Amanda Kyker, an English education major and computer science minor, was recognized as “Student of the Block” for the Block 8.
Kyker , who graduated in May, was described as truly exemplifying diligence and passion in all she does during the presentation of the honor. Kyker, who is from Telford, Tenn., has sought out new experiences at Tusculum to stretch her abilities and open new doors.
She was introduced to Tusculum College as student in the Upward Bound program for high school students. Kyker truly enjoyed the campus setting and found that Tusculum had an environment she was looking for in an institution of higher education. “It has a very strong education program, which I was looking for, is very reputable in the community, and the atmosphere is good- it’s a small campus where I didn’t feel like a number”, she said. “The people here are wonderful and I’ve made great friends.”
Joining the campus community in the fall of 2004, Kyker quickly became involved in the Student Support Services, where she served as a mentor through her Tusculum career. Her other campus involvements include the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta (an honors society for English majors), Andrew Johnson Society, and the English Students Organization.
Kyker served as the editor of the student campus newspaper, a position in which she served for two years. She is the first editor to serve two consecutive terms and oversaw the transition of the publication from print to an online format, which has been highly praised within the Tusculum community.
“ Amanda’s services to the newspaper have simply been invaluable, evidenced by the fact that Tusculum College’s Humanities Division awarded her the prestigious Journalist of the Year prize for 2007- 2008,” said Wayne Thomas, assistant professor of English in his nomination of Kyker for the honor.
Kyker chose to pursue English education as her major due to her love of English classes. “They have always been my favorite,” she said. “They challenge you to think and explore ideas rather than take them at face value. I’ve always enjoyed the multifaceted subject rather than accept hard facts.” She describes Dennis Lingerfelt, assistant professor of computer science, and Professor Thomas as influential figures in her academic career. “It’s because of them that I’m going to graduate school,” she said.
Kyker has been influenced by campus members but has made a lasting impression on others during her time here at Tusculum College. “Amanda always brings a smile to my face each and every time we cross paths. Regardless of my mood, I can pass her in the hallway, take in her warm and inviting smile and suddenly remember why I wanted to work with college students,” said Amanda Waddell, director of career development, in Kyker’s nomination.
“Amanda has truly developed as a student leader and provides outstanding leadership for younger students,” Waddell also noted. “Amanda continues to be praised for her willingness to go above and beyond for the students she serves. Amanda is perhaps the most unassuming individual, devoted and hardworking but never expecting anything in return. Amanda truly embodies the
mission of Tusculum College’ dedicated to her campus, her broader community and her fields of study.”
Kyker said shewill dearly miss her friends, but looks to her next step in life as a graduate student at East Tennessee State University. Amanda was recently accepted into the Master of Science in Computer Science program at ETSU and was awarded a graduate assistantship with full tuition coverage. As she looks forward, Kyker offered words of advice to her fellow Pioneers, “never be afraid to ask for help and admit you don’t know something, the only way you’ll apply and go to graduate school is to be proactive. The professors are always there to help you.”
Kyker has been a true asset to the campus community and a wonderful example of the Tusculum College mission. Her effervescent smile, strong-willed determination to succeed and commitment to academic success will neither be forgotten nor overlooked. Her due diligence and labor will be richly rewarded.