Zakary Dahlheimer

Zakary C. Dahlheimer

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
EMAIL
PHONE
OFFICE
Division Of Journalism

 

Office Hours

Tuesday/Thursday (Online) • By Appointment (via Zoom)

Current Semester Schedule

JOU 3101CE Reporting & Writing II • Online

About Me

Zak Dahlheimer is an award-winning journalist, communications professional, and educator who serves as an adjunct instructor in journalism at Florida A&M University's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.

Before transitioning from television news into strategic communications, Zak spent more than a decade as a news anchor, general assignment reporter, and investigative reporter in newsrooms across Florida, California, North Carolina and Virginia. Most recently, he served as an evening news anchor and investigative reporter for WCTV, the CBS affiliate serving Florida's Big Bend and South Georgia.

Throughout his journalism career, Zak covered major breaking news, politics, severe weather, crime, public accountability and community issues while also producing long-form investigative and enterprise reporting. His work earned recognition from journalism organizations including the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, Virginia Association of Broadcasters, Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters, Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas and National Broadcasting Society. He was also nominated for multiple regional Emmy Awards.

Zak's investigative reporting has focused heavily on accountability journalism and stories capable of producing meaningful community impact. His reporting has contributed to public discussion and policy changes in Florida.

Today, Zak works in internal communications for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, where he helps develop employee communications, engagement initiatives, and organizational storytelling supporting Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).

At FAMU, Zak draws on his professional experience to help students strengthen their reporting, writing, interviewing, storytelling, and news judgment while preparing for the rapidly evolving media and communications industries. He's especially passionate about mentoring aspiring journalists and helping students understand both the responsibility and impact of strong journalism.

Zak graduated cum laude from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and an outside concentration in Political Science. He later earned a Master of Arts in Journalism from the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri.

Outside of work and teaching, Zak enjoys traveling, history, music, playing guitar, attending concerts and sporting events, and cheering on the Florida Gators and FAMU Rattlers.

Areas of Interest

  • Journalism
  • Reporting & News Writing
  • Investigative & Accountability Journalism
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Political Journalism
  • Media Ethics
  • Strategic & Internal Communications
  • Organizational Storytelling
  • History
  • Sports & Music

Education

  • University of Missouri • 2022
    M.A. in Journalism

  • University of Florida • 2015
    B.S. in Telecommunication w/ outside concentration in Political Science

Work History

  • Internal Communications Coordinator • 2026 – Present
    Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), Orlando, FL

     

  • Adjunct Instructor, School of Journalism & Graphic Communication • 2024 – Present
    Florida A&M University (FAMU), Tallahassee, FL

     

  • Evening News Anchor & Investigative Reporter • 2023 – 2026
    WCTV, Tallahassee, FL

     

  • Journalist/Anchor/Investigative Reporter (Previous Roles) • 2015 – 2023
    WTKR, Norfolk, VA
    WNCN, Raleigh, NC
    KESQ/CBS Local 2, Palm Springs, CA
    WJHG/WECP, Panama City Beach, FL

Academic Accomplishments

Award-winning journalist recognized for investigative, enterprise and broadcast reporting by state and regional journalism organizations.

  • Multiple regional Emmy Award nominee.
  • Recipient of honors from organizations including:
    Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists
    National Broadcasting Society
    Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas
    Virginia Association of Broadcasters
    Virginias Associated Press Broadcasters

  • Dahlheimer, Z. (2022, December 19). TV reporters open up about covering trauma. Reynolds Journalism Institute.
    https://rjionline.org/news/tv-reporters-open-up-about-covering-trauma/

Courses Taught At FAMU

  • JOU 2100C Reporting & Writing I
  • JOU 3101CE Reporting & Writing II

More Information