Aundrea Cline-Thomas - Welcome To My World

Welcome

Turn on the news in Middle Tennessee and you’ll find Aundrea Cline-Thomas snagging an exclusive interview, breaking down complex issues affecting education or telling you how to keep your family safe. When the cameras are off there’s so much more to this Emmy award winning journalist; from her hilarious experiences behind the scenes, to the gratifying moments engaging with the community while moderating/emceeing events, to her foodie adventures!

While Aundrea tells other people’s stories for a living, this is a space where she can fully share her own. Aundrea’s story begins in the Nation’s Capital. Her career has taken her from Maryland to Georgia. Her history is rooted in West Africa. Optimism, passion and a lot of laughter have punctuated the journey.

Allow Aundrea’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to be your guide through her day to day adventures. Don’t forget to stop by her blog and join the conversation.

My Story

As a child, if you asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would’ve never said “a journalist or reporter.” I wanted to be a teacher! At a very early age I knew that I wanted to inspire, motivate but more importantly inform others. A summer program for high school students at American University changed my career path.

I grew up in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C. as the youngest of three children, born to parents who immigrated from Sierra Leone, West Africa. My parents literally created something out of nothing and taught us that education is the greatest equalizer.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a Black Studies minor from Boston College. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland.

My big break came in Macon, GA where I worked in my first paying job as a reporter for the NBC affiliate. Now years (and thousands of stories) later I’m often in classrooms. I think it’s no coincidence that my bosses asked me to be the station’s education reporter in Charlotte, NC and now in Nashville. While I often cover and enjoy other general assignment stories, education is where I’ve found my niche. I’m living out my childhood dreams on a platform much bigger than what I had ever imagined!

The best part of my job is meeting our viewers! I’m humbled to be asked to participate in a number of community events. My expertise is often solicited for local conferences. It’s gratifying to help guide the next generation of journalism students into the profession.

Despite all of the hard work and dedication I’ve invested in my career, the titles I’m most proud of are being an aunt, daughter, sister and friend! In my free time I like to curl up with a good cup of tea, travel, enjoy live music and catch up with family and old friends.