Alumni Profile: Christopher King grateful for the support Henderson provided

Christopher King

Alumni Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Christopher H. King, Esq. I graduated from Henderson State in December 2014. My major was Business Finance. I am from New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from HSU, I graduated from Southern University Law School, became an assistant district attorney in Baton Rouge, then worked for the King Law Firm. I am currently employed by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office as their legal counsel. My father and older brother are also attorneys, and I have a younger sister. My mother holds the whole family together.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

The education, experiences and people that I connected with at at Henderson truly developed me into the man that I am today. My work ethic, time management skills, attention to details, character, grit and resilience are all qualities that being a student athlete at Henderson help create.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

The 2013 Battle of the Ravine. We were a dominant team that year and it was also the best year of football that I personally had. That game went into THREE overtimes, and we ended up winning it with an interception to close out the game. The game, the environment, the atmosphere, the team… a memory that I will always remember.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

My college experience has made a huge impact on the man I am today. Whether it was the perseverance or mental toughness that playing for and winning championships under Scott Maxfield, or connecting, learning and growing with the men and women who sharpened me, or learning how to manage my time while serving the community, others and paying it forward through Alpha Phi Alpha. Looking back at my time at HSU, I see and understand why God positioned me at Henderson State University.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

Of course. I do not necessarily regret anything, however, if I could, I would certainly make it more of a point to “be where my feet are.” I was so concerned about the NFL at the time or even the next season of my life that there were things and experiences that I missed.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

I think it is important and reasonable to always plant seeds in the next generation. Whether it is by giving our time, resources, finances, wisdom or access. It is our duty to help others succeed and ultimately become the man/woman that God has called them to be.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

Not to be too broad, but all of the courses and professors had a significant impact on me. Whether it was due to them being challenging and having high expectations or the information and skills that they taught me. Looking back, each class and semester taught me something (small or large) that helps me today.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

I would say, “be where your feet are” and do not shy away from uncomfortable or challenging seasons. You have been blessed with the opportunity to experience the season that you are currently in, be present, mentally, emotionally and physically, so that you can maximize the opportunity. Uncomfortable and challenging seasons are a part of life so you might as well learn how to adapt, make adjustments, and persevere through it. Running will only weaken you, prolong the enviable or forfeit your destiny.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

I would just like to express my gratefulness and gratitude to every coach, professor, staff member, teammate, student, mentor and advisor that was there during my time at Henderson. It's the people who make experiences memorable.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I would say the ability to control time at will. It would give me the opportunity to experience life to its fullest, rewind, slow down and pause moments. It would also give me the ability to help, save and change the lives of so many people.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

It would have to be, watch a movie (romantic comedy or action), paint or write/listen to poetry.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited and why?

Santorini & Athens, Greece. It was a trip I will never forget. The company I was with, the food we tasted, the ocean we jumped in, the culture, history and architecture we saw were truly phenomenal.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

Easy. Jesus Christ. Of course, I am able to talk with Him now, but I think it would truly be an even more life-changing experience to actually, physically, sit down and have a meal face to face with the Man who quite literally gives me life.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It would be old-school Neyo-Soul with a touch of Jazz. Like Kem, Joe, Jill Scott, Boney James.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

The best piece of advice that I have ever received is Matthew 6:33. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you.” Many verses in the Bible have changed my life, but this one has given me a completely different perspective, outlook and approach to how I live my life. It gave me the understanding that God knows and will provide ALL of my needs if I would diligently seek Him and His kingdom, first above all.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I don’t know if it would be considered “hidden” at this point in my life, but I believe that I am an artist. Painting has given me an opportunity to express my creativity for others to see. It is a great way to relax as well as take a vision or idea and make it come alive.

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

Over the years I have been a football coach, trainer, social media influencer, artist and started my own clothing brand. So, I pray that all these career paths stay open and continues to be an avenue to provide for my family, impact lives and build up young men and women into who God has called them to be.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

My Bible, a knife and the Love of my Life.

Who inspires you?

The people who inspire me the most are; first, Jesus. He is the sole reason I have what I have, I am who I am and have the ability to do what I do.

Second is my best friend, my love. God has used her to give me peace, joy, happiness, focus, ambition.

Lastly, my future children. Although I have yet to meet them, they inspire me.