SPEA Excellence
Jennifer King
Undergraduate, Health Administration
Whether on the soccer field or in life, Jennifer King knows something about goals. She also knows a thing or two about leadership, tenacity and hard work — three qualities that help guide her success on the team, in the classroom and around campus.
Acknowledging IUPUI as "the best fit for me," King, an accomplished soccer player since grade school, says she was looking at much more than athletic programs when she selected IUPUI over other interested contenders like the University of Kentucky and Wright State.
Jennifer King, Undergraduate, Health Administration
"Although I love soccer and it's paying for school, I came here for the educational opportunity," says King, a graduate of William Mason High School near Cincinnati and the first woman in her family to attend college. "I was looking for a challenge academically."
Initially King expected that academic challenge to come from Indiana University's nursing school. Just weeks into her freshman year, however, she began to wonder whether nursing was really for her.
"I attended an information session on alternative career paths for nursing students and learned about SPEA's health administration program," says King, who quickly followed up with the school's recruitment director for further information. "Once I learned more about the program, I decided it was for me and was what I really should have been doing all along."
With her first full year in the health administration program completed, King is certain she made the right decision. In addition to the interesting subject matter, she likes the school's small class sizes, which, King says, afford students the opportunity to get to know one another. She's equally impressed with the number of working adults attending her classes.
"When I have a returning student in my class — someone who has a career — they seem to be so focused and want to do well in their courses," says King. "I definitely appreciate that aspect of it."
As a busy student-athlete, King's life revolves around her day planner, which outlines time for courses, study, soccer practices, games, travel — and the two jobs she holds down to pay for her housing, living expenses and car. Last year, King cut her winter break short to interview for a position with IUPUI's University Library. She's currently working there 15 hours per week as a library event coordinator. She also serves as an IUPUI campus ambassador, guiding tours for prospective students.
"I always tell the students on the tours that if I can do this and keep my grades up, anyone can," says King. "It just takes a little bit of hard work."
Although graduation is a few years away, King is eyeing a career as a physician recruiter. Until then, she's keeping busy both on and off the soccer field — and enjoying every minute of it.
"I'm not going to complain about anything because I've been given this amazing opportunity," King says. "I'm on cloud nine here."