and

Melvin, 44, currently serves as news anchor and co-host of the program’s third hour.

He has handled major political interviews and frequently traveled to cover major breaking news stories during his tenure on “Today.”

He also has been a part of NBC’s coverage of the Olympic Games and six Super Bowls.

“Craig’s shown he has the talent and the range to cover all that we do here at ‘Today,’ ” Libby Leist, senior vice president of “Today,” said Thursday in a statement.

“And he does it without ever losing that Southern charm.”