Athena is a Ph.D. student studying public administration and policy as well as American politics.  She received her BA in history from Coker College and an MPA from the University of South Carolina in 2004.  Athena also has a diploma in paralegal studies at South University which she received in 1995.   After receiving that diploma she worked as a corporate/securities legal assistant at Nexsen Pruet Law Firm from 1997 until 2001.   Athena has also worked as a public finance/economic development paralegal for Parker Poe Adams and Berstein from 2001 until 2004 and as an assistant in the Legal Department  for the South Carolina Employment Security Commission before deciding to pursue her Ph.D.

Athena has been active in the community and at her academic institutions.  She graduated from Leadership Columbia in 2004.  She has served on the Alumni Executive Board of Coker College (2002-2004), the Board of the Columbia Urban League (2004-2005), and currently is the Southeastern Regional Secretary for the National Urban League.  She is a member of the Pi Alpha Alpha (PA honor society).  Additionally, Athena is an 8 1/2 year cancer survivor.

Athena may be reached via email at kingam@mailbox.sc.edu.