The NBC newsman is taking over the position from longtime 'Today' anchor Hoda Kotb Craig Melvin admits he’s generally not an anxious person. He doesn’t “really do excited” either. But reality was setting in as he welcomed PEOPLE into his Westport,

Craig Melvin is taking over the position as Today's co-anchor from longtime Today anchor Hoda Kotb, who said her farewells on Jan. 10 after 17 years at the show. “Those aren’t shoes you step into,” says Melvin.

The camera panned to a crowded gymnasium full of family and friends gathered in Columbia High School in Columbia, South Carolina, Craig's hometown.