COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – WIS graduate and Colombia native Craig Melvin begins co-hosting the “Today” show on Monday.

The show, announced in November, would see Melvin Hoda replace Kotb and co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie.

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Melvin has been a part of NBC for almost 14 years. During his time at the network, Melvin has covered presidential elections, the Olympics, breaking news and more.

Before covering sports at the station, Melvin was an anchor at WIS, where he started as a “reporter of our generation” in high school in the 1990s.

Melvin appeared on the Sunday Night Football halftime show that aired on WIS on Sunday nights.

WIS’s Judi Gatson will be in New York on Monday reporting behind the scenes on Melvin’s first day in his new role.

You can watch it on TV, on our website and on all our streaming platforms.

A big surprise:

Family and friends gathered at Melvin’s alma mater, Columbia High School, Monday morning to celebrate Melvin and watch his first show as co-host.

Jordyn Markhoff from WIS was live all morning and provided information about the guard group’s preparations. She spoke to Dr. Carlos Smith, his middle school principal, and Jeanette Dozier, his eighth-grade math teacher, who Melvin called his favorite teacher.

WIS’ Rick Henry was also in attendance at Columbia High School to extend his congratulations to Melvin.

Community reactions:

Several local figures and family members of Melvin submitted testimonials congratulating him on his new role and wishing him well:

Viewers who would like to send Melvin a message congratulating him on his role can submit photos and videos below:

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