Mya Clark: Asking “Why” and Telling the Story
January 27, 2026 | By River Fundock, Student Intern, Department of Communication | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator
Curiosity has always guided Mya Clark’s path. From her earliest interest in journalism to her current work as a television anchor and reporter, she has been driven by a desire to understand the “why” behind people, teams, and businesses—and to tell those stories clearly and ethically.
A graduate of the University of West Florida’s College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH), Clark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in journalism, followed by a master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership. Today, she serves as an anchor and reporter for KAMR Local 4 News and FOX 14 News, where she anchors an hour-long newscast and reports across multiple evening shows. Her coverage spans high school and collegiate sports, community events, politics, and natural disasters at both the local and state levels.
Clark credits her decision to pursue journalism to a natural curiosity and a nudge from family.
I’ve always been interested in wanting to know the ‘why’ behind people, teams and businesse. My older sister pointed out that would probably make me a great journalist, and after looking at all the things broadcast journalists are able to do, it felt like the right career choice for me. - Mya Clark
That choice was reinforced during her time at UWF, where her CASSH education emphasized hands-on learning and professional preparation. “CASSH education prepared me for my career by giving me practical hands-on experience and the opportunity to network with communication professionals,” Clark explains.
Several courses played a foundational role in shaping her career, including Writing for Communication Professionals, Sports Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, and her practicum writing for The Voyager newspaper. Many of these journalism-focused courses were taught by Dr. Willie Tubbs, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication, whose assignments pushed students beyond the classroom and into real-world reporting environments.
“Many of my journalism-based courses were taken with Dr. Willie Tubbs, and it was in those classes I got the foundation for my career—a true understanding of all the complex AP style writing rules, enhanced my writing, and gained confidence with interviewing people,” Clark says. Through his courses, students interviewed guest speakers, attended community events and city council meetings, and analyzed past crime stories—experiences that helped Clark develop the versatility her current role demands.
That breadth continues to serve her well. “That experience helps me now because I cover sports, crime, politics and community events and have the range to do so,” she says.
Dr. Tubbs recalls Clark as a standout student whose work ethic matched her talent. “Mya remains one of the most driven, talented students I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” he says.
The thing that separated Mya from her peers was her unwavering commitment to excellence and desire to grow as a journalist, writer, and presenter. Journalism is a blue-collar endeavor, and Mya was always willing to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work. - Dr. Willie Tubbs
He adds that her success comes as no surprise, noting that she consistently took advantage of every opportunity to grow and build an impressive, well-rounded portfolio.
Clark also points to the lasting influence of Dr. Martha Carr, Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Communication, whose advice continues to guide her. One phrase in particular has stayed with her: “Be nice to your future self.” Clark says the advice motivates her “to do the hard things and things I don’t want to do, so I can enjoy the future without those worries.”
More broadly, Clark emphasizes the impact of a department that invested in her success long after graduation. “Having professors in the Department of Communication at the undergraduate and graduate level care about my success during and after my time at UWF has made the biggest impact,” she says. “They have continued to support me in my career and celebrated my wins.” That sustained mentorship has even inspired her long-term goals. “Those professors…have made me realize one day I would like to go back to be an instructor or professor to help future journalists.”
Dr. Carr echoes that pride. “Mya Clark is one of the Department of Communication’s rock stars,” she says. “She always arrived prepared, inquisitive, and detail-oriented. Her successes as a journalist don’t surprise us—we saw her talent firsthand—but they do make us so proud to be part of her story.”
Reflecting on her journey, Clark offers simple but powerful advice to current and prospective CASSH students: “Stay the course, stay true to who you are and trust yourself. There will be times throughout school and your career that things aren’t going as expected or planning causes you to doubt yourself and your choices. It’s important to remember who you are, what made you choose a certain career path, and that your journey is uniquely yours.”
