ABC News’ Nightline Co-Anchor Byron Pitts Mentors Students as HPU Journalist in Residence

Byron Pitts, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” and High Point University’s Journalist in Residence, mentored students and led a Life Skills and Leadership Series session titled “Beating the Odds: The Motivation to Overcome” during his recent visit to campus. Pictured at left is Jordan Bankston, a junior journalism major who conducted a Q&A session with Pitts at Congdon Hall’s Callicutt Life Skills Theater.

HIGH POINT, N.C., April 1, 2026 – Byron Pitts, co-anchor of ABC News’ “Nightline” and High Point University’s Journalist in Residence, mentored students and led a Life Skills and Leadership Series session titled “Beating the Odds: The Motivation to Overcome” during his recent visit to campus.

Pitts told students to remember people are always watching. While some criticize, others want to help. He said an endorsement from a local news anchor was vital for him to land his first TV job despite an earlier rejection.

“It speaks to the importance of relationships and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you,” Pitts said. “I’ve been a beneficiary of grace. I always tell people: It’s so important to be kind and to listen more than you talk.”

Pitts began his career at WNCT-TV in Greenville, North Carolina, worked 15 years as chief national correspondent for the CBS Evening News, reported regularly for “60 Minutes” and won an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. In his 2009 memoir, “Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges,” he chronicles his journey overcoming functional illiteracy and a stutter to become a journalist.

While on campus March 20, Pitts led a class on reporting and writing across platforms, shared lunch with and coached communications students. He participated in a Q&A session at Congdon Hall’s Callicutt Life Skills Theater with student moderator Jordan Bankston, a junior journalism major who also overcame a stutter and aspires to become a broadcaster. Bankston was inspired by learning more about Pitts’ early life being raised by a single mother, overcoming challenges and relying on his faith.

What Students Learned

“Just him being open about what God has done in his life has been powerful,” said Bankston, who is from Miami, Florida. “I had never heard of a journalist, especially one who is doing national news, having a stuttering problem while growing up. My takeaway was how much hard work must go into being at his level of success. He is so open about it that now I know I can accomplish my dreams of becoming a national news anchor or an anchor in Miami, Florida.”

Pitts described motivation as a daily act of courage and shared strategies for finding strength in struggle, purpose in pain and staying grounded through gratitude and perseverance. He never makes a professional decision without first praying and consulting with five trusted people who will speak hard truth to him and be there to pick him up if he fails.

“Never be ashamed to tell your story,” Pitts said. “Go where you’re celebrated, not where you’re tolerated. I’ve always felt like God is in control and that if I do my part, God will do the rest. Scripture talks about where you’re weak, He is strong. I’ve always walked into a room knowing that I’m coming in as the best version of me. Whatever else I need, God’s got it.”

He recalled meeting Nelson Mandela, the late anti-apartheid activist and president of South Africa, the Rev. Billy Graham before his last appearance in Atlanta, Georgia, and narrowly escaping a Taliban minefield while covering the war in Afghanistan. He credited his faith for a sense of peace in each challenge and repeated his recommendation to “Count it all joy.”

“Hearing him, I got inspired and gained confidence to be authentically me,” said Alena Stokely, a freshman exercise science major from Bowie, Maryland, who is on the pre-physician assistant track. “It doesn’t matter what underlying issues you may have, just push forward and always keep God first. There are a lot of people out there who have underlying issues, are still overly successful and overcame many challenges. Just looking at these people showed me I can do that as well.”

Parker Ross, a freshman sport management major, heard Pitt’s words but also paid attention to his gestures and body language.

“He uses lots of pauses and communicates more than just his words,” said Ross, who is from Charlottesville, Virginia. “When he’s communicating a story to you, he makes you feel like you are in the story. I recorded his entire message, and I feel like just going back through to listen can help me with being confident, true to myself and the person my parents raised me to be.”

Pitts is part of HPU’s Access to Innovators program, which connects students with industry leaders for networking and mentorship opportunities. Other innovators include:

• Apple Computer Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, HPU’s Innovator in Residence
• Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph, HPU’s Entrepreneur in Residence
• Dallas Mavericks’ former CEO Cynt Marshall, HPU’s Sports Executive in Residence
• Domino’s CEO Russell Weiner, HPU’s Corporate Executive in Residence
• Former U.S. Ambassador and FCC Chairman William “Bill” Kennard, HPU’s Global Leader in Residence