KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Ellis Rold joined the WBIR team as a multi-skilled journalist in June 2024.
She is a proud graduate of Southern Methodist University’s journalism program. While in Dallas, Ellis served as the editor-in-chief of SMU’s student newspaper, helped lead the university's student-run newscast and worked for the Dallas Morning News. As a college student, she had the opportunity to report on a wide variety of topics, from American Sign Language initiatives on campus to interviewing former House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Ellis won a Mark of Excellence Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for her yearlong investigation into SMU’s hazing practices, as well as several Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Awards for her work on SMU’s student-run newscast.
Ellis grew up in Delano, Minnesota, and is excited to explore all of the beauty Knoxville has to offer! When she’s not in the newsroom, she enjoys trying new recipes, going on walks and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Send story ideas or reach out Ellis at erold@wbir.com
X: @ellisrold
