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Forecasting a Future: Josh Cozart’s Path From º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver to Portland’s Chief Meteorologist

A man with short blonde hair and an orange tie holding a closed umbrella on his shoulder

¹ó´Ç°ùÌıJosh Cozart ‘18, the path to broadcast meteorology was clear early on. He had long envisioned a career explaining the weather to the public, andÌıº£½ÇÖ±²¥ DenverÌıoffered the ideal place to turn that ambition into a profession. Drawn by the university’s respected meteorology program and hands-on broadcast opportunities, Cozart found an environment thatÌıcombinedÌıaccess,ÌımentorshipÌıand real-world preparation.Ìı

A Program Built on Access and SupportÌı

Cozart credits º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver’sÌısmall class sizesÌıand supportive faculty for creating an experience where students are known,ÌıchallengedÌıand encouraged. The close-knit structure of the meteorology department allowed him to work one-on-one with professors, build relationships with peers and receive individualized guidance—an approach that reflects º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver’s mission to expand access whileÌımaintainingÌıacademic rigor.Ìı

Just as important wasÌıThe Met Report, a student-run broadcast through Met Media. There, Cozart gained practical experience that bridged theory and practice, helping him build confidence and professional skills long before graduation.Ìı

Learning by DoingÌı

While still a student, Cozart served asÌıgeneral manager and weather producerÌıforÌıTheÌıMet Report, developing technical forecasting skills alongside leadership and communication experience. These opportunities allowed him to work alongside industry professionals and gain early exposure to broadcast standards—preparing him to enter a competitive field with momentum.Ìı

That preparation paid off. With the support of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver faculty and the Met Media Department, Cozart secured a broadcast positionÌıbefore graduatingÌıin 2018.Ìı

Rising Through the RanksÌı

After graduation, Cozart worked at television stations across the country, earningÌımultiple state broadcasting awardsÌıin Iowa and aÌıregional Emmy AwardÌıfrom the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He attributes those honors directly to the skills, discipline and work ethic developed at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver.Ìı

Today, Cozart serves asÌıChief Meteorologist at KOIN 6 News in Portland, Oregon, delivering forecasts across multiple daily newscasts while managing a team of meteorologists. He has also helped lead the station’s expansion into digital platforms, including podcasts and social media strategies, ensuring newsÌıremainsÌıaccessible and relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.Ìı

Science in Service of CommunityÌı

For Cozart, the most meaningful part of his work is knowing his forecasts help keep people safe and informed. Each day brings new challenges, driven by ever-changing weather conditions and the responsibility of public trust.Ìı

“My ability to forecast accurately is directly linked to my education from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver,†he said.Ìı

Staying Connected and Giving BackÌı

Cozart stays connected to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver by visiting campus whenÌıhe’sÌıin town andÌımaintainingÌırelationships with former professors and classmates. He encourages current students to get involved, buildÌıcommunityÌıand use campus organizations to transform a commuter campus into a place of belonging.Ìı

His journey—from student broadcaster to chief meteorologist—illustrates the power ofÌıaccessible education, academicÌıexcellenceÌıand meaningful opportunity. At º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver, Cozart found more than a degree; he found a launchpad for long-term professional and social mobility.Ìı