Kyle Williams

We heard about your recent scholarship from NABJCC‬⁩, congratulations! How did you go about pursuing this opportunity, and what will it entail for you?

I joined the National Association of Black Journalists and the Chicago chapter during my freshman year. NABJ posts scholarship listings throughout the year and I happened to see this one in my email. Being part of this organization allows me to connect with a great network of professionals in the media industry. NABJ is also an additional support system.

You recently threw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Cubs game on June 1, 2021, too. How did that opportunity arise?

I became a Cubs Scholar in 2017. The Cubs Scholars program offers Chicago inner-city high school students financial contributions and a team-sponsored mentorship program. The program was being highlighted at the Cubs game against the Padres as it was a part of the Cubs showcasing "Cubs Charities," and a few of the Cubs Scholars were asked to participate in the ceremony. I was lucky enough to be chosen to throw out the first pitch.

What extracurricular activities do you participate in at Knox?

I started working for The Knox Student (TKS) as a freshman. I’ve been the sports editor since my sophomore year. I also worked in the sports information section of the Athletics Department for two years, where I wrote recaps for the website and announced basketball games.

What are your goals after Knox?

I plan to go into sports media after college. My goal is to be a sports journalist or work in the sports industry in any capacity. I’ve had some great summer internships that have prepared me and given me the skills to succeed in the media industry. I’m currently a digital media production intern for Marquee Sports Network, which is devoted exclusively to Chicago Cubs baseball.

With this internship, I publish content to our website and app and work with a team of video producers, editors, writers, and website managers. As a part of the marketing department, I also assist in various tasks to help promote our network programming and team coverage. I edit video content and assist in the publishing process and edit game highlights with news and game notes.

The Career Center [Bastian Family Center for Career Success] was helpful in 2020 when I redid my resume. TKS has been a tremendous help in helping me hone my writing skills. Cyn Fitch and John Haslem's classes were very helpful in helping me develop as a writer and explore creativity within my writing.

Why is Knox important to you?

I feel supported at Knox. I’m able to form personal relationships with many of my professors due to the small classes. My professors have helped me become a better writer, researcher, and communicator. One professor, after congratulating me on my awards with the Illinois College Press Association, actually dared me to take his English class to hone my writing skills even more. They’ve taught me how to think critically and have given me the tools to become successful after Knox. Although Knox is a small school, it has an incredible alumni network. Just recently, I made a connection through Scott Crawford, the executive director of the Career Center. A member of the Knox Alumni Council reached out to him after seeing me throw out the first pitch at the Cubs game. He’s a longtime season ticket holder.