WVUA anchor Tamika Alexander announces departure from Tuscaloosa TV station
Longtime WVUA23 news anchor and reporter Tamika Alexander is leaving the Tuscaloosa-based television station after more than 20 years.
WVUA announced Tuesday that Alexander would be stepping down from her dual roles as senior anchor and reporter to focus on a "new adventure."
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WVUA released a statement Tuesday:
"Join us in wishing our WVUA 23 Senior News Anchor Tamika Alexander a farewell as she says goodbye to WVUA 23! Tamika is leaving a positive, lasting mark on WVUA 23 with her departure. We will miss her dearly and wish her best on her new adventure," the statement read.
Alexander, who has worked with the station in some capacity since 1998, confirmed her departure from WVUA in a Facebook post Tuesday. Alexander said that her last day at the station will be Friday.
"God gives us just what we need in his own perfect timing. The time has come for me to close the chapter at WVUA. I am forever grateful for the staff both past and present who have given me the tools that has shaped me into the award winning journalist that I am today," Alexander said.
"I would also like to thank our viewers for trusting me to tell your stories. Stepping out on faith and chasing your dreams can be bittersweet. Tuscaloosa will always be home. I will share more details about my next stop when the time is right," she said.
In June 2022, Alexander was promoted from WVUA 23's 10 p.m. weekday anchor to senior news anchor, replacing Lynn Brooks, who announced her retirement after 21 years. As senior news anchor, Alexander anchored the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. news broadcasts, in addition to being a leader in the newsroom.
When the promotion was announced, WVUA 23's news director praised Alexander's qualifications.
“Anyone who has worked with Tamika knows she brings tremendous passion, talent, and experience to this role,” Kay Norred said in a story posted on WVUA 23's website.
Alexander is a graduate of Central High School in Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. She began her tenure at WVUA23 as an intern in 1998, when the television station was known as WJRD. During her tenure at the station, she has served numerous roles including associate producer, reporter, anchor and producer.
Alexander is heavily involved in the community. She is an active member of several organizations, including the Alabama One Credit Union board of directors, the Elevate Tuscaloosa Advisory Committee, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s Women’s Leadership Alliance. She is also a graduate of Leadership Tuscaloosa, a nine-month program for professionals designed to sharpen their leadership skills.
Alexander also worked as the 2-1-1 information and referral director of the United Way of West Alabama for several years. The program allows people to call the 2-1-1 phone number and connect them with resources available in the community, from help paying bills or finding food to help finding physical or mental health assistance.
She has also played a role at events that unite the community, such as serving as emcee during the city's Fourth of July celebration at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: WVUA anchor Tamika Alexander to leave after 20 years with TV station
