The mass communication and journalism rising senior balances academics, college athletics,
and motherhood while preparing for her next chapter
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Some students come to college searching for a career. Amya King found
a clearer sense of purpose.
A rising senior from Madisonville, Kentucky, King balances coursework in Kentucky State University’s mass communication and journalism (MCJ) program with collegiate volleyball and raising her young son. She expects to graduate at the end of the fall 2026 semester and begin graduate study at Murray State University in January 2027.
“I always believed I would be in big rooms one day because of who I was and because of my voice,” King said. “I wanted to help others, and I thought the MCJ program would teach me how to use my voice to do just that.”
Motherhood brought some of King’s most demanding days as a student. Only one month
after giving birth to her son, she enrolled in five online courses while adjusting
to caring for a newborn.
“There were nights I would be nursing my newborn son while finishing assignments due at 11:59 p.m.,” King said. “Sometimes I cried so much my computer would get wet. It was one of the hardest seasons of my life.”
Completing that semester changed how King viewed her abilities. “Once I made it through that season, I realized I could accomplish anything I set my mind to,” she said.
King also continued competing on the Kentucky State volleyball team. Balancing practices, competitions, academic work, and parenting required flexibility and support from those around her. She credits her mother, grandmother, siblings, and volleyball coach Keith Jones with helping her continue. Jones, she said, understood when her responsibilities as a mother occasionally affected her availability.
“My support system may be small, but they are mighty,” King said. “My motivation has always been God, my family, and especially my son. I want to build a good life for him.”
King’s connection to Kentucky State began long before she enrolled. Her mother’s former college roommate graduated from the University, and family trips to Homecoming became a childhood tradition. “I have been coming to Homecoming for as long as I can remember,” she said. “Kentucky State always felt like home.”
As a first-year student, King knew she wanted to make a difference but had not yet settled on a career path. She chose the Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Journalism and later concentrated in public relations.
Through the program, King strengthened her writing, public speaking, relationship-building, and leadership skills. Classmates and faculty encouraged her to participate more fully after she initially tended to remain in the background.
“My favorite part of the program has been the people,” King said. “They’ve watched me grow from a quiet freshman into the person I am today.”
King found particular encouragement in a public speaking course taught by Dr. Shannon Brogan, acting chair of the School of Humanities and professor of speech communication. “Public Speaking with Dr. Brogan taught me that I was capable of letting my light shine, even when it had been dimmed,” King said.
Brogan saw that growing confidence reflected in how King responded to the competing demands of academics, athletics, and motherhood.
“Amya King embodies the spirit of a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Thorobred,” Brogan said. “Her resilience, dedication, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities demonstrate the strength of her character and the power of finding your voice.”
King takes particular pride in continuing to play the sport she loves while succeeding academically and raising her son. After graduating from Kentucky State at the end of the fall semester, she plans to begin the Master of Public Administration program at Murray State University in January 2027. She hopes to use her experiences to encourage other students balancing college and parenthood.
“When I was 17, I wasn’t sure what my future looked like,” King said. “All I had was my voice, a caring heart, and a desire to help others. Now I have the confidence to use both my voice and my experiences to encourage and advocate for others.”
For King, Kentucky State has provided preparation for far more than a career.
“Â鶹ֱ˛Ą has given me a place to grow, people to love, and the confidence to believe in myself and my purpose,” she said.