Instant Alert: How Megyn Kelly went from small-town cheerleader, to leading political journalist, to daytime talk show host

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   How Megyn Kelly went from small-town cheerleader, to leading political journalist, to daytime talk show host by Sonam Sheth on Sep 27, 2017, 3:06 PM Advertisement Megyn Kelly, the former star anchor of Fox News' primetime lineup, debuted her new show, "Megyn Kelly Today," this week under NBC's banner. Kelly has long been a staple in the media universe, but she made headlines during the presidential campaign after then-Republican candidate Donald Trump hurled what many described as a sexist attack against her when she confronted him about his treatment of women during an August 2015 Republican primary debate.   Despite Trump's comments, she continued gaining star power and recognition based on her refusal to back down from asking difficult and, at times, controversial questions to powerful and influential figures.  In January, Kelly announced on the air that she would be leaving Fox News to "pursue a new challenge," and her role on NBC decidedly represents such a challenge for Kelly.   Find out more about Kelly's remarkable trajectory from a small-town cheerleader to a leading voice in political journalism, to a daytime talk show host.  SEE ALSO: Meet Kayleigh McEnany, the 29-year-old who left CNN to make controversial, pro-Trump videos as an RNC spokeswoman Megyn Kelly was born in Illinois in 1970. She was a cheerleader throughout high school and told Katie Couric last year that at the time, she didn't have much ambition. Her father was a college professor and her mother was a nurse. Kelly's father died of a heart attack when she was 15. Source: Elle Magazine and The Washington Post Kelly became more focused on her academics when she started college. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in political science in 1992 and went on to earn a JD from Albany Law School in 1995. Source: Elle Magazine Soon after, Kelly joined prominent law firm Bickel & Brewer as an associate. Later, she spent nine years working for Jones Day. She credits her background in practicing law with helping her stand her ground when interviewing politicians and CEOs. Source: Fox News See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011