Northwest Arkansas television journalist Doug Warner has been named McNeese State University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest honor presented by the university’s Alumni Association.
Warner, a news anchor with KNWA in Northwest Arkansas, will be formally recognized during halftime of the McNeese State versus Tarleton State football game Saturday, September 12. The Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award recognizes McNeese graduates who have distinguished themselves in their profession on a national or international level.
Warner attended a reception in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this week celebrating the honor and said he remains stunned that he was even considered for the recognition.
During the reception, Warner credited much of his success to his mother, saying the real “honorary” Distinguished Alumnus recognition belongs to her for making certain he and his siblings remained on a path toward education and success.
Warner recalled that his family could not easily afford college, but a combination of Pell Grants, scholarships and student loans allowed him to earn his degree.
A native of DeRidder, Louisiana, Warner graduated from McNeese and has built a journalism career spanning nearly four decades in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. His career has included television news positions in Oklahoma City; Beaumont and Waco, Texas; Shreveport and Lake Charles, Louisiana; and Northwest Arkansas.
Warner is a four-time Reporter of the Year and has earned 14 Emmy Awards from more than 40 nominations, along with multiple regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards. His work has also been recognized by organizations including the Louisiana Associated Press, Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
McNeese says Warner’s investigative journalism has also led to changes credited with improving highway safety in Louisiana, including the installation of hundreds of miles of cable and median barriers along interstates.
During his career, Warner has covered major hurricanes including Katrina, Rita and Harvey.
He also secured what McNeese describes as the first interview in the country with eventual President George W. Bush just days after the disputed 2000 presidential election while Warner was covering Bush in Crawford, Texas.
Warner has also been involved with charitable organizations including the American Cancer Society, Men Wear Pink, Susan G. Komen, Goodwill Industries, Special Olympics and the Alzheimer’s Association.
For Warner, however, the university honor also provided an opportunity to recognize the role his mother played in getting him to college and helping put him on the path that eventually led to an award-winning career in journalism.
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