Dothan Radio Icon Honored as Troy Community Hero

For over 30 years, Deborah Pearson's voice has been a comforting constant across Alabama's Wiregrass region, delivering news and connecting communities through the airwaves. Now, the longtime Dothan radio broadcaster has been recognized as a Troy University-Alfa Insurance Community Hero during a recent Trojans football game.

Althea Newman, executive director of the Hawk Houston Youth Enrichment Center, nominated Pearson for the honor. "She trusted God's guidance and became a trailblazer, role model, icon and a community servant," Newman said of her longtime friend.

Pearson's 40-year radio career began at Alabama State University's WVAS 90.7 and culminated with 33 years at WOOF-FM 99.9. She delivered her final newscast in June 2024, officially retiring from the station where she became known as "the voice of the Wiregrass."

Her impact extends far beyond the radio booth. In May 2023, the city unveiled a mural titled "Jubilee" in historic downtown Dothan's Dixie community, honoring her role as the city's first Juneteenth Grand Marshal.

Pearson has served on multiple nonprofit boards including The House of Ruth, Wiregrass Angel House, Lifesouth Community Blood Center, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art. She's a member of Dothan Community Church, where she sings in the choir and works with the audio-visual team.

Why This Inspires

The awards keep coming for this dedicated servant leader. In 2021, Pearson was inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame alongside former WOOF-FM station owners Agnes and Leigh Simpson.

She received the 2023 "Champion of Change" award from Comcast and was recently named a 2025 "Shero" Honoree by the South Alabama Black Women's Roundtable. She's listed in Marquis Who's Who in America for professional excellence in radio broadcasting.

"Community has always been at the heart of what I do," Pearson said upon receiving the Troy honor. "Whether through my years in broadcasting, mentoring or simply lending my voice and time to causes that make a difference, I believe in the power of serving others."

Pearson described feeling "truly honored and humbled" by the recognition. The Community Hero Program, a partnership between Troy Athletics and Alfa Insurance, honors local service members, first responders, educators, and community contributors at each home football game.

Newman summed up what makes Pearson special: "Deborah is one of the most respected and highly awarded radio broadcast journalists in the Wiregrass area and ranks among the most accomplished broadcast professionals in Alabama."