Avery Bottger ('14 BA, Broadcasting)

Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Frisco, Texas, and after graduating from UT Arlington, my career took me to several different cities. Eventually, I found my way back to the Dallas area, where I now live with my husband, Ryan, and our daughter, Chandler Gray. I'm a natural extrovert and truly enjoy talking with people. I’m currently the Sr. Manager of Video Content at UT Southwestern Medical Center. And I count it one of my life's greatest joys to be able to tell stories for a living.

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
After being recruited to play volleyball, I transferred to UTA from Campbell University, a small D1 school in North Carolina, following my sophomore season. While volleyball initially brought me to UTA, the highlight of my college experience were all of the opportunities I was given outside of my athletic career.

What drew you to the study of broadcast journalism?
During my junior year at Frisco High School, I took a TV reporting class and instantly fell in love with it. Initially, I was drawn to the interview process—I've always been curious and naturally ask a lot of questions. But as I produced more stories, my passion for storytelling grew. This career perfectly blends my love for writing and connecting with people. 

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
I firmly believe that my career today wouldn’t be what it is without the training and experiences I gained while at UT Arlington. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to host my own country radio show with UTA Radio. Although I hadn't planned on becoming a DJ, I thoroughly enjoyed producing my own content with guidance from Professor Lance Liguez, who made radio broadcasting a blast. My favorite experience was in my senior year, taking TV Reporting with Professors Andrew Clark and Julian Rodriguez. The live broadcasts I produced with my classmates every Monday were exhilarating and confirmed my passion for TV news. Alongside my classes, I managed five internships and freelance projects with UTA Athletics, Fox Sports, NBC5, the AT&T Cotton Bowl, and the Irving Community Television Network. These experiences were crucial in launching my career, and I am deeply grateful to the incredible professors and loved ones who supported me throughout.

On a personal note, UTA gave me more than just a career—it gave me my family. I always tell people how thankful I am for my time at UTA, not only for the education and opportunities but also because it’s where I met the love of my life, Ryan Bottger ('18 BS, Exercise Science). We met at the start of my senior year after he transferred to play baseball for the Mavs. The both of us are proud UT Arlington alumni! This fall, we’re celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary and are thoroughly enjoying life with our sweet little girl.

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
After graduation, I accepted a weekend anchor and nightside reporter position at KTAB-TV in Abilene, Texas. I was fortunate enough to anchor and produce the #1 newscast in the market on Sunday nights at 10 p.m. It was an incredible experience, especially being mentored by the legendary Bob Bartlett, who just celebrated 45 years at KTAB. After a year, KSN-TV in Wichita, KS reached out with an offer to become a nightside reporter and fill-in anchor. Although Kansas wasn't initially on my radar, it was a mid-major market and I ended up loving my time there. The role challenged me, allowed me to tell impactful stories, and deepened my skills as a journalist. But as anyone in the news industry knows, it can be a grind. As my contract approached its end after nearly two years, I began exploring my next steps. While I considered staying in news—having received offers and interest from stations across the country—I was also intrigued by exploring another side of the business.

In the summer of 2017, I accepted the position of director of communications for the UT Southwestern Kidney Cancer Program, and I was thrilled to return to Dallas and work for a leading academic medical center. In this role, I oversaw all communications, marketing, media relations, and events. I also had the opportunity to use my emcee skills from college and produce patient stories. The position was a profound learning experience for me, both professionally and personally. Given the nature of the Kidney Cancer Program, many of the patients I met and whose stories I shared were battling advanced kidney cancer. During my time there, I learned what it truly means to walk alongside someone in their toughest season of life, while still finding joy in the small moments. These patients taught me invaluable lessons, and though many have since passed, their stories will stay with me forever.

While I loved many aspects of my role at the Kidney Cancer Program, my true passion was in video storytelling. So, when a video producer position opened up within UT Southwestern’s communications, marketing, and public affairs department, I eagerly seized the opportunity. For almost six years now, I’ve had the privilege of working under the guidance of an incredible mentor and boss, Jenny Doren. Through her mentorship, I’ve learned how to manage teams, lead campaigns, and create award-winning stories. After several years as a producer, I was promoted to oversee the video content team and now serve as the senior manager and executive producer. Over the past two years, my team has received seven Telly Awards and a Lone Star Emmy. I’m incredibly proud to work with such talented and creative individuals and to be part of UT Southwestern, where we share stories of hope every day. 

Can you share any defining moments in your career that inspired you to continue your work?
It's a true honor that people invite me into their homes and lives, trusting me and my team to share both the joys and challenges they face. I've had the privilege of writing and producing countless stories that will stay with me forever, but one of the most impactful is Rupesh Kotiya's. Rup was a devoted father and husband who lived with ALS for nine years and received treatment at UTSW. In March 2023, he made the selfless decision to donate his organs after his passing, saving the lives of four others. Because of Rup, those individuals were given a second chance. His wife, Shiobhan, and his two young sons, Ronan and Keaton, have dedicated themselves to raising awareness and support for other ALS patients and their families. In November 2023, I was awarded a Lone Star Emmy for this story, but the true credit goes to the Kotiya family for allowing me to share their remarkable journey.

"Serve others and be willing to listen. Everyone has a story to share, but not everyone takes the time to listen."

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
Serve others and be willing to listen. Everyone has a story to share, but not everyone takes the time to listen. In our fast-paced, busy world, it's easy to get caught up in our own challenges and priorities. However, offering a listening ear or a helping hand while creating a safe space for others to talk about their experiences can make a significant difference. 

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Embrace every opportunity with a willingness to say yes and put in the effort to build connections with people who are in the field you’re interested in. Growing up, my dad advised my siblings and me to pursue our passions. He would say, “Find something you’re passionate about and you’ll never work a day in your life.” And that piece of wisdom still holds true today. Each morning, I wake up excited to go to work and feel incredibly fortunate that the Lord has given me a career that I love and feel called to do! 

Anything else you would like to share?
I’ve briefly mentioned this, but I am incredibly grateful. It’s rare for someone to remain in the same industry a decade after earning their degree. Many people have supported, encouraged, and cheered me on throughout my journey. My greatest support system began with my parents, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their unwavering love and support.