Faculty Spotlight
Amy Knight
Amy Knight, an instructor in Communication & Media Studies, is originally from Southside, Alabama. She started her career at MSU after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from William Carey University and her Master of Science in Speech Communication from the University of Southern Mississippi. Knight has been with CMT for 17 years, teaching a wide array of classes such as Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Communication and Leadership, in person and online, and Introduction to Communication online.
During her time as a graduate student at Southern, Knight was a graduate assistant with the Luckyday scholars program. After finishing her master’s, she was hired as the Assistant Director of the Luckyday scholars program, and she also taught Public Speaking as an adjunct lecturer.
Knight's favorite parts of her work at USM were teaching and connecting with her students. She knew she had found her calling and began looking for a faculty position where she could teach full time.
"My husband, Adam, started as an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology Department in January 2009. I loved the teaching aspect of my job at Southern Miss so much that when we moved to Starkville I knew that I wanted to find a full-time faculty position. I sent my resume to John Forde but there were no open faculty positions so I took a part-time position in the College of Education managing a grant. Two weeks before classes started in August 2009, John Forde called me about an open faculty position. I delivered a teaching presentation the next day and got the job. I truly see this work as a calling and am so thankful I get to teach, support, and encourage the wonderful students here at MSU."
In a full circle moment, Knight was selected in 2022 as the first Faculty Fellow for the Luckyday Scholars program at MSU.
“It is a joy to serve as a Faculty Fellow for the Luckyday program where I teach and support the scholars as they grow as servant leaders. It is a full circle moment to serve in this capacity after having started my career with the Luckyday program at USM.”
Fun fact about Knight: Her husband’s sisters were two of her Luckyday scholars at Southern and set them up!
What is your favorite part of being an Instructor?
Supporting and encouraging my students. I love seeing them grow as communicators. I enjoy helping them to realize that the value of what they are learning in class will directly translate into their daily life.
Do you have a favorite memory from the department?
My daughter Natalie (11) had a leading role in the MSUTheatre production of "The Jungle Book" this year. This was such a special time to see Natalie work with the amazing students of our department. They took her in as one of their own and helped her find her confidence and shine.
Any funny stories from McComas?
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was teaching an Introduction to Communication course in McComas, and a student reached out and put his hand on my pregnant belly while I was lecturing. When I asked him what he was doing, he jerked his hand back like it was on fire and said, "I wondered what it felt like." The whole class had a good, awkward laugh after that!
Best advice you have for your communications students?
I encourage my students to find their contexts and apply what we are learning. The material of our classes is so relevant and influential when you evaluate what you are learning against what you are living each day!
Favorite part of working in the communication field?
I am so fortunate to work with the most creative, supportive, student-focused colleagues. I love working in a field where our students go on to make a difference in so many areas of society!
If you didn't work in communication, what could you see yourself doing?
Writing Children's Books or being a counselor
If you could only watch one film for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I love all Christmas movies.
What is your favorite spot in Starkville?
We love Harveys for lunch dates, and our family favorite was the Book Mart downtown, but they just closed :(
How do you like to spend your free time?
I love to read and play family games. A few of our favorite games right now are Uno and Farkle.
Do you have any human or furry children?
I have 3 kids- Cameron (15), Natalie (11), and Abigail (4), and our son has a service dog named Norse (who is like my 4th child).
What is your favorite location you have ever traveled to and why?
Our family loves to take cruises and has traveled to lots of fun locations. My favorites would be Belize, Grand Cayman, and Cabo San Lucas.