UA Little Rock to Honor Meteorologist Tom Brannon as 2026 Taste of Little Rock Honoree
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is proud to announce that Tom Brannon, Chief Meteorologist at THV11 and proud UA Little Rock alumnus, has been named the honoree for the 21st annual Taste of Little Rock, which will take place April 7, 2026.
Taste of Little Rock, one of the university’s most beloved traditions, brings together alumni, community members, and dozens of local restaurants for an evening of food, fellowship, and fundraising in support of student scholarships. Over the past 20 years, the UA Little Rock Alumni Association has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships. This year, UA Little Rock students received more than $200,000 in scholarships.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be named the honoree for the 21st Taste of Little Rock,” Brannon said. “The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been a foundational part of my journey, and I credit much of my professional growth to the education and opportunities I received during my time there.”
Brannon, who grew up in Cabot, has been a familiar face to Arkansas television viewers for nearly three decades. He first joined THV11 in 1996 as weekend meteorologist and morning show feature reporter before becoming part of the weekday morning team that would dominate local news ratings for more than a decade. After a brief stint in advertising, he returned to THV11 in 2021 as chief meteorologist, where viewers can watch him weeknights at 4, 5, 6, and 10 p.m.
A 1985 graduate of Cabot High School, Brannon went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from UA Little Rock and later a Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He holds the Television Seal of Approval in Broadcast Meteorology from the National Weather Association. Brannon often credits a childhood experience with sparking his passion for weather—when a tornado nearly destroyed his hometown of Cabot in 1976 while he was in the third grade.
Beyond the weather desk, Brannon is known for his deep commitment to the community. He is considered the “Godfather” of the THV11 Summer Cereal Drive, which just completed its 25th year of feeding Arkansas children and families. In all, more than 5 million breakfast items have been collected and served during the 25-year span of the Summer Cereal Drive. He has also lent his time and talents to a wide variety of nonprofits, including the Arkansas Foodbank, Special Olympics Arkansas, Stuff the Sleigh, Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, and Methodist Family Health, among others.
“Tom Brannon is an extraordinary ambassador for UA Little Rock and for Arkansas,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor of alumni and development. “He has built a career of excellence while using his platform to make a difference in the lives of others. We are thrilled to honor him at the 2026 Taste of Little Rock and to celebrate his remarkable contributions both as a professional and as a community leader.”
Brannon, who lives in Little Rock with his wife, Leigh Ann, and daughter, Sophia, has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater. He has returned to campus as a keynote speaker, classroom guest, and mentor to students pursuing careers in mass communication.
“Tom has been a steadfast friend to the School of Mass Communication, generously giving his time to speak with our students in the classroom, at scholarship events, and whenever he can to share his experiences,” said Kiel Thorlton, director of the School of Mass Communication. “His commitment to mentoring the next generation of media professionals makes him especially deserving of this honor.”
In 2024, Brannon told students, “I never would have had the opportunity to celebrate 25 years at THV11 if I didn’t go to school here. UA Little Rock offered so many opportunities, and I’m very thankful for the instructors who helped me succeed.”