Meet a USAC Member: Keeouka Knighton
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
Division of Communications and Marketing. Administrative Coordinator to the AVC of Marketing
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
August 2020
What has been your career journey to lead you to where you are today?
I’ve worked at three major universities since 2013. Texas State University, Texas A&M-Health Science Center and the Medical College of Georgia. I’ve worked with students in the past, but I wanted to expand my experience within higher education.
What do you enjoy most about Vanderbilt?
I think the best part of working at Vanderbilt is the work life balance. Being remote has allowed me to work, but also continue working on my doctoral degree and the ability to be more present to my children. Additionally, working in the Marketing Department has allowed me to apply the principles that I have acquired in my Doctoral Program to my job and vice versa.
What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
My mother who was a Doctor and Assistant Superintendent for the local school district in my hometown, told me to never stop learning and seeking knowledge.
What is one skill every person should have?
Active listening skills. I believe a lot of times miscommunication happens, when we do not listen to hear as opposed to listening to respond.
What has been your favorite vacation you have ever been on?
I took my oldest daughter to Hawaii when she was 5. Because I’m a Veteran I was able to stay in a military resort. We went snorkeling, a luau and enjoyed the Polynesian culture.
What are you most proud of in your life so far?
Being able to be successful in my military career as one of the first females in an infantry unit. As a girl who quit Girls Scouts because we had to camp the fact that I deployed to Baghdad twice was huge for me LOL.
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
Being a mom to my 2 girls and school.
If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?
SLEEEEPPPPPP!!! There’s never enough sleep.