MC Graduate Barbie Bassett Pens New Autobiography

Barbie Bassett's autobiography Forecasts and Faith (Five Keys to Weathering the Storms of Life) is winning over many TV viewers across the Magnolia State.

Whether it's Governor Haley Barbour, colleagues at WLBT-TV 3 where the Marks native serves as chief meteorologist, or Facebook friends, readers think highly of the new book penned by the Mississippi College graduate.

They're equally sold on Bassett, whose professionalism comes across every time the 1993 MC graduate delivers the weather on the NBC affiliate in Jackson.

"In many ways, Barbie Bassett's story is Mississippi's story," Gov. Barbour says. "It's about faith and perseverance dealing with hardships we don't always understand at the time and finding the answers by working through the problems."

Barbour led a team of Mississippi leaders as the state recovered after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The governor and others are working hard again after a recent rash of deadly tornadoes slammed Yazoo and Choctaw counties and other areas. Bassett and WLBT joined with news people at other media outlets to supply comprehensive coverage of the tragedies.

It doesn't matter if the weather is stormy or Mississippi people are enjoying a sunny spring day, Bassett stays on top of her game. She comes across as one who truly cares for the folks in her native Mississippi, but gives thanks to God for any achievements that come her way. Her new book reflects that. Bassett teaches in the Department of Communication at Mississippi College and stays on the go with a ton of community service projects.

Bassett admirers who want to buy signed copies of her book should head to the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko on May 15.  At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, first-edition, signed copies of the book Forecasts and Faith (Five Keys to Weathering the Storms of Life) will be available for $22.95 plus tax. The stop in Attala County follows last weekend's book signing events for Bassett in the Jackson area at stores like Border's in Flowood.

The recipient of a graduate degree in broadcast meteorology from Mississippi State University in 1995, Bassett first joined WLBT in 1999.  Today she's one of a handful of successful women who are chief meteorologists at television stations across the nation. Bassett broke new ground as Mississippi's first female to serve as chief meteorologist.

Getting out and signing copies of her book is really a fun assignment for the busy Mississippi mother of three. She's more than pleased at the public's initial response to her book that pays tribute to MC communication professors like Billy Lytal, and commends her parents, among others.

"I'm excited about the book and very, very flattered that people are looking forward to reading it," Bassett says. "We all go through storms in our lives, and I hope that, in some small way, folks who read my story will find comfort and peace in it."

MC Department of Communication Chairman Cliff Fortenberry believes that Bassett's life story offers many valuable lessons to readers.

The former MC student "knew what she wanted, she achieved what she desired and yet always made those around her better for her presence," Fortenberry said.  "She never compromised her beliefs and never took shortcuts."

And the MC communication professor added, "Those attributes have made her what she is today, a wonderful employee, a consummate professional and excellent role model. We are proud to call her one of our own."

WLBT colleague and Mississippi College graduate Maggie Wade also sings her praises. "Barbie is full of life, enthusiasm and brings a lifelong love of weather and meteorology to a job she does with the utmost professionalism."

For more information about Bassett's book, visit Dogwood Press at www.dogwoodpress.com.