News Summary
A generous estate gift from Dr. Stephen King, a WKU alumnus, will support future music students at Western Kentucky University. King, who graduated in 1964, aims to give back to the institution that shaped his career in music education, ensuring aspiring musicians have access to similar opportunities he experienced.
Big-Hearted Donation from a WKU Alum to Help Future Music Students
Bowling Green, KY – A notable act of generosity is making waves in the music department at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Dr. Stephen King, a proud graduate from the class of 1964, has decided to leave an incredible estate gift to support the music students of tomorrow.
Originating from Catawba, Virginia, King dedicated his career to the field of music education. With a heart full of gratitude for the institution that helped shape his career, he expressed a strong desire to “pay it forward”. King’s aim is clear; he wants to ensure that WKU continues to flourish and offer the same opportunities he enjoyed to future generations of passionate musicians.
A Memorable First Impression
Curious to learn more, King reached out to Dr. Tom Stone, who was the Head of the Department of Music at that time, to set up a visit. Accompanied by a friend, Walt Lawrence, who also shared an interest in music, King ventured to the music building where he was met with friendly faces and open arms. This warm welcome set the tone for his journey ahead.
Life as a Music Student
During his time at WKU, King majored in Instrumental Music, focusing primarily on the clarinet and bass clarinet. He even played bass drum in the marching band during his senior year, where he created memories that would last a lifetime. A pivotal moment came when Dr. Stone offered him a job as a “turnkey,” responsible for locking up the music building at night. This position not only provided him with work experience but also helped him manage tuition costs, which were a mere $25 a quarter back then.
As a diligent student, King faced the challenge of covering living expenses alongside schoolwork. His hard work paid off when he landed his first job as a high school Band Director at Coeburn High School in Virginia. After a grueling 14-hour bus ride from Louisville, King secured the position through a connection with a former classmate, marking the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in music education.
A Fulfilling Career
King spent four enriching years at Coeburn before moving to Roanoke County, where he dedicated 17 years as Band Director at William Byrd High School. His commitment to education drove him to pursue a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Radford University, while simultaneously serving as a Fine Arts Supervisor for Roanoke County Schools for the next decade.
His drive didn’t stop there. After obtaining a doctorate in music education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, King joined the Music Education faculty at Virginia Tech, where he imparted knowledge to master’s level students for over two decades, with his last four years focused on teaching in the School of Education.
An Ongoing Legacy
Throughout his extensive career, King was an integral part of state music associations, actively contributing to the field of music education. Looking back, he cherishes the countless beautiful experiences he had with students and the immense responsibility he felt in mentoring the next wave of music educators.
Now, thanks to his generous estate gift, Dr. King is ensuring that future students at WKU will have the same opportunities that he did. His selflessness embodies the spirit of giving back, proving that a ripple of kindness can turn into a wave of support for young musicians eager to follow their dreams.
As WKU continues to build its legacy in music education, Dr. King’s benevolent gift will undoubtedly resonate through the years, allowing aspiring artists to thrive and flourish just as he did.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Retired Music Educator Creates Scholarship at WKU
- Wikipedia: Music Education
- WBKO: WKU Music Legend Dies at 70
- Google Search: WKU Music Department
- WNKY: WKU Grad Appears on NBC’s The Voice
- Google Scholar: Music Education Scholarships
- WNKY: WKU President Named KMEA Administrator of the Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
- WKU Herald: WKU Department of Music Hosts 29th Annual Prism Concert
