The WLOS News 13 reporter shares how he earned his first shot on camera, what a difficult assignment taught him, and how a Lambda Chi Alpha Brother shaped the way he leads.
Elijah Skipper
Phi Theta Zeta ’21 · University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Investigative Reporter, WLOS News 13 · Asheville, North Carolina
Chapter offices held · High Beta, High Delta and High Epsilon
30 Under 30 is a new Cross & Crescent series featuring Lambda Chi Alpha alumni under 30 who continue to grow and live out the values of our Brotherhood through their work and service after college. In each installment, a Brother shares how he got started, how he is making a difference, and what he wishes he had known before graduation. Wherever life takes you after college, we hope these stories help you stay connected to Lambda Chi and to Brothers navigating some of the same experiences.
While studying media studies at UNC Greensboro, Elijah Skipper hosted The Skipper Show on campus radio and joined WGHP in the Piedmont Triad as a photojournalist. He shot and edited stories for other reporters while producing stories of his own on his own time. When the station gave him a chance to report on air, he became its lead reporter within a few months.
Skipper joined WLOS News 13 in Asheville as an investigative reporter in May 2025. His reporting has examined deaths at the Rockingham County Detention Center and homelessness across North Carolina. In our first 30 Under 30 Q&A, he talks about breaking into reporting, a lesson he learned on a difficult assignment, and the Lambda Chi Alpha Brother whose example still shapes how he leads.
When you graduated in 2021, what felt most uncertain about life after college? How did you find your way into investigative reporting?
When I graduated, I knew I wanted to make a positive difference, but I wasn’t sure how I would make my mark. I had started at a local television station as a photojournalist, shooting and editing stories, but I wanted to report them myself.
I was told I would likely need to move to a smaller market for that opportunity. I kept working, learning from reporters and producing my own stories on my own time. Eventually, the station gave me a shot. Within a few months, I became our lead reporter. I later came to Asheville as an investigative reporter, where I’ve held powerful people accountable, helped everyday people tell their stories and covered our community’s recovery after Hurricane Helene.
Tell us about a reporting experience that changed how you approach your work. What did you learn from it?
While covering a school stabbing as a photojournalist, my camera batteries died after a long day, cutting off our live broadcast. I was devastated. A reporter I deeply respected pulled me aside and reminded me that things go wrong, that he knew I cared, and that a family had lost a child that day.
That gave me perspective I still carry. Our work matters, and I want to do it well. I also have to remember what the people at the center of our stories are going through.
What experience or relationship from Lambda Chi Alpha still shapes how you work or lead?
I can get caught up in working hard and wanting everyone around me to do the same. I cared deeply about every Brother in my chapter, but I’ve learned that supporting people also means understanding where they are.
Cypress Angelilo, who led our chapter my freshman year, showed me what that looks like. He was professional, kind and approachable. He led by example and showed up when people needed him. I still think about him when I’m leading others.
What do you wish you had heard before graduation? What would you tell a Brother figuring out his next step?
I wish someone had encouraged me to start building experience sooner. For me, that could have meant making videos, practicing editing or getting comfortable on camera. Building your résumé can mean creating your own opportunities.
To a Brother figuring out his next step, I’d say: be kind to yourself. Everyone moves at a different pace. You can be patient with your progress while taking action today. Make the video. Apply for the opportunity. Give yourself something to build on.
What is one skill every Brother should practice before his first job?
Kindness. It takes practice, especially when you’re stressed, frustrated or having a hard day. Being helpful and treating people well have opened doors for me that I never could have anticipated. Whatever your field, people remember how you make them feel. Practice being someone others can count on.
Elijah Skipper proposed 30 Under 30 as a way to share the experiences of young Lambda Chi Alpha alumni.
Want to Be Featured in 30 Under 30?
If you are a Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus under 30, we would like to hear from you. Maybe you are getting started in your field, changing direction, pursuing further education, or serving your community. Tell us what you are doing now and one thing you have learned along the way that another Brother might find helpful.
Send us a brief note with your name, Chapter, graduation year, and a few sentences about what you would like to share. If a Brother comes to mind, please pass this invitation along to him.
