He’s been off the air since June (one in a series of absences over the years) for reasons that haven’t been disclosed, but Chuck George has announced today that he’s leaving his full-time gig at KOLD to go back to school to get his doctorate.
From the article on KOLD’s site:
Chuck George, the popular chief meteorologist at KOLD-TV, has decided to resign and devote his time to his pursuit of a doctorate.
KOLD News 13 Vice President and General Manager Debbie Bush made the announcement today “with much regret.”
“While we are very sad Chuck won’t be on the KOLD team anymore, we understand and want the best for him in the future,” Bush said.
George, who has been on leave since early June, joined the station in February 2003 and quickly became one of the most recognized and favorite on-air personalities in Tucson. He is known for teaching viewers about the science of weather.
“This is the right time for me to pursue my lifelong dream,” George said. “I want to continue my love of science in the academic community by pursuing a career in teaching and science in academia. It is a tough decision to leave my friends and family at KOLD as well as the wonderfully supportive Southern Arizona Community.
UPDATE: KOLD is really going all out with this news, including this image, currently receiving a ton of emotional comments as their Facebook cover photo:
More info to come.
This article appears in Aug 8-14, 2013.
you will be missed 🙁 but good for you 🙂
Glad for him that this is resolved. Best wishes.
Sorry to see him go, but good for him.
One of the reasons I watch KOLD. He will be missed. Much luck to you sir.
We are so proud of you Chuck George, to be able to pursue your future achievements!! The very best to you.
very sad for us, very happy for you. If nothing else someday I would love to take a class with you instructing.
AAWW! Chuck.
You will be sorely missed,George
Expand your mind,, heart & soul.. The best is yet to come. <3
Can this be over now?
Our loss.
Upon hearing this news, I will not be sending any of my sons to the U of A …
All the best to you!
I’m going to miss my favorite weatherman “Chuckie” (because you were so young when you started on KOLD) (: It was all the little things that you would point out that made your weather reports so special. Enjoy going back to school – I hope we’ll have you back some day.
Chuck you have no idea how much you will be missed. I wish you all the best. Hang in there.
I’m so happy for his journey. Finally, he can stretch his wings. So many comments seem bent on the past. (Did you catch how that AZSTAR rap recreated HR’s conundrum?) This is the time for…for dancing in the rain. I prefer to see his courage. All the best Chuckie!
Like others posted, truly sad to see him go, but all the best in his future pursuits. I also hope you conquer your demons soon, head on — owning them are the only way to finally know how to break them. Best of luck. Hope you’ll want to ‘teach’ us weather on TV again, and in the classroom, too.
I will never watch the weather in the same way again.Icould hardly wait for him to come on everyday.sooo interesting.