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TUCSON - Former News 4 Tucson reporter and anchor Savannah Guthrie has been named co-anchor of NBC News' "Today."

Savannah was born in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to Tucson two years later. She graduated from Amphitheater High School and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Arizona.

After working in Columbia, Mo. From 1993 to 1995, Guthrie worked as an anchor and reporter for KVOA News 4 Tucson from 1995 to 1999, specializing in legal affairs and politics.

"Savannah embraces all of the qualities of a great journalist," said Cathie Batbie, News 4 Tucson News Director and a former co-worker of Guthrie. "She is dedicated, hard-working and loyal to the pursuit of good journalism. I was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to work with Savannah in her early years and her passion for news was contagious."

Guthrie joined NBC News in September 2007 as a legal analyst and correspondent. She has also served as NBC News White House Correspondent, anchor on "NBC Nightly News," moderator on "Meet the Press," and reporter for "Rock Center" and "Dateline," among other roles for all NBC News properties.

Today Show video: Guthrie's journey from justice to journalism

Earlier this year, Savannah delivered a commencement speech to graduates at the University of Arizona, urging them to dream big while taking small steps to achieve those goals.

"Some people will say these were the best four years of your life. No way," she said. "Those years are coming. And here's a goal for real life, worth setting and then striving for daily: to be thankful, whatever your circumstances, every step of the way."

The new "Today" anchor team of Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Natalie Morales officially debuts Monday, July 9.

"Savannah has had a storied broadcast career and her KVOA family couldn't be more proud of her success," Batbie said. "We know the rest of the world will love her as much as Tucson does."

Tune in to News 4 Tucson this evening for more on Savannah's amazing career.