago on a college campus. As of late 2025, her alma mater, Virginia Tech, continues to celebrate her as one of its most distinguished graduates, a testament to the enduring impact of her formative years in Blacksburg, Virginia. The story of her college journey is not just a list of degrees and dates; it's a powerful narrative of ambition, persistence, and the pivotal moments that prepared her to face the brutal reality of the broadcast industry, including a staggering number of initial rejections.

This deep dive into Hoda Kotb's college experience at Virginia Tech, often referred to as the "Hokie Nation," reveals the specific academic path she took, her vibrant social life, and the key lessons she learned that propelled her from a determined student to a national news icon. Her time as an undergraduate was far more instrumental than many realize, directly influencing her resilience and signature empathetic reporting style.

Hoda Kotb: A Complete Biographical Profile

Hoda Kotb’s path to becoming a co-anchor of NBC's TODAY show is marked by a steady rise through local news markets and a deep commitment to journalism, all rooted in her academic background. Here is a detailed look at her life and career milestones:

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Hoda Kotb
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1964
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, United States
• Parents: Egyptian immigrants, Sameha (mother) and Abdel Kader Kotb (father). She has a brother, Adel, and a sister, Hala.
• High School Education: Fort Hunt High School in Alexandria, Virginia
• College: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Broadcast Journalism (often cited as Communications)
• Graduation Year: 1986
• Notable College Activities: Member and pledge trainer of Delta Delta Delta sorority (Beta Nu Chapter), and worked at the student-run radio station WUVT
• Early Career: Started in local news in Greenville, Mississippi, followed by jobs in Moline, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana
• Major Career Milestones: Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC; became co-host of the fourth hour of TODAY in 2007; named co-anchor of TODAY in 2018.
• Awards and Recognition: Multiple Emmy Awards, a Gracie Award, and a Peabody Award.

The Formative Years at Virginia Tech: Journalism and Sorority Life

Hoda Kotb’s time at Virginia Tech, a school her sister also attended, was foundational, shaping her professional skills and her personal resilience. She enrolled in the university’s communications program, which at the time offered a special focus on broadcast journalism, the exact career path she was determined to follow. This rigorous program, housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, provided the technical and ethical grounding necessary for a career in news.

A Deep Dive into the Broadcast Journalism Major

The core of Kotb's academic experience was her pursuit of a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. This was more than just classroom learning; it was hands-on training that mirrored the intensity of a real newsroom. A crucial part of this training involved her work at the student-run radio station, WUVT. This practical experience allowed her to hone her on-air presence, voice modulation, and interviewing skills, providing a vital portfolio piece that would later impress potential employers—or at least, the one employer who finally said "yes."

The Sisterhood of Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)

While her academic life was focused on the news, her social life was anchored by her sorority, Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta), where she was a member of the Beta Nu Chapter. Kotb was not just a passive member; she held the position of pledge trainer. This role is highly demanding, requiring strong leadership, organization, and motivational skills—qualities that are essential for a successful news anchor. She has often spoken fondly of her sorority sisters, even reuniting with over 70 of them, highlighting the deep, lasting bonds forged during those college years. These relationships provided a crucial support network, underscoring the importance of community in her personal development.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The '27 Nos' and the Power of Persistence After Graduation

The most famous and inspiring story from Hoda Kotb’s transition from Virginia Tech to the professional world is her remarkable tale of persistence. After graduating in 1986, she immediately began applying for jobs, a process she has candidly described as brutal. She faced an astounding 27 rejections from news directors across the country. This period of repeated failure would have deterred most aspiring journalists, but for Kotb, it became the foundation of her career philosophy: never give up.

The Breakthrough in Greenville, Mississippi

Her persistence finally paid off with the 28th attempt. The job was in Greenville, Mississippi, a small market far from the major news centers. She began her career there as a morning news anchor and general assignment reporter. This first role was critical, forcing her to learn the ropes of local news reporting in a demanding, fast-paced environment. From Greenville, she systematically worked her way up through increasingly larger markets, including Moline, Illinois, and New Orleans, Louisiana, before ultimately landing a coveted position at NBC News in 1998. This journey is a powerful testament to the value of starting small and the necessity of enduring rejection.

The Key Message in Her Commencement Address

This story of perseverance came full circle when Hoda Kotb returned to Virginia Tech to deliver the University Commencement address to the Class of 2008. Her speech was particularly poignant, as it came one year after the tragic campus shooting, a time when the Hokie community needed a message of hope and resilience. Her address focused heavily on the power of empathy, the importance of seizing opportunities, and, most famously, the lesson she learned from her 27 rejections. She used her own struggle to inspire the graduates, urging them to embrace the "no's" as part of the journey toward a definitive "yes." This message resonated deeply, solidifying her status as a beloved alumna.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

A Lifelong Hokie: Hoda's Enduring Legacy at VT

Hoda Kotb's connection to Virginia Tech remains strong long after her 1986 graduation. She frequently expresses her "Hokie pride" and has participated in various university events, demonstrating that her college experience was not a temporary phase but a lifelong affiliation. Her success has become a beacon for current students in the Communications and Multimedia Journalism programs, proving that a degree from Virginia Tech can lead to the highest levels of national media.

The Modern Virginia Tech Connection

Today, the Virginia Tech program she graduated from has evolved, now encompassing the broader field of Multimedia Journalism. Her career serves as a real-world case study for students: a journalist who mastered the foundational skills of broadcast news and successfully transitioned to the dynamic, multi-platform media landscape of the 21st century. The university often highlights her achievements, including her Peabody and multiple Emmy Awards, as evidence of the caliber of its graduates. Furthermore, her philanthropic efforts and her willingness to return to campus and engage with students ensure that her legacy is not just historical, but actively inspiring the next generation of journalists.

The story of Hoda Kotb’s college years is ultimately one of preparation meeting opportunity, fueled by an extraordinary refusal to quit. Her time at Virginia Tech provided the skills, her sorority provided the leadership training, and the 27 rejections provided the grit. It is a powerful narrative for anyone seeking to understand the deep roots of one of America's most enduring television personalities.