News had always fascinated Deborah Pugatch. As a child, she enjoyed sitting in front of the television, watching big events take place in the world. Being a part of the news world was her lifelong dream but one she felt was unattainable.

Then, during her senior year at Judson – and after unhappily bouncing between five different majors – Deborah found the courage to go for her dream. Switching to an Interdisciplinary Major for Communications, her news career quickly took off! Deborah has since worked for Fox 6 and NBC News in Chattanooga, all of which prepared her for her current position as ABC 33/40 6 p.m. News Producer.

As News Producer, Deborah – who describes herself as “an energetic, curious, busybody” - has control over her 30 minute to an hour news show. It’s her job to find stories for her show, decide which stories will go into the show and their order, as well as, writing the stories that her anchors will read and choosing the graphics/videos.

“I love the adrenaline rush that news can bring – like when there’s a homicide or a kidnapping, I have to figure out how to quickly fit that information into my show and make it interesting for my viewers. I wholeheartedly believe that this job has made me a stronger person, not only in everyday life, but with my walk with Christ.”

But Deborah hasn’t forgotten where her roots began. In the summer of 2009, she recognized now Judson senior Chelsea Barton’s budding passion for broadcast journalism and helped her obtain an internship at ABC 33/40 for the show “Talk of Alabama,” experience that will be critical for the success of Chelsea’s future career. Deborah recalled several professors at Judson who were instrumental in pushing her to realize her dream, her favorite being Education professor Dr. Judy Blanton. “She taught me that anyone can do anything.”

Deborah credits her time at Judson with helping her to strengthen her relationship with God and for keeping her on the “straight and narrow path.” “Always know that you can reach your goals and surpass what seems to be the unattainable if you strive, work hard and look to God.”