Writer, broadcast journalist, TV host, photographer, adventure-seeker, expert uncle—Jeff Varner does it all. Tar Heel born and bred, Jeff’s southern demeanor, high energy, lively personality and trustworthy delivery have quickly carried him to ratings successes, three Emmy nominations, hundreds of major television appearances, a “Rookie of the Year” award from the AP and fill-in honors on “Live with Regis and Kelly.”
A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Jeff spent a large part of his adult life in New York and Los Angeles. His adventurous spirit and driven work ethic stem from his early years on a tobacco farm. A creative and responsible youth, Jeff was editor of his high school yearbook and newspaper becoming the first person in his agrarian family to attend and graduate from college. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a captain of the UNC Tarheel National Champion cheer program.
With early careers in sales, marketing, graphic design and internet development, Jeff honed a business sense, writing finesse and technical skill that all came in handy in 2000 when CBS came calling. 
Finishing in the top 10 of Survivor: The Australian Outback, Jeff seized the opportunity to launch a career in television covering the Reality TV beat in Hollywood for KCBS and E.T. Online.
With his work on Hollywood’s blooming new TV genre, Jeff became an entertainment reporter working several years as correspondent and host with both E! News Live and TV Guide Network. From Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorcese to Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lopez, he’s had one-on-one interviews with thousands of stars and star makers.
Armed with a journalism degree, experience behind and in front of the camera, and a passion for storytelling, Jeff took the leap to hard news, pursuing a life-long dream to become a news anchor. In less than a year as Weekend Anchor at Fox O&O WGHP in North Carolina, the Associated Press awarded Jeff its 2005 Rookie of the Year. It’s the first of three AP awards he won in North Carolina.
West Michigan CBS affiliate WWMT recruited Jeff as its new morning anchor. In less than six months morning show ratings increased dramaticallly in the target demographic, doubling the audience and quickly prompting the station to promote Jeff to 10pm anchor, 
then a year later to main evening anchor where ratings successes continued. While there he received three Emmy nominations for his work.
When not planted firmly behind his laptop, Jeff can be found wallowing in his love for nature. A former hockey player, he loves winter sports and anything that pumps the adrenaline. He considers himself most at peace when tie-dying, painting or watching cartoons with his niece and nephew. Travelling to where work calls, he claims the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina home.
Nice job Jeff! Good way to keep up with your activities! Miss you!
So happy to have you. I miss you on Wwmt. You and Ron. Boyd were a great team. Keep us posted
West Michigan has lost a few really good Journalists this past year, you were the best, sure would like to see you on TV again in some capacity again !
Glad to see you doing well Jeff! Miss your reporting for WWMT here in Kalamazoo! Still a “Survivor” wannabe – but it seems like it’s the same old thing every season. I would mix it up a bit and not be so bitter and spiteful – that’s just me. Take care my friend and thanks for the Survivor advise a few years back.