An early holiday surprise
By Kaleigh Maher, staff writer
Posted on February 12, 2007

Sophomore Chiquita King said she doesn’t like to waste time. As the winner of the Diversity Enhancement Award, it’s obvious she hasn’t been.

King, a SMAD and technical and scientific communication double major from Franklin, was surprised to find out that she won the Diversity Enhancement Award when she opened her e-mail after an 8 a.m. final exam before Winter Break.

“I didn’t even know I was nominated,” King said. “It really meant a lot. There are 17,000 people here. It feels good to be recognized for something you do, especially when it’s something you love to do.”

Director of Student Retention for the Centennial Scholars Program, Diane Strawbridge, nominated King for the award.

“Chiquita exemplifies what a college student should be because she has immersed herself in college life,” Strawbridge said.

King serves as sophomore class president, is involved with the SGA, Centennial scholars, Students for Minority Outreach, the Black Student Alliance, Mozaic dance team and was a 2006 Orientation Program Assistant.

“I have a drive within myself to go out and make a contribution and make a difference,” King said.

In high school, King said she was “president of everything and in every club.” An only child, King credits her parents as her role models.

“My mom always taught me never to give up, even if times are tough, to be persistent,” King said. “And my dad always taught me to put 110 percent into everything.”

Originally, King was more interested in attending Virginia Tech than JMU, but during her junior year of high school, her guidance counselor said she had a chance at a full ride to JMU — which she got. According to King, while attending prospective students weekend, it “put the icing on the cake.” After that, she said, she knew she was going to JMU.

In the beginning, King said she was a little worried about attending a predominantly white school, but she said there has never been any sort of issue and that she loves how the friendly atmosphere. King considers diversity a touchy subject at JMU.

“There’s not a lot of visible diversity,” King said. “But with people’s personalities, abilities, and interests, there is.”

King said she won the award because she has a passion for helping and unifying people.

“I embrace other people’s differences,” King said. “I don’t look at race, color, disability or age when establishing relationships with other people.”