Former Lady Bulldog Making Waves in Local News

Madison Sims, a 2023 graduate of Alabama A&M University, was recently honored as the 2026 “Best TV Media Personality” at the Black Excellence of Chattanooga Awards, presented by Chattanooga Business Elite. Reflecting on the honor, Sims said, “Being recognized by my hometown community so early in my career is such a humbling experience, and I thank God for that. It motivates me to continue telling stories that matter and represent the excellence instilled in me at A&M.”

A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Sims attended Alabama A&M University from 2019 to 2023, excelling both academically and in campus leadership. As a freshman, she competed on the Lady Bulldogs Track and Field Team, earning a spot on the 2019–20 SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. She was later initiated into the Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, serving as public relations officer and eventually as vice president.

Sims distinguished herself academically as well. A communications major, she was inducted into the Beta Alpha Iota Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Honor Society, in 2023. She gained hands-on media experience interning at Alabama A&M’s WJAB-TV and later serving as a radio personality for Chattanooga’s WJTT.

Sims also became the University’s first Coca-Cola Campus Brand Ambassador, a role she held from Fall 2021 through Spring 2023, which led to a marketing internship with The Coca-Cola Company in Summer 2022.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communications Media, Sims pursued a Master of Science in Journalism and Electronic Media at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating in December 2024. While in Knoxville, she served as a marketing graduate assistant in the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life and gained on-camera experience with the Volunteer Channel.

She joined Local 3 News in January 2025 and quickly made an impression with compelling reporting that has already garnered national attention.

Looking ahead, Sims hopes to continue advancing in television journalism, with aspirations of joining a major national network. “This award is a milestone, but my journey is just beginning. I hope every young Bulldog who dreams big knows that with faith, focus, and determination, the sky is the limit.”