Distinguished Alumnae Award Recipient, 2026
Sheinelle Jones, acclaimed broadcast journalist, NBC Today Show host and bestselling author, has been named the recipient of The Alumnae of Northwestern University's 2026 Distinguished Alumnae Award. Jones graduated from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Spanish. During her time at Northwestern, she honed her reporting craft through the Northwestern News Network and interned across major broadcasting networks before embarking on a career that has established her as one of America's most recognizable and respected morning television voices.
With a distinguished broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, Jones has engaged and informed millions of viewers nationwide. She currently serves as a co-anchor on NBC News’ TODAY, bringing warmth, rigor, and authenticity to morning television as co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY and Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. Prior to joining NBC News in 2014, she was an anchor and reporter at WTXF-TV (FOX 29) in Philadelphia, KOKI-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and WICS-TV in Springfield, Illinois. Her reporting and storytelling have earned multiple Emmy Awards and accolades across the broadcast and journalism industries.
In addition to her television work, Jones is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller Through Mom’s Eyes: Simple Wisdom From Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans. Originating as a segment on the Today show, the book features insightful, heartwarming, and candid interviews with the mothers of cultural icons, athletes, and trailblazers—extracting universal parenting lessons on resilience, unconditional support, and raising purposeful children.
"Sheinelle Jones exemplifies the highest ideals of Northwestern University through her extraordinary storytelling, unwavering journalistic integrity, and dedication to uplifting communities," said Mary Scott Patronik, President of The Alumnae of Northwestern University. "From her formative undergraduate years in Evanston to the national stage on morning television, Sheinelle has used her voice to connect people with empathy, insight, and joy. We are so proud to celebrate her career, her impactful book, and her enduring leadership as our 2026 Distinguished Alumnae Award recipient."
The award presentation and reception will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 2 p. to 4 pm in the Guild Lounge of Scott Hall, located at 601 University Place on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.
Established in 1976, the Distinguished Alumnae Award is presented annually by The Alumnae to recognize an alumna who has brought extraordinary honor and distinction to the University through outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and exemplary contributions to her field and to society. Jones joins a prestigious roster of past honorees that includes top broadcast journalists, innovators, civic leaders, and artists.
###
The Alumnae of Northwestern University is a volunteer-led organization of women founded in 1916. Its mission is to bring honor to Northwestern University through the support of undergraduate education, continuing education programs, student fellowships, and the recognition of exceptional alumni achievement. Since its founding, The Alumnae has granted more than $10.6 million to the University for scholarships, campus improvements, and academic initiatives.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, September 9, 2026
For more information contact:
Michele Bresler
Past President and Public Relations Chair
The Alumnae of Northwestern University
847-867-5412; mbreslernua@gmail.com