Jack Carlson ’26 came to Cornell with a plan to become a professional sports broadcaster—and he used the block plan to chart a path that led straight to the newsroom.
“I graduated in December 2025 and joined MetroNews, a radio network in Charleston, West Virginia, on March 30, 2026, as a news anchor and multimedia reporter,” Carlson said. “I'm excited to chase my dream of becoming a professional sports broadcaster! This first job is a tremendous opportunity to break into the broadcasting industry and grow.”
Nicknamed “Jumpin’ Jack” since his guest spot on a sports announcing show at age 12, Carlson went on to design an individualized major in sports journalism—a flexible option that lets students build a program around their interests. He credits that freedom at Cornell with giving him the foundation for the first stop on his professional journey, and he's extremely grateful for the experience he gained broadcasting as the live stream announcer for 323 Rams athletic events, writing dozens of game stories for the website, and producing 46 episodes of an athletics podcast.
“I'll miss being there at Cornell athletic events—from match-clinching Cornell volleyball kills to countless hours spent at Van Metre Field at Ash Park, and conversations with the best boss of all time, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications Kerry Kahl,” Carlson said. “I am blessed to have been able to announce games for athletes' friends and families watching online. I am so thankful to everyone who tuned in over the past four years.”
Kahl found Carlson to be an incredible asset to the athletic department, bringing an infectious energy to every competition he broadcast.
“Jack single-handedly elevated Cornell’s live streams to unparalleled heights as our student play-by-play commentator,” Kahl said. “His passion and preparedness were unmatched, no matter the sport or assignment. Jack has all the makings for a highly successful career in broadcasting. We were so fortunate to have him on our team.”
The things Carlson valued most about his time at Cornell, however, were not found only at athletic events. The flexibility Cornell’s One Course At A Time gave him to customize his major, the impact professors had on both his academic and personal growth, and his ability to problem solve made his time on the Hilltop unforgettable.
“I had the best four years of my life on the Hilltop, all thanks to immersing myself in everything Cornell College offers. I'll forever treasure my memories from Mount Vernon, Iowa!” Carlson said.
For this senior profile, we asked Carlson a few questions before he graduated. Here’s what he said in his own words:
What will you miss most about Cornell?
The entire Cornell Rams student-athlete population was tremendous. I loved getting to know each and every athlete and their story. The Ramily is unparalleled.
Who helped you along your college journey? Why was their help meaningful to you?
The entire athletics department was incredible (Kerry Kahl, Zach Schlabaugh, and Jeff Meeker in particular). They gave me the freedom to pursue my passion for four years and helped me out in so many ways.
I can't thank the kinesiology department (Dr. Justus Hallam, Dr. Lewis Kanyiba, Dr. Christi Johnson, Dr. Kristi Meyer ’01, Frannie Malone, and Courtney Zierten) enough. I loved every single one of my many kinesiology classes that I took, and they are all incredible educators and people.
Associate Professor Katie Sagal and Associate Professor Scott Russell Morris from the English department were instrumental in both my academic and personal growth. Their courses were challenging yet extremely enjoyable, and I'm so grateful for each of the 18-day blocks I spent with them.
How would you describe the block plan to someone who has never heard of it before?
One Course At A Time is the best way to learn. Focusing on one subject for 18 days is unparalleled. Once you try the block plan, you can't imagine learning any other way.
What’s a value or lesson from college you want to keep living out?
Rams are resilient. The road may be circuitous, but keep your head up and your eyes on your destination—you'll get there!
What's something you learned in college that you didn't expect to learn?
How much a place 12 hours away from my house and family can become home. I wouldn't trade my Cornell experience for the world.