Mya Clark | University of West Florida

Mya currently serves as an evening news anchor where she reports on stories that range from community events and sports to crime, politics and natural disasters.

When did you first become interested in journalism?

I first became interested in communications in the fifth grade. In my elementary school, fifth graders had the opportunity to do the morning announcements, and I thought it was so cool. I enjoyed asking questions and understanding the “why” behind decisions that were made. As I grew older and began my coursework, the need to know the “why” led me to journalism. UWF furthered that passion.

What was your experience in the Strategic Communication and Leadership program?

As I entered the Strategic Communications and Leadership master’s program, the Covid-19 pandemic hit the United States, and there was a lot of uncertainty about how classes would operate and how students would be able to collaborate on assignments. Through these challenges, I had great professors like Dr. Athena du Pre, distinguished University professor in the Department of Communications, who made the transition seamless and worthwhile. Outside of the classroom, I spent most of my time in athletics communications, leading our home athletics broadcast streams, gaining director experience, interviewing student athletes and coaches, and managing athletics social media accounts.

What advice would you give to current UWF communications students?

As you pursue your degree, make sure to take it one day at a time and lean on your cohort. Your classmates understand the overwhelming job of balancing school, work and everything else that life throws at you. Enjoy this season of life and all that you are accomplishing. Both the bachelor’s and master’s programs in communications offered at UWF teach students how to efficiently work in public relations, journalism, social media and crisis communication. The education I received at UWF still impacts me on a daily basis. The research skills I accumulated at UWF now allow me to put together stories that inform and impact viewers while also finding engaging ways to reach and connect with the audience.