John Anderson joined the University of Missouri School of Journalism’s faculty in January of 2025 after 25 years anchoring SportsCenter, ESPN’s signature news and information program.

Prior to ESPN, Anderson worked for local news stations in Phoenix, Arizona and Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He began his career at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri.

Anderson graduated from Mizzou in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He was a four-year member of the men’s track team, competing in high jump, and captained the squad his senior season.  

Anderson also spent seven seasons as co-host of Wipeout, an extreme obstacle-course series on ABC. 

A 4-time Emmy award winner, Anderson has broadcast some of the world’s premier sporting events including: The Olympic Games (Track & Field, Opening and Closing ceremonies), The NFL Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB All-Star Game, The Final Four, U.S. Open Golf Championships, The Open Championship (British Open), The Rose Parade, World & USA Track & Field Championships, NYC Marathon, Boston Marathon as well as numerous NCAA Championships and Bowl Games.           

 He has been recognized for his work on behalf of the University with the Mizzou Faculty-Alumni Award, The CASE District VI Volunteer of the Year Award and the Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award.

Since 2003 he has sponsored the ESPN/Mizzou internship that sends one journalism student to Bristol, Connecticut every summer.

In 2024 Anderson was inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.