Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Guild of America honoree, Michaels is best known for his 22-year tenure directing NBC’s Today Show, where he helmed more than 5,000 episodes and helped define morning television programming. His directing credits also include major global broadcasts such as the Olympics (including eight Opening Ceremonies), Network coverage of the 2016 & 2024 Democratic National Convention, and National Geographic’s groundbreaking Brain Surgery Live.

Starting his career at NBC Sports, Michaels contributed to Emmy-winning coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. He has directed high-profile network specials, live concerts, stage productions, and segments for celebrated shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and The Michael J. Fox Show. 

Jim Scott is a veteran broadcaster and college professor, teaching courses in Sport Marketing, Human Communication, Audio and Video Production, Persuasion, Public Speaking, Spokesperson Training, Brand Management, Strategic Communication and more. Jim brings real-world experience to his classes from a 30-year career as a creative director and consultant, sport marketer, writer, producer, and announcer, and has served as public address announcer for New York Yankees and Miami Marlins’ affiliates, the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big South Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes, and others. He has twice won the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters’ Best of the Best Award, as well as the HPU Faculty Excellence Award, High Point University Hero Award, and Distinguished Alumnus Award in the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication. Jim is public address announcer for High Point University Athletics, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Guilford County Sports Hall of Fame.